Photography remains an integral element of the storytelling process in the fashion industry. It used to be that putting together a show-stopping outfit was reserved for professional stylists and magazine editors alike. However, these days are gone with the popularity of fashion blogs and "how-to" websites, like Who What Wear, taking the Internet by storm. Men and women everywhere have discovered the joys of simply selecting their clothes for the day through the inspiration of others. Personal style has become a part of our daily lexicon, and naturally, there are many books out there on the subject. Glam Damn It has compiled a list of our fave fashion reads. Read one or all of these and you will be well on your way to wardrobe superstardom.
1.) Irreverent, by Carine Roitfeld
Released last year, this best-seller from the former Vogue Paris editrix is edgy, dark and full of plenty of high fashion inspiration. Similar to a scrapbook, it uses magazine tear sheets, covers, editorial photos and advertising campaigns spanning Roitfeld's 30-year career in fashion to reveal to readers' her daring and influential creative process.
2.) Daphne Guinness, by Valerie Steele
The dark-beer heiress with a two-tone head of hair has one of the most instantly recognizable personal styles on the planet. An avid couture collector, she has influenced everyone from Alexander McQueen, to Alia, to Karl Lagerfeld and Lady Gaga. In this book, the multi-talented Ms. Guinness explains the elements and history of her personal style.
3.) Jackie: Her Life in Pictures, by James Spada
One of our favorite photo books ever composed, Spada captures the effortless grace and style of the woman who would become "Jackie O" through this chronological collection. From the prestige she was born into, to the countless tragedies she faced as an adult, Jackie personified taste, independence and elegance at every moment.
4.) Influence, by Mary Kate + Ashley Olsen
The former tween idols have become a force to reckon with in the fashion industry. In this coffee table book they give fans a glimpse into what has influenced them as designers including behind the scenes shots and interviews with designers they admire.
You didn't expect us to leave Kate the Great off of this list, did you? Longtime collaborators Moss and Testino put together their nearly two decades of work into this one volume (some of the never-before-seen shots are pulled from the author's private collection!) Flipping through the stunning photographs will remind fashionistas that to be a trendsetter of this magnitude, you can never be afraid to take risks.
6.) I Love Your Style, by Amanda Brooks
Former Women's Fashion Director, and VP of Barney's New York, Ms. Brooks takes her seemingly unlimited knowledge of fashion and personal style and translates it for the everyday woman- albeit a very chic everyday woman. Included in the book are personal anecdotes, her own style icons, lists of her favorite fashion books and films, and checklists for chic wardrobe essentials no matter how you define your style.
Using these sartorial stars as a guide, anybody can learn what goes into creating a fantastic sense of style. Plus, they're just fun to read!
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