Loïc Prigent’s latest book on the history of fashion is a must-read.
With his new book Mille milliards de rubans (A Thousand Billion Ribbons), Loïc Prigent plunges into the fascinating history of fashion, between tasty anecdotes and historical analysis. We devoured it!
Loïc Prigent, a leading figure in fashion journalism, returns with an ambitious project: to trace the evolution of fashion from its beginnings to the opening of the first Chanel boutique in 1913. This book, the first in a series, explores the emergence of the great fashion houses and the rise of an industry that has shaped French culture.
Fashion, a mirror of history
In this essay, Loïc Prigent answers a central question: “How did fashion become what it is today?” Combining historical accounts with his witty style, he reveals the innovations that have transformed couture. From Singer machines to department store windows, he shows how technical and commercial elements shaped an enduring business model.
The author also looks back at iconic figures such as Empress Eugenie and the first star-buyers, while questioning the sometimes dark origins of luxury. For example, he highlights the role of the cotton processed in Manchester factories, a material derived from slave plantations.
A unique tone for a complex subject
With his lively, piquant writing style, Loïc Prigent not only informs, he delights. His observations shed new light on subjects we thought we’d already mastered. As he sums it up himself, fashion is “a mixture of frivolity and ingenuity.”
Available since October 9, 2024, Mille milliards de rubans will appeal to fashion enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Combining historical rigor with biting humor, Loïc Prigent demonstrates once again why he is the best-known fashion journalist in Paris and the essential reference in the field.
To prolong the experience, check out his previous books or his YouTube channel, Moodboard! where he continues to decipher this universe with brio. We’ll never tire of the devilish little phrases he fishes out as he wanders through the fashion world.
Also read: Sébastien Jondeau, his candles in tribute to Karl Lagerfeld
