Top Reads: Vintage Fashion Books

Vintage Fashion Collecting and Wearing Designer Classics

Vintage Fashion Collecting and Wearing Designer Classics by Emma Baxter-Wright & Harriet Quick (2006) Carlton Books
Featuring the work iconic designers including Coco Chanel, Christian Lacroix and Miuccia Prada, this comprehensive book provides an insight into the tailoring skills and techniques of the past, as well as pointers on what to look for when sourcing original vintage pieces - a great read for those who look to past influences for sartorial inspiration.

The Golden Age of Couture

The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-57 by Claire Wilcox (2007) V&A Books
Welcome to the remote world of couture in Paris, and London, from its post-war rebirth with Dior's 1947 collection to his early death a decade later. Dior, the showman and master of spectacle, is the hero of this book, although his reticent rival Balenciaga is properly admired, alongside confrères Jacques Fath, Jean Desses and Pierre Balmain.

Goddess The Classical Mode

Goddess: The Classical Mode by Harold Koda (2003) Yale University Press
Published in conjunction with an exhibit of the same name at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, this elegant book traces the image and incarnations of a "goddess" through art, illustration, photography and fashion. From sculptures and paintings of women in classic softly draped gowns to fashion that dates from 1922 to 2001 - a stylish reminder of the cyclical nature of the fashion industry.

Icons of Mens Style

Icons of Men's Style by Josh Sims (2011) Laurence King
This hefty book examines, garment by garment, the most important and iconic menswear items from throughout history to the present day - think images of Tom Cruise sporting aviator sunglasses in Top Gun or 007 dressed to kill in a classic dinner suit.

Read our 'Hot Seat' interview with Carmen Haid, director of online vintage boutique Atelier-Mayer

*As featured in Emirates Woman October issue, available to buy now.