Some of you may have noticed that things are getting a bit more “fashion” around these parts. That’s because, after years of ignoring wise people’s advice, I’ve finally decided to “focus” my blog. Don’t worry, Bookish Brunette will never be a straightforward fashion blog; it is a part of me and I’m not exactly a straightforward fashion type of person!
As a way of bridging any gap between the Bookish Brunette who frolics about in pink culottes and the one who has her nose stuck in a modern classic, I’ve put together a list of my favourite books about fashion.
They are the sort of books that even the most po-faced fashion hater would struggle not to smile at. They are also a huge source of inspiration; the books that are stacked up beside me as I write about clothes.
Fashion isn’t stupid or vacuous. It isn’t shallow – it is a part of who we are. It is intelligent, fun and powerful and these books reflect just that.
Paul Smith: You Can Find Inspiration in Everything (and if you can’t, look again)
Paul Smith - You can find inspiration in everything
The title of this book is something of a mantra for me. It is one the most beautiful books I own – with oddball layouts, pullouts, textures, posters, typographical tricks, old photos, crazy illustrations…it is like falling down a rabbit hole into the mind of a creative genius.
After first reading the book, I remember hunting down the name of the design company responsible. From that point onwards I became fascinated by the work of Aboud Sodano (who also run a great blog, full of weird and wonderful arty happenings).
They somehow managed to channel the spirit of one of the UK’s greatest fashion designers into every page. The pattern for a “Coat of Arms” sums up everything that is so wonderful about, not only Paul Smith, but English eccentricity in general.
This book doesn’t only look pretty, it contains some brilliant stories and advice. My personal favourites include Smith’s tale of how he discovered the Filofax (and how came to loathe all it stood for) and the illustrated lecture on the design process.
Hadley Freeman: The Meaning of Sunglasses
Hadley Freeman - The meaning of sunglasses
Hadley Freeman is one of my all time journalistic heroes. Her weekly “Ask Hadley” column for The Guardian never fails to make me laugh out loud (normally whilst on public transport) and her comment pieces on subjects beyond fashion show that she is writer with more on her mind than hemlines and high heels.
The Meaning of Sunglasses is a hilarious A-Z of fashion, ideal for people who love fashion but also find it a bit baffling and ridiculous at times.
Freeman is sharp and critical – she blows open fashion myths and delivers some brutally blunt advice. But it is always delivered with a gentle mocking tone.
The book is like having a funny and honest friend by your side, whispering some plain old common sense every time that you start to think that leotards can’t be that bad, can they?
Luella Bartley: Luella’s Guide to English Style
Luella's Guide to English Style
The tan brown cloth cover, the embossed foil lettering, the flash of neon pink elastic running down the cover! This book looks perfect. Luella Bartley’s clothes looked perfect too. Like Paul Smith, her fashion label summed up everything that is to be loved about English style and eccentricity. Since the brand folded in 2009, Luella has returned to her wordy routes (she used to be a fashion editor for Vogue).
This book is a tribute to Miss E – the quintessential English girl with her quintessential English style.
It defines the stages of an English woman’s style, details her icons (as diverse as Poly Styrene and Princess Anne) and lists the items that constitute “English Garb”.
The book is a celebration of the cosy and quirky middle-England that often gets mocked and maligned. Luella’s words and the luscious illustrations resonate strongly for me and the countless other Miss E’s out there.