Author(s): Pamela Golbin

Fashion & Jewellery

Famous for the "bias cut," Madeleine Vionnet's sophisticated approach to couture remains a pervasive influence today. Eschewing artificial and restrictive padding and stiffening, she liberated the female form with designs that integrated movement and comfort into women's fashion. She also championed unusual fabrics that were luxurious and sensual yet simple and modern--chiffon, silk, crepe de chine, gabardine, and satin. Her most revolutionary creations--the handkerchief dress, cowl neck, and halter top--cling to and seamlessly move with the wearer. Vionnet's principles of elegance, movement, architectural form, and timeless style continue to inform contemporary fashion. This lavishly illustrated book showcases Vionnet's daringly original designs worn by 80 internationally famous models photographed especially for this book alongside original patterns and archival images by such icons as Horst and Steichen.