This quintessential novel follows aspiring journalist Andrea Sachs into the lion's den when she becomes the assistant to the formidable editor-in-chief of a top fashion magazine.
The story satirizes the glamorous yet ruthless industry, exploring the high cost of ambition and the struggle to maintain personal integrity in a world dictated by power and brand names.
A sharp, satirical look at Manhattan's high society, this novel chronicles the glittering escapades of a young socialite navigating the complex rules of wealth, status, and romance.
It peels back the curtain on the lives of the "Park Avenue Princesses," exploring the often-empty pursuit of perfection and the search for genuine connection behind a façade of glamour.
Blending fiction with anonymous insider accounts, this book offers a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the high-fashion world through a six-month cycle in the life of a London designer.
It exposes the brutal realities of creativity, competition, and industry politics, stripping away the allure to reveal the ambition and anxiety at the heart of the business.
Dissatisfied with her life, Louise Canova discovers a vintage style guide that inspires a complete personal transformation.
Her journey of self-reinvention, guided by the principles of classic elegance, becomes a path to rediscovering her confidence, identity, and happiness, demonstrating the profound power of style to reshape a life from the outside in.
Set in the competitive world of post-WWI Parisian haute couture, this historical novel follows an ambitious young seamstress who gets caught between the legendary fashion houses of Coco Chanel and her rivals.
The story illuminates the passion, artistic genius, and fierce competition that defined the era, exploring female empowerment in an industry that both celebrated and constrained women.
Imogen Tate, the seasoned editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine, returns from medical leave to find her print-focused world upended by her ambitious, tech-savvy former assistant.
This witty novel tackles the generational and digital divide, humorously critiquing how the relentless pace of change impacts professional integrity and personal identity in the fashion media.
This novel tracks the intertwined lives of three powerful and successful friends—a movie executive, a magazine editor, and a fashion designer—as they navigate New York City's competitive landscape. Bushnell explores the challenges of female ambition, empowerment, and the intricate balance between high-powered careers and personal fulfillment.
Phoebe Swift opens a vintage clothing shop in London to escape a personal tragedy, only to find that the garments she sells hold powerful stories of their own. As she uncovers the history behind each piece, she is drawn into the lives of their former owners, leading her on a journey of healing, friendship, and reconciliation with her own past.
When Dora returns to her grandmother’s vintage clothing shop, she discovers that each dress holds a unique story and a connection to a past life.
Managing the store becomes a journey of self-discovery, as the histories woven into the fabric help her navigate her own uncertain future and understand the powerful link between memory, family, and identity.
A vintage clothing store in Madison, Wisconsin, becomes the hub for a group of women, each navigating her own personal crossroads. The novel weaves together their stories of friendship, second chances, and self-discovery, showing how cherished items from the past can inspire strength and new beginnings in the present.
This investigative non-fiction book examines the dramatic transformation of the luxury industry from family-owned workshops focused on craftsmanship to global conglomerates driven by profit.
Thomas reveals how globalization and mass marketing have diluted the meaning of "luxury," exposing the tension between true quality and the powerful illusion sold to consumers.
Set in 1930s Paris against the looming threat of World War II, this novel explores the fierce rivalry between couturiers Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli.
Told through the eyes of an American artist, the story captures the clash of creative genius, ambition, and political loyalties in a city where beauty and fashion were both a refuge and a battleground.
In 1950s rural Australia, the stylish Tilly Dunnage returns to her bleak hometown, armed with her sewing machine and haute couture skills.
Blending dark humor with gothic suspense, the novel tells a story of revenge, redemption, and the transformative power of fashion, as Tilly uses her craft to expose small-town hypocrisy and liberate herself from the past.
In 1950s Greenwich Village, Lucia Sartori is a talented seamstress at a chic department store with dreams of her own career, defying the expectations of her traditional Italian-American family. This novel captures a vibrant era of changing roles for women, exploring the timeless conflict between family duty, romantic love, and personal ambition.
