Essential Reading
10:30 AM
I don't have a ton of time to read, but over the years I have read and collected a few fashion books and thought it would be fun to share some of my favorites with you. Some are more coffee table books, others are in-depth and informative reads, but they are all what I consider must-reads for any fashionista...
The End of Fashion by Terri Agins I love how much history this book covers; It's rich with stories of early designers and Parisian ateliers, but it also covers a lot of the business side of the fashion world, the role large department stores have played, how public companies have transformed the landscape, the homogenization of fashion, and much more.
Deluxe: How Luxury Lost It's Luster by Dana Thomas This book offers a fascinating look at the luxury goods industry from the bottom up. Details from the intricate processes involved in leather working, perfume making, dress making etc. are discussed as well as production and origin, and how drastically quality can (or doesn't) differ among different brands and luxury products.
The House of Gucci bu Sara Gay Forden This book reads more like soap opera than the story of a classic design house. It's a great read that's not too heavy, unlike the End of Fashion or Deluxe. It's got murder, scandal, divorce, and a family that is likely crazier than your own. If you read only one book on this list, make it this one, it's fun and a great conversation starter.
House of Versace by Deborah Bell Maybe because I read it first, but I like the Gucci story just a little bit more than the Versace one. Nonetheless, it's a great story, also with murder and scandal and what not, but this family got along a little better.
The SFP Look Book I received the Fall/Winter 2013 Collections book from SFP and have just left it out on the coffee table because I keep coming back to flip through it so often. It has hundreds of photos from the Fall/Winter shows and is the perfect source of inspiration. I love flipping through it before I get dressed for an event.
Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty This book is a classic to me. It's my absolute favorite fashion book ever. The photo's are stunning and Alexander McQueens work never ceases to amaze me. Every time I flip through it I notice something new, some detail I didn't pick up on before and I'm left in awe of his genius.
Do you own any of these books? Have you read any of them? Let me know if I missed any essential reading!
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