Appreciating fashion is like appreciating fine wine, which is why all the best fashion books are owned by people with great taste. Here we look at some top fashion books available this season.
“Fashion is in the sky, in the street,” Coco Chanel once famously said, “Fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Beyond the high streets, the vaults, and the runways, fashion is immortalized once and for all in the glossy pages of fashion books, beautifully bound and elegantly adorned documents of luxury.
Through fashion books, we are given the stories of the makers who shaped our world, iconic avant-garde designers that defined history through creation, not simply responding to changing times, but introducing the change themselves. We step into their (designer) shoes and discover, amidst the fabrics, the colours, and the glamour, a bit of who we are.
If fashion is the way we live, make life a touch more ravishing with your pick from our six favourite fashion books on the market.
Our Favourite Fashion Books
Pucci. Updated Edition
Peer into the sensational dynasty of fashion mastermind Emilio Pucci in fashion books adorned with the label’s signature kaleidoscopic colours and patterns, a tribute to the delectable design described as ‘life-affirming’ or ‘joie de vivre’.
The updated XL edition of these fashion design books offers archival photography, sketches, and designs that give you an intimate insight into the processes behind Pucci’s most inspired and transformative creations. Each copy is bound uniquely upon order from an original print fabric out of Emilio Pucci’s collection, meaning this fashion book may be one of the best fashion coffee table books. Just the latest addition to your very own Pucci collection.
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Paul Smith Hardcover Book. PHAIDON
Few fashion books are curated by the designer himself, but in Phaidon’s monograph of the British fashion mogul, Sir Paul Smith individually handpicked the 50 objects that would mark the 50th anniversary of his empire.
A wax plate of spaghetti, a bicycle seat, a Dieter Rams radio – these are the objects that shaped the distinctive creativity and magnificent design of the eccentric fashion icon. Woven in among the personal stories and overview of his processes are words of admiration from leading figures in art, culture, and design, making this fashion book a truly intimate celebration of a leading visionary.
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Peter Lindbergh. Dior
Of all fashion history books, this one sets a gold standard: one of the most iconic fashion houses as seen through the lens of its most influential photographer. Within the electrifying two-volume set of fashion books, the perennial Parisian elegance of Dior is transplanted into the lively commotion of Times Square, featuring never-before-published photographs from one of Lindbergh’s final projects.
Dior permitted an extraordinary number of its most iconic pieces to travel to New York for the shoot, and the result is a breathtaking homage to one of fashion’s most significant collaborations.
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RIMOWA Hardcover Book. ASSOULINE
Sleek and understated, the Italian-made hardcover of this fashion design book simulates the streamlined aluminium suitcases that brought German luggage brand RIMOWA onto the global fashion stage.
Published 120 years after the iconic brand’s founding in Cologne, the fashion book includes a rich history detailing the label’s journey to the present day, coupled with vibrant images showcasing their innovative design and striking adverts throughout the years. Prepare for travelling in style with this celebration of RIMOWA’S game-changing modern design.
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Chanel Set. ASSOULINE
Envelop yourself in the enduring beauty of the renowned Parisian house with this set of three fashion history books on Chanel. Each fashion book touts 80 pages and over 150 images on the bewitching Coco Chanel and her label’s trademark classical chic, taking over the realms of fashion, jewellery, watches, fragrances and beauty.
With the house’s iconic bold label gracing each cover, these fashion books atop your coffee table are sure to imbue your own space with that characteristic elegance.
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Inez van Lamsweerde/Vinoodh Matadin. Pretty Much Everything
A Collector’s Edition for fashion lovers, a crowning jewel of fashion design books, and a work of art in itself. True to its title, these fashion books offer a dynamic multitude of imagery from the cutting-edge photographer duo Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.
Provocative and invigorating, their work defines genres and often explanations, forever straddling the line of fine art and high fashion. Including over 600 images, interviews and text, as well as an original silk-screened poster, this three-volume set of fashion books is limited to just 1000 copies, each numbered and signed by the duo. Act quickly and one could be all yours.
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Issey Miyake
Exploring the combination of art, innovation, and Japanese tradition that Issey Miyake brought to each one of his collections, this book is a tome of information. It includes his collections A Piece of Cloth, Pleats, and Body Series.
Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot
Mert and Marcus have worked collaboratively with many brands including Givenchy and Miu Miu as well as styling famous names such as Angelina Jolie and Gisele Bundchen. This volume of 300 pictures documents many of their designs and stylings in a beautifully evocative way.
Mario Testino, SIR
This book contains Mario Testinos selection of his finest works over the past 30 years. Including images of fashion, photojournalism and costumery, each piece is explored and dissected for its contribution to the evolution of male self-expression.
Best Fashion Books – Conclusion
Each of these best fashion books tells the story of a creative genius who understood the true value of fashion in the world. In our opinion, they are the best fashion books anyone could have on their coffee table.
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Last Updated on March 25, 2024 by Editorial Team