The humorous and charming Becky Bloomwood is a financial journalist with a secret: she's hopelessly addicted to shopping. Her compulsive spending leads to comical misadventures and mounting debt, forcing her to confront the consequences of her materialism in this lighthearted critique of consumer culture and the quest for self-control.
This compelling non-fiction work chronicles the decadent and turbulent world of 1970s Paris fashion, focusing on the parallel lives and bitter rivalry of designers Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent.
Drake captures an era of creative genius, excess, and social upheaval, revealing how the intertwined ambitions and personal struggles of these two icons forever changed fashion.
This novel imagines the passionate and volatile affair between two of the 20th century’s greatest artists: designer Coco Chanel and composer Igor Stravinsky. Set in 1920s Paris, their story explores the intersection of creative genius, ambition, and desire, questioning the sacrifices required to produce revolutionary art.
In this revealing memoir, the former editor-in-chief of Australian Vogue offers a candid look at the high-stakes world of fashion publishing. Clements pulls back the curtain on the industry's obsession with glamour, the intense pressure surrounding body image, and the hidden realities of producing one of the world's most iconic magazines.
This historical novel tells the story behind one of history’s most iconic garments: the pink suit worn by Jacqueline Kennedy on the day of her husband's assassination.
Centered on the Irish seamstress who helped create it, the narrative illuminates the craftsmanship, ambition, and poignant human connection behind a piece of clothing that became a symbol of a national tragedy.
In this candid memoir, the legendary personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman recounts her remarkable career dressing New York's elite. Halbreich’s story is one of resilience and reinvention, showing how she used her impeccable eye for style to rebuild her own life while helping others find their confidence through fashion.
Connor McKnight, a New York magazine writer, finds his glamorous life spiraling out of control when his model girlfriend disappears. This novel serves as a sharp satire of the city’s superficial social scenes in the 1990s, exploring the emptiness that often lies beneath a life built on celebrity, image, and fleeting fame.
A satirical thriller set in the cutthroat world of a fashion magazine, where a high-level staffer's mysterious death is initially dismissed as starvation. Her colleague’s investigation uncovers the toxic pressures and dark secrets of an industry obsessed with image, body weight, and youth in this sharp, witty critique of beauty standards.
This dual-timeline novel connects the stories of Estella, a seamstress who flees Nazi-occupied Paris for New York, and her granddaughter, who uncovers her family’s secrets decades later.
Spanning from World War II to the present day, it is a story of resilience, love, and ambition, centered around the enduring power of fashion to hold memories and shape destinies.
Two talented teenagers, a metal-sculpting artist and a meticulously skilled sewer, compete for a prestigious fashion scholarship. Told through alternating perspectives, this young adult novel explores themes of creativity, class, and artistic identity, highlighting the passion and personal sacrifices required to pursue a dream.
A young seamstress named Sira Quiroga is forced to flee Madrid on the eve of the Spanish Civil War. She reinvents herself in Morocco, establishing a prestigious haute couture atelier that becomes a front for her work as a spy for the Allies during World War II. Her journey is a sweeping tale of identity, resilience, and courage.
In this charming memoir, Marjorie Hart recounts the magical summer of 1945 when she and her best friend worked as the first female pages at Tiffany & Co. in New York City. Her coming-of-age story captures the excitement and optimism of post-war America, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the era’s society, fashion, and youthful dreams.
Set in Belle Époque Paris, this historical novel imagines the lives of the sisters who posed for Edgar Degas, one of whom became the model for his famed sculpture, "Little Dancer Aged Fourteen."
It is a poignant story of poverty, sisterhood, and survival in the harsh world of the Paris Opéra Ballet, where art and exploitation were inextricably linked.
A London fashion assistant gets her big break when she's unexpectedly sent to Hollywood to dress a celebrity for awards season. This fun, frothy novel offers a humorous look at the chaotic world of celebrity styling, exploring the clash between glamorous appearances and backstage reality while championing the importance of staying true to oneself.
