Nothing compares to a book in its ability to transport you into an entirely new landscape.
Whether you prefer inhaling the current bestseller or engrossing yourself in a literary classic, sometimes only a hearty dose of pictorial extravagance will lift your spirits.
Fashion coffee table books present the perfect means to infuse your home with a splash of glamour. Will the electronic version elevate your interior with its achingly chic front cover? No, but a gorgeous weighty volume with crystal clear imagery certainly will. And this season you'll be spoilt for choice since there are plenty of great options to pique your sartorial curiosity.
Immerse yourself into an entirely new setting, be it Christian Dior's 1950s atelier or behind the lens of eminent fashion photographer Norman Parkinson...
How I chose:
- Genre: The best fashion books aren't merely pretty objects to be admired from across the sitting room, for style obsessives they can offer such rich insights into the minds of industry greats. Our picks span from photography to design, but they are all centred around the theme of fashion.
- Display-worthy front cover: They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and generally we're inclined to agree. But the coffee table books we've highlighted below all feature beautiful, thoughtful covers that deserve to be admired.
The Best Fashion Coffee Table Books to Shop Now:
Saint Laurent - SL EDITIONS: JUERGEN TELLER book
SL Editions: Juergen Teller
Saint Laurent
Rhis book dives into the dynamic creative partnership between Anthony Vaccarello and photographer Juergen Teller, giving a rare look at their collaboration on Saint Laurent’s visual identity. Inspired by the groundbreaking exhibition at the Grand Palais Éphémère and a Saint Laurent Rive Droite takeover, the book showcases how Vaccarello and Teller's connection has shaped the brand's campaigns and imagery in a way that feels both innovative and true to Saint Laurent’s legacy. For years, Vaccarello has relied on Teller’s vision to keep Saint Laurent’s heritage alive yet fresh, weaving new dimensions into the brand through photography and film. This exclusive edition by SL Editions pulls together all of Teller’s Saint Laurent campaigns since 2019, along with key editorial work, creating a stunning archive that celebrates the evolution of a heritage brand in modern fashion.
James Bond Style Book - By Assouline
James Bond Style
Assouline
Dimensions: 25cm x 33cm x 4cm
James Bond Style is a deep dive into the essence of 007’s sophisticated world, brought to your coffee table. This large-format book captures the elegance, precision, and unforgettable looks of James Bond, from his impeccable suits and iconic watches to the glamorous dresses and bold swimwear seen throughout all 25 movies. What makes this book even more fascinating is the attention to detail from Lindy Hemming, an Academy Award-winning costume designer, who brings her expertise to the styles worn by Bond himself as well as his allies, enemies, and romantic interests. This book isn't just about fashion - it's about understanding how timeless style shapes unforgettable characters and adds to the allure of Bond’s universe.
Helmut Newton: Portraits
Schirmer/Mosel
Dimensions: 23.98 x 2.46 x 29.85 cm
Stunning and startling pretty much sums up Helmut Newton's collection of celebrity portraits. View the likes of Andy Warhol, Sophia Loren and Grace Jones through an entirely new lens and appreciate the magnitude of Newton's contribution to fashion photography.
Peter Lindbergh On Fashion Photography 40th Edition
Taschen
Dimensions: 15.88 x 4.45 x 22.23 cm
Having captured that image of the supermodels as well as the Pirelli Calendar three times, Peter Lindbergh is a true industry icon. His photographic archive is a wonder to behold. This edition, spanning 40 years and featuring more than 300 images, offers a unique insight into his approach and subjects. It also contains an updated introduction, adapted from a 2016 interview, which illuminates the man behind the lens.
Norman Parkinson: Always In Fashion
ACC Art Books
Dimensions: 25.55 x 3.1 x 25.91 cm
Industry legend Norman Parkinson changed the face of fashion photography, bringing the craft outside the studio and into real-life locations. He took great care to capture the natural habits of his subjects, including the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Jerry Hall and Jean Seberg, and his style contributed greatly to 'the look' of several different decades. This book pays tribute to some of his most striking images.
Dimensions: 23.88 x 3.43 x 32.39 cm
Complex and radical, Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel is one of fashion's most revered figures. Spanning her life and work, this beautiful keepsake by the V&A draws on the themes of its current exhibition, celebrating both the legacy of her pieces - think LBDs and quilted leather bags - and her innovative eye.
Dimensions: 25.4 x 3.05 x 30.48 cm
While Slim Aarons may not have considered himself to be a fashion photographer, there is something unmistakeable in his work which oozes enduring style. Focusing on capturing the glamorous lifestyles of the elite, it is impossible to not fall head over heels for his stellar portraits.
Dimensions: 22.86 x 3.18 x 30.48 cm
For magazine obsessives, no other book will compare. Vogue: The Covers is a complete visual treat, paying homage to the brand's extensive back catalogue. Prompting nostalgia and radiating beauty, this edition even includes five new frameable prints for collectors to enjoy.
The Royal Wardrobe
Dimensions: 15.49 x 3.81 x 23.62 cm
With story-telling at its heart, this book digs into the economic, social and political significance of royal apparel. Coronation gowns, priceless jewels and meaningful motifs feature throughout - a must-read for historical fashion fanatics.
Dior Couture by Demarchelier
Rizzoli
Dimensions: 28.7 x 3.18 x 36.07 cm
Christian Dior's landmark 'New Look' changed the face of post-war dressing, and the legacy of this pivotal moment is still felt today. Flip through an exquisite library of haute couture pieces, captured by internationally renowned photographer Patrick Demarchelier, and immerse yourself in the history of the maison.
Why you should trust me:
Natalie Salmon is the Editor of H! Fashion, known for her expertise in luxury fashion and her passion for the intersection of style and technology. With a background in high-end fashion journalism, Natalie’s career spans some of the industry’s most prestigious publications, including Vogue Scandinavia and Harper’s Bazaar UK. Her work often focuses on the fusion of fashion with innovation, making her a leading voice in the digital transformation of the industry. At H! Fashion, Natalie leads coverage on the latest trends, frequently interviewing top designers, entrepreneurs, and influential people in the industry. Her unique perspective brings a fresh narrative to fashion journalism, highlighting the growing role of technology in shaping the future of fashion.