Fashion people share the fashion books they keep coming back to

The industry’s favourite fashion books.

We make no secret of our love for reading here at Fashion Journal. Although everyone clearly has their favourite genres (some love literary fiction, while others prefer a smutty romance), one thing that we all agree on is our love for fashion books.

The fashion industry is steeped in history, yet constantly in flux. While it’s full of creative visionaries, iconic collections and big personalities, there’s no shortage of scandal, intrigue and drama, which is what makes fashion books so compelling.

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Candid memoirs by former fashion editors and photography books chronicling iconic designers offer the perfect blend of storytelling, insight and inspiration. Considering we’re always on the hunt for new additions to our bookshelves (and some gifting ideas), we asked fashion people to share their all-time favourite reads.

A Visible Man by Edward Enninful

Picked by: Bianca O’Neill, freelance journalist and fashion writer

Edward Enninful’s A Visible Man is essential reading if you’re interested in change-making, the fashion industry or what it takes to be at the top of your game. British Vogue’s first black editor-in-chief has an entrancing way of writing that feels like you’re chatting to an old friend – and the name drops, from his childhood in Ghana, inspired by his successful seamstress mother, to his first position as fashion director at i-D at only 18, through to British Vogue, makes it all the more fascinating.

Stylepedia by Fashionary

Picked by: Rong Jake Chen, Creative Director at Graedance

One fashion book that I love coming back to is Stylepedia by the Fashionary. Fashion lives in the context of its past and potential future, and this little reference book is a fun flip-through. Actually, as the gifting season comes by, I think most of the Fashionary series of books make great gifts for those who are interested in the space.

Confessions of a Window Dresser by Simon Doonan

Picked by: Stuart Walford, stylist and creative consultant

When I was 16, my parents gifted me an incredible book called Confessions of a Window Dresser by Simon Doonan. I cannot express how much this book inspired me as a young, queer, fashion-obsessed teenager wanting to have a creative career. For those unfamiliar with Doonan, he was the creative director of Barneys NY right up until its closure in 2019.

The book is a chronological recount of Doonan’s life growing up queer in the UK during the ’50s and ’60s. With great humour and camp tales, the book covers his career as one of the most successful and influential window dressers of our time. It’s a great resource for inspiration, especially for aspiring visual merchandisers, visual artists, curators and installation or exhibition designers.

Africa Fashion edited by Christine Checinska

Picked by: Sabina McKenna, writer, curator and model

My current favourite is the Africa Fashion publication from the Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition that toured the NGV earlier this year. It’s full of stunning outfits, essays and other writing about the culture and history of the continent and how fashion and textiles have been an integral part of that. I had the privilege of interviewing the curator, Dr Christine Checinska for the opening day celebrations.

One section that stood out to me was the pink sequin outfit designed by Neo Serati. I love the inclusivity of their designs and the way they discuss their work as a way to imagine a South Africa where you could wear a short skirt, sheer tops, and dress African men in pink! It was very meaningful to see that African fashion and history platformed in Australia — it hasn’t happened often.

The Chiffon Trenches by André Leon Talley

Recommended by: Giulia Brugliera, Fashion Journal‘s Managing Editor

Despite being a fashion editor, I don’t love fashion books (they can feel too work-adjacent), but André Leon Talley’s memoir is juicy, vibrant and well worth a read. I shouldn’t have been surprised. He’s one of a handful of editors who changed the course of fashion media through their craft and, in my opinion, his work at American Vogue put Anna Wintour to shame.

The Chiffon Trenches is a vulnerable, hearty, beautifully written account of André’s life and career, as he shares the intimate moments and insecurities that accompanied his external success. It’s also incredibly juicy, full of ‘fly on the wall’ moments with some massive celebrity names. (Notably, it chronicles a falling out with Anna Wintour which had my jaw on the floor).

The Sky by Yoshitaka Amano

Picked by: Rong Jake Chen, Creative Director at Graedance

While it’s not technically a fashion book, I revisit my copy of The Sky by Yoshitaka Amano when I’m looking for some inspiration. Amano is an animator from Japan and his character illustrations always evoke a flame in me – especially when it comes to things like pose reference, colour combinations and emotional character development. His strength is bringing deep fantasy into life, something fashion also aspires to do.

Dior: Couture by Patrick Demarchelier

Picked by: Bianca O’Neill, freelance journalist and fashion writer

A close second in my collection, if you like a coffee table book, is Dior: Couture, shot by legendary fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier. Traversing over 100 iconic dresses, it traces Dior’s historic influence within the couture space, from its game-changing post-war ’New Look’ to Dior’s more modern interpretations of the house style.

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty by Andrew Bolton

Picked by by: Liana Hardy, photographer

I vividly remember the moment I first fell in love with Alexander McQueen. It was during my early days as a fashion design student in the UK – what was supposed to be a routine lecture turned into an eye-opening experience. The documentary on McQueen’s life and career revealed not just his genius but his radical vision for fashion and I was completely captivated.

This deep connection to McQueen’s artistry led me to my favourite fashion book, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty. This coffee table book is a stunning visual archive, showcasing his most iconic collections and the evolution of his groundbreaking work. Among them, my favourite is his unforgettable Spring 2010 ‘Plato’s Atlantis’ collection featuring extraterrestrial textiles and prints. It remains an endless source of inspiration for fashion enthusiasts and students, reminding us of the power of innovation and the impact of true artistry.

Fashion Is… by The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET)

Recommended by: Nousheen Manzur, fashion and content creator

Fashion Is… by the MET is a celebration of style, creativity, and the impact of fashion on culture. For me, it’s a visual archive that shows how fashion is more than clothing – it’s art and individuality. The book curates iconic pieces from The Costume Institute, showcasing fashion’s evolution from historical masterpieces to contemporary designs shaping the industry.

What makes this book my favourite is how it bridges fashion and art, with each page telling a story of innovation and craftsmanship. It’s a reminder of how fashion intertwines with history, identity and storytelling. I often return to it whenever I need a boost of creative fuel for a new project, reminding myself of fashion’s power as a form of self-expression.

If You Need To Cry, Go Outside by Kelly Cutrone and Pat In The City by Patricia Field

Picked by: Stuart Walford, stylist and creative consultant

Most recently, I read If You Need To Cry, Go Outside by Kelly Cutrone. It was originally published in 2009, just before her show Kell on Earth was released on Bravo in 2010. The book is sharp and honest, as you would expect from Cutrone, who founded People’s Revolution in 1995 – a hugely successful PR firm in NY. And if that interests you, then I also suggest Pat In The City by Patricia Field. I loved that it touched on Field’s time working as a costume designer for Sex And The City, yet also covered her extensive career leading up to her most famed role.

For more books about fashion, try this.