Based on the beloved television series, this novel follows two sisters in 1920s London who, after being left penniless, use their talent for design to establish their own fashion house.
The story captures the spirit of the Jazz Age while exploring female independence, creativity, and resilience as the sisters navigate the changing social and artistic landscape.
This non-fiction book chronicles the 1990s fashion revolution led by the "heroin chic" renegades: Kate Moss, Marc Jacobs, and Alexander McQueen. Callahan documents their meteoric rise and the era's blend of raw creativity, commercialism, and excess, showing how their disruptive vision remade the industry and defined a generation.
In this poignant memoir, the author recounts her turbulent childhood, marked by a glamorous but mentally unstable mother who moved her and her sister through a series of luxury hotels and social circles. It is a story of survival and resilience, set against a backdrop of high fashion and deep emotional neglect.
Becca, a practical and career-focused woman, throws caution to the wind to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a fashion designer. Her journey of starting over is filled with creative challenges, romantic complications, and family drama, exploring what it means to take a second chance on your own happiness.
The legendary creative director of Vogue shares her life story, from her childhood in rural Wales to her career as a top model in 1960s London and her influential decades-long collaboration with Anna Wintour.
This memoir is a testament to artistic vision and resilience, offering an intimate look at the creative process behind some of fashion’s most iconic images.
A single, perfect little black dress from a Bloomingdale's display winds its way through the lives of nine different New York women. From a fledgling model to a retired woman, the dress plays a role in their moments of transformation, love, and self-discovery, highlighting the subtle but powerful connections that bind strangers together.
This historical novel brings to life the complex and ambitious Coco Chanel, tracing her journey from a childhood in an orphanage to her reign as one of the most influential designers in history. The book explores her revolutionary vision, her complicated wartime choices, and her relentless drive to redefine femininity for the modern woman.
Cline investigates the rise of fast fashion and its devastating environmental, economic, and social consequences. Through her reporting, she uncovers the hidden costs of our addiction to cheap, disposable clothing and makes a powerful case for a more sustainable and ethical approach to what we wear.
In 1930s Paris, a talented young seamstress is coerced into becoming a spy, secretly sketching couture designs for a burgeoning mass-market industry. Her work plunges her into a dangerous world of betrayal and moral compromise, set against the glamorous but ruthless backdrop of the city's top fashion houses on the brink of war.
This gripping non-fiction book details the dramatic rise and fall of the Gucci family dynasty. Forden masterfully chronicles three decades of love, glamour, greed, and betrayal, culminating in the shocking murder of Maurizio Gucci and the subsequent downfall of one of fashion's most iconic family empires.
This historical analysis reveals how Marie Antoinette used clothing as a powerful political tool to assert her authority and shape her public image. Weber argues that the queen's controversial and extravagant style choices were a deliberate strategy to claim power in the rigid court of Versailles, ultimately contributing to her tragic downfall.
A young woman in 1950s London inherits a mysterious apartment in Paris from a woman she never met, setting her on a path to uncover the secrets of a talented perfumer from the 1920s. The novel weaves a tale of identity, passion, and reinvention, exploring the evocative power of scent to unlock memories and connect disparate lives.
This novel tells the story of the women behind Queen Elizabeth II's famous wedding dress. It follows two embroiderers at Norman Hartnell's workshop in post-war London as they work on the iconic gown, highlighting their personal struggles, friendship, and hopes for the future in a country still recovering from the war.
Brooke and Julian's marriage is put to the test when Julian's music career suddenly explodes, thrusting them into the chaotic world of celebrity. This novel examines the corrosive effects of fame, media scrutiny, and temptation on a relationship, asking whether love can survive when one partner's life is transformed overnight.
This inspiring non-fiction book tells the true story of Kamila Sidiqi, a young Afghan woman who, under the repressive rule of the Taliban, started a secret dressmaking business in her living room. Her courageous enterprise not only supported her family but also created jobs and a sense of purpose for other women in her community.
