": Themes and Variations”

The name has been synonymous with high fashion for almost fifty years. Based in Rome, is only one of two couture houses recognized by the French government outside of Paris. His exquisite designs are coveted and worn by young Hollywood and high society the world over. On the occasion of his last couture collection, presented in Paris in the spring of 2008, this landmark book celebrates forty-five years of ’s remarkable career. Published in association with a prestigious exhibition at the Museé des Arts Decoratifs’s famed costume department in Paris, this volume focuses on ’s haute couture creations, highlighting the most important and iconic creations of his half-century in fashion through recurring themes in ’s work—variations on the ideas of volume, line, and texture as well as motifs such as geometry, pleats, and flowers—through new photography, sketches, fabric samples, and commentary on the dresses by himself. In addition, unprecedented photography by François Halard of ’s last fittings and backstage of his runway show reveals ’s private world for the first time. " On ," a chapter of first-person accounts of the designs of these iconic dresses, along with ’s commentary on his fashion, will make this publication unique in the study of as a cultural and artistic icon.