Fashion is about far more than what we wear. It is a reflection of culture, identity, art and the society in which we live. From the designers who transformed the industry to the photographers who captured its most defining moments, these five books offer a deeper understanding of fashion’s past, present and enduring influence.
The Beautiful Fall – Alicia Drake
An account of Paris in the 1970s and 1980s, this book explores the rivalry between Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld, set against a backdrop of hedonism, excess and creative experimentation. A fascinating portrait of two designers who helped shape modern fashion.
D.V. – Diana Vreeland
Written by one of fashion’s most influential tastemakers, this entertaining memoir charts Diana Vreeland’s extraordinary life, from her early years in Paris and New York to her place at the centre of the international fashion world. Full of eccentric anecdotes, sharp observations and larger-than-life personalities, it is an essential read for anyone fascinated by fashion’s golden age.
Gods and Kings: The Rise and Fall of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano – Dana Thomas
Fashion journalist Dana Thomas examines the extraordinary careers of two of Britain’s most influential designers. Tracing their rise to international acclaim and the pressures that ultimately shaped their careers, the book offers a compelling insight into the fashion industry’s creative and commercial realities.
The Fashion Book – Phaidon Editors
An essential reference for anyone interested in fashion history, this encyclopaedic volume brings together designers, photographers, models, stylists and influential figures from across the industry. Its accessible A–Z format makes it as useful for dipping into as it is for discovering fashion’s wider creative landscape.
Women in Clothes – Sheila Heti, Heidi Julavits and Leanne Shapton
Exploring the complex relationship between women and what they wear, this collection brings together interviews, essays, questionnaires and illustrations from more than 600 women. An absorbing examination of how clothing expresses identity, shapes confidence and reflects personal experience.
