Ask any fan of the fashion-centric movie The Devil Wears Prada and they’d be able to recite Miranda Priestly’s iconic cerulean speech by heart. Albeit being factually incorrect, it gives us a peek into how the fashion industry works and most importantly, why it matters, whether or not you decide to make it your career.
Other than the silver screen, another way to gain fashion insight is to read about it. Quoting English author Jeanette Winterson: “Books and doors are the same thing. You open them, and you go through into another world”.
Ahead, we compile a list of fashion reads that are not your average coffee table books, ranging from text-heavy biographies to visually pleasing photography books that allow everyone—be it a newcomer or an avid enthusiast—to flip through and learn more about the (not so) glamourous big world of fashion. So the next time a conversation leads you to topics related to fashion, be ready to chip in an opinion or two.
Gods and Kings: The Rise and Fall of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano
John Galliano and Alexander McQueen are arguably the two most talented designers of our times, hence the book is aptly named “Gods and Kings”.
In her compelling narrative, renowned fashion journalist Dana Thomas delves into the captivating saga of two legendary artists, whose groundbreaking work revolutionised high fashion over the past two decades. Thomas expertly unravels the complexities of their lives, from their humble beginnings—working-class British boys—to their meteoric rise in the fashion world and eventual tragic fates.
The book opens with an account of Galliano’s notorious antisemitism incident in Paris, pulling the readers’ attention instantly. With meticulous research and rich detail drawn from over a hundred interviews, Thomas offers a nuanced exploration of Galliano and McQueen’s intertwined destinies, shedding light on their transformative impact on the industry and the personal sacrifices they endured.
Thomas paints a vivid portrait of the duo’s creative genius, tracing their journey from the vibrant art and club scene of London to the prestigious realm of French couture. The book not only celebrates the indelible mark left by Galliano and McQueen but also poses poignant questions about the price of artistic brilliance and the ever-evolving landscape of fashion.
Peter Lindbergh: On Fashion Photography
Peter Lindbergh, the maestro of the lens, the master of black-and-white portraits.
This extraordinary volume showcases over 300 images, including unpublished gems, of Lindbergh’s iconic blend of cinematic flair and humanist perspective. From his early collaboration with acclaimed designer Rei Kawakubo for Commes des Garçons to his revered partnerships with fashion luminaries, Lindbergh’s work resonates with a profound respect for individuality and essence over conventional standards of beauty.
Renowned for his ability to evoke introspection and allure simultaneously, Lindbergh’s photographs transcend mere fashion, focusing instead on the inherent humanity of his subjects. Whether it’s the historic Vogue cover chosen by Anna Wintour or the legendary portrait of Tina Turner against the Parisian skyline, Lindbergh’s lens captures moments suffused with a serene melancholy that is uniquely his own. If you are a visually inclined reader, we suggest flipping through these pages as the key to your fashion doorway.
Charles James: The Couture Secrets of Shape
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Hailed as “America’s First Couturier,” British-American designer Charles James’ exquisite evening gowns captivated high society on both sides of the Atlantic from the 1930s to the 1950s. Revered for his groundbreaking unisex designs, epitomised by the iconic Eiderdown evening jacket of 1937, James transcended traditional boundaries, infusing his creations with a sculptural, architectural essence rooted in precise scientific and mathematical principles.
Charles James: The Couture Secrets of Shape offers a comprehensive exploration beyond his renowned ball gowns, spotlighting his revolutionary unisex pieces and his vibrant life within the artistic enclave of New York’s Chelsea Hotel until his passing in 1978. Edited by Homer Layne, James’ final assistant, and Professor Dorothea Mink, with a preface by fashion luminary Rick Owens, this volume unveils previously unseen dimensions of James’ innovative oeuvre, including facsimiles of his seminal work, The Charles James Approach to Structural Design, providing invaluable insights into his visionary methodology and lasting impact on the fashion landscape.
Martin Margiela: The Women's Collections 1989-2009
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Maison Margiela had recently broken the internet, not once but twice: the Tabi saga on TikTok and staging a wildly theatrical couture show in Paris that will go down the history of fashion. So what’s a better time than now to learn more about the founder of the avant-garde fashion brand, Martin Margiela?
This volume, timed to coincide with a significant exhibition, delves into the pivotal years that solidified Martin Margiela’s status as one of the foremost designers of our time. As part of the influential “Antwerp group of six,” Margiela’s vision reshaped contemporary fashion, showcased through 41 groundbreaking runway shows spanning from 1989 to 2009.
Despite his fame, Margiela remains famously reclusive, ensuring that his work speaks for itself, detached from celebrity or self-promotion. This comprehensive volume meticulously chronicles Margiela’s iconic fashion shows, detailing the immersive spaces, evocative music, and the designer’s intentions behind each collection, while shedding light on recurring motifs such as anonymity, whiteness, and the concept of past and anteriority. Through careful curation, the book unveils the poetic and profoundly innovative universe of this influential contemporary fashion luminary.
Fashion Illustration: Inspiration and Technique
With its rich content covering everything from fashion figures to fabric rendering techniques, Fashion Illustration by Anna Kiper is a comprehensive guide aimed at revitalising the essential art of hand drawing within the fashion industry. Through engaging lessons filled with vibrant design concepts, Kiper encourages designers to embrace the individuality and creativity inherent in hand-drawn illustrations, fostering a direct connection between artist and audience. Suitable for beginners and seasoned artists alike, the book offers practical techniques for achieving dynamic figure drawings, creating compelling page compositions, and exploring various media to enhance personal style.
Fabric for Fashion: The Swatch Book
Understanding the fabric is, as technical as it may sound, an important know-how for fashion learners.
The book features a comprehensive collection of over 120 swatches representing a wide range of fabrics. From natural fibres like cotton, silk, wool, and linen to synthetic materials including nylon, polyester, and metallics, each fabric is thoughtfully presented alongside detailed information on its structure, texture, and weight. This invaluable resource covers everything from basic fabric construction and weave comparison to techniques such as felting, weaving, and knitting, providing aspiring designers with the knowledge needed to make informed textile choices. Presented in a sturdy ring-binder folder for easy navigation, the book also includes practical advice on fabric sourcing, costing, and testing, as well as an essential annexe on fabric terminology.
The Hidden Facts of Fashion
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An ultimate guide to unlocking the secrets of the fashion world, this book provides fashion enthusiasts and experts alike with a treasure trove of insider knowledge and expert tips. Exploring the intricacies of fashion, this accessible and visually captivating book reveals fascinating stories and surprising details behind every garment, from the strategic placement of buttonholes to the hidden symbolism of colour choices.
With captivating photographs and illustrations bringing each revelation to life, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the fashion industry while enjoying a fun and engaging exploration of its hidden gems. Whether you’re a seasoned fashionista or a beginner in your style journey, The Hidden Facts of Fashion comes in handy to elevate your fashion expertise in a delightful and informative manner, changing the way you view your wardrobe.