This book provides a glittering retrospective of the work of Gianni Versace, one of the 20th century's most innovative and enigmatic designers. Always flamboyant and outrageous, Versace's imaginative and intelligent collections drew inspiration from pop culture and the street, as well as from his impressive knowledge of art and fashion. His work is seen here from two different but complementary perspectives, Art and Craft.
Art features a glamorous array of outfits for men and women: asymmetric tailored suits, flamboyant prints, garments in rubber, leather and metal mesh, luxurious evening wear and exotic theatre costumes. Iconic designs show why Versace's creations proved a magnet for the stars, from Liz Hurley in the notorious 'safety-pin' dress to Princess Diana, resplendent after her famous makeover in New York.
Craft looks in close-up at Versace's highly inventive use of materials, such as Oroton, the metal mesh he patented which can be draped like finest silk. Other innovative techniques include his idiosyncratic weaving methods and his flair for combining unlikely partners: Prince of Wales check with baroque embroidery, denim and diamante.

Claire Wilcox is senior curator of the Furniture, Textiles, and Fashion department at the Victoria and Albert Museum and lecturer at the London College of Fashion.