Fashion on Paper

A bare coffee table is a sorry sight - without a stack of heavy bound books, piled up in size order, what's the purpose of the wooden square? I jest, but we all know that fashion books are to be read and to be savored. It may be a case of 'just pretty pictures' but that's fine because those pictures look oh so fine on weighty, glossy pages.

                               Maison Martin Margiela

One of the 'Antwerp Six', Martin Margiela defies the traditional and refuses to recapitulate trends and ideas. A look at his life and work is bound in this enchantingly beautiful book. At £65 it may be one to put on 'the list'.

                             Nick Knight

Nick Knight has been leading the way for almost thirty years now and technically and creatively he's one of the best fashion photographers that the Editors-in-chief have ever airkissed. A shot of a silhouetted Kate Moss is a favourite of mine. 

100 Contemporary Fashion Designers

The hardback proffering of this book is one of the most beautiful things I own. There are two large, heavy bound books: A-K and J-Z, each giving a comprehensive look at the who's-who of modern fashion design.

           Irreverent

The model, super journalist and ex Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Paris is possibly the chicest woman alive. Irreverent is a sneak peek into the long career of Roitfeld - not just Vogue Paris is covered - as well as a more personal snapshot of her life.

            Luxury Fashion

Luxury Fashion: A Global History of Heritage Brands may not look as glamorous as the other books on this list but it's by no means a dry read. Educating myself on fashion and it's long and fruitful past is a must - especially when writing fashion articles - a girl has got to be informed.

This one looks at everything from fabrics to jewellery to the satorialisation of cowboy boots.

 

 Pictures

Tim Walker is the don of the fashion photography world. I've had this book since I was 15/16 and it never fails to inspire and entertain. Walker is a bit of an idol and I loved his exhibition at Somerset House a few years back.

You're sure to recognise some of his shot even if you don't know the name. Dyeing animals in pastel hues is always a winner.

Vogue The Covers

Vogue covers have been getting less and less impressive as each monthly issue is dropped through my letterbox. I remember a time when I would rip open the plastic on my subscription just to see who adorns the cover. But recently it's been big names and little fashion.

This book looks back over the classic Vogue covers from illustrations through to photographs.