6 Fashion Coffee Table Books We’re Lusting After Right Now
From the elegant bohemian spirit of Chloé of Christian Dior’s iconic ‘New Look’, we’ve handpicked the best fashion coffee table books launched in the last year, sure to add some style to your living space.
Robust, glossy, unashamedly indulgent. There’s nothing quite like getting your hands on a new coffee table book to while away a Sunday afternoon with. For fashion fans, there are plenty of new tomes to add to your wish list that have launched in the last year. Scroll to shop six we love right now including the dreamiest celebration of Chloé’s catwalk shows to deep dive into Jeremy Scott, the man who made McDonald’s fries into an It-bag.…
Moschino
If you like escaping into the more is more, extra world of fashion, this book – shining a spotlight on the world of Italian fashion brand Moschino – is one to bookmark.
The tome delves into the house’s Jeremy Scott era (the designer took over as Creative Director in 2013) and how he transformed Moschino into one of the most successful and playful brands of modern times. He brought his now infamous “cheap and chic” sensibility to the house’s aesthetic, citing everything from Barbie to car washes, the Looney Toons to McDonald’s fast food as inspiration.
The book is edited by Scott himself with an introduction by renowned fashion journalist, Alexander Fury and includes hundreds of behind-the-scenes stories, iconic runway looks and memorable campaigns. It will definitely get guests talking when displayed on your coffee table.
Shop now at mytheresa.com
The Fendi Set: From Bloomsbury to Borghese
This unique book details the influence of the fashion powerhouse Kim Jones and his appointment as Head of Fendi Couture and Womenswear from September 2020. In particular, his fascination with the Bloomsbury Set, the British collective of artists, writers and intellectuals such as Virginia Woolf, Duncan Grant, and Vanessa Bell.
The set inspired his early collections and brought a new mood to the label, which the book explores through stunning photography methods, from Polaroid to Super-8 stills, imagery of Jones’ modern muses – think Moss, Campbell and Turlington, as well as diary entries and excerpts from the Bloomsbury set themselves.
A welcomed addition to your coffee table book collection that brings together the magic of art, photography, literature and fashion.
Shop now at amazon.co.uk
Louis Vuitton Manufactures
This stunning 400-page book with a decadent silk hardcover delves into the impressive world of French fashion house Louis Vuitton’s ateliers.
The iconic brand has creatives working all over the world, from Paris to Texas, Fiesso d’Artico to Geneva, all of which have been chosen for their top-of-their-game expertise and artisanal excellence.
Manufactures spotlights over 350 photographs commissioned exclusively for the book, including extraordinary locations and buildings of Louis Vuitton’s ateliers, as well as some of the brand’s iconic items – think trunks, bags, fragrances, watches, shoes, and of course, ready-to-wear collections.
The perfect gift for any fashion purists out there and fans of the world’s most luxury style.
Shop now at mytheresa.com
Alber Elbaz: Love Brings Love
This heartfelt book celebrates the late, great and hugely influential Alber Elbaz who tragically died in April 2021 due to complications of the COVID-19 virus.
Best known for his role as Artistic Director at the House of Lanvin from 2001 to 2016, he created some of the most iconic and copied looks of the early 21st century. He redefined the party dress, making gowns and frocks that spoke to women that were both playful and fun but sexy and sophisticated too. He was also a complete darling of the industry winning over the hearts of everyone from Meryl Streep (a loyal fan of his work) to the notoriously hard to impress, Anna Wintour.
Love Brings Love is divided into three parts as a tribute to Elbaz. One showcases the sketches of 44 designers, from the top French and Italian houses to contemporary creatives from Japan and the States, who created dresses for a memorial fashion show in honour of the late designer. The event became a real fashion “moment” and a unique show, with nothing of it’s kind having been done before.
There are also texts written by Alber prior to his passing, work by designers and maisons, including Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Comme des Garcons, Giambattista Valli, Gucci, John Paul Gaultier, Rick Owens, Valentino, as well as a section of completed dresses designed by Alber himself.
Shop now at amazon.co.uk
Chloé Catwalk: The Complete Collections
If it wasn’t for Chloé there wouldn’t be those quintessential Parisian brands that evoke femininity with a slightly off beat boho sensibility – think high-end Isabel Marant or more mid-range brands like Sézane. Chloé created a mood all of its own, feminine and elegant silhouettes with a free-spirited temper, and it’s been emulated by many for decades since.
This book celebrates 70 years of the brand and is the first comprehensive overview of Chloé’s collections, presented through catwalk photography and behind-the-scenes content.
A dreamy book you’ll want to lose an afternoon delving into.
Chloé was founded by Egyptian-born Gaby Aghion in 1952, and in the early 1960s took on a young Karl Lagerfeld who stayed at the helm for over two decades. Then came Stella McCartney fresh out of fashion school, and the imitable Phoebe Philo, who achieved some of the most iconic looks the brand has ever created.
Organised chronologically, the book looks at each new ear of Chloé, their influences and highlights and cultural references, and of course the designers throughout the years.
Peppered with illustrations next to many of the catwalk photographs, this is a dreamy book you’ll want to spend an afternoon reading.
Shop now at amazon.co.uk
Dior: The Legendary 30, Avenue Montaigne
Dior: The Legendary 30, takes a look at the reimagined recent opening of the French fashion house’s Avenue Montaigne flagship store. The stunning space is dedicated to Dior’s 75-year history and legendary creations, taking a deep dive into the public and secret life of the brand’s headquarters.
Expect to see a look back at Christian Dior’s history, from the inaugural 1947 fashion show that marked fashion’s New Look era – a sophisticated and fresh silhouette that has been mimicked by so many right through until today – to some of the brand’s most celebrated designers including Yves Saint Laurent and Maria Grazia Chiuri.
A book that will make you want to book onto the next Eurostar for sure.
Shop now at amazon.co.uk
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