5 Fashion Books You’ll Love to Read This Summer
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Summer is the perfect time to relax, and why not enrich yourself a bit with my special selection of fashion books that you will devour on vacation.
Before the madness of back-to-school and its hectic pace kicks in, I offer you a few titles of works that I found fascinating to review the masterpieces of renowned designers, essential pieces, the quirks of the fashion world, or even trends seen through a contemporary sociological lens.
Which book will you be tempted by? It’s time to stop scrolling and let yourself be carried away by these reads that tell the wonderful world of fashion.
All About Fashion, an overview of movements and masterpieces, by Marnie Fogg
Everything about fashion from the last two millennia condensed into a comprehensive work. Among the 150 iconic pieces analyzed in this book, you will learn everything about the kimono, Marie Antoinette’s wigs, and even sportswear. An essential classic to read or gift to stay on the cutting edge of knowledge this fall.
The illustrations and timelines make it a very explanatory book that can serve as an introduction for those who love fashion and want to know more about the subject without quite knowing where to start.
One of the essential fashion books written by consultant Marnie Fogg, author of more than twenty books on the subject.
Vivienne Westwood Runway, by Alexander Fury
The designer who passed away last December left her mark on her era by reinterpreting the famous English check look using tweed and tartan.
The year of her death, she ranked fourth among the most influential English artists of the last fifty years (Source: Sky Arts).
Strongly influenced by English punk, she, who was close to the Sex Pistols, became the most iconic designer in England who, through her creations, represented the demands and spirit of freedom of her time.
She was one of the first, starting in the 1970s, to advocate for fairer fashion, showcasing in her provocative style her ecological and social commitment.
The book features over 1,100 photographs, as well as biographical texts written by Vivienne Westwood and her husband Andreas Kronthaler.
This summer, see fashion with a punk spirit by diving into the memories of the queen of English fashion, from her first show in 1981 to the breakdown of her famous pieces.
The Lagerfeld Mystery, by Laurent Allen-Caron
The life of the most French German designer told by those close to him. With this little pocket book, discover the secrets and mysteries of the fashion genius who passed away in 2019.
Karl Lagerfeld stated, “I want to be an apparition. It appears, it disappears.” Creative director at Chanel from 1983 until his death, he managed to maintain a mysterious aura throughout his life.
Known for being a hard worker, he was a pioneer in the use of fur. At Fendi in 1965, he started using mink, rabbit, and squirrel fur for coats. While this may shock today, we should not blame Karl Lagerfeld, as at that time, issues of animal welfare and climate were not at all a priority.
This unauthorized biography was published a few days after his death.
Fashion is Political, by Mélody Thomas
Is fashion political? Yes, according to journalist Mélody Thomas, who offers us a modern and feminist fashion book in the form of an inclusive lexicon.
Composed of 27 entries such as ageism, cultural appropriation, or body positivity. The book fits into a sociological and contemporary trend to understand the issues of today’s fashion.
You will see your wardrobe in a new light after reading this book when you realize how political our clothing is and how much it says about us and our convictions.
Illustrated by Eloïse Heinzer, you will love this progressive work if you are a fashionista interested in the impact of fashion on our current world.
“Pass me the champagne, I have a cat in my throat,” by Loïc Pringent
After the hilarious “I love fashion but it’s everything I hate,” the most offbeat fashion journalist Loïc Pringent is back with a new work on the little improbable phrases gathered during events.
The book dates back to 2019, but it remains a perfect book about fashion to laugh at the ironic and funny remarks of those at the heart of the runway shows. For me, it’s the ideal book to enjoy on the beach while perfecting your best tan.
In a consistently kind tone with a fine sense of humor, Loïc Pringent captured in this little book all the sarcastic remarks that say so much about our time “I was so hungry I forgot to Instagram my meal.”
The best book to escape on vacation while looking forward to the next fashion week.
This list is, of course, far from exhaustive and includes recent books on fashion that can easily slip into your beach bag. No more excuses for not being on top of fashion culture this fall!
