Something about a gown's intricate construction, unashamed opulence and sheer feminine romance ignites in us the promise of fairy-tale adventure and unparalleled glamour. The magical gowns featured here give full reign to those fantasies, be they the sublime yet simple classical creations of Madame Grès, the heavenly bodies sculpted by Azzedine Alaïa, the lean seductive lines of a Deco-inspired silhouette or huge tulle pouffs fit for a princess.
In Vogue: The Gown Jo Ellison has curated a collection of more than 300 fabulous images and grouped them into five thematic chapters: Classical, Fantasy, Drama, Decorative and Modernist. The book provides both an evocative celebration of almost a century of fashion history while also showcasing the work of the very best photographers including Tim Walker, Mario Testino, Nick Knight, David Bailey, Herb Ritts, Norman Parkinson, Corinne Day, Cecil Beaton and Horst.