Fashion books that tell a story besides beautiful pictures. I can't get enough of them. Here are my 5 favorites:
Worn Stories compiled by Emily Spivack
Worn Stories is a book about different clothing items that have a story and an emotion behind them: favorite sweaters, lucky underwear, dramatic shoes; everything passes in review. But also clothes that are meant to protect us, that serve as uniforms or revive a past. Some stories are funny but sometimes also tragic. The stories are from both well-known and lesser-known individuals. Performance artist Marina Abramović talks about her boots that she walked the Great Wall of China with, and fashion designer Cynthia Rowley about her little Girl Scout uniform. Delightful stories with beautiful pictures.
The Woman I Wanted to Be by Diane von Furstenberg
Whenever we are in NY with our Amayzine team for NYFW, we always visit the DvF showroom where Diane always finds a moment to shake our hands and talk to us. What a remarkable woman. In this book, we learn more about her and she shares how she became the woman she always wanted to be. An independent woman who achieved worldwide success with her designs. FASHION She has managed to accomplish. She talks about her extraordinary life from her early childhood in Brussels to the jet-set princess she once was. The message she wants to convey: ‘I want all women to know that they can be who they want to be and that they can achieve what they wish.’ Very inspiring with many wise lessons. Thank you, Diane...
David Bowie Style by Danny Lewis
To be honest, I was never a huge fan. In his seventies glory days, I found him – with strange outfits and a lot of makeup – mainly an exhibitionistic show-off. But after I saw an exhibition in Chicago last December showcasing his theatrical outfits – from dandy to space age – along with the fitting music, I was converted. In this book, he highlights the cultural and artistic influences that shaped him. A beautifully illustrated book full of sweet seventies memories for everyone who experienced it, whether consciously or not, and for everyone who did not see the exhibition.
Grace: A Memoir
The memoirs of the red-haired Grace Coddington (Vogue's most famous fashion editor) are a must-read for anyone who loves fashion and magazines. Grace extensively shares about her work, often reminiscing about the days when everything was still possible. And of course, about her relationship with boss Anna Wintour. A treat from start to finish.
History of International Fashion
I received this book from my dear friend Marije (fashion editor at Vogue) who had it specially signed for me by the author Didier Grumbach. It is the best reference work on the history of fashion in the broadest sense: from the first days when clothing was made to measure to contemporary ready-to-wear, marketing of major brands, and how other fashion cities besides Paris emerged. A lot of information, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and of course richly illustrated with photos. A must for students, the fashion industry, and anyone who loves fashion.
