7 Books You Must Read If You Want to Work in Fashion
By Alexus Mosley
We did it, fashionistas! We made it to the final stretch of 2024. Did this year fly by, or what? I don’t know about you, but in November, any time I have left over from stuffing my face full of turkey sweet potato pie and looping Gossip Girl’s Thanksgiving episodes is spent on self-reflection and goal-setting for the next year. And since I’ve already begun to see everyone’s favorite three words: New Year’s Resolution more than just a few times, I thought now may be a good time to chat with those who plan to go full throttle into their fashion careers in 2025.
Because of the World Wide Web, many fashion industry insiders would argue that breaking into this glamorous career path is easier now than ever before. Handy dandy social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok make the fashion giants more visible, treating us to daily access that was once reserved only for documentaries if we were lucky. Still, with all of today’s technology, there’s something to be said about good old-fashioned book learning. These 7 books are crucial to your new, stylish career.
The Chiffon Trenches by Andre Leon Talley
Legendary fashion editor André Leon Talley takes us through his life as a young black boy raised in Durham, North Carolina, during segregation to the glittering world of high fashion world. In this memoir, he recalls his time in Paris working for Women Wear Daily and his more than 30-year tenure at Vogue.
Champagne Supernovas by Maureen Callahan
Chronicling the innovative 1990s fashion scene, Maureen Callahan gives a detailed assessment of the lives and careers of the creative, edgy rebels that transformed fashion as we know it today: Alexander McQueen, Kate Moss, and Marc Jacobs.
The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior
In this timeless guide, Christian Dior defines elegance and style and shares fashion advice with the same sophistication that makes the Dior brand iconic.
The Battle of Versailles by Robin Givhan
Fashion critic Robin Givhan gives a compelling recount of the historical fashion event at the Palace of Versailles in 1973, when American and French designers battled for the the global top spot in fashion.
Fashion Climbing by Bill Cunningham
In his enjoyable memoir, fashion and street photographer Bill Cunningham reminisces about his career in fashion, including his navigation of New York’s high society.
The Fashion Book by Phaidon
A visual and informational learning tool, this fashion encyclopedia of designers, photographers, models, and more is an essential resource for anyone aspiring to have a career in fashion.
I’ll Drink to That by Betty Halbreich
The world’s most famed personal shopper, Betty Halbreich, shares her journey to New York City, heartening personal stories, and insight on styling that she’s picked up during her 48 years at Bergdorf Goodman.