The golden age of couture : Paris and London, 1947-1957

This lavish book focuses on Parisian and British couture between 1947 and 1957, a decade that Christian Dior described as fashion's 'golden age'.

Dior's 'New Look' collection of 1947 shocked and delighted the fashion world, creating a style that symbolised a new femininity.

The full skirts and hour glass silhouettes were considered highly decadent, synonymous with luxury and extravagance, in marked contrast to the austerity of the war years.

Nevertheless, the 'New Look' caught the public imagination and ushered in a period of remarkable creativity. "The Golden Age of Couture" features stunning gowns and exquisite tailoring from designers such as Balenciaga, Balmain, Givenchy, and Dior as well as evocative photographs by the likes of Richard Avedon and Cecil Beaton.

This beautifully designed book explores couture from the post-war era to the global success of the major brands by the late 1950s, at which point fashion began to change, influenced by the 'youth-quake' of the early 60s.

The skill and craftsmanship of haute couture is revealed, the inner workings of the exclusive design houses, and the inspiration behind some of the most famous styles of all time.