A new university year has just begun, and it’s time to dive back into fashion. Here’s a list of engaging books that won’t bore you—thank us later
Autumn is just around the corner; we are leaving behind the flattering vibes of summer to prepare for layers from head to toe. For those attending a fashion school, the change of season signifies more than just adapting to the weather—it heralds a new beginning.
New courses are starting, and a whole year of challenges awaits us. But don’t stress just yet! Let’s dive into four unexpected fashion books to kickstart our academic journey together.
Oh My Gosh, I Love Your Shoes!: A Decade of Head-Turning Heels by Sophia Webster
Oh My Gosh, I Love Your Shoes!: A Decade of Head-Turning Heels, penned by leading British shoe designer Sophia Webster, is a must-have for anyone who adores shoes as a design element.
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This book is fun, playful, and feminine; it recounts the personal story of a passion transformed into a successful business.
“Beautiful and motivational. A rare insight into what it’s like to walk in Sophia’s heels and build an empire in the fashion world” – Media personality and model Laura Whitmore
Webster spares no detail in her narrative, from the creative sketches inspired by a world of butterfly wings to her background as a ballerina, which shaped her interest in shoe design. She candidly discusses the struggles and challenges of launching a fashion brand, the motivation behind her work, and the inventive imagination that has guided her through a decade-long career in shoe design.
This book can serve as inspiration for aspiring accessory designers or simply lead you to your next favourite pair of shoes!
Watching New York: Street Style A to Z by Johnny Cirillo
If Barbie’s pink world isn’t quite your style, fear not—we have something for every taste. For those who favour street style, set your sights on the vibrant streets of New York City.
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Watching New York: Street Style is the debut publication of candid photographs capturing the everyday style of New Yorkers, taken by Instagrammer and TikToker Johnny Cirillo, known as “The People’s Paparazzi.” His page, Watching New York, boasts millions of followers.
“Watching New York is an important storyteller of our generation... and has given the world outside of NYC the chance to experience just what makes the city magical” – Model Gigi Hadid, from the foreword
This book is a heartfelt tribute to the people of New York City and their distinctive styles as they navigate the streets from Williamsburg to Soho. It is thoughtfully organised in an A to Z format, covering everything from accessories to denim, lace and leather to Western wear, and much more. You only need to turn the pages (and not scroll this time) to appreciate that this is genuine fashion.
Creative students will adore it, as it embraces the notion that more is better and that eccentricity is indeed cooler!
Dress Scandinavian: Style Your Life and Wardrobe the Danish Way by Pernille Teisbæk
If you’re not a fan of flashy street style and your fashion sensibility leans towards a more understated aesthetic, then Dress Scandinavian: Style Your Life and Wardrobe the Danish Way might be your ideal guide to curating a minimalist wardrobe. Pernille Teisbæk, the Danish queen of minimalism, wrote this book as her first about Danish cool style.
“It’s not about wearing a new pair of jeans every day; it’s about finding that one pair that works for you” – Internet personality, and fashion and interior consultant Pernille Teisbæk
A renowned stylist, blogger, and model, Teisbæk shares her professional insights on creating a minimalist wardrobe with androgynous looks. She offers advice on materials and fabrics that elevate clothing choices into a thoughtful art form.
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The book transcends fashion, presenting it as an extension of a lifestyle—the celebrated concept of hygge. It also touches on Scandinavian home design, which serves as a foundation for minimalist inspiration.
Vogue Essentials: Handbags by Carolyn Asome
Last but not least, an essential fashion item for all—handbags.
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In Vogue Essentials: Handbags, Carolyn Asome, a fashion writer and brand consultant for The Times and British Vogue, reveals the power of handbags as an accessory that can make any woman feel fabulous.
“Any woman can wear shoes and handbags; it’s not a question of how tall you are, how slim you are, how blonde, blue-eyed, tanned, or whatever” – Fashion designer Marc Jacobs
The handbag remains fashion’s most inventive accessory, from Karl Lagerfeld’s myriad surrealist creations at Chanel to Prada’s democratic nylon backpack, from the exclusive Hermès Birkin bag to individual vintage treasures.
It is no surprise that the handbag market is now valued at over $100 billion. From each season’s must-have to five-figure rarities, the handbag embodies the inexplicable allure of fashion desire. This is more than just a book; it’s a wish list of dreams!
Silvia De Vecchi
University Librarian, London