"This book charts the development of fashion as seen against the historical background of the different eras, beginning with the great couturiers. They were followed, during the 1960s, by a large number of new-generation designers, who were in turn elbowed aside during the 1980s by large, luxury conglomerates. Two decades later, these then found themselves increasingly challenged by chain stores at the cheaper end of the market. However, be it haute couture, designer or brand name, the world of fashion relies, as it always has, on creative design"--Page 9.