The impossible collection of fashion

In this magnificent collection of the most iconic dresses of the twentieth century, Valerie Steele flexes her curatorial muscle. From Poiret to Pucci, Doucet to Dior, Vionnet to Valentino, she selects the 100 dresses that caused a stir on the runway or as they entered a room and ultimately inspired a new direction in fashion. Steeles selections include Fortunys streamlined Delphos gown circa 1907, Madame Grèss sublimely draped goddess creations from 1938, Issey Miyakes 1982 evening ensemble with a rattan top that appeared on the cover of ArtForum, and Hussein Chalayans awe-inspiring table skirt from 2000. The collection, while certainly subjective, is sure to receive nods of recognition, along with a gasp (or two) of surprise. Published by Assouline, its a hand-bound limited edition with colour plates in a linen clamshell case, with 144 pages and 100 illustrations. Dimensions: 35.5x42cm.