Bøker i V&A Fashion Perspectives-serien

Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-1979) was the star of London couture during the interwar years. His autobiography, first published in 1955, tells the story from the creation of his couture house in 1923, to the most momentous commissions of his career: Princess Elizabeth's wedding gown in 1947 and her magnificent coronation dress six years later.

His artistic flair, coupled with his cutting skills, enabled Paul Poiret to translate the spirit of Art Deco into revolutionary garments. This title tells the story of the meteoric rise of a draper's son to the 'King of Fashion'. It reveals the tale from his humble Parisian childhood to his debut as a couturier, to his experiences during the WW I.

The Biba store was to become an icon of hip 60s and 70s London and a hangout for artists, film stars and rock musicians, including the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Twiggy, and Brigitte Bardot. This work tells the story of the rise and fall of the tiny, energetic boutique that grew into a vast emporium and epitomised Swinging London.

Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973) was one of the leading fashion designers of the 1920s and 1930s with a flair for the unusual. This autobiography charts her rise from resident of a rat-infested apartment to designer to the stars.