Where can one gather reliable knowledge about fashion when it seems like there's an overwhelming amount of fashion content on the internet? Go back to the source with books about fashion and set an example for others, especially if you're an influencer. Fashion albums, lexicons, books about fashion designers, guides and fashion reports are not only an element of the décor in every fashionable interior (they look great on a coffee table), but they are also a practical source of knowledge.
Don't spread false information, even in a field as light and (seemingly) trivial as fashion. We'll introduce you to a few books on fashion and style that are worth buying today. Visit a bookstore and educate yourself in the field you love.
Books about fashion designers: Gucci, Chanel and Saint Laurent
Do you want to know more about the work and personal lives of fashion designers? A book you can't miss is The House of Gucci, a tale of fashion power, money madness, and the bitterness of downfall, by Sara Gay-Forden. Be sure to read it before the movie premiere about the Gucci dynasty. The author tells the story of the fashion house from its humble beginnings (leather goods and accessories for horse riding enthusiasts) to a vast fortune, through conflicts, murder, downfall, and the rebirth of the famous brand. In the article "House of Gucci with Lady Gaga - 5 controversial facts" we write more on this topic.
It's hard to imagine a fashionista's bookcase without at least one book about the person who revolutionized women's fashion. The book by Lisa Chaney titled Coco Chanel: An Intimate Life honestly recounts the achievements, ups and downs of the designer, not omitting the infamous period in her life that she herself preferred to be silent about: the German occupation. Coco Chanel: An Intimate Life is a treasured and honest biography, after which Chanel would certainly, if she were alive, sue the author.
The shelf with books about fashion designers must also be supplemented with the most comprehensive and accurate biography of another fashion revolutionary, Saint Laurent – Yves Saint Laurent. Laurent Benaim's biography, taking into account his childhood in Algeria, his internship at Dior, his first famous outfits and his hard work on his own brand in a duo with Pierre Berge, with whom he was also privately in a long-term relationship.
Books on fashion and style: Boucher and Sulej
There are really many books on fashion and style on the market, but if you don't know what to buy for yourself or another fashion lover as a gift, e.g. a birthday present, choose one of the following titles.
Fashion History. The history of costumes from prehistoric times to the end of the 20th century by Francois Boucher, is a large book - literally (it has over 480 pages) and figuratively. It's the most comprehensive publication on the market that, in addition to talking about trends, also touches on history, symbolism, anthropology, and the meaning of clothing. It's a complete compendium: from cave and prehistoric fashion through Greece, Rome and European fashion from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Enlightenment to Coco Chanel, Paco Rabanne, hippie times, American and British punk, grunge and other subcultures, including hip-hop.
Among the books of Polish authors, which can be particularly distinguished, worth noting is the report by Karolina Sulej Personal Things on how they cared for appearance and clothing in concentration camps. A topic as trivial as fashion theoretically had no right to exist there, but a neat and "decent" appearance allowed for a peaceful day and reminded of normal life before 1939. The report was based on historical sources, including testimonies left on this subject.
Lately, more and more books on fashion and style are appearing - it's hard to decide on one, especially if you are interested in women's fashion. However, if you are looking for a good book on men's fashion (for yourself or a loved one)? We have something for you too.
Books on men's fashion: Kędziora and Dandycore team
Gentlemen most often look for practical guides on the subject of fashion. Poles are not lagging behind and have their books on this subject.
If you are looking for a book on men's fashion, which step by step, also for beginners, will explain what and how, reach for The Truth About Men's Fashion. Every Man's Guide by Michał Kędziora (better known on the internet as Mr Vintage). The expert discusses in turn all the most popular trends in men's clothing (casual, smart casual, business casual, etc.), also points out the most common styling mistakes made by Poles.
Another interesting read is The Men's Wardrobe. User's Manual by the bloggers from the Dandycore team (Piotr Karwali, Karol Majchrzak, Adam Ptak and Dawid Tymiński). The book is intended for not so young fashionistas. The authors of the publication inspire to experiment in streetwear, formal, military, athleisure or preppy style. All outfits are based on a capsule wardrobe with only 60 items. Dandycore proves that with only a few dozen clothes or accessories, you can look stylish.
While Kędziora will be great as a basic "style textbook" for everyone, The Men's Wardrobe. User's Manual is a book ideal for those who like to experiment boldly, building a consistent image.
Fashion is a fashionable topic for a book and sometimes it's hard, especially for a layman, to find valuable positions in a sea of books written just for money. With our mini guide, you certainly won't get lost in the labyrinth of virtual and wooden shelves.