Amanda, the owner of a New York City vintage clothing shop, discovers a diary from 1907 hidden in a muff. The novel alternates between Amanda’s contemporary life and the story of Olive, the diary’s author, drawing parallels between the challenges and ambitions of women a century apart, connected through the enduring power of fashion.
Set in 1930s Brazil, this epic novel follows two orphaned sisters whose lives diverge dramatically after their aunt teaches them to sew. One marries into society, while the other is kidnapped by and eventually joins a band of outlaws. It is a sweeping story of family, fate, and the search for identity during a time of great social upheaval.
Tess, a young maid and aspiring seamstress, survives the sinking of the Titanic and finds herself employed by her controversial former mistress, the famed designer Lady Lucile Duff Gordon. Amid the scandal and public inquiries that follow, Tess must navigate a world of class divides and moral compromises to build a new life for herself.
In this darkly humorous thriller, an aspiring fashion editor is determined to climb the corporate ladder by any means necessary—including murder. The novel is a sharp and twisted satire of the fashion industry’s obsession with status, exclusivity, and perfection, pushing the "killer ambition" trope to its literal extreme.
This meticulously researched biography delves into the myth and reality of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel. Picardie explores Chanel's complex personal life, her groundbreaking contributions to fashion, her activities during World War II, and the powerful brand she built, offering a definitive portrait of a true fashion legend.
The author of Deluxe returns with this dual biography of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano, two of modern fashion's most brilliant and tragic figures. Thomas documents their explosive rise in the 1990s and their dramatic falls from grace, examining the immense creative pressures and personal demons that haunted their genius.
The inaugural novel in the hit series introduces the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite private-school teens. Narrated by an anonymous blogger, the story revolves around the friendships, rivalries, and romances of Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf, where high fashion is both armor and a weapon in their social battles.
Three best friends on the cusp of thirty make a pact to drastically change their lives within one year. Set against the glamorous backdrop of New York and London, their intertwined stories explore the pressures women face regarding marriage, career, and personal fulfillment, and the true meaning of "having it all."
A single, stunning wedding gown, inspired by Grace Kelly's iconic dress, connects the stories of three generations of women. A seamstress in 1958, her modern-day daughter, and a bride-to-be each have their lives shaped by the dress, exploring themes of love, legacy, and the evolving meaning of marriage.
This beautifully illustrated graphic novel tells the story of Christian Dior’s revolutionary "New Look" through the eyes of Clara, a young journalist who becomes one of his first house models. It captures the hope and elegance of post-war Paris and celebrates the artistic vision that revitalized the fashion world.
In post-war Paris, a young American woman trying to rebuild her life becomes entangled in the world of rising couturier Christian Dior. As he prepares to launch his first collection, her story intertwines with his, creating a portrait of a city and an industry being reborn from the ashes of war through the transformative power of beauty.
A cult classic set in the 1980s New York club scene, this novel follows Reality Nirvana Tuttle, a door girl at a trendy nightclub whose life is dictated by fashion. The book is a witty and observant satire of the era's obsession with style, surface, and the desperate quest for fame and authenticity in a world of artifice.
This non-fiction book tells the fascinating story behind the making of Breakfast at Tiffany's. Wasson details how Audrey Hepburn's portrayal of Holly Golightly, and the iconic Givenchy black dress she wore, transformed film, fashion, and the modern woman, creating a cultural touchstone that endures to this day.
In a magical Cambridge dress shop, the owner sews memories and courage into her creations. The novel follows a scientist who has given up on love as she rediscovers her own dreams with the help of a special dress, in a charming tale of hope, healing, and the belief that the right garment can change your life.
In this paranormal comedy, a woman who dies in a freak accident at a sale is brought back as a vampire with a flair for fashion. She must navigate the absurdities of her new undead life, complete with designer clothes, supernatural politics, and a sexy new partner, blending humor, romance, and style.
Set in the 1950s at the famous Barbizon Hotel for Women, this novel follows three young women who come to New York City to pursue their dreams. It captures the glamour and constraints of the era, exploring their ambitions, friendships, and the search for identity in a world on the cusp of change.
