Fashion is a part of all of our lives, whether you realize it or not. What you wear each day tells the world a story without you needing to actually say anything, whether you realize it or not. Fashion is a lot more than just wearing clothes though, as it’s deeply rooted in history, social movements, culture and so much more. Many fashion books discuss these things, and today we’re going to discuss a few that you might want to check out. Here are a few of the best fashion books of 2022.
The Incomplete: Highsnobiety Guide to Street Fashion and Culture – Gestalten, Highsnobriety
One of the biggest drivers of fashion today is streetwear. This book explores the intersection of culture and fashion on a global and local level. It features the works of influential individuals such as Pharrell Williams and Kanye West, as well as the stories of youth movements such as Hip Hop and Skateboarding. If you’re a fan of brands such as Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, and Off-White, this guide will give you the necessary information to understand their impact.
Dressing the Resistance: The Visual Language of Protest Through History – Camille Benda
In her book, Camille Benda, a fashion historian and costume designer, explores the ways in which fashion has been used to communicate political and social change. Through over 200 images and paintings, she breaks down the visual language of protest into its various forms. This will help you understand how protests have affected the way you dress.
Androgyne: Fashion and Gender – Patrick Mauriès
This book explores how gender lines have been blurred in various forms through the lens of fashion. It also delves into the resurgence of androgyne, as well as comparing and contrasting images from different cultures. You’ll recognize icons such as David Bowie and Grace Jones, as well as brands such as Gucci.
Africa: The Fashion Continent – Emmanuelle Courrèges
While the focus of fashion is usually on Western designers, this book aims to bring attention to Africa’s creativity. It showcases the work of various designers and models from across the continent, and it celebrates the new era of fashion that Africa is bringing to the table. If you want to understand fashion on a deeper level, this book is exactly what you’re looking for.
Stoned: Jewelry, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World – Aja Raden
Although gemstones aren’t the first thing that spring to mind when it comes to fashion, it’s important to understand their role in the design of a look. In “Stoned,” Raden explores the history of people’s desire for jewelry and ties this interest to contemporary cultural moments such as war and pop culture.