book: couture in the 21st century

Harrods Publishing has joined forces with Rankin, one of the world’s leading photographers, to create a new fashion book, Couture in the 21st Century, a snapshot of contemporary design that focuses on the current overarching trend for the craftsmanship of yesteryear.

Couture in the 21st Century is a reference book of fashion inspirations, with a selection of the world’s top designers expressing, in their own words, the importance of the past in shaping the future. Featuring interviews with the stalwarts of the fashion world, including Giorgio Armani, Oscar de la Renta and Paul Smith, as well as fresh faces like Erdem and Hannah Marshall, the first-person text is accompanied by photographs and illustrations that span the last century, capturing the allure of couture at fittings and fashion shows, in the hands of the world’s best-known couturiers. Each designer describes his or her own particular relationship with couture, while the interview is accompanied by a portrait by Rankin (pictured below), the internationally renowned photographer, who is well known for capturing the wit and personality of his subjects.

“For the process of couture – which is amazing, gorgeous, fantastic –you have to be patient. Because it’s real craftsmanship, and that takes longer.” Paul Smith

Mpdclick believes Couture in the 21st Century has filled a much needed niche in the world of fashion books; reinforcing the relevance and context of couture in todays modern society. As couture is seemingly failing to thrive (cue Lacroix’s tragic liquidation forcing him to sell the label on), as the consumer mindset shifts from fun and frivolous fashion to sustainable, more thought out, investment fashion, this book re-ignites the passion for this highly skilled craft, reassuring couture’s place in the future of fashion.

Retailing at £40, Couture in the 21st Century will be on sale at all good bookstores as well as Harrods and Harrods online from the 14th October 2010.

Source: Harrods