Lady Duff Gordon (Lucile)
Lady Duff Gordon (Lucile), 1863-1935
One of the early 20th century’s most prolific and celebrated designers, the London-based "Lucile" –– in private life Lady Duff Gordon –– was a key transitional figure in the evolution of fashion, exemplifying luxe and liberation at the intersection of haute couture, merchandising, media and the performing arts. The theatre-inspired mannequin processionals she launched anticipated the catwalk shows and supermodels of today. Her slit skirts, low necklines and peek-a-boo lingerie turned sexy into chic. And the unprecedented publicity her collections and branding ventures generated laid the groundwork for present-day marketing strategies.
Seventy-five years after her death, in gallery auctions and museum exhibitions, in magazines and books, the Lucile aesthetic is being rediscovered, achieving newfound appreciation among curators, collectors, historians and other connoisseurs of costume and theatre.
Lucile –– Her Life by Design, the first full-scale treatment of the couturiere’s career, heralds her renaissance with an insightful, intimate study of her work and its impact on style and social change. Based on twenty years of archival research and exclusive interviews with Lucile’s family, clients and other associates, this book places in fascinating perspective the legend behind the label.