Whenever I get a moment to think of myself as a devoted professional in the fashion media, I ponder upon the notion of a ‘fashion library’; a collection of beautiful, informative (or both) books about style, fashion history and stylish individuals. I’m on my way - as of now, I own about 10 books roughly on the topic, including Refinery29’s Style Stalking, Icons of Men’s Style and Fashion Victims, a book curious dedicated to fashion-related disasters in the Victorian era, whose author I recently interviewed. And the library is bound to grow.
In the U.S, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is wrapped in a tempting, consumerism-spiked atmosphere. It’s that time of year when gifting yourself with a spa certificate makes perfect sense, and my imagination allows itself to stretch beyond the necessary into the ‘nice to have’. Which brings me back to the notion of a style library - beautiful books cater to my goal of self education, pamper my inner fashionista and compliment my living room when skillfully stacked. It is the holiday gift trifecta. Which books am I planning on buying (or, ahem, be gifted) this year? Here’s the seasonal must-have list.
 Why: This came out earlier this year, and prompted new interest in the street style photographer. I avoided buying Alexa Chung's 'It' (which looks about the same), but Garance is a different story.  Why: Not exactly a style book, but ever since discovering Justina Blakeney on Instagram, I'm enchanted by the prospect of embroidered pillows, colorful wallpaper and other bohemian staples. The book seems like a natural progression.  Why: I mean, it's Chloe Sevigny, whose photo I used for Facebook's doppelganger week last year. She's perpetually sleepy, utterly cool and irresistibly stylish. Would some of it rub off on me in the process of reading? Hopefully yes. |  Why: I first stumbled upon the Gypset series at a Danish Airbnb. I'm hooked ever since, but yet to purchase a copy. The Style book, in particular, has a very cravable, escapist appeal - I desperately want to be a Gypsetter.  Why: Blame it on Solange's videos and Trevor Struuman's Instagram. Despite looking like one of those coffee table decorators, Haute Africa actually contains art photography, essays and lots of quirk. I needed it as soon as I saw it.  Why: Amy Odell is witty and talented, and a fellow journalist. Besides, having been to a couple of Fashion Weeks, this should be amusing and educational at once. Fashion books, you know, are not all pictures and beautiful covers. |
Feel inspired to grow your own? Here are a few tips:
1. Don’t feel obligated to go straight to the basics, such as history, designer biographies and serious mega-titles. A good fashion library is diverse and most importantly, fun for you to browse.
2. Avoid ‘gimmicky’ amateur books like 50 best LBDs or fade-away, of-the-moment tomes such as Alexander McQueen. A library built to last deserves better.
3. Invest in quality books that group, or interestingly sum up, a cool topic, such as American Beauty or A Matter of Fashion: 20 Iconic Items that Changed the History of Style. I have the wonderful Women in Clothes and Fashion Box: The Immortal Icons of Style - such books expand your horizons in a fun, lightweight manner.
4. And - add quirk. Once, I found a book awesomely titled Hurrah For the Bra - it was a pop-up about the history of bras! Of course I bought it. Look for your own private Bra Book.
