Defining Dresses

Book excerpt: The creative evolution and versatility of the dress over the past century is showcased in 101 groundbreaking pieces by iconic fashion designers. Featuring one dress from each year since 1914, this timeline of extraordinary dresses charts the creative evolution of fashion over the past century. These experimental designs reveal the potential of the dress both as a wardrobe item and as a work of art. A multitude of top international designers are featured including Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Dior, Vivienne Westwood, Martin Margiela, Kenzo, Helmut Lang, Comme des Garçons, Paco Rabanne, Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin, Thierry Mugler, Elsa Schiaparelli, Yohji Yamamoto, Alaïa, and many more. Curators at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris delved deep into their archives to select the most iconic and revolutionary dress of each year. Specially commissioned photographs are accompanied by detailed captions indicating the dress's name, brand, designer, season, and fabric or material, along with a quotation contextualizing the dress in its time. Bursting with color and full of extravagant textures, shaping, and detailing, these dresses mark the metamorphosis of culture and serve as a regenerative form of inspiration. From sequins to silk, corsets to kimonos, designers continually seek fresh and daring ways to create memorable garments and mark fashion history.