Forget the old adage of “you can’t judge a book by its cover”. These books are not only gorgeous on the outside, each one is packed with pictures and insider information from top photographer retrospectives to must-have encyclopedias of style. Here’s our top ten list of books to get you inspired.
1. Vogue: The Covers
Vogue has long been heralded for its unparalleled influence on the world of fashion, and this book highlights the extraordinary covers, as well as the stories behind each one. Chronicling the magazine’s history since its 1892 debut, Vogue: The Covers takes readers through decades of style and culture, and showcases the work of influential artists such as Helmut Newton, Irving Penn, Herb Ritts and Annie Leibovitz.
2. GRACE: Thirty Years Of Fashion At Vogue
Speaking of Vogue, who doesn’t adore Grace Coddington? This book chronicles the lovable redhead’s thirty-year career as the magazine’s creative director, and explores her journey from a ‘60s fashion model to a styling visionary.
3. The Fashion Book: New and Expanded Edition
Referred to as “the fashion Bible,” The Fashion Book: New and Expanded Edition spans nearly 200 years of fashion with an A-to-Z encyclopedia of style. From iconic legends like Coco Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld, to contemporary designers such as Alexander Wang and Phoebe Philo, this is the ultimate encyclopedias of designers, models, and industry greats. A must read!
4. Peter Lindbergh: A Different Vision on Fashion Photography
A glimpse into behind the lens of this German photographer’s unique style of storytelling. A fashion visionary heralded with the creating the modern day supermodel, Lindbergh is recognized for redefining beauty standards with casual portraits that celebrate spirit and personality as much as appearance. With over 400 images spanning four decades, and commentaries from his peers (Cindy Crawford, Nicole Kidman and Anna Wintour, to name but a few).
5. Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel
Every style lover should acquaint herself with this “High Priestess of Fashion.” Diana Vreeland is a legend, and this book takes readers through fifty years of her work as a fashion editor and writer.
6. GUCCI: The Making Of
From its signature fabrics to its enduring influence and popularity, this book outlines Gucci’s origins while paying tribute to its innovative heritage and features never-before-seen archival photographs, as well as essays and anecdotes from brand insiders. A must-have for anyone inspired by this multi-faceted design house.
7. Chanel and Her World
Coco Chanel made bob haircuts and pants for women fashionable, as well as the perfume that Marilyn Monroe spritzed on before bed (and is still the most popular scent ever created to this day). Add to that her endlessly quotable ideas, and this coffee table book is a true gem that showcases the elegant designer’s enduring influence on style.
8. The World According to Karl
Considered a “cornucopia of Karlisms”, this book uses Lagerfeld’s own words (and strong opinions) on everything-from fashion and women to fame and life. Pair it with Choupette: The Private Life of a High-Flying Cat which is sage advice from the designer’s own fashionable feline.
9. Carine Roitfeld: Irreverent
Here’s what Anna Wintour has to say about this former editor-in-chief of French Vogue, "Carine embodies all that the world likes to think of as Parisian style: a sense of chic that's impeccable and sometimes idiosyncratic and which forever lives on a moonlit street as seen through the lens of Helmut Newton." Karl Lagerfeld called her the “ideal French woman” and we call this book a fashion necessity.
10. Tom Ford
One of fashion’s greatest icons, Tom Ford revolutionized the Gucci brand and also reinvented Yves Saint Laurent. Get to know the supreme designer and visionary behind these fashion houses, as well as his impact on modern-day style with his take on everything from architecture to advertising.