10 OF THE BEST BOOKS FOR FASHIONISTAS

There is a luxury world of inaccessible to many of us, however the books have the power to transport us and make feel like we’re living these stories, sharing moments and sensations. It’s true that many of us do not have the luxury of acquiring a seat at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week or private previews at the atelier designer, but a good and descriptive book can lead us to unique experiences.

For those fashionistas who devour books here are 10 books that indulge curiosities.This booklist includes a autobiography by legendary Harper ‘s Bazaar fashion editor Diane Vreeland, the Plum Sykes ‘ tongue-in-cheek caricature of the New York fashion world, and the compilation of Karl Lagerfeld ‘s choice words, every title on this list is both informative and deliciously detailed.

This list could not leave out the classic Edith Wharton and Truman Capote which capture the essence of New York society.

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA BY LAUREN WEISBERGER

We can also refer to this particular novel as Infinite Reasons Not to Work for Anna Wintour — but really, the book delves into the meandering career and personal life of a twentysomething who certainly learns her (style) lesson by working at a top fashion publication.

D.V. BY DIANA VREELAND

The legendary Harper’s Bazaar editor and columnist penned this ultra-fashionable autobiography, filled with all the stories you would expect from such an esteemed figure in editorial.

THE BEAUTIFUL AND DAMNED BY F. SCOTT FITZGERALD

Though The Great Gatsby remains his best known work, F. Scott Fitzgerald injected the same evocative descriptions in all of his works, of which The Beautiful and Damned is a slightly unusual example. Expect to be swept away by Fitzgerald’s depiction of high society in New York.

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO KARL EDITED BY SANDRINE GULBENKIAN

Anyone who has ever read a quote by Karl Lagerfeld and thought, “Huh?” should immediately pick up this book. Filled with more questionable Karl quotes than one could possibly hope for, you’re bound to find both fashion advice and general amusement within its pages.

VERY CLASSY: EVEN MORE EXCEPTIONAL ADVICE FOR THE EXTREMELY MODERN LADY BY DEREK BLASBERG

Written by the editor-at-large of both Harper’s Bazaar and V magazine as a follow up to his first book, Very Classy offers advice and anecdotes from Derek Blasberg’s very fashionable life. With chapters bearing titles like “A Lady is Always Learning,” the book provides both practical tips and Blasberg’s jovial good humor to boot.

THE COMPLETE STORIES OF TRUMAN CAPOTE BY TRUMAN CAPOTE

As a member of the “It” crowd of his time, Truman Capote witnessed and documented the lives of his notable acquaintances and friends. His collected stories provide insight into New York society and beyond.

RULES OF CIVILITY BY AMOR TOWLES

Built upon the classic outsider-becomes-insider structure, Rules of Civility is yet another sharply crafted novel that examines the New York social landscape — complete with enviable fashions, of course.

1Q84 BY HARUKI MURAKAMI

The exacting descriptions of each character’s wardrobe is only one of the facets which makes 1Q84 such an intriguing novel.

THE GLIMPSES OF THE MOON BY EDITH WHARTON

Edith Wharton is most noted for The Age of Innocence, in which descriptions of high society functions and encounters are rendered in such vivid detail you can almost see them. But her lesser-known novel The Glimpses of the Moon provides the same narrative style with a variation on her favored theme of the choice between love and prosperity.

BERGDORF BLONDES BY PLUM SYKES

Written by Vogue columnist Plum Sykes, Bergdorf Blondes is the perfect satirical look into the lives and times of Manhattan’s elite…or was that Gossip Girl? In any case, the mere name-dropping of designer lines in the novel will have any fashion maven sprinting to her favorite boutique.