The age of social media has kept the fashion and beauty industries more up-to-date on trends than ever before. In the past two years, industry giants such as DKNY’s PR Girl Aliza Licht took the fashion industry by storm in a more traditional way — books. From successful autobiographies mixed with business savvy to a how-to book for year-round personal style, these books have found their way into the hands of style enthusiasts everywhere. If you want to turn your passion into a business or brand, learn