This comprehensive survey examines 50 of the most influential fashion designers, ranging from early celebrity –status designers like Paul Poiret to cutting-edge contemporary designers like Hussein Chalayan who are changing the face of style culture in the 21st century. The 50 designers have been chosen because each has had an extraordinary powerful influence on fashion, and collectively they tell the whole storey of fashion for over the last 100 years. The designers are analyzed according to their unique contributions and the distinct themes that appear in their work, with examples of key pieces that demonstrate these ideas. Their main sources of inspiration are also examined, as well as how their own influence can be seen in the work of other designers.