Design - History & Criticism

An exploration of the essential nature of domestic space through John Pawson's work and his inspirations John Pawson: The Minimal Home, the latest volume in Phaidon's documentation of John Pawson's distinguished career, hones in on the minimalist master's approach to designing modern homes. Spotlighting...

A delightfully inquisitive tour that explores the rich history and the subtle powers of fonts.Fonts surround us every day, on street signs and buildings, on movie posters and books, and on just about every product that we buy. But where do fonts come from...

The first history of the fanzines that emerged from Washington, DC's highly influential punk communityDIY culture has always been at the heart of DC's thriving punk community. As Washington, DC's punk scene emerged in the mid-1970s, so did the "fanzines" that celebrated it. Before...

Liberty--an icon of design innovation and luxury--is renowned internationally for fabric designs on silk, wool, cashmere and, most famously, Tana Lawn(TM) Cotton. Gathered here are 150 of the most striking and significant Liberty patterns, ranging from much-loved florals to bold and abstract designs and...

"Give me time and I'll give you a revolution" - Alexander McQueen Ever since its creation in 1992, the House of Alexander McQueen has been synonymous with drama, risk-taking and cutting-edge innovation. From iconic collaborations, like with Lady Gaga for her "Bad Romance" music...

The name 'Armani' embodies the significance of being 'Made in Italy', and a quiet luxury that came to define American power dressing.Beginning in 1970s Milan, Giorgio Armani pared back structure and refined proportion, creating tailoring that felt modern, fluid and quietly authoritative. On the...

'Haute couture is like an orchestra, whose conductor is Balenciaga. We other couturiers are the musicians and we follow the direction he gives' - Christian Dior The godfather of conceptual design, a master of shape, a true fashion game changer - all are accolades...

Synonymous with fine craftsmanship and understated elegance, the House of Bottega Veneta is the go-to brand for those who love effortless chic. Since 1966, Bottega Veneta has stood out from the crowd, unique in its blend of timeless sophistication and contemporary edge. Known for...

From their heritage trenches and ubiquitous check to experimental red carpet looks, the House of Burberry is known worldwide for its covetable designs. Sophisticated, simple, and quintessentially British, Burberry is beloved for its remarkable ability to straddle tradition and innovation. The allure of the...

Timeless, elegant and innovative, Celine sits at the intersection of high fashion and minimal sophistication. Beginning with the origins of the house in 1940s Paris and coming right up to Hedi Slimane's current stewardship, Phoebe Philo's groundbreaking years at the brand are also covered...

The House of Chanel is synonymous with not one, but two, iconic designers. First there was Gabrielle, and then there was Karl. Chanel is a house known for its signatures that not only changed the course of fashion history but still resonate today -...

Romantic, cool and glamorous, the Chloé woman embodies the bohemian femininity that the fashion house has become known for. From the carefree romanticism of their relaxed silhouettes to their cult status leather goods, Chloé has appealed to the modern woman since its inception in...

"A woman can carry a bag, but it is the shoe that carries the woman" - Christian Louboutin Among designers of luxury shoes, there is one whose designs are instantly recognizable: Christian Louboutin. His iconic red soles can be seen everywhere from the red...

Elaborate, luxurious and powerful, the Dolce & Gabbana look has always exuded decadent sensuality. With tailoring and corsets, baroque prints and innovative silhouettes, the fashion house's Italian roots sing through their distinctive ensembles in lace, leopard print and florals. Founded by designer duo Domenico...

Founded in 1925, Fendi is a luxury brand rooted in elegance and experimentation. Renowned for its attention to detail, innovative design and signature 'double F' logo, the family firm has conquered the fashion industry and acquired cult status among celebrities and fashionistas with the...

"It's a fabulous thing to give life to fabric, to make something move well, the harmony of colour" - Hubert de Givenchy Ever since Audrey Hepburn stood outside Tiffany's, croissant in hand, Givenchy has been the last word in elegant couture. The clean, sweeping...

The legendary ten years Tom Ford spent at the helm of Gucci is one of the most significant decades in fashion history. Credited as the creative director who made the brand synonymous with sexiness, Ford flooded the runway and red carpet with slashed-to-the-waist silk...

Research, craftsmanship and experimentation form the foundations of fashion futurist Issey Miyake's designs. From Steve Jobs's signature black turtleneck to the iconic Pleats Please range and Grace Jones's sculptural looks, Issey Miyake's technologically advanced yet deceptively simple-looking pieces redefined the notions of clothing and...

From avant-garde accessories to directional red-carpet glamour, Loewe is the fashion house of the moment. Modern twists bring an unbridled joy to its cult items, from surreal balloon heels to the coveted Puzzle bag, with every design underpinned by craftsmanship. Loewe's fashion-forward looks are...

Little Book of Louis Vuitton is the pocket-sized and fully illustrated story of one of the world's most luxurious fashion houses. Louis Vuitton's monogrammed bags have been seen on the arms of celebrities and royals alike for over 150 years. From the young Louis...