Books about fashion are not just tools for analyzing trends but gateways to the depth and diversity of the fashion industry. They allow readers to craft their own stylish look while gaining a deeper understanding of fashion as a cultural phenomenon, where every element carries profound meaning. Exploring the style revolutions of different eras—from royal attire to suffragette garments—reveals how clothing became a symbol of protest and a key element in societal change.
If you’re looking to better understand how the fashion industry operates, or how clothing becomes a part of cultural identity and a tool for self-expression, this curated list from KyivPage is the perfect starting point.
Fashionpedia: The Visual Dictionary of Fashion Design
Fashionpedia is a brilliantly illustrated dictionary of fashion terms. It provides definitions of thousands of fashion items—from outerwear to lingerie, shoes, and hats. Created by the Fashionary team, the book offers an engaging chronology of style, including iconic 1940s silhouettes, insights into Christian Dior’s work, and an overview of timeless fashion trends. Readers will also learn about hat-making and the techniques behind fabric production.
This encyclopedia of fashion unveils the history and trends shaping the industry today, making it an indispensable resource for fashion enthusiasts.
The Men’s Fashion Book
Men’s fashion has evolved through groundbreaking style revolutions, meticulously explored in this book published by Phaidon. Created in collaboration with Jacob Gallagher, Men’s Fashion Editor at The Wall Street Journal, the book chronicles 200 years of individuals and brands that have defined key looks in men’s clothing and continue to influence its revival today.
The book highlights the work of 130 designers, 100 brands, 70 style icons, 40 photographers, 25 stylists, 10 illustrators, and 15 models. It celebrates the creativity of industry legends like Giorgio Armani and Paul Smith while showcasing innovators such as Alessandro Michele, Kim Jones, and Ozwald Boateng.
Stefan Sagmeister: A Unique Design Perspective
The book by Stefan Sagmeister, one of today’s most influential graphic designers, is a groundbreaking project in the design world. Using data from various studies, Sagmeister highlights the positive changes in humanity’s evolution over the past centuries.
Readers will uncover fascinating facts about increased life expectancy, the decline in global poverty, and more. The book features a foreword by renowned psycholinguist Steven Pinker, essays by graphic designer and historian Steven Heller, and an interview with Hans Ulrich Obrist, the artistic director of London’s Serpentine Galleries.
The History of Fashion from the 18th to the 20th Century
Fashion—whether a kimono or a business suit—is a reflection of culture, social status, personality, and even religious beliefs. It is intricately tied to daily life. The History of Fashion from the 18th to the 20th Century offers captivating photographs of exhibits from the Kyoto Costume Institute, which houses a unique collection of fashion pieces from different eras.
Today, the Institute holds one of the world’s largest collections of historical clothing, lingerie, footwear, and accessories spanning three centuries. The book includes commentary from leading fashion experts, such as Akiko Fukai, honorary director of the Institute, and curators Tamami Suoh and Rie Nii, alongside fashion history lecturer Miki Iwagami.
The Sofia Coppola Archive: 1999–2023
From Paris Hilton’s wardrobe to costumes for a modern Versailles, and tales of Kirsten Dunst as Coppola’s muse, this 488-page book is a treasure trove of Sofia Coppola’s creative journey.
The art book features photographs from Coppola’s personal collection, reference collages, annotated scripts, early cinematic concepts, and behind-the-scenes documents. It delves into iconic films such as The Virgin Suicides (1999), Marie Antoinette (2006), and Priscilla (2023), accompanied by interviews and text by film journalist Lynn Hirschberg.
American Suffragists and the Power of Fashion
American suffragists crafted dresses out of newspapers featuring calls to vote. In India, male farmers dressed their wives in saris and protested against government indifference. Camille Benda’s “Dressing Resistance: A Visual History of Protest Through Clothing” explores how attire has been a potent symbol of change for centuries.
With 150 archival illustrations, photographs, and paintings, the book tells the riveting story of fashion activism—from ancient Roman uprisings to 20th-century punk culture and the modern #MeToo movement.
I’ll Drink to That
Discover the extraordinary life of Betty Halbreich, a legendary New York stylist and personal shopper, whose story inspired an upcoming HBO series by Lena Dunham.
For over 40 years, Betty worked at Bergdorf Goodman, advising stars and everyday women on finding confidence through clothing. Her journey is one of transformation: born into a wealthy Chicago family, she navigated high society in 1950s Manhattan but faced personal struggles, including divorce and a suicide attempt. Through resilience and natural talent, Betty found her calling at Bergdorf Goodman, where she helped redefine personal style for countless clients.
Collecting Fashion: Nostalgia, Passion, Obsession
Fashion today is deeply tied to its history, with enthusiasts building private archives to preserve its legacy. “Collecting Fashion: Nostalgia, Passion, Obsession” provides a 300-page dive into remarkable collections like Michelle Lamy’s Comme des Garçons archive, Helmut Lang’s works housed in Berlin’s ENDYMA, and Zaha Hadid’s stunning shoe collection.
The book also highlights unique pieces from iconic brands such as Issey Miyake, Maison Martin Margiela, Thierry Mugler, John Galliano, and Alexander McQueen.
Grace: A Memoir
This captivating autobiography by Grace Coddington, creative director of Vogue and a former supermodel, offers an insider’s perspective on the fashion industry. Widely regarded as one of the most influential stylists in the world, Grace shares vibrant stories from her career, including collaborations with top photographers and designers, her friendship with Harper’s Bazaar editor Liz Tilberis, and her complex relationship with Vogue’s Anna Wintour.
Grace also recounts the tragic car accident that ended her modeling career and shaped her journey into editorial fashion. Her sharp wit and compelling storytelling make this a must-read for fashion lovers.
The Impactful Models: 50 Women Who Shaped Fashion
Celebrated British photographer and America’s Next Top Model judge presents a curated collection of 50 influential models from the 1940s to today.
With 200 stunning photographs and accompanying stories, the book is divided into eight chronological chapters highlighting women who defined their eras. Featuring iconic names like Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Gisele Bündchen, and Cara Delevingne, this book celebrates the muses who inspired global fashion trends and shaped the industry.