Fashion is an expression of oneself. It is a visual statement to the world about who we are and how we want to be portrayed. For fashionistas, clothing is more than just fabric that covers our bodies; it's a representation of a person's identity. If you live and breathe all things fashion, then these five books about the history of top fashion magazines like Vogue, iconic brands like Chanel and world-famous designers like Valentino will both excite and entertain you.
Vogue: The Covers
"In this stunning updated edition of the successful Vogue: The Covers, Vogue continues to pay tribute to its tradition of beauty and excellence with a compilation of even more spectacular cover art. In addition to featuring classic covers from the magazine’s 125-year history, this updated edition features every cover since 2010, with each cover displaying the magazine’s cutting-edge takes on style, fashion, and culture. Unforgettable new covers feature such celebrated subjects as Michelle Obama, Kim and Kanye, Lena Dunham, and more. This lavish, beautifully illustrated book even includes five new frameable Vogue cover prints that can be removed from the back of the book. Vogue: The Covers (Updated Edition) is a must-have for every fashion lover and collector." –Amazon
100 Years of Fashion
"This book documents in pictures the most exciting and diverse period in fashion: from 1900 to today, covering high society, uniforms, sportswear, streetwear, and couture. It will appeal to everyone with an interest in fashion as well as students Over 400 photographs and illustrations, many published for the first time, tell the stylish story of a fashion revolution." –Amazon
Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon
"Fashion is ever-changing, influenced by the key designers that capture a moment in history; and Coco Chanel is arguably the most significant influence on women's fashion in the twentieth century. Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon is a compilation of Megan Hess' stunning illustrations of the 100 most quintessential moments through Chanel's history, from Coco's incredible life, to the impact of Karl Lagerfeld and the incredible items that have become fashion icons - the little black dress, the luxurious bags and accessories, glamorous jewelry and of course the renowned Chanel No. 5 perfume.
Interspersed with historical anecdotes and famous quotes from Coco herself, Karl Lagerfeld and other key fashion icons of the era, this book is an elegant and immersive introduction to the moments that shaped Coco and the iconic Chanel brand—and how fashion, in turn, shaped their lives." –Amazon
Chanel: Collections and Creations
"Chanel's combination of tradition, originality and style has always made it the most seductive of brands. Here the House of Chanel opens its private archives, revealing a galaxy of brilliant designs created by Coco Chanel from the 1920s onwards, and now reinterpreted to become the motifs for brand new garments, accessories and beauty products.
Inspired by the House's signature fragrance, the legendary ‘Chanel No 5’, the book explores five central themes—the suit, the camellia, jewelry, fragrances and makeup, and the little black dress—and follows the threads from past to present to show how these key items have been rediscovered and reinvented by fashion designers working in the footsteps of their illustrious predecessors. This visual journey is enhanced by previously unpublished archive photographs and original drawings by Karl Lagerfeld, as well as glorious images from some of the greatest names in fashion photography.
Dazzling clothes, intricate accessories, beautiful models and timeless design leave no doubt as to the lasting fame of the brand and embody everything that has come to symbolize the magic of Chanel." –Amazon
Valentino: Themes and Variations
"The name Valentino has been synonymous with high fashion for almost 50 years. Based in Rome, Valentino is only one of two couture houses recognized by the French government outside of Paris. His exquisite designs are coveted and worn by young Hollywood and high society the world over. On the occasion of his last couture collection, presented in Paris in the spring of 2008, this landmark book celebrates 45 years of Valentino’s remarkable career. Published in association with a prestigious exhibition at the Museé des Arts Decoratifs’s famed costume department in Paris, this volume focuses on Valentino’s haute couture creations, highlighting the most important and iconic creations of his half-century in fashion through recurring themes in Valentino’s work—variations on the ideas of volume, line, and texture as well as motifs such as geometry, pleats, and flowers—through new photography, sketches, fabric samples, and commentary on the dresses by Valentino himself. ..." –Amazon