10 Books On Fashion That Would Make Your Bookshelves More Stylish Than Ever
Fashion is more than just stunning models strutting down glittery runways in pretty dresses and prettier shoes. The clothes we buy and wear, not only play a very important role in how we’re perceived by the world and ourselves, they also have an impact on the world around us, culturally, politically, and ecologically.
For anyone who is a reading enthusiast, or an avid book collector, there are countless books available for you to peruse and understand the depth of the fashion industry, spread across the globe. There are some iconic books that celebrate some of the biggest names in fashion, like The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior or Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon by Megan Hess. More recently, American fashion brand Ralph Lauren marked the 50th anniversary of their trademark Polo Shirt by launching a coffee table book, called The Polo Shirt Book, that extensively documented the cultural impact of the fashion staple on the world.
From deep-dives into the history of fashion to cheeky and indulgent photobooks about the industry, here are some of the best books on fashion that would make your bookshelves more stylish with each title…
Women In Clothes
Clothing is such a simple yet complex subject, with deep cultural and political contexts that don’t seem apparent on the surface. In this fantastic collection of photographs, interviews, personal testimonies, and illustrations, hundreds of women of all nationalities, religions, ages, backgrounds, and professions come together to discuss clothing. It started with a survey by editors Heidi Julavits and Leanne Shapton, who designed a questionnaire with 50 odd questions that would instigate women to think deeply about their personal styles. Participants include names like Lena Dunham, Molly Ringwald, Tavi Gevinson, and Roxane Gay.
Modesty: A Fashion Paradox by Hafsa Lodi
American fashion journalist Hafsa Lodi seeks to answer the question ‘Is modest fashion a contradiction?’ with her book. This well-researched portrait of the politics and people behind the hotly-debated topic of modesty is extremely relevant these days. Covering up, whether for religious, personal, or cultural reasons, is seen as both sexist and empowering, depending on who is being asked the question. Regardless of the context, it always makes a statement. So is it fashion or not? Read the book to make up your mind.
Indian Textiles: 1,000 Years of Art and Design
This deep dive into the rich history of Indian textiles accompanies an ongoing eponymous exhibition at the George Washington University Museum, Washington DC. The book features an extensive look at some of the masterpieces from the Textile Museum Collection and the private pieces from collector Karun Thakar’s personal collection. It spans centuries and is a delight for anyone interested in historical textiles of India.
The Coveteur: Private Spaces, Personal Style
One of the most popular fashion-themed blogs out there, Coveteur.com released its debut book in 2016 where readers can indulge their voyeuristic tendencies by peeking into the private spaces of fashion’s biggest names. Co-founders of the blog, stylist Stephanie Mark and photographer Jake Rosenberg offer a look into the rarely-seen homes and wardrobes of 50 of the fashion’s most influential names, like Karlie Kloss, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Cindy Crawford, Christian Louboutin and more.
Costumes And Textiles of Royal India by Ritu Kumar
It’s not a secret that Indian royal history is marked with some of the most beautiful pieces of art, architecture, and textiles. Designer Ritu Kumar honours this towering legacy and enduring craftsmanship in this book. This in-depth study spans centuries and covers early Indian royals to present day royalty. It combines never-seen-before photographs and archives and weaves a beautiful tapestry of history within its pages.
Runway: The Spectacle of Fashion by Alix Browne
A runway presentation is often as significant as the collection itself. The book focuses on the theatrical aspect of fashion over the past two decades, compiling some of the most spectacular show sets presented by designers who always put presentation at the forefront of their collections. The book will give you an immersive look at the idea of a fashion show before the age of over exposure on social media.
The Sari by Linda Lynton
The simple sari has countless iterations across the country, with each region having their own variations in weaves, motifs, and draping. A scholar of Indian textiles and ethnic art, author Linda Lynton has undertaken the surprisingly arduous task of compiling a thorough analysis of the humble sari across six different regions of India, including the West, the East, the Northeast and the Himalayas, the Eastern Deccan, the South, and the Western Deccan. The depth of research and rich imagery present in the book is gold for any textile enthusiast, fashion designer (aspiring or otherwise), history buff, or anyone who is interested in the surprisingly deep history of this traditional garment.
Cult Shoes by Harriet Walker
If you’re someone who loves everything shoes then do not give this one a miss. Fashion journalist Harriet Walker explores all the top shoe brands, from Manolo Blahniks to Clarks, that have commanded a devoted following over the years and their most iconic offerings in this sumptuous illustrated history of shoes. Walker gives insights into the history of each brand and their shoes and also sneaks in information about lesser known shoe brands that were still beloved.
Dance of the Peacock: Jewellery Traditions of India
This book of rich photographs celebrates the cultural history and aesthetics of the country’s rich legacy of jewellery and affinity towards adornment. The book presents factual information along with interesting anecdotes recorded in early travelogues to paint a beautiful picture of India’s history of jewels.
The Warp and The Weft: Community and Gender Identity Among Benares Weavers by Vasanthi Raman
Ever wondered what lies behind the lustre of a stunning Benares sari? Vasanthi Raman’s book can serve to give you an insight into that. This 2010 book studies the impact of the communal violence of the early ’90s on the lives of the Muslim weaving community in Benares with a focus on inter-community dynamics, gender, and identity issues.
