December means Holidays, which means gifts, which means panic. It’s kind of overwhelming to go out in search of the perfect gift: the streets are flooded with people, entering a store means silently praying to not get stuck in a queue longer than the time it took you to choose the right gift, and the endless options eventually leave you overstimulated and unsure of where to look. If you are reading this, you’ve probably just realised that Xmas is just days away, and you still haven’t found the perfect gift yet. Or maybe you were just looking for good recommendations for yourself. Take a look at some of the best editorial releases of this past year, perfect for minds who live and breathe fashion or for those who know how to appreciate a good coffee table book.
In Library of Love, Paul B. Preciado describes personal libraries as biographies: collections that reflect who we are, who we want to be, and who we might still become. Every relationship, he writes, leaves behind a bibliography: books that were shared, exchanged or gifted. Some leave a single frozen book; others create an entirely new library. Gifting a book in this sense is not about defining someone but about opening a possibility. It’s not only a way of saying, 'This made me think of you,' but also a way to share a piece of ourselves, adding a new volume to someone’s personal library, and perhaps to a shared one.
Designers and creators also want to share a piece of themselves with us. There are plenty of fashion stories to be told, and we are used to seeing them in the shape of collections, garments or exhibitions, but books are a complementary way for some of the most prestigious names in the industry to expand their universes and allow us to dive deeper into them. This year we were lucky enough to enjoy countless releases, and it's in this final time of the year when we find the perfect chance to look back on them.
So now that we’ve (hopefully) convinced you—and saved you from another last-minute candle or scarf—here is our curated selection of ten fashion books, perfect as a Christmas gift or as a very justified addition to your personal library.
Alexander Fury guides us through the world of Vivienne Westwood’s jewellery, showing how safety pins, pearl chokers, bondage chains, and crystal orbs define the House’s unmistakable style. The book is presented like an encyclopedia that captures the perfect mix of luxury and rebellion that makes Westwood the fashion force she is.
A deep dive into Rick Owens’ provocative and subversive universe. The book traces nearly three decades of his work, blending fashion, architecture, and installation, expanding and summarising what could and still can be found in his eponymous exhibition Rick Owens: Temple of Love | Metal Magazine, open until January 4th. More than a retrospective, it’s an exploration of Owens’ radical worldview and his approach to fashion as a total environment.
The Met Gala this year was one for the books, metaphorically and literally. From A$AP Rocky and Rihanna to André 3000 and Janelle Monáe, we were served some incredible looks, with rich history behind them. Superfine: Tailoring Black Style explores in greater depth the themes of the Met exhibition that inspired this year’s event. Written by Monica L. Miller, with photographs by Tyler Mitchell, it traces the history of Black fashion across three centuries, with a focus on menswear and dandyism, from its origins as an imposed uniform to its role as a symbol of creative and political agency.
We talked about this one before, but if you forgot about it, we are here to refresh your memory. This book is a collection of the work of Steven Klein, the brilliant mind behind some of the most iconic editorials of Vogue America. His work is recognisable from miles away because, as Anna Wintour once said, Klein’s pictures are not just editorials that capture the beauty of clothes; his images are able to tell stories that spark the imagination.
A visual survey of the Brooklyn-based collective known for turning the internet upside down. From the Big Red Boots to Jesus Shoes, this book breaks down MSCHF’s most viral projects, revealing the ideas, humour, and cultural critique behind their chaos-driven creativity.
A poetic and surreal take on Dior haute couture through the lens of Yuriko Takagi, a staple of Japanese photography. Her layered images reinterpret the house’s heritage, enhanced by her game of shadows, natural light and surrealism, capturing something ephemeral and almost intangible—fashion that feels more like a dream than a garment.
A love letter to ’90s fashion, told by one of the figures who helped give it form, colour and character. From slip dresses and baby dolls to punk, grunge, and vintage influences, this book dives into the decade that shaped modern style. Packed with rare archive images and stories from the likes of Marc Jacobs, Sofia Coppola, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington, it’s pure fashion nostalgia at its most fun.
Streetwear, but make it legendary. The godfather of streetwear, Hiroshi Fujiwara, presents the third instalment of his best-selling monographs: a visual catalogue of his most recent works and collaborations, from Nike to Fendi. Heavy on graphic design and cultural references, this book documents his lasting influence on fashion, music, and contemporary cool.
A celebration of André Leon Talley’s life, legacy, and unmistakable style. Through essays, archival images, and personal memories from figures like Anna Wintour and Tom Ford, the book honours one of fashion’s most respected voices and his lasting impact on the industry.
The first book by Erdem Moralıoğlu, created to celebrate the twenty years of the brand. A refined look into the designer’s narrative-driven vision, where fashion, storytelling, and romantic references come together in a distinct and instantly recognisable aesthetic.
Bonus: Fashion Faux Parr
Not a recent release, but one worth recommending, as we honour the legacy of one of the greats. A celebration of a photographer whose eye was truly one of a kind, this book brings together Martin Parr’s fashion photography for the first time, mixing editorial work, behind-the-scenes shots, and portraits of industry icons. Sharp, ironic, and unmistakably Parr, it offers a fresh perspective on the fashion world.
