My must-read list

'Chanels 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 1920 onwards. 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.'



'A visual journey through the decades, "Vintage Fashion" is a book for those interested in collecting and acquiring vintage but it also caters for the woman who is 'beyond fashion', who will always be looking at past influences for inspiration when developing her individual look. Featuring the work of Coco Chanel, Christian Lacroix and Muccia Prada among others, it will be of interest to fashion students, designers and any fashionista. At a time when everyone is their own stylist, this book provides an awareness of the fashion skills and techniques of the past, as well as pointers on what to look for when sourcing original vintage pieces, allowing the reader to understand and develop their own intrinsic tastes and fashion sensibilities.'


'The era of Picasso, Diaghilev, Stravinsky, Cocteau, Jean Renoir, Visconti - all of whom 'Coco' knew and collaborated with, even as she matched their modernist innovations by liberating women from the prison of 19th-century fashion and creating a whole new concept of elegance.'



'2007 marked the sixtieth anniversary of Christian Dior's revolutionary "New Look". This sumptuous volume charts the fashion houses history since that groundbreaking collection, with original photography and perceptive texts that track the output of each of the iconic company's couturiers, from Christian Dior himself through Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan and Gianfranco Ferre to John Galliano. The book is enlivened throughout by press reviews and photographs of such celebrity models as Bettina, Suzy Parker and Kate Moss, each immortalized in Dior by the top fashion photographers of the time, from Richard Avedon to Nick Knight.'



'Published to accompany the major exhibition at the Musee de la Mode et du Textile in Paris, which Christian Lacroix has styled and co-curated, this book tells the story of fashion from the 18th century to the present day. It also links the museum's collections with the most significant designs from Lacroixs own career, bringing to light the fundamental stylistic and formal principles that make up the history of fashion.'



'This book provides a comprehensive history of the House of Vuitton in the context of sweeping changes in society, art, culture, fashion, and, above all, travel. Vuitton's goods have been highly innovative and coveted since their inception, which led to the introduction in 1896 of a distinctive "LV" monogrammed canvas. A 1987 merger with Moet-Hennessy made it part of the world's largest luxury goods company, and the 1997 appointment of American designer Marc Jacobs as artistic director expanded the legendary brand's reach into apparel, shoes, jewelry, and watches. The book also explores the company's continued commitment to excellence and travel, reflected by its involvement in the arts and its sponsorship of vintage automobile rallies and the Louis Vuitton Cup, a yacht race. Overseen by LVMH, the book itself demonstrates Louis Vuitton's passion for fine design. It is abundantly illustrated by a stunning array of archival art, historical images, product designs and sketches, and Louis Vuitton's cutting-edge advertising.'


All quotes from Amazon where the books are also available.