Book excerpt: Fashion is a powerful thing. It can be used for self-expression, to make a political statement, or simply to attract attention. Through this stunning collection, discover how these 50 trendsetters - from Twiggy to Wallis Simpson, Tilda Swinton to Michelle Obama - have used fashion to assert their position in the world and become iconic. With stunning photography selected by the Design Museum, in conjunction with Lauren Cochrane, Assistant Fashion Editor at the Guardian, Fifty Women's Fashion Icons is the perfect gift for design lovers and fashion followers of all ages.