Fashion has always mirrored the societal, cultural, and generational shifts of the time. For Gen Z, the fusion of sustainability, authenticity, and inclusivity shapes their outlook on fashion. In 2024, this perspective is captured brilliantly in a collection of insightful fashion books. These works not only delve into the trends that captivate this digital-savvy and socially conscious generation but also explore the industry’s historical roots and future trajectory. Let’s explore these compelling reads, each providing a unique lens into the world of Gen Z style. Follow us at Paris’s Le Bal des Débutantes 2024.
Total Ethics Fashion
This book dissects the fashion industry’s growing commitment to ethical practices, from sustainable sourcing to fair labor. It details how Gen Z’s demand for transparency and accountability is transforming the way brands operate. With case studies of ethical leaders like Patagonia and Stella McCartney, Total Ethics Fashion showcases how activism and innovation are driving a new era of conscious consumerism.
Author: Emma Hakansson
Publisher: Hardie Grant Media
ISBN: 9781761450259
Price: 16.99 pounds/14.70 dollars
Related: Apple Martin at Paris’s Le Bal des Débutantes
Related: Sandra Reyes, Beloved Colombian Actress, and Star of Pedro el Escamoso, Dies at 49
Fila: A Legacy of Sport and Style
Fila’s resurgence as a Gen Z favorite is explored in this engaging book, which chronicles its evolution from a niche sportswear brand to a global fashion icon. Highlighting collaborations with contemporary designers and influencers, it examines the brand’s ability to stay relevant by embracing retro aesthetics while maintaining a focus on modern functionality.
Author: Angelo Flaccavento
Publisher: Rizzoli
ISBN: 9788891838940
Price: 65 pounds/75 dollars
Look Good, Feel Good, Play Good: Nike Apparel
This exploration of Nike’s apparel legacy captures how the brand balances performance and lifestyle wear. By examining its innovative use of technology, marketing campaigns featuring Gen Z icons, and its role in sports culture, the book celebrates Nike’s impact on fashion and identity among young consumers.
Author: Maisie Skidmore
Publisher: Phaidon
ISBN: 9781838669072
Price: 65 pounds/90 dollars
Simone Rocha: Artistry in Fashion
Simone Rocha’s ability to blend femininity with avant-garde design takes center stage in this deep dive into her career. The book offers insights into her craftsmanship, runway innovations, and her appeal to Gen Z, who embrace her bold yet wearable artistic vision. It also discusses her role in reshaping what luxury fashion means in the 21st century.
Author: Simone Rocha
Publisher: Rizzoli
ISBN: 9780847873364
Price: 65 pounds/85 dollars
When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion
This historical narrative revisits the trailblazing women who defined American fashion in its formative years. While detailing their legacies, it draws parallels to Gen Z’s empowerment movements, emphasizing the cyclical nature of fashion as a reflection of societal change.
Author: Julie Satow
Publisher: Doubleday
ISBN: 9780385548755
Price: 22 pounds/32 dollars
Selling Sexy: Victoria’s Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon
This compelling exposé tracks Victoria’s Secret’s meteoric rise and eventual challenges in adapting to Gen Z’s demand for body positivity and inclusivity. It provides a critical lens on how branding strategies can alienate or attract new generations, offering lessons on the shifting landscape of fashion marketing.
Author: Lauren Sherman and Chantal Fernandez
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
ISBN: 9781250850966
Price: 29.99 dollars
In American Fashion: Ruth Finley’s Fashion Calendar
Celebrating the legacy of Ruth Finley, this book reveals the behind-the-scenes efforts that structured American fashion weeks for decades. It resonates with Gen Z’s appreciation for trailblazers who laid the foundation for today’s dynamic industry while inspiring them to reimagine these traditions for a digital-first era.
Author: Natalie Nudell
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 978135038532
Price: 72 pounds/115 dollars
How to Build a Fashion Icon: Notes on Confidence from an Image Architect
This guide merges fashion advice with psychological insights into confidence-building, offering practical strategies for curating a personal brand. Written with Gen Z in mind, it highlights the intersection of individuality and self-expression in building a memorable fashion persona.
Author: Law Roach
Publisher: Abrams
ISBN: 9781419768217
Price: 19.99 pounds/30 dollars
Black in Fashion
This groundbreaking book explores the contributions of Black designers, models, and influencers who have shaped the fashion world. From the trailblazing work of Ann Lowe, the first Black designer to gain mainstream acclaim, to the modern impact of figures like Virgil Abloh and Aurora James, Black in Fashion highlights the underappreciated but vital role of Black talent in the industry. Gen Z’s focus on representation and authenticity makes this book especially relevant, as it encourages readers to celebrate diversity and recognize fashion as a platform for cultural expression.
The book also examines how Gen Z has embraced and elevated Black-owned fashion brands, supporting a shift toward ethical consumerism. With its detailed chronicle of past achievements and its hopeful look at future possibilities, Black in Fashion serves as a manifesto for an inclusive industry.
Author: WWD, Tonya Blazio-Licorish and Tara Donaldson
Publisher: Penske Media/Union Square & Co.
ISBN: 9781454952060
Price: 50 pounds/65 dollars
Palace Costume: Dressing the World for Imagination
A captivating journey into the world of costume design, Palace Costume unveils the intricate craftsmanship behind some of the most iconic looks in cinema and theater. This book doesn’t just focus on clothing as a practical necessity but as an art form that tells stories and evokes emotion. For a generation like Gen Z, deeply inspired by visuals and storytelling, this work resonates as a celebration of fashion as both performance and identity.
From historical recreations to futuristic designs, the book offers an inspiring look at how costumes shape perceptions of characters and narratives. Gen Z’s interest in cosplay, vintage fashion, and creative self-expression finds a natural ally in the themes explored here, making Palace Costume an essential read for young creatives.
Author: Mimi Haddon
Publisher: Chronicle Chroma
ISBN: 9781797228853
Price: 21 pounds/27 dollars
An Eye for Couture
Note: This book will be released on December 3, 2024.
An in-depth exploration of haute couture, this book dives into the ateliers of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses. An Eye for Couture offers a rare glimpse into the painstaking processes behind bespoke designs, from sketch to runway. It celebrates the artistry, innovation, and technical expertise that define couture, connecting these traditions to the modern-day appreciation for craftsmanship embraced by Gen Z.
Through interviews with designers, seamstresses, and fashion historians, the book emphasizes the enduring allure of couture, even in an age dominated by fast fashion. The text also examines how Gen Z consumers are influencing couture by demanding sustainable practices and inclusive sizing, signaling a new era for high fashion that balances exclusivity with accessibility.
Author: Caroline Evans and Betül Basaran
Publisher: Prestel Publishing
ISBN: 9783791377636
Price: 75 pounds/95 dollars
Made Up: The Art of Makeup as Fashion
Note: This book will be released on December 17, 2024.
Blurring the lines between fashion and beauty, Made Up explores makeup as a powerful form of self-expression. It traces the history of makeup from its ancient origins to its contemporary role as a cornerstone of personal style. For Gen Z, who view makeup as a genderless and creative outlet, this book resonates deeply.
Highlighting iconic makeup artists and their contributions to fashion shows and pop culture, Made Up also delves into the technological innovations that are shaping the industry. From virtual try-ons to AI-designed products, the book offers a forward-looking perspective on how technology is enhancing accessibility and customization in makeup, aligning perfectly with Gen Z's tech-savvy nature.
Author: Charli Butterfield
Publisher: Focal Press
ISBN: 9781032454061
Price: 36.99 pounds/49.99 dollars