The Zeitgeist: New Runway-Approved Reads

The must-have fashion books to have on your radar this fall.

The Zeitgeist: Fall's Biggest Pop Culture Moments

Black in Fashion: 100 Years of Style, Influence & Culture

Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) is diving into Fairchild Media Group’s archives to celebrate Black designers, models and other influential figures in the fashion industry. Written by Tonya Blazio-Licorish and Tara Donaldson, the book features over 375 black-and-white and color photographs, illustrations and original articles about the designers, models, scene-makers and stylists who have shaped the fashion landscape over the past century.

“This book comes at a pivotal time for both WWD and the broader fashion industry,” said Amanda Smith, president of Fairchild Media Group. “’Black in Fashion’ celebrates the vibrant legacy and ongoing impact of Black talent in fashion. We are proud to contribute to the enduring narrative of diversity and innovation that defines our industry.”

Christian Siriano: Red Carpet Dreams

American fashion designer Christian Siriano has been turning red-carpet fantasies into reality for years, and now he’s bringing that magic to print. On Sept. 24, Rizzoli New York will release “Christian Siriano: Red Carpet Dreams,” a tome dedicated to Siriano’s continued evolution as a visionary, from his fashion that celebrates diversity, inclusion and body positivity to the craftsmanship behind each creation. “This book showcases my perspective on dressing for the new red carpet. I wanted to help transform the landscape by dressing people of all shapes, sizes, ages, genders and more so that the younger generations can see that there are no rules when it comes to clothes—if I can do it, so can you,” Siriano told Rivet. “Our ideas around what the red carpet should look like are dated…I hope I’ve helped contribute to an era where individuality and fantasy shine.”

Dolce & Gabbana: From the Heart to the Hands

Paying tribute to the value and tradition of handcrafted items has been an integral aspect of Dolce & Gabbana since its inception in 1985. “Dolce & Gabbana: From the Heart to the Hands” explores the Italian brand’s archival treasures for the first time. Written by Florence Müller, the book delves into the fashion house’s Italian heritage and the lasting impact of Italian culture on its most iconic and innovative collections. The book follows Dolce & Gabbana’s recent exhibition in Milan of the same name.

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Dustin Pittman: New York After Dark

From shadowy underground haunts to prestigious galleries and clubs, “Dustin Pittman: New York After Dark” dives into the pop culture scene of New York during the ’70s and ’80s through Pittman’s lens. Reflecting on over 100,000 vibrant photographs chronicling the untamed corners of New York City’s after-hours nightlife, the book features firsthand observations and remembrances by Pittman, who photographed some of the world’s most famous fashion designers like Halston , Yves Saint Laurent and Calvin Klein. It includes an introductory essay that provides an objective view of Pittman’s work and underscores its significance as a chronicle of the music, art and fashion scene and a foreword by New York Dolls member David Johansen.

Salvatore Ferragamo

Diving deep into luxury Italian fashion designer and shoemaker Salvatore Ferragamo’s life and work, Stefania Ricci’s new book, “Salvatore Ferragamo” is poised to be a must-read for fashion lovers this fall. Available on Sept. 24, the book explores various aspects of Ferragamo’s life and work, including the wartime challenges he faced. Despite the scarcity of materials, these difficulties sparked remarkable creativity, leading him to craft shoes from unconventional materials like cork and fish skin.

The Battle of Versailles: The Fashion Showdown of 1973

Fashion is not always the glitz and glam it appears to be, and “The Battle of Versailles: The Fashion Showdown of 1973” highlights that. The book, written by Mark Bozek and photographed by Jean-Luce Huré and the late Bill Cunningham, chronicles the dramatic 1973 face-off between French designers Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Cardin, Emanuel Ungaro, Marc Bohan and Hubert de Givenchy and American fashion designers Oscar de la Renta, Stephen Burrows, Halston, Bill Blass and Anne Klein. What began as a restoration fundraiser for the palace turned into a cultural-shifting event that left an indelible mark on the fashion industry, launched American designers as a global force and challenged the industry norms of the time. The book also features unedited excerpts from Cunningham’s private detailed diary.

The Camp 100: Glorious flamboyance, from Louis XIV to Lil Nas X

Camp—a style that blends old and new fashion characterized its theatricality, irony, exaggeration and kitsch—has shaped fashion houses and personal styles for centuries. In “The Camp 100: Glorious Flamboyance, from Louis XIV to Lil Nas X,” author Simon Doonan explores 100 individuals, objects, art movements and more that embody this aesthetic—from The Real Housewives and Linda Evangelista to Coco Chanel and poodles.

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