Fashion is not just what we wear, it’s a language. A visual tale that unfolds through styles, fabrics, colours and details. We can explore it in the most diverse ways, from experimenting to watching and creating... as well as reading. Beyond the catwalks and shop windows, some books have managed to capture the essence of this fascinating, dynamic and creative industry.
Whether you are a beginner or if you want to expand your knowledge, there is no better tool than a book. So, here are some books that every fashion enthusiast should have on their bookshelf.

Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life, Justine Picardie

Let’s change genres with a must-have book for all those who want to understand the origins and greatness of one of the most influential fashion icons of all times. ‘Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life’ by Justine Picardie is an in-depth biography that offers an intimate portrait of Coco Chanel’s life, from her difficult childhood to the creation of her style empire. With engaging writing, Picardie also takes us through the evolution of 20th century fashion, guided by Coco Chanel’s revolutionary vision.

I love shopping, Sophie Kinsella

Another fashion-themed bestseller that inspired a film.
In this hilarious novel, Sophie Kinsella tells the story of Rebecca Bloomwood, a young woman with an inordinate passion for shopping, who finds herself embroiled in comical and unexpected situations as she tries to deal with her weakness for compulsive buying. Fashion is the beating heart of the book, with fascinating details on clothes, accessories and the irresistible lure of luxury shops. The author paints a vibrant and light-hearted portrait of this industry and its ‘temptations’, while at the same time celebrating fashion as a passion and means of expression.

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, Andrew Bolton

Fashion can be bold, provocative and shocking. This is the concept that is expressed perfectly in ‘Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty’ by Andrew Bolton. The book, published in conjunction with an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serves as a retrospective of the designer’s career by presenting his most iconic and radical designs. A celebration of McQueen’s creativity and originality, and his impact on contemporary fashion, accompanied by extraordinary images and talks by industry experts.

The Devil Wears Prada, Lauren Weisberger

A modern classic and an essential read for anyone who wants insight into the fashion world, from an insider’s perspective. Lauren Weisberger’s ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ — on which the acclaimed film of the same name starring Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep was based — follows the adventures of Andy Sachs, a young graduate and personal assistant to the feared Miranda Priestley, editor of the prestigious fashion magazine Runaway. The book offers a glimpse behind the scenes of a powerful fashion magazine, showing the hardship and art of working in this industry. The author actually worked as an assistant to the editor-in-chief of Vogue America, Anna Wintour. The brilliant and ruthless characters, the power dynamics and the detailed description of haute couture clothes make this book a compelling and enchanting read for anyone who loves glamour.

Dior by Dior, Christian Dior

Autobiographies are quite popular when it comes to fashion; Christian Dior’s is one of the staples of this category. A gem in which the famous designer, founder of the eponymous fashion house, shares his story and vision. Through his words, we discover the background of how the famous fashion house was created and the evolution of its distinctive style. A great book to immerse oneself in the creative genius of one of the biggest names in the industry.

Grace: A Memoir, Grace Coddington

Grace Coddington’s extraordinary talent and her dedication to her work as creative director of Vogue have made her an international icon.  In this book, her voice describes her early career as a model, working with world-famous photographers, before moving on to the part of her life spent behind the camera as a fashion editor and later creative director. Coddington presents a series of stylists, hairstylists, make-up artists, photographers, models and celebrities who have helped her create some of the most iconic fashion images of the last century.

Shocking Life, Elsa Schiaparelli

If there is one name that is synonymous with experimentation in fashion, it’s Elsa Schiaparelli. ‘Shocking Life’ is the autobiography of the surrealist designer who revolutionised fashion in the 1930s and 1940s, dedicating her life to defying conventions and creating astonishing masterpieces. Through the pages of the book, Schiaparelli reveals the crucial stages of her career and behind the scenes of her collaborations with the likes of Salvador Dali, presenting a fascinating insight into her vision of fashion as a bold and provocative art form.