Series: V&A Fashion Perspectives

Paul Poiret (1879–1944) led the fashion world in the first decade of the twentieth century, and his autobiography tells the extraordinary story of his meteoric rise to fame. From his humble Parisian childhood to his debut as a couturier, to his experiences during the First World War, Poiret reveals all in this captivating tale, first published in 1931. An astute...

Sir Norman Hartnell (1901–1979) dominated London couture during the inter-war years, gaining international fame as dressmaker to the British royal family. He designed Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown in 1947, and her magnificent Coronation dress six years later. Best known for romantic eveningwear shimmering with beads and embroidery, he cemented London’s position as an innovative fashion centre. Silver and Gold, first...