1.
Isabella Blow: A Life in Fashion
By Lauren Goldstein
BlowIf you haven't heard of the colorful and influential fashion icon that is Isabella Blow, this book will fascinates you endlessly. Goldstein accounts for Blow's life beginning right from her intriguing childhood, growing up in a British, aristocratic family to her time in the fashion industry, working as Anna Wintour's assistant and making a name for herself as a top stylist.
Isabella Blow was a self-made icon and this was reflected in her wild and extravagant style that often featured her favorite designers, Phillip Treacy and Alexander McQueen. However as exciting as her life was, Blow was battling depression and at the age of 48, succumbed to it in a tragic suicide.
Blow's life was like a dark fairytale and we highly recommend this book for those who want to be inspired by an individual that was truly devoted to fashion and led an extraordinary life.
2.
Shocking Life: The Autobiography of Elsa Schiaparelli
By Elsa Schiaparelli
SchiaparelliFor those who are interested in getting to know more about one of history's most significant designer, Elsa Schiaparelli, Shocking Life written by no other but herself will not cease to inspire you. The memoir, first published in 1954 tells us about Schiap's (as she calls herself) life beginning in her small apartment in Rome to her success in the fashion industry where she dressed top stars of the time such as Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich.
Although, the memoir does not give a great insight to Schiap's creative process, it allows the reader to understand the designer on a personal level. If you love shoulder pads, animal prints and the color, 'shocking pink' – you should know that Schiaparelli invented them all and who wouldn't want to learn more about someone so pioneering?
3.
D.V.
By Diana Vreeland
VreelandIn her lifetime, Diana Vreeland was both the fashion editor of Harper's Bazaar and editor-in-chief of Vogue, if that doesn't make for a good story to read then we don't know what will!
Vreeland has written the book in a conversational manner that engages the audience. She takes us through her glittering life from dining with movie stars to the fitting sessions for her wardrobe. As you get to know Vreeland through her tales and see the way she appreciates the little things in life, your perspective on life will grow. Vreeland is a great role model showing that a woman can be intelligent, independent and fabulous all at the same time. The book is superbly written and perfectly made for a fun and delightful read. After finishing this book (which we promise you, won't take very long at all), you will find yourself craving for a little more glamour in your life.
4.
House of Versace: The Untold Story of Genius, Murder, and Survival
By Deborah Ball
VersaceAnother page-turner we recommend would be this one about the Versace family and brand. Deborah Ball, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal has meticulously researched information for the book through a series of interviews with the Versace family, models, lovers, business rivals and influential characters from the fashion industry.
This book is highly recommended for those who are interested in the business and marketing side of fashion as it is a great example of how a brand is built and resurrects itself after a tragedy. It is an exceptional read, which helps the audience, understands the house of Versace as it is today through the celebrity cult and glamour that was uniquely built by Gianni Versace.
5.
Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
By Andrew Bolton with Tim Blanks and Susannah Frankel
McQueenAlexander McQueen was one of the most influential and inventive designers of our time. With his tragic and untimely death in 2010, the Metropolitan Museum of Art held a large exhibition, which showcased every collection from McQueen's career beginning from his Central Saint Martins graduate collection. The book focuses on six of these collections that best encapsulates McQueen's growth as an avant-garde designer.
Although not necessarily a biography, the book takes an in-depth look into McQueen's creative process from his tailoring techniques to the way he challenged the norm in unconventional materials that elevated fashion garments into something of an art status. It also includes an interview with Sarah Burton, McQueen's right hand since 1996 who succeeded him as the creative director in 2010. From beautiful photographs and intriguing narrative, we think this book is a definite must read.
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