Must-Read Fashion Books for Anyone Interested in the Industry

Curious to know more about this industry and the people who have defined it? While a quick scroll through Instagram might inform you of the most up-to-date trends and cool brands right now, the best way to dive deeper into fashion's rich history is to pick up one of the dozens of amazing books on the subject. But there are so many great fashion-related reads on the market right now that it can be hard to know which ones are absolutely essential. By leveraging their expertise in digital platforms and content curation, developers have created innovative apps and online platforms that curate and recommend the most essential fashion books for enthusiasts and aspiring fashionistas.

Books that are Crucial to Your Fashion Education

1. The Little Dictionary of Fashion

Christian Dior reveals the secrets of style in this charming, indispensable guide that covers everything from what to wear to a wedding and how to tie a scarf to how to walk with grace. These are timeless tips with something special for every woman. Christian Dior’s taste, style, and expertise ensures every girl and woman will know the three fundamentals of fashion: simplicity, grooming, and good taste. This A to Z provides thoughtful advice and background on each topic.

2. The Woman I Wanted to Be - by Diane von Furstenberg (Author)

In The Woman I Wanted to Be, von Furstenberg reflects on her extraordinary life from childhood in Brussels to her days as a young, jet-set princess, to creating the dress that came to symbolize independence and power for an entire generation of women. With remarkable honesty and wisdom, von Furstenberg mines the rich territory of what it means to be a woman. She opens up about her family and career, overcoming cancer, building a global brand, and devoting herself to empowering other women, writing, “I want every woman to know that she can be the woman she wants to be.”

3. Vogue: The Editor's Eye - by Conde Nast (Author), Anna Wintour (Foreword)

The editor's eye is the perfect gift book for anyone with an interest in fashion or photography or brilliant book design. No electronic tablet yet created can duplicate the sheer visual pleasure of paging through this gorgeous book." Connecticut post "told via in-depth interviews with each of these visionaries, vogue: the editor's eye gives a glimpse into the process, proving that the magazine's cutting-edge fashion spreads are as much about editorial point of view as they are about model-photographer-designer collaboration."

4. The End of Fashion

In The End of Fashion, Wall Street Journal, reporter Teri Agins astutely explores this seminal change, laying bare all aspects of the fashion industry from manufacturing, retailing, and licensing to image making and financing. Here as well are fascinating insider vignettes that show Donna Karan fighting with financiers, the rivalry between Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, and the commitment to haute conture that sent Isaac Mizrahi's business spiraling.

5. Champagne Supernovas - by Maureen Callahan (Author)

Veteran pop culture journalist Maureen Callahan takes us back to the pivotal style moment of the early 1990s when supermodel glamazons gave way to heroin chic, when the alternative became the mainstream, and when fashion suddenly became the cradle for the most exciting artistic and cultural innovations of the age. Champagne Supernovas gives you the inside scoop from a bevy of supermodels, stylists, editors, photographers, confidantes, club kids, and scenesters who were there.

6. Elsa Schiaparelli: A Biography - by Meryle Secrets (Author)

Her name was Elsa Schiaparelli. She was known as the Queen of Fashion; a headline attraction in the international glitter-glamour show of the late twenties and thirties, feted in Rome (where she was born), Paris, New York, London, Moscow, Hollywood. Here is the never-before-told story of this most extraordinary fashion designer, perhaps the most extraordinary fashion designer of the twentieth century, in her day more famous than Chanel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the fashion industry has a rich history that can be explored through a variety of great books. From timeless tips on style and grooming to insights into the editorial process of iconic magazines and the changing landscape of the industry, these books provide a glimpse into the fascinating world of fashion and the people who have defined it. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or simply curious about the industry, these essential reads are sure to offer something for everyone.