'Tis Better to Give than to Re-read: The Best Fashion Books

Diana Vreeland may have devoted her energies to concocting fashion fantasies for magazine pages, but she surely would be pleased to find her life surveyed in a new coffee table book. ‘I loathe narcissism, but I approve of vanity,’ she once declared, and it’s reverence, not vanity, that fills the pages of Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel. Gain new respect for a legend.

Christian Louboutin is one saucy 20-year-old. As the brand that makes everyone see red (soles) enters its third decade, it’s looking back with a retrospective at London’s Design Museum, and a book. The commemorative monograph, called , traces the rise of the much-coveted brand. And in brilliant news for brand fans and non-owners alike, the book is a lot cheaper than a box-fresh pair of Pigalles.

Fashion doesn’t come more fairy tale than the world of haute couture, and Christian Dior has been at the industry’s vanguard. Photographer Patrick Demarchelier surveys the house’s rich history over the course of more than 100 sumptuous portraits in Dior Couture. His models wear original Dior creations and John Galliano fantasias, documenting just why couture is an art for the ages. Read about Dior's first couture show after Galliano.

Designer Peter Jensen celebrates 10 years with a new book, which has title that is both long and characteristically whimsical. Find Peter Jensen & Mary Miles Minter & Mildred & Emma & Olga & Nancy & Gertrude & Cindy & Tonya & Fanny & Sissy & Helena & Tina & Christina& Mink & Candice-Marie & Jodie & Jytte & Laurie & Muriel & Shelley & Anna Karina in his shop.

For Alice Temperley, the tenth anniversary of her brand proved a perfect time to pause, reflect... and publish. She created to celebrate a decade in dreamy designs. Creating the image-rich book proved an apt survey at a career landmark. ‘It was lovely to stop and actually appreciate all that we have accomplished over the years,’ she told us. ‘I love the personal silly images from my private albums... and of course the mood boards which explain my creative journey and give insight into my archive. It is a very open document.’

Carine Roitfeld threw herself into her life after French Vogue with top-tier styling gigs, a season as Barneys New York’s guest editor and a major book deal. And the people wanted more Roitfeld: pre-orders for placed the autobiographical scrapbook in top ten lists months before Roitfeld sent pages to the printer. The personal mementoes, behind-the-scenes images and inspiration materials within offer a window into the life of one unmistakeably stylish grandmother-to-be.