Books are the New Black
4 Fashion Reads to Stay on Trend
Lately, reading has made a stylish comeback. It has become quite the trend, adding a fun and lighthearted twist to our daily routines. But while it's easy to think of books as the latest must-have accessory, there's a deeper significance to this trend—especially for those eyeing a career in fashion. Fashion literacy is crucial. Beyond the joy of reading, it's about understanding the industry, its history, and its language. With that in mind, stay on trend and informed about the fashion industry with these four essential fashion reads.
The Woman I Wanted to Be by Diane von Furstenberg is an inspiring memoir that chronicles the life of the renowned fashion designer. Von Furstenberg shares her journey from her childhood in Brussels to her rise in the fashion world, where she became famous for her iconic wrap dress. She shares personal stories about her family, her love life, and her challenges while building her brand. The memoir provides valuable insights into the fashion industry and lessons on resilience, ambition, and authenticity.
This book helped me land an internship at Diane von Furstenberg. Well, not exactly, but it did inspire me to leverage my network, challenge myself, and secure an internship at New York Market Week. It's the perfect blend of inspiration and practical advice, and I think everyone should read it.
Anna: The Biography by Amy Odell offers an in-depth look at the life and career of Anna Wintour, the iconic editor-in-chief of Vogue. Odell examines Wintour's early years, her rise in the fashion journalism world, and her impact on the industry. The biography dives into her career milestones, her influence on fashion, and the personal traits that have defined her leadership style. Through detailed research and numerous interviews, Odell paints a nuanced picture of a woman whose vision and determination have left an indelible mark on fashion and media.
I received Anna: The Biography as a college graduation gift. As a recent grad feeling paralyzed and intimidated by the prospect of entering the industry, there was no better time to read this book. It helped me understand the importance of resilience and seizing every opportunity that comes your way. If you know where you want to go, you must be willing to do anything and everything to get there.
Dress Code: Unlocking Fashion from the New Look to Millennial Pink is a collection of essays that explores the cultural and societal impacts of fashion trends over the decades. This insightful book delves into how styles like Dior's New Look and the phenomenon of Millennial Pink reflect and shape our world. With engaging stories and insightful analysis, it uncovers the meanings and impacts of what we wear, offering a fresh perspective on the evolution of fashion and its role in our lives.
If you want to gain a deeper understanding of Miranda Priestly's famous cerulean blue monologue, this is the book for you. The fascinating thing about fashion (in my humble opinion) is that everything has a source. Both the trickle-up and trickle-down theories generally explain this phenomenon, but Véronique Hyland takes it a step further in her extremely detailed essays.
The End of Fashion: How Marketing Changed the Clothing Business Forever reviews the profound transformation of the fashion industry driven by marketing strategies. The book details how traditional fashion houses have adapted to changing consumer behaviors and the rise of fast fashion. It reveals the shift from exclusive, designer-led trends to mass-market appeal, driven by creative marketing and branding. This insightful read shows how the dynamics of fashion have evolved, highlighting the pivotal role of marketing in shaping today's clothing business.
As a marketing major in college, I felt it was essential to read this book to gain insight into how marketing influences the fashion industry. After reading it, I not only developed a deeper understanding of that relationship but also began to contemplate the future of fashion and how our generation can repair some of the damage that has been done especially in the world of fast fashion.
To reiterate, while reading has become a popular trend, it's a fabulous opportunity to delve into fashion books and boost your fashion literacy. I've truly enjoyed learning more about the industry I fell in love with while gaining a deeper understanding of its rich history. I'm excited to continue exploring even more, regardless of its trend status, and use this knowledge to further my career in fashion. There are many more fashion books I'm eager to discuss, so make sure to subscribe so you don't miss any future posts! <3
XO,
𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