Our 10 must-read fashion books

Fashion Legacy: Our 10 must-read fashion books

Natasha Gan

01 May 2015

updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:07

1/10
Being Armani
Armani's biography by Renata Mohlo pays homage to the fashion marquee after 30 long, fruitful years in the industry. It documents his impeccable style, and his journey to building a name for himself.
2/10
The Woman I Wanted to be
Diane von Furstenberg, the genius inventor of the wrap dress, writes her own memoir. The fashion icon talks about her early dreams of becoming a model, before finally becoming an influential designer admired by all.
3/10
Gods and Kings: The Rise and Fall of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano
Back in 2010, Alexander McQueen took his own life just weeks shy of London's Fashion Week. A year later, one drunk John Galliano was arrested following an anti-semitic tirade. It costed him his job at Dior. Galliano later atone himself and just like McQueen, is now known for his theatrical fashion. Gods and Kings by Dana Thomas tells the bitter, honest story behind the two acclaimed designers.
4/10
Chanel
Francois Baudot documents the legacy of mademoiselle Coco Chanel, and how she revolutionized fashion. The modernist redefined beauty, luxury and style with her iconic quilted handbags, perfumes and jewellery.
5/10
#Carlos’s Places
Carlos Souza writes a handbook based on his travels as Valentino's worldwide brand ambassador. Find the chicest places to be in cities like Sao Paulo and Shanghai, with insiders' tips you won't find in your ordinary travel guide. A must-read for the keen jet-setters.
6/10
Alexander McQueen – Blood Beneath the Skin
Before becaming one of the world's most famed designers, McQueen was first and foremost the son of a modest taxi driver in London. His designs were worn by the world's most reputable women, like the Duchess of Cambridge. But behind all the glamour, McQueen was distant and mysterious. He led a dark life that led him to suicide. "There’s blood beneath every layer of skin,” McQueen once quipped. The aptly titled book authored by Andrew Wilson reveals the truth behind the fashion genius' life.
7/10
Galliano
Written by Colin McDowell, this gripping book tells the story of the great John Galliano and how he takes inspiration from the English art, the Spanish' extravagance, and the French' all-embracing persona. The book contains exclusive sketches and images of his iconic romantic works.
8/10
Gucci: The Making of
Gucci: The Making of by the fashion house's creative director, Frida Giannini is an unparalleled tribute to the Italian mogul. It's personalized and heartfelt, exploring Gucci's origins, evolution, fashion brilliance and influence.
9/10
Valentino – A Grand Italian Epic
Valentino Garavani's works are so unforgettable and glamorously stunning that the world knows him by his first name. The book by Suzie Menkes et al. shows the world of the celebrated couturier like never before. Expect to see images and sketches taken from the Italian's archives, ad campaigns, and photographs, with Valentino's portrayal in the media.
10/10
Yves Saint Laurent’s Studio – Mirror and Secrets
You might have watched the movie documenting Yves Saint Laurent's life, but the book Mirror and Secrets offers a different look into the Frenchman's legacy. Fashion historian Jeromine Savignon invites readers to take a peek into the studio of the fashion mastermind and discover YSL's unprecedented creativity.

See how the likes of Chanel and Alexander McQueen became the greatest fashion designers of our lifetime with our pick of fashion books to inspire you.

Designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Coco Chanel and Alexander McQueen didn’t reach stardom overnight; they had great stories behind their irreplaceability in the eyes of the fashion world.

The venerable YSL, for instance, had impressed designers at Christian Dior at the tender age of 18, before eventually starting his own label with partner Pierre Bergé just a few years later. The admirable Coco Chanel, as we’ve come to know, single-handedly revolutionized fashion and redefined luxury for women. McQueen designed clothes for the world’s most reputable women, but was notoriously mysterious and led a life as dark as his theatrical fashion.

Similarly, other great minds of fashion have a story worth telling. Our gallery shows a collection of gripping books detailing the groundbreaking approaches, personal lives and the celebrated works of world-class fashion designers. Take your pick and get lost in their mesmerizing journey!

Natasha Gan

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