Nothing fascinates people quite like glamour, fashion, and design. Especially when it comes to new trends, the catwalks and fashion designers are always ahead of the curve. Sometimes, the clothes presented look rather extravagant on long-legged women and muscular men. However, as soon as the collection reaches the celebrities and is showcased at award ceremonies, the garments also appear in stores. Fashion is art and, at the same time, an expression of the zeitgeist. Many exciting creations reappear after a few years, reinterpreted. Entire books could, of course, be written about this. We present the best ones to you.
Fashion books as illustrated books
The fashion industry is one of the world’s largest sectors. Depending on the country and culture, unique trends emerge, which unfold their full beauty in photographs. Fashion books on the subject of art allow for leisurely browsing and are not just for casual reading. They offer a wealth of inspiration, while also providing an opportunity to explore the work of various fashion designers. Prada, Dior, Armani, Chanel, and Gucci are always at hand and even immortalized in film. Stylish men’s shirt, elegant trousers, flowing coats, short skirts, and airy dresses are complemented by jewelry and perfume. A recommended book is “The History of Fashion” from Taschen, a picture book that explores fashion from the 18th century to the present day. Alexandra Black’s “The Visual History,” published by Dorling Kindersley, is also a gem. Over 2,000 images illustrate how fashion has changed over time, enriched by true style icons and portraits of important fashion designers. Susanna Frankel offers a photo book about Prada’s runways, titled “Prada Catwalk,” from Prestel. Chanel also has a similar volume.
Non-fiction books on fashion
Fashion icon Iris Apfel has long been involved with fashion and left behind insightful words and vibrant photographs in her highly readable autobiography. The editor-in-chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful, is one of the first Black people to hold this position, and is also gay and creative. This is the subject of a biography published by Penguin Press. Designer Diane von Fürstenberg offers another non-fiction book in which she discusses herself and the fashion world. Her book is titled “The Woman I Wanted to Be.”
Novels about fashion and designers
Agnes Gabriel has written a captivating novel about the art of fashion. Titled “The Couturiers,” it explores the life of Elsa Schiaparelli and also includes a historical love story. Elke Heidenreich has written about “Men in Camel Hair Coats” in her characteristically engaging and humorous style, while Sara Gay Forden delves into the themes of murder, madness, and glamour in her novel “House of Gucci.”
