Fashion in books: 7 works to decipher this industry
Fashion, that fascinating field at the crossroads of arts and identities, is rich in written references. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or just curious, here’s a selection of recent and essential works to help you understand the world of fashion and its many facets.
A bible: Le Bouquin de la mode by Olivier Saillard
Renowned historian Olivier Saillard offers an encyclopedic dive into the history of fashion with Le Bouquin de la mode. With its 1,250 pages, this book impresses by its exhaustiveness. From designers and legendary fashion houses to photographers and models, every key player is meticulously documented. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to explore fashion from every angle.
Éditions Robert Laffont
The Fashion Museum: a visual retrospective
If you prefer an alphabetical, visual approach, Le Musée de la mode is for you. This book lists 500 major figures who have marked the history of fashion over the last 200 years. Each entry brings you closer to a world where creativity and heritage meet.
Phaidon Publishing
Dancing on the volcano: an analysis by Sophie Abriat
In this book, journalist Sophie Abriat explores how fashion has infiltrated contemporary culture. She examines how brands such as Chanel and Dior have transcended their products to become cultural icons. The book invites us to reflect on the evolution of the industry and its links with art, cinema and even gastronomy.
Éditions Grasset
Impertinent reflections: Tap, sock and corset
Mathilde Berthier and Céline Cabourg decipher 60 fashion objects and concepts in a book that’s both educational and entertaining. Claquette, chaussette et corset shows that each garment carries with it an often unexpected cultural history, all with a touch of humor and provocation.
Éditions de La Martinière
Sociology of fashion by Frédéric Godart: between art and society
Rarely approached from an academic angle, fashion here becomes a subject for sociological analysis. Frédéric Godart explores the social, economic and cultural workings that shape this industry. From the dynamics of trends to the link between fashion and social identity, this synthetic work is an invaluable key to understanding the impact of fashion on our lives.
Éditions La Découverte
Coco Chanel, a legend, a life: by Justine Picardie
Justine Picardie offers an in-depth biography of Coco Chanel. This book goes beyond clichés to shed light on the complex and sometimes controversial history of this icon. From her humble beginnings to her role in the Second World War, the book reveals the many facets of a woman who redefined femininity.
Éditions Flammarion
Sewing humor: A thousand billion ribbons by Loïc Prigent
Finally, Loïc Prigent offers a richly anecdotal exploration of the evolution of couture. Both funny and rigorous, this book examines the industry’s major innovations, from Singer machines to department store windows. Prigent doesn’t hesitate to tackle sensitive subjects, such as the dark origins of certain materials used in luxury goods.
Éditions Grasset
Paris: a natural link with fashion
It’s impossible to talk about fashion without talking about Paris. Each of the works mentioned is in keeping with the heritage and relevance of the world’s fashion capital. Whether through the figures it has seen born or the fashion houses that call it home, Paris remains a focal point for fashion lovers.
Also read: The best fashion and art bookshops to discover
