It was only in 2017 that I started exploring the world of books seriously. Before that, I was just about movies and dramas. A rather stubborn idea that books are boring was quite entrenched in my brain only to be destroyed by a junior from college. She told me that books are friends you would never part ways with, and she was absolutely right. Books teach you what there is, and somehow they do it right. They are very personal so we are able to grasp more from those pages. So, anytime someone asks me what he should do to understand anything, I suggest a book.

The fashion industry is no exception. You will, of course, learn a great many things while working but the theoretical foundations must be developed. Only books do that. It does not matter whether it is fiction or non-fiction you are reading; reading helps. Those of you who are seriously considering entering the industry should consider buying a few books on fashion. In fact, I have already mentioned 5 of them in this article.

Take a look at 5 books on fashion that will teach you what you need to know.

1. Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion; Elizabeth L. Cline
   If you live in the United States, you will most likely know that a large portion of mass-produced, affordable clothes are not made in the country. They are imported from abroad, generally China. This book tackles this issue. The author raises the issue that the trends are changing and we are no longer producing clothes. She dwells on reasons and offers insightful facts on the same. This book is best for those who are interested in an analytical piece.

1. The Beautiful Fall: Lagerfeld, Saint Laurent, and Glorious Excell in 1970s Paris; Alicia Drake
   I think the name of the book speaks volumes about the content. This book talks about two great fashion designers who have revolutionized fashion in a way incomparable: Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent. With remarkable detail, the author explores their profile, their personal and professional lives, and all the juicy updates on the controversies their lives were mired with. Understanding a fashion designer is as much necessary as understanding their designs. It is a highly informative book one should have to know what the fashion industry does and does not do to fashion designers.

1. Grace: A Memoir; Grace Coddington
   We all know that Vogue is one of the most influential magazines in the world. With millions of prints in circulation, it is an example of a successful enterprise. However, do you know what it means to spearhead its creative element? Well, Grace Coddington, former Creative Director at American Vogue, writes in her memoir with exceptional articulation about this. She talks about models, celebrities, interviews, hairstyles, and whatnot. You will know how one becomes a creative director, what kind of profile goes best for the job, and how personal lives can be as stressful as professional. We come to know about the fashion world through magazines; let us know about these magazines as well.

1. Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon; Megan Hess
   Do I even need to tell you why you should read this book? Well, I will have to anyway but it is about Coco Chanel. Coco Chanel, the woman who turned the global fashion industry upside down; the woman who established a brand that will carry forward her legacy; the woman who made celebrities go gaga over her designs. Megan Hess writes all in this amazing book about this amazing woman. The book essentially narrates many quintessential moments from the life of Coco Chanel and offers a deep, historical insight into the designer’s world. You cannot read this book; grab a copy asap!

1. Shoe Dog; Phil Knight
   One of my personal favorites is Nike, and I don’t think I need to explain why. It is a successful sports shoe brand that offers too much comfort to its customers. We should all thank Phil Knight for that. He became a successful businessman in the sports world by introducing technologically-sound, multi-purpose sports shoes for customers of all ages. So long as you are ready to expand, you will get quality delivered. The book, Shoe Dog, will tell you how he worked his way to the top. It is an interesting read and will keep you hooked until the last page.

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