A slew of covetous new books from some of fashion heavyweights have recently been released, the perfect fodder for chilly autumn evenings snuggled up on the sofa with a cup of tea. I'm pleased that the latest literary offerings feature some of my all time favourite fashion icons, read on for what are undoubtedly some of my best buys of the season; no coffee table should be without them...
True British celebrates a decade of creativity from Somerset's sweetheart Alice Temperley, one of the UK's most successful and creative designers. Her distinctive, feminine designs combine meticulous detail and embellishments with an English eccentricity and personality drawing on everything British from Aubrey Beardsley ethereal prints to edgy vintage punk; Temperley London is the modern day ‘Cool Britannia’. Lavishly illustrated, this monograph is as layered and vibrant as Temperley’s designs, tracing the development of her style from fashion into interiors and lifestyle, and the growth of her company over the last ten years. With a forward from Lucy Yeomans, Editor of Harper’s Bazaar, stunning images from leading international fashion magazines, sit alongside Temperley campaigns featuring leading names in the industry, and star studded events. Along with a more behind the scenes examination of her textile designs, embroideries, and iconic Temperley pieces, it's a smorgasbord of her best work, not to be missed. £40, published by Rizzoli New York.
In conjunction with the brand’s 15th Anniversary Jimmy Choo has released a coffee table tome available exclusively in Jimmy Choo stores worldwide. With a foreword by fashion journalist Colin McDowell and introduction by Tamara Mellon, Jimmy Choo Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Jimmy Choo XV chronicles the 15 most significant shoes from the company’s archives and reflects on what has made them hallmarks of the brand style and renown. Through captivating imagery shot by photographers such as Mario Testino and Terry Richardson, editorial from the world’s top fashion magazines, paparazzi shots from the red carpet, design studio sketches and behind the scenes photography, the reader is taken on a visual tour through an anthology of these iconic Jimmy Choo creations. £60 from Jimmy Choo stores.
The latest insight into my favourite fashion icon of all time, Coco Chanel, comes courtesy of Lisa Chaney in her definitive biography, Chanel:An Intimate Life. This original and sometimes controversial biography combines brilliant detective work and stunning discoveries with a more in-depth interpretations of the iconic, yet tortured, designer than any other so far. Unearthing an astonishing life, this remarkable book shows how the most influential designer of her century became synonymous with a rebellious and progressive style. Her numerous liaisons, whose most poignant details have eluded al previous biographers, were the stuff of legend. This book explored the origins, the creative power and the secret suffering of this exceptional and often misread woman. £25 published by Fig Tree, Penguin.
And finally, from past to present. Daphne Guinness is a spectacular showcase of the inimitable style and haute couture collection of this incredible fashion icon, written by Guinness and curator Valerie Steele. Described by Tom Ford as “one of the—if not the—most stylish women living,” from her platinum-and-black striped hair to her towering 10-inch heels, her to-die-for couture collection and amazing diamond jewellery, Daphne Guinness embodies the rarified, personal style of a true fashion icon. A designer, editor, model, muse, and stylist, Guinness is renowned for the way she uses fashion to transform herself. Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel, Valentino, Azzedine Alaia, and the late Alexander McQueen are among the many great fashion designers whose spectacular garments form part of Guinness's personal collection of haute couture. But she is far more than a great couture client, she is also an inspiration to designers because of her fearless personal style. In an extended interview with the curator and fashion historian Valerie Steele, Guinness explains the origins and characteristics of her style. She also discusses her friendships and collaborations with other creative fashion personalities from the late Isabella Blow to the photographer Steven Klein and the jeweler Shaun Leane. Sumptuously illustrated with both high-fashion photographs and paparazzi shots, the book is a spectacular showcase for the world of Daphne Guinness. £30 published by Yale University Press
Love Laurel x
