This engaging and well-informed book demystifies and celebrates avant-garde clothing of the past century. Just about everyone can appreciate the value and beauty of a Calvin Klein jacket or a gown by Dior. But what about a suit made entirely of paper? Or a skirt designed to be worn by men? These are just a few of the audacious examples in this dynamic visual feast of fashion. Following on the heels of the highly successful Why Your Five-Year-Old Could Not Have Done That: Modern Art Explained and Why It Does Not Have to Be in Focus: Modern Photography Explained, this book is organized into chapters that focus on fantasy, displacement, provocation, distortion, and volume. Author Marnie Fogg explains how figures such as Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Thierry Mugler, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Jean Paul Gaultier challenged convention and precedent in ways that have both provoked and influenced their successors. Stunning, colorful images of 100 groundbreaking garments accompany engaging and enlightening commentary that explores the reasons for designing clothing that might not really fit, provide warmth or coverage, or even make its wearers more attractive. Beautifully produced and reasonably priced, this fun and informative look at weird and wonderful couture will delight all fans of fashion.