20 Incredible Books Covering the History of Fashion (2024)

20 Incredible Books Covering the History of Fashion

20 Incredible Books Covering the History of Fashion (1)

Fashion — although some dismiss it as superficial — connects us both most intimately to our bodies as well as to wider social and cultural norms, making it an overarching element of our world. Here are 20 books that will take you on a journey through the history of fashion.

20 of the Best Fashion History Books

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The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St Clair

Adapted out of St Clair’s Elle Decoration column, this book uses color as a prism for exploring the social and cultural history of the world. Arranged by color, St Clair reveals that there’s more to a shade than meets the eye.

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Fashion History From The 18th To The 20th Century by TASCHEN

Three centuries of fashion are covered in depth in this book, demonstrating how attire is intricately connected to social and cultural norms. Insightful essays are accompanied by brilliant photography in this revealing book.

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Inside The Royal Wardrobe: A Dress History Of Queen Alexandra by Kate Strasdin

Academic Kate Strasdin provides a fascinating account of how Alexandra used fashion to symbolize her varying roles in life. As a mother, wife, and queen, fashion was a key tool for switching between these modes.

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Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress Past and Present by Alison Matthews David

A thrilling book about the dark side of fashion! Murder and madness are the themes in this book about fashion at its most “drop dead” gorgeous.

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Vogue: The Gown by Jo Ellison

“This fabulously illustrated book features glamor on every page,” says Eddie Parrish, a fashion blogger at State Of Writing and Paper Fellows. “This is one for the supermodels out there.”

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The Fashion Chronicles: The Style Stories of History’s Best Dressed by Amber Butchart

Butchart uses fashion as a means of gaining insight into the lives of individuals throughout history. In doing so, she reveals the profound connections between fashion and social and political standing.

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How to Read a Dress by Lydia Edwards

Fashion aficionados will understand the subtleties and nuances of this world that make it fascinating. Lydia Edwards takes us on a deep dive into the world of dress design in this engrossing volume.

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The Wedding Dress: The Fifty Designs That Changed The Course of Bridal Fashion by Eleanor Thompson

From classic white gowns to experimental design, Thompson presents an authoritative account of wedding dress fashion. The theory and practice of wedding dresses are covered completely.

Most Beautiful Haute Couture Wedding Dresses

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The Dress: 100 Iconic Moments in Fashion by Megan Hess

Fashion moments become timeless as they seep into our collective consciousness. Hess has drawn the most powerful moments from history into this compelling collection.

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The House of Worth, 1858-1954: The Birth of Haute Couture by Chantal Trubert-Tollu et al.

Charting the incredible journey of Charles Frederick Worth, this is the story of a man whose creativity and entrepreneurship changed the face of fashion forever.

The Art of Haute Couture

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Harper’s Bazaar: First in Fashion by Marianne Le Galliard and Éric Pujalet-Plaà

“Harper’s Bazaar has been reporting on fashion for over 150 years and has been enormously influential in fashion trends,” says Anna Williams, a writer at Essayroo and OX Essays. “This book explores how fashion and culture have been shaped by one magazine.”

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Fashion: A Timeline in Photographs: 1850 to Today

This visually stunning edition takes the reader on a journey through fashion. Discover changing trends and enduring styles through the images in this book.

The History of Fashion by the Decade, 1900 – 2000

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The Dictionary of Fashion History by Valerie Cumming

Cumming’s complete account of fashion from the mainstream to the esoteric profound countless hours of fascination. Opening a random page in this book – what is a Welch wig? – reveals interest on every page.

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The Anatomy of Fashion: Why We Dress the Way We Do by Colin McDowell

McDowell breaks fashion down through the use of physiology. That fashion is, ultimately, about the body is a fact often overlooked – McDowell brings it into stark clarity.

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Tom Ford by Tom Ford, Bridget Foley et al.

Tom Ford turned Gucci into a global brand and influenced fashion across the 20th century. Including over 200 lush photographs, this compendium offers unprecedented detail about Ford’s life and designs.

On Our Shelf | Supreme Models: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Fashion

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Louis Vuitton: The Birth of Modern Luxury by Paul-Gerard Pasols, Pierre Leonforte

Now in an updated edition, Louis Vuitton dives into one of fashion’s most elegant houses. The lives of its founder and heirs, inextricable from the shape of the company, are explored in great depth.

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Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty by Andrew Bolton

The infusion of race, class, and religion in McQueen’s designs provide one of the most potent realizations of fashion’s political power. This biography reveals McQueen’s genius.

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GUCCI: The Making Of by Frida Giannini (ed.)

Photography accompanies insightful essays exploring the reach of Gucci’s designs beyond the world of fashion in this stunning collection.

Behind the Scenes: The Gucci Story

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The Impossible Collection of Fashion by Assouline

A giant, beautiful book which in its own design screams of fashion. In this volume, Valerie Steele has collected 100 powerful dresses and their implications for the future of fashion.

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Chanel: The Impossible Collection by Assouline

A stunning work exploring the house of Chanel, from Chanel herself through to Karl Lagerfeld’s work elevating it into high fashion. Featuring glossy images taking the reader on a journey through 100 iconic looks, this book is a work of art.

Fashion is art, politics, and culture together. The history of fashion is truly a history of the world and these books will help you discover it!

About the Author:

Katherine Rundell is a fashion writer at Essay Writing Services UK and Academized.com. She has a love for shopping vintage and writes about fashion, history and culture from the 1850s to the present day. She is also a proofreader at Legit essay writing service.

Top 50 Best Fashion Designers

20 Incredible Books Covering the History of Fashion (2024)

FAQs

What are 3 interesting history facts about fashion? ›

Do you know that in Ancient Greek and Roman times pants were considered uncivilized. Before trousers became the norm, men in many cultures wore skirts and robes. Ancient Egyptians donned kilts, while Roman men sported togas. In fact, the Scottish kilt, a symbol of national pride, remains a traditional garment.

What is a CR fashion book? ›

CR's unique format combines the collectible aspect of a book with the contemporary spirit of a carefully curated fashion magazine. Each issue explores a given seasonal theme through immersive fashion spreads and long-form essays, interviews, poems, and lyrics.

Why is the history of fashion important? ›

Fashion history is important because it is a visual marker of societal changes. In ancient Rome and Egypt, clothing was used strictly as a status symbol. In 1890, the French started the iconic fashion trend of haute couture. Many women began wearing androgynous flapper style clothing in the 1920s.

What was the golden age of fashion? ›

The launch of Christian Dior's New Look in 1947 marked the beginning of a momentous decade in fashion history, one that Dior himself called the 'golden age'. Celebrating the end of war and the birth of a new era, it set a standard for dressmaking and high fashion that has rarely been surpassed.

Who was the first fashion? ›

What we do know is the identity of the first modern fashion designer – Charles Frederick Worth. He was an English gentleman born in October 1825. This man is credited with two important 'fashion firsts' – he was the first to use live models, thus inventing the fashion show.

What is the most popular article of clothing? ›

Arguably the most popular article of clothing in the modern day, T-shirts have expanded to include various styles, designs, and cuts while crossing cultural and socioeconomic boundaries.

Which fashion publication is the most important? ›

As one of the most iconic and influential fashion magazines in the world , Vogue offers readers a comprehensive and exclusive look into the world of fashion . From the latest runway trends to in - depth interviews with top designers , Vogue covers all aspects of the fashion industry .

What degree do you need to work at Vogue? ›

You don't need to study fashion or journalism or have previous experience to get an internship at Vogue 😉 If you are at the beginning of your career, start with internships 😎 Whether you are an aspiring writer, editor, stylist, marketing, or digital manager… there is a place for you at your dream fashion magazine 👠

What is fashion journaling? ›

Fashion journalists write about and critique fashion events and trends as well as cultivate and maintain relationships with stylists and designers. Fashion journalists are either employed full-time by a publication, or they submit articles on a freelance basis.

What does CR fashion book stand for? ›

In case you're not yet familiar with CR Fashion Book, let me explain – the “CR” stands for “Carine Roitfeld,” the incredibly influential and generally brilliant former editor of French Vogue. When she left her former post, she consulted for a little while before forming a new indie magazine, which is pretty great.

Are books back in fashion? ›

Nostalgia and Retro Appeal: There is a nostalgic appeal associated with traditional printed media. Some individuals appreciate the retro and vintage feel of reading a physical book or magazine, reminiscent of an earlier era.

What is the oldest fashion brand? ›

French fashion house Hermes is the oldest luxury brand in the world still in operation today. It was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermes. The designer originally produced saddles and other riding gear. The first unofficial Hermes bag designed in addition to riding equipment was designed to carry saddles.

Who is father of fashion? ›

Charles Frederick Worth (13 October 1825 – 10 March 1895) was an English fashion designer who founded the House of Worth, one of the foremost fashion houses of the 19th and early 20th centuries. He is considered by many fashion historians to be the father of haute couture.

What can a person wear that is never out of style? ›

A smile.

What are 3 facts about 1960s fashion? ›

Broadly categorized, there were three main trends in 1960s womenswear: 1) the lady-like elegance inherited from the previous decade seen on the likes of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, 2) the fun, youthful designs popularized by Swinging London, and 3) the Eastern-influenced hippie styles of the late 1960s.

Why is fashion important 3 reasons? ›

Fashion empowers us with authentic and comfortable self-expression, enhancing confidence and self-esteem. The right clothing choices positively impact how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us, fostering a positive self-image and inner strength.

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