Fashion books bring two things to mind: thick, richly printed paper bursting with colour and the often hefty price that goes along with it. The stunning photography, illustrations and biographies of fashion houses past and present provide inspiration and often expertise for the bourgeoning fashion student, but spending upwards of $80.00 on these books is low on the list of priorities–for a good reason.
I’ve picked five fashion books currently available at the Ryerson University Library for their jaw-dropping fashion photography, sound advice on the fashion industry and valuable accounts of the world’s most interesting design houses. The best part? With your OneCard, they are yours for the borrow.
- Women in Clothes by Sheila Heti, Heidi Julavits and Leanne Shapton
This collection of essays and interviews is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, and question everything you’ve ever worn.
2. Dior–Christian Dior by Francoise Giroud and Sacha Van Dorssen
Not only are the photographs in this book breathtaking, it also includes fashion illustrations of Dior’s work that are bound to inspire.
3. New Icons of Fashion Illustration by Tony Glenville
Delve into the worlds of today’s leading fashion illustrators and the method and motive behind their work.
4. Irving Penn regards the work of Issey Miyake: photographs, 1975-1998
Legendary fashion photographer Irving Penn authors this incredible book that captures the wondrous quality of Miyake’s design.
5. Fashion Details: 1,000 Ideas from Neckline to Waistline, Pockets to Pleats by Natalio Matin Arroyo
Stuck on a summer project? This book is guaranteed to elevate your work with design detail ideas ranging from beginner to advanced.
