Full Description
When it comes to fashion, the term "icon" is almost invariably associated with a person: a man or, more often, a woman whose style has left a mark on the collective imagination. And yet, there are also objects that have the same extraordinary evocative power, items of clothing or accessories which, in different ways, have revolutionised the history of fashion. The birth of the Burberry trench coat, flat pumps or Givenchy's little black dress were milestones after which nothing was ever the same. Each designer, label or fast-fashion manufacturer has had to come to terms with fashion icons' existence, by quoting or revisiting them, or simply by copying creations that have now become classics. Some of these are even known by their original name, like the Kelly bag and Borsalino hats. Others, over the years, have also gained sociopolitical connotations (Levi's jeans, for example, which were once workwear, became a symbol of the Sixties youth revolution), while others, such as Hermès scarves and Chanel No.5 perfume, continue to be status symbols. This book with historical illustrations, cult advertising and beautiful still life shots of the products featured, narrates the history and anecdotes, and tells of the famous people and intrinsic values relating to the must-have fashion items.
Contents
FOREWORD page 5
PREFACE page 8
INTRODUCTION page 10
JEANS
levi's. from mines to catwalks page 14
LOUIS VUITTON
style "on the road" page 30
THE TRENCH COAT
burberry. the perfect "british style" page 44
BORSALINO
the hat that bewitched the movies page 56
THE MARINIÈRE
chanel. simplicity becomes class page 70
CHANEL No5
more than a perfume, a milestone of seduction page 80
ALL STAR
from the nba to streetwear page 92
LACOSTE
a "crocodile" that became a trademark page 102
HERMÈS SCARVES
a silk rainbow page 114
BALLERINAS
dance classes on city streets page 126
THE MONCLER DUVET
from k2 to urban chic page 136
THE CHANEL TAILLEUR
the bon ton "uniform" of the contemporary woman page 146
THE CHANEL HANDBAG
the shoulder strap bag revolution page 158
RAY-BAN & PERSOL
from heroic aviators to hollywood stars page 168
KELLY & BIRKIN
two names, a single desire page 180
LITTLE BLACK DRESS
the infinitely elegant little dress page 192
THE JACKIE BAG
the unforgettable handbag of an inimitable icon page 202
THE STILETTO
sensuality on women's feet page 210
