"Artistry and social history merge in this engaging look at fabulous fashions of the post-World War II era and the influential designers who created them. Here are the fashion titans - Chanel, Dior, Armani, Rykiel, and other greats - who dress the most glamorous and powerful women in the world and the styles that are then eagerly embraced by women everywhere." "Spotlighting thirty-five international, iconic fashion greats from France, the United States, England, Italy, Germany, and Japan, an industry insider traces the development of women's fashions in the modern era - from 1947 to the present. Decade by decade, through ever-changing shifts from lower to higher hemlines, bright colors to neutrals, soft to padded shoulders, pointed to natural breasts, every style is shown. The author outlines the social climate that fostered each trend and helped define who we are or want to be - as expressed by the clothes we wear. Profiles of the designers focus on their individual contributions to fashion and analyze the progression of each career, giving readers a fresher understanding of the creative process that drives the fascinating world of fashion."--BOOK JACKET.