All across the country—in department stores and boutiques, at fashion shows, in magazines, and in the daily papers—American fashion designers are influencing our lives. People like Bill Blass, Calvin Klein, Diane Von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren, Halston, and Oscar de la Renta are telling us not only what clothes to wear, but which sheets, towels, eyeglasses, fragrances, and countless other items to buy. These fashion makers are responsible for our contemporary design consciousness in ways we don't even realize.

Who are these men and women? What are their tastes, life styles, philosophies of design, passions, and prejudices? This book offers a unique, close-up view in photographs and text depicting America's fashion world and its leading designers.

Barbra Walz, an outstanding photographer, spent over two years photographing the public and private lives of many important designers. Her revealing photographs present her subjects working in showrooms and at fashion shows, relaxing with their families and friends, and socializing at parties with glamorous celebrities. Bernadine Morris, the highly respected fashion reporter for The New York Times, has written an entertaining and informative text based on interviews with each designer.

The Fashion Makers is full of how-to advice (each designer expresses a personal design philosophy and you will find out which designer is best suited to your personal needs and tastes) and lots of behind-the scenes information about the fashion industry.

Published in 1978 by Random House