By Anabella C. Pacheco. Photographs by Asia Niero.
Like everyone who loves to read and learn more about fashion, I relish every opportunity to look over all the fashion books to learn, find inspiration and boost my imagination.
On my safaris through ideas, there are four must-have books that I consider particularly compelling, fascinating and beautiful.
I found them while sifting through the most glamorous volumes at the Istituto Marangoni Firenze library. Never again without them!
The New Luxury – Defining the Aspirational in the Age of Hype, HIGHSNOBIETY, 2019.
How can cult streetwear brands interact with luxury houses?
This book is for curious minds wanting to understand more about the changes in the fashion market, and it offers a new perspective on high fashion and its dynamic landscape.
It analyses how the traditional notions of luxury and exclusivity have been redefined and how the fashion industry began to embrace sustainability, ethical practices and inclusivity.
It does so by featuring interviews with industry leaders, such as Kim Jones, creative director of Dior Homme and artistic director of Fendi’s Women’s Collection, Hiroshi Fujiwara, the godfather of streetwear, case studies of important brands of the new era such as Prada and Dior, and a preface of Alexander Arnault of RIMOWA. Perfect for cross-cultural surfers.
Dior: Catwalk, Alexander Fury and Adelia Sabatini, 2017.
This is more than just a book. It is an incredible journey and a tribute to the legacy of Christian Dior, one of the most iconic fashion designers of all time. It takes you on a journey through the fascinating history of the Dior brand, starting with the iconic designer and his “New Look” and continuing with the various creative directors who have succeeded him up to the present day.
Featuring breathtaking photographs, sketches, and interviews, the book offers a peek into the luxurious world of the French Maison and its exquisite designs.You don’t want want to miss this one!
Alexander McQueen, Claire Wilcox, 2015.
Rebel genius, fashion hooligan, and creative visionary: Alexander McQueen was all that and more. This book was published alongside V&A’s landmark exhibition Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, and it celebrates the life and work of the renowned fashion designer. It showcases the designer’s ability to blend art and fashion and to enchant with his mythical creatures and dark fairytales by featuring essays from expert fashion commentators and cultural scholars.
As you flip through the pages, you will discover stunning images and personal stories that showcase McQueen’s talent for translating his emotions and experiences into extraordinary fashion statements.
The Anatomy of Fashion: Why We Dress the Way We Do, Colin McDowel, 2013.
Fashion revolves around the body, and this book is an ongoing revelation, delving into the cultural and historical aspects of how we dress and how this has changed over time.
Colin McDowell breaks down fashion by genres and body parts, including descriptive images, and incorporates fashion worldwide, focusing on the history and origins of garments. He provides a comprehensive guideline of the influences, motivations and societal pressures behind how we dress.
Anabella C. Pacheco is an undergraduate student in Fashion Business and Digital Marketing at Istituto Marangoni Firenze.
Asia Niero is an undergraduate student in Multimedia Arts at Istituto Marangoni Firenze.
