Best Fashion Books

In 1973, American fashion faced off against European designers in an extravagant runway show at the Palace of Versailles. Pulitzer Prize winner Robin Givhan brings this historic moment to life with a sharp, engaging cultural history of the event that forever altered the fashion industry. From the in-fighting and outsized egos to the groundbreaking move to feature African American models, The Battle of Versailles offers a captivating look at a turning point in fashion history.

Experience the fascinating world of fashion through the eyes of a true industry icon. Grace: A Memoir takes you on a journey through Vogue, giving you an exclusive look at the life and art of a mastermind. Discover the creative genius of Grace Coddington and witness the captivating story of her life.

Celebrate black models past and present with Supreme Models - the first-ever book devoted exclusively to their groundbreaking impact on fashion and pop culture. Written by celebrity stylist and journalist Marcellas Reynolds, this stunning book features revealing essays, interviews, and over 70 gorgeous photographs of the women who have reshaped the standards and boundaries of beauty. From the first black models to be featured on catalogs and magazine covers, to iconic supermodels and the newest generation of social media stars, Supreme Models pays a long-overdue tribute to their monumental influence.

A comprehensive guide to fashion, this charming handbook covers everything from tying a scarf to walking with grace. Written by iconic designer Christian Dior, The Little Dictionary of Fashion reveals the secrets of style, emphasizing simplicity, grooming, and good taste. Filled with timeless tips and illustrated with delightful photographs and drawings, this handbag-sized classic is a must-have for any style-conscious woman. Published for the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Golden Age of Couture exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of Dior’s “New Look.”

"The New Black Vanguard" by Antwaun Sargent is a groundbreaking look at the radical transformation taking place in fashion and art through the lens of Black photography. This richly illustrated book features the brightest contemporary fashion photographers, including Tyler Mitchell and Nadine Ijewere, whose powerful images have reinvigorated the visual vocabulary around beauty and the body. Sargent also opens up a conversation around the role of the Black body in the marketplace and the institutional barriers faced by Black photographers. Through artist portfolios and conversations between generations, "The New Black Vanguard" proposes a brilliantly reenvisioned future of inclusion and representation.

Discover the groundbreaking movement fighting against the damaging effects of the colossal clothing industry with Fashionopolis. Delve into the history of exploitative labor, environmental damage, and the need for a new human-scale model. Follow journalist Dana Thomas as she travels the world to uncover sustainable technologies and visionary designers working to revolutionize fashion. Learn about the cutting-edge techniques used to produce better, cleaner fashion, and the companies at the forefront of this movement, from small-town makers to fashion giants like Levi's and Stella McCartney. It's time to start dressing with intention, and Fashionopolis is the comprehensive guide to get you started.

This book explores the rise of budget clothing chains and their impact on our society, environment, and economic well-being. The author delves into the true nature of the cheap fashion juggernaut, from its effects on fashion industry workers to the harm it does to charity thrift shops and textile recyclers. Readers will learn how to break the cycle of buying and tossing, and find innovative, stylish sustainably-made options that are affordable and long-lasting.

"Tom Ford" is a captivating exploration of the life and career of one of fashion’s most iconic figures. Through stunning photography, the book showcases Ford’s groundbreaking designs for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, capturing the essence of 21st century glamour. With more than 200 photographs by renowned photographers, including previously unpublished images, this volume offers an extraordinary glimpse into the complete brand vision of a true industry legend.