Learn the story behind fashion’s iconic faces.
Are you captivated by the glamour of fashion week catwalks or the dazzling world of luxury and fashion? Fashion memoirs offer a rare, insider’s look into this exclusive realm, sharing stories and insights that few get to see. While chatting with fashion icons like Anna Wintour might be out of reach, these biographies are the next best thing. Whether you’re just beginning to explore fashion or consider yourself an industry expert, diving into the lives of those behind our most loved fashion and luxury brands is an interesting experience!
From glamorous tales to behind-the-scenes realities, KHAMSA brings you biographies that help you understand the magic and complexity of this vibrant world.
١. Dior by Dior: The Autobiography of Christian Dior – by Christian Dior and Antonia Fraser
Christian Dior, the legendary founder of one of the most iconic luxury fashion houses, remains a pivotal figure in the industry. His autobiography, ‘Dior by Dior’, offers a rare and intimate look into the world of mid-20th-century couture. The book starts with Dior’s childhood and the blossoming of his passion for fashion, leading up to the establishment of his atelier. It details his astronomic rise to fame with the introduction of ‘The New Look’ and the subsequent success that strengthened his legacy in the fashion world.
Find it here.
٢. Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life – by Justine Picardie
‘Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life‘ by Justine Picardie is widely regarded as the ultimate biography of the fashion legend. It vividly portrays Chanel’s captivating journey from modest origins to the creation of arguably the most iconic fashion house of all time, making it essential reading for fashion enthusiasts.
Find it here.
٣. Vivienne Westwood: An Unfashionable Life – by Jane Mulvagh
Vivienne Westwood’s new autobiography, written with Ian Kelly, mixes Kelly’s thoughts with Westwood’s stories, giving a personal view of her life and work. It begins with a detailed story of a 2014 Paris fashion show and includes many quotes from Westwood about her childhood, punk rock days with Malcolm McLaren, and famous fashion designs, leading to the iconic brand. Kelly also explains the times she lived through, showing how Westwood’s life has spanned 73 years of cultural and social shifts.
Find it here.
٤. The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewelry Empire – by Francesca Cartier Brickell
This engaging monograph by Ms. Brickell, a Cartier family descendant, talks about the rise of the prestigious jewellery brand through four generations. It intertwines personal and business perspectives, reading like a family diary and highlighting the intuition, determination, and innovation that built Cartier. Filled with anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories from a treasure trove of family memories, it reveals how Cartier became synonymous with luxury and creativity. This book is essential for those interested in the brand’s rich history and heritage.
Find it here.
٥. Alexander McQueen: The Life and the Legacy – by Judith Watt
Judith Watt’s biography, ‘Alexander McQueen: The Life and Legacy‘, is a must-read for fashion enthusiasts. The book provides an in-depth look at McQueen’s journey from his childhood in East London to his groundbreaking designs and tragic death at 40. Watt, a fashion history expert at Central Saint Martins, includes McQueen’s sketches and images from his shows, offering a comprehensive and insightful exploration of his career and lasting impact on the fashion industry.
Find it here.
