I have books on the brain. Lots of them. Holiday gift books for my stylish friends, enlightening books that have been recommended to me recently, and of course those latest spy-thrillers I usually tear through on my iPad- when I’m not doing this. While perusing my neighborhood book store the other day, I was curious to scope out the best coffee-table must haves of 2013 that serve as glossy eye candy for the home. Here are some beautiful publications for those who consider themselves fashion junkies, coveting that perfect dress or shoe which doesn’t necessarily have to be hidden away in their closet…they can be found inside a shiny hard cover atop your favorite Indian side table.
Dior Glamour by Mark Shaw. The glamorous decades of the 50’s and 60’s captured by the legendary photographer Mark Shaw. www.barnesandnoble.com
Alexander McQueeen Working Process by Nick Waplington. In 2008, McQueen gave photographer Waplington exclusive access to the backstage process at his The Horn of Plenty show. It turned out to be McQueen’s last work. www.barnesandnoble.com
Private Giancarlo Giammetti. The long time partner to legendary fashion designer Valentino lets us into his glamorous and elusive world. www.amazon.com
IT by Alexa Chung. The fashion darling from across the pond shares a collection of personal writing, photos, and sketches in her debut book. www.us.penguingroup.com
Asylum by Simon Doonan. Nearly a lifetime spent in the fashion industry, Doonan shares the real-life stories of glamorous madness and stylish insanity. www.barnesandnoble.com
Man Repeller by Leandra Medine. The acclaimed New York fashion blogger recounts her most significant memories of awkwardly funny experiences. www.barnesandnoble.com
Harper’s Bazaar: Greatest Hits by Glenda Bailey, Stephen Gan, and Elizabeth Hummer. A collection of dazzling photographs and famous moments from America’s longest running fashion magazine. www.shopbop.com
Style is Instinct. Look inside the incredibly chic world of renowned stylist- and ELLE editor-at-large- Lori Goldstein. www.amazon.com
100 Dresses: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Take a peek at 100 fabulous gowns from The Costume Institute’s massive 35,000 piece permanent collection spanning from the 17th century to present time which includes Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Vivienne Westwood. www.amazon.com
Fashion Designers A-Z, Missoni Edition by Suzy Menkes. Give someone a full education on all of the world’s fashion greats. They’ll thank you. www.amazon.com
