The History of Fashion Through Books

Five books to read about fashion history

The fashion industry is well-known for its beauty and visually-appealing designs. Even when designs become surreal and bizarre, there is still a particular charm. It is fascinating how designers find materials and inspiration for their pieces. Fortunately, there are many books that discuss the creative process of designers while also painting a vivid history about the entire industry. Here are five books to check out for those wishing to learn more about fashion history.

Chanel: Collections and Creations

Chanel: Collections and Creations is a 2003 anthology book written by Danièle Bott. Chanel is one of the most renowned fashion brands. Using a combination of photography (some of which were previously unpublished), drawings and writing, Bott takes readers through a visual history of Chanel’s designs from the 1920s onwards. The book includes clothing, jewelry, fragrances and makeup, all of which are a distinct part of the Chanel brand.

Gucci: The Making Of

Words by: ERIC MUNSON

Gucci: The Making Of is a 2011 anthology book containing essays, commentaries, anecdotes and photographs that paint a gorgeous, dynamic history of the renowned luxury Italian fashion label. The book was created in conjunction with the new Gucci Museum in Florence and contains contributions from various authors and editors. The illustrated book focuses on Gucci’s origins, innovation and influence in the fashion industry. It also includes fabrication methods and how the brand became popular among high society and Hollywood.

Sneaker Freaker: The Ultimate Sneaker Book

The Ultimate Sneaker Book is a 2018 anthology book by Simon Wood, also known as “Woody” in the fashion industry. The 700-page book, which was written in conjunction with Taschen, spans more than 100 years of history. It focuses on the evolution of the sneaker industry coupled with Wood’s insider knowledge and vivid observations. Many brands, established and obscure, are featured in the anthology including Nike, Adidas and Converse. Although originally created to obtain free sneakers, Sneaker Freaker is now an internationally popular magazine specializing in sneaker news and culture.

The Chiffon Trenches: A Memoir

The Chiffon Trenches is a 2020 New York Times best-selling memoir written by fashion journalist André Leon Talley. The memoir focuses on Talley’s experiences in the cutthroat fashion industry while enduring personal struggles, rumors and racism. Throughout the memoir, Talley talks about his relationships with figures such as Andy Warhol, Karl Lagerfeld and Anna Wintour. Talley eventually became one of the biggest voices in fashion and rose through the ranks to become editor-at-large of Vogue.

Something’s Off

Something’s Off is a 2020 memoir by the recently-deceased fashion designer Virgil Abloh. In 2016, Nike recruited Abloh to redesign its iconic sneakers as part of a new promotion to “reinvigorate” the sneaker industry. Abloh used a combination of traditional design while also blending it with Dadaism, architectural theory, and avant-garde. In this book, Abloh documents his investigative and creative process to turn Nike shoes into a perfect blend of fashion, art and sculpture, all in one.

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