August 9th is Book Lovers Day! Yay! I love books and these are fun, easy reads anyone can enjoy. You don’t have to be a fashionista to appreciate these books. :)
Mademoiselle Chanel
A comprehensive book about the history of Chanel from her childhood, to lovers, inspiration and, of course, her radical views on women & fashion. She was the first one to put logos on the outside and she made smelling good an art form.
Bringing Home the Birkin
What a delightful read! This is the true story of how Michael Tonello figured out how to get a Birkin every time he walked into an Hermes store (even though they were always “unavailable” and required a wait list — even for celebrities).
The Essence of Style
This is an amazing book that demonstrates how the French became the leaders in fine food, chic cafes, style, sophistication, high fashion and glamour. Champagne, couture or high heels, anyone? (Hint: The French stole Venetian workers who were better at making bigger and taller mirrors, even though the punishment was death if anyone found out who smuggled them in, who they were et cetera. It was that competitive!)
Deluxe : How Luxury Lost Its Luster
This is my favorite. Of all time. Excellent writer, with excellent research — it really gives you a complete background of how the fashion industry has turned into what it is today (bags and sunglasses have the biggest mark-up —-> sometimes almost 12x!)
NOT PICTURED - The House of Gucci : The Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour and Greed
This was a fantastic true story of the start of Gucci (Tom Ford era and all), but in true Italian style, woven with a lot of drama, complicated family dynamics, sex and scandal. Loved, loved, loved this book, but on the way back from Paris one time, it got dumped in the garbage as Air France weighed my carry-on and handbag.
While I was able to wear ALL of my jewelry through security, my carry-on was still over the limit so the book got tossed!
I hope you will enjoy these books as much as I dd and cheers to great stories and the talented people who write them (and live them :).
Please share - what are some of your most stylish reads?