The first ever, long overdue survey of the work of John Bates, assembled with his complete co-operationFull of stunning images from the most innovative period of British fashion, from the Youthquake explosion of the 1960s to the Bohemian sophistication of the 1970s.John Bates designed Diana Rigg's wardrobe for the part of Emma Peel in cult sixties television classic The Avengers, and is credited by many with the invention of the miniskirtThroughout the 1960s and '70s John Bates dominated the British fashion scene with a unique brand of style and innovation. No other designer had such a comprehensive influence on what the UK wore.Diana Rigg wore his designs in The Avengers, and the press went wild. Cilla Black and Dusty Springfield sang in them; Jean Shrimpton, Twiggy and Penelope Tree modelled; David Bailey, Terence Donovan and Helmut Newton photographed.At every level, from shop girl to pop star, debutante and banker's wife, his label Jean Varon offered a must-have dress for any party; short or long, empire line or mini. He gave fashion-conscious women the chance to wear dresses featured extensively in the pages of Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Queen Magazine and bridged the gap between High Street retailing and couture like no other.Richard Lester's text is based on detailed interviews with John Bates, covering his entire career in fashion. In addition the book features contributions from Felicity Green, Deirdre McSharry, Brigid Keenan, Barbara Griggs, Sian Phillips and other key figures from the fashion industry, cultural scene and media of the time.