In this Venetian mystery, Commissario Guido Brunetti investigates the murder of a man found dressed in women's clothing. His investigation leads him into the city's elite circles and uncovers a world of hidden secrets, corruption, and prejudice, touching on themes of identity and societal judgment.
Karen Kahn is a successful fashion designer who seems to have it all, but an unexpected turn of events forces her to re-evaluate her life and career. She embarks on a journey of reinvention in this witty novel about second chances, finding your true self, and discovering that real fulfillment has little to do with labels.
Aline Hallaby, a modern woman from Montreal, moves to Beirut to work for a fashion magazine and reconnect with her Lebanese roots. The novel explores the clash between tradition and modernity as Aline navigates family expectations, cultural differences, and romantic entanglements in the vibrant, complex city.
An American student studying at Oxford falls in love with the heir to the British throne. This witty and charming novel explores the fantasy and the reality of marrying into the royal family, detailing the immense pressure, loss of privacy, and sartorial scrutiny that come with being a modern-day princess.
This fascinating non-fiction book explores a time when American women were guided by the "Dress Doctors"—a group of early 20th-century experts who taught the principles of style, economy, and good taste. Przybyszewski charts the rise and fall of this philosophy, revealing how fashion reflects changing American values.
A spin-off of the Gossip Girl series, this novel follows Jenny Humphrey as she leaves Manhattan for an elite boarding school, determined to reinvent herself as the new "It Girl." The story delves into the high-stakes social dynamics of teen life, where fashion and status are key to survival.
This historical novel tells the story of Consuelo Vanderbilt, the wealthy American heiress who was forced to marry the Duke of Marlborough in the Gilded Age. The book chronicles her life as a duchess, navigating the strictures of British aristocracy while using her influence and style to forge her own path.
Nell Plat, a talented seamstress, flees her small town to reinvent herself in early Hollywood, creating beautiful garments for the silent film industry. The novel explores her ambition and the secrets she keeps, showing the price of independence and the complexities of creating a new identity in the glamorous, burgeoning world of cinema.
In 1880s New York, a determined but penniless hat-maker is hired by a wealthy bachelor to pose as his fiancée to appease his family. This historical romance is a comedy of manners filled with witty banter, social climbing, and a celebration of a woman's entrepreneurial spirit in a society that tried to limit her.
This charming classic tells the story of a humble London charwoman in the 1950s who dreams of owning a Christian Dior gown. Her quest to travel to Paris and purchase her dream dress leads to a series of heartwarming adventures, proving that kindness and determination can break down barriers of class and culture.
Originally published as Innocence, this novel follows Evie, a young American who comes to London to study acting but is soon swept up in the decadent, fast-paced world of 1980s fashion. It’s a coming-of-age story about identity, love, and betrayal, set against the backdrop of an industry defined by glamour and illusion.
A unique blend of biography and memoir, this book pieces together the life of an obscure Norfolk fisherman who, confined to bed by illness, created stunning and intricate embroideries of the sea. The narrative is a meditation on art, memory, and the threads that connect lives, celebrating creativity in the face of adversity.
This unauthorized biography provides a detailed, gossipy account of the life and career of Anna Wintour, the powerful editor-in-chief of Vogue. The book delves into her relentless ambition, her influence on the fashion industry, and the power dynamics that have defined her reign as one of media's most formidable figures.
In this poignant, illustrated memoir, the author chronicles her life through the clothes she wore. Each garment—from her Brownie uniform to her wedding dress—is tied to a specific memory, creating a touching and relatable narrative about how fashion serves as a tangible record of our personal histories.
After moving to the Upper East Side, an anthropologist uses her academic training to study the strange and competitive rituals of the wealthy mothers in her new neighborhood. This memoir examines the tribe's status symbols—including the "Birkin bag"—as she tries to fit into a world defined by wealth, power, and strict social codes.
In this exuberant and unforgettable autobiography, the legendary fashion editor recounts her life with inimitable flair. Vreeland’s story whisks readers from Belle Époque Paris to 1960s New York, offering a whirlwind tour of twentieth-century culture, society, and style, all told in her own dramatic and utterly original voice.
This historical novel reimagines the life of Zelda Fitzgerald, the brilliant and turbulent wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. As one of the original flappers, Zelda was a Jazz Age style icon whose fashion choices defined a generation. The novel explores her fight for her own artistic identity in a world that saw her only as a muse.
A poignant and timeless children's classic about Wanda Petronski, a poor girl who is mercilessly teased by her classmates for wearing the same faded blue dress every day. To cope, she claims to have one hundred beautiful dresses at home, a statement that teaches her peers a lasting lesson about empathy, kindness, and regret.
Maya, an aspiring writer, moves to London to pursue her dream of working in the fashion industry. Juggling a demanding job, professional rivalries, and a complicated love life, she must navigate the glamorous but challenging world of high fashion while staying true to her own values in this warm and witty novel.
A wealthy heiress has her life turned upside down when her family's fortune disappears overnight. Forced to get a job and live on a budget for the first time, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning the value of hard work, humility, and love in this entertaining story about what truly matters.
This satirical novel offers a sharp, funny look inside the world of high-fashion magazines. Ambitious editor Vig Morgan must navigate corporate politics, eccentric colleagues, and the absurd demands of her industry, providing an insider's critique of the superficiality and competition that drive contemporary media culture.
This book uncovers the fascinating history of the world's most famous perfume. Mazzeo traces its creation, its connection to Coco Chanel's personal life, and its rise to iconic status, revealing the story of a scent that captured the essence of modernity and became an enduring symbol of luxury.
This comprehensive and dishy non-fiction exposé delves into the world of fashion modeling, from its origins to its supermodel-era peak. Gross reveals the often-brutal realities of the business, exploring the ambition, exploitation, and power dynamics behind the industry's glamorous façade.
A satirical and surreal novel that skewers the 1990s obsession with celebrity culture. It follows a vacuous male model who gets caught up in a bizarre international conspiracy, blurring the lines between fame, fashion, and terrorism. The story is a dark, dizzying critique of a world where image is everything.
From the author of The Cheetah Girls, this young adult novel follows four talented teens attending a prestigious Manhattan fashion high school. They compete for a chance to be the next supermodel, navigating friendships, rivalries, and the intense pressures of an industry that demands perfection.
The second book in the Geek Girl series follows Harriet Manners, a clumsy, nerdy teenager who is unexpectedly scouted as a model. While on a shoot in Japan, she hilariously tries to balance her new career with the universal struggles of fitting in, making friends, and embracing what makes her unique.
Reclusive Old Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo finally decides to tell her life story, revealing the truth about her glamorous career and her seven marriages. The novel is a sweeping tale of ambition, forbidden love, and sacrifice, where fashion and costume are central to the creation of a legendary public persona.
The iconic designer reflects on her extraordinary life, from her childhood in Brussels to her adventures as a princess and her creation of the wrap dress, a symbol of female liberation. This memoir is an honest and inspiring account of building a global brand, overcoming challenges, and becoming the woman she wanted to be.
A classic collection of essays and illustrations by the legendary photographer and designer. Beaton profiles the great taste-makers and style icons of his time, including Chanel, Balenciaga, and Dior, offering his witty and insightful observations on the nature of elegance, style, and the art of living beautifully.
Four French women offer a witty and candid guide to the secrets of the Parisian woman's effortless chic. With chapters on style, beauty, culture, and love, the book humorously debunks myths and celebrates an attitude of natural confidence, imperfection, and authenticity.
This historical novel explores the life of Consuelo Vanderbilt, an American heiress propelled into British aristocracy through her marriage to the Duke of Marlborough.
Set against the rich backdrop of the Gilded Age, the narrative delves into themes of wealth, power, and social expectations as Consuelo navigates her public role while fighting for personal freedom.