Lucien Lelong

The first book devoted to this influential twentieth-century French couturier.

Lucien Lelong was a central figure in French fashion from the 1920s to the 1950s, and his designs were in many ways precursors of contemporary fashion shapes and developments. Noted for his skill, exquisite workmanship, and beautiful fabrics, Lelong and his house promoted a fluid, minimalist, elegant look. Lelong blended modern design with a strong business sense and was influential for both his fashions and his entrepreneurship. He was one of the earliest designers to diversify into lingerie, accessories, and perfumes, and in 1934 he introduced a luxury ready-to-wear line. During the Occupation in World War II, he was instrumental in persuading the Germans to allow French couture houses to remain in Paris rather than moving to Berlin.

This wonderfully illustrated history of Lelong and his house chronicles the period and its leading personalities, artists, and designers. Lelong's clients included Colette, Greta Garbo, Gloria Swanson, and Rose Kennedy; Balmain, Dior, and Givenchy apprenticed with him; and Horst, Beaton, Hoyningen Huene, Man Ray, and Lee Miller photographed his models. 134 photographs and illustrations, 48 in color