Fashion 150: 150 Years, 150 Designers

What is immensely interesting about a book of this scope is who/what is included and then who/what is excluded. Without question, Fashion 150 is a monument to the author’s love of and dedication to the world of fashion. Arianna Piazza took on a monumental task and succeeded to a great degree.

As far as whether or not each of these designers, brands, movements, and style icons actually changed or influenced the world of fashion, that is up for grabs. This reviewer is just not so sure or convinced about this statement in relation to the examples offered. To Piazza’s credit she has astutely given credit where credit is due and definitely highlighted those who deserve more than just equal time in the fashion compendium.

A tip of the hat especially goes to her for including Zoran and Walter Albini; yet one must question why Claude Montana and others are not included. Then of course there are designers and brands that this reviewer has never heard of: Osklen, Andre Perugia, Fernanda Gattinoni, and Andrea Incontri.

What is most important is that this epic volume will serve as part reference and part coffee table book with its very informative and well thought out text as well as its curated visual selections.

Fashion 150 is certainly a book that demands the attention of both the seasoned and novice fashionphile as it might be considered a sort of one-stop destination, or in this case dictionary/directory of names, brands, and icons of fashion. It should be noted that there is a definite deficit in the “icon” classification so if you are looking for notables such as Babe Paley, Tina Chow, and Nan Kempner, move on. As for the “movements” that’s another story as the more educated reader will either agree or dismiss their importance in being labeled as such.