More than three decades after his death, the Spanish couturier Cristobal Balenciaga (1895-1972) has become a legendary figure in the history of 20th century fashion. His name is now a byword for clothes executed to the highest standards and characterized by their sculptural quality, deft manipulation of textiles, and dramatic use of colour. This absorbing new book, with breathtaking illustrations, examines Balenciaga's design and business practice, placing him firmly in the context of the time and country in which he learnt his trade and the international fashion scene in which he subsequently matured and triumphed. It accompanies the major exhibition The Golden Age of Couture, opening at the V&A in September 2007.

This lavish book focuses on Parisian and British couture between 1947 and 1957, a decade that Christian Dior described as fashion's 'golden age'. Dior's 'New Look' collection of 1947 shocked and delighted the fashion world, creating a style that symbolised a new femininity. The full skirts and hour glass silhouettes were considered highly decadent, synonymous with luxury and extravagance, in marked contrast to the austerity of the war years. Nevertheless, the 'New Look' caught the public imagination and ushered in a period of remarkable creativity. The Golden Age of Couture features stunning gowns and exquisite tailoring from designers such as Balenciaga, Balmain, Givenchy, and Dior as well as evocative photographs by the likes of Richard Avedon and Cecil Beaton.

Focusing on up-and-coming designers and their contributions to the changing fashion industry in the vibrant climate of New York city, New York Fashion explores the city’s importance as a fashion capital in the 21st century. Tracing New York’s emergence after the Second World War as a major international fashion centre and looking at the important designers of the period, including Claire McCardell and Geoffrey Beene, it also takes in the last quarter of the 20th century which was dominated by the ready-to-wear empires of designers such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. In the past five years a group of young, talented New Yorkbased designers have found critical and commercial success internationally. Sonnet Stanfill examines the reasons behind this exciting rise in new talent and illustrates the best examples of the work of 20 of New York’s next generation of fashion designers, including Zac Posen, Proenza Schouler, Jean Yu, Behnaz Sarafpour and Derek Lam.

Surrealism was one of the most influential movements of the twentieth century and had a profound impact on all forms of culture. It was a philosophy and a way of life for some of the most brilliant artists of the century. This is the first book to examine in depth its impact in the wider fields of design and the decorative arts and its sometimes uneasy relationship with the commercial world. From the sensuality of Dali's Mae West Lips Sofa to Schiaparelli's extraordinary 'Tear' dress, Surrealism produced some of the most emotive objects ever created. In this ground-breaking book, works in all media from artists and designers such as Jean Cocteau, Pablo Picasso, Man Ray, Alexander Calder, Max Ernst and Joan Miro will be used to explore some of Surrealism's dominant themes. Containing over 350 stunning illustrations, including previously unpublished works in private collections and specially commissioned photographs, the range of objects spans painting, sculpture, works on paper, bookbindings, jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, furniture, fashion, film and photography.

Offers a study of the ideas that have shaped the domestic interior in the West over five hundred years. Looking at an array of depictions of the home, this book deals with both public and private attitudes to the domestic interior, and features various things from grand decorative schemes to homely cottages.

'You have a much better life if you wear impressive clothes', according to Vivienne Westwood. A global icon, Vivienne Westwood's career has spanned three decades from the early days of punk to the successful establishment of her own fashion house. This book is a study of her work as a ground-breaking fashion designer.

This wide-ranging survey offers a history of Western furniture which covers a dazzling array of styles, historical periods and countries. It looks at most of the main techniques and materials of furniture-making including carving and glass furniture.

Modern Fashion in Detail explores the creative genius of couturiers from Balenciaga to Vivienne Westwood through the detail of their creations. The book is split into seven sections: seams, gathers, tucks and pleats, collars, cuffs and pockets, buttons, bows, beads and sequins and applied decoration are all looked at in intricate detail. The craftsmanship is shown off with lively commentary, line drawings and stunning close-up photography.