This beautiful reference work showcases 50 iconic outfits from one of fashion's most influential and exciting decades. From the bombshell glamour of Marilyn Monroe in 'How to Marry a Millionaire' to the immergence of teenage style, via the sculptural forms of Christian Dior's New Look and Balenciaga's double A-Line, it celebrates all of the important looks that revolutionised modern fashion. With Paula Reed's lively and informative text and a wealth of fabulous photography, it is vital reading for design students, collectors of vintage, and everyone who truly loves fashion

• The Duke and Duchess of Windsor
• Gypsy Rose Lee
• Hardy Amies
• Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn
• Katharine Hepburn
• Norman Norell
• Nylons
• Christian Dior
• Jacques Fath & Bettina
• Lauren Bacall
• Rene Gruau
• Cristobal Balenciaga
• Barbara Goalen
• The bikini
• Salvatore Ferragamo
• Fiona Campbell-Walter
• Jeans
• The coronation dress
• Marilyn Monroe
• Teenagers
• The first Chanel suit
• Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina
• Hubert de Givenchy
• C Z Guest
• Edith Head
• Grace Kelly
• Sophia Loren
• Beatnik style
• Easy-care fabrics
• Brigitte Bardot
• Francoise Sagan
• Grace Kelly's wedding dress
• The Kelly bag
• Jayne Mansfield
• The jet set
• Rockabilly
• William Klein
• Clare McCardell
• Suzy Parker
• The Gossard corset
• Maria Callas
• Martha Graham
• Norman Parkinson
• Stilettoes
• 'Babe' Paley
• Barbie
• Lord Snowdon
• Gloria Guinness
• Hitchcock's frosty blondes'
• Working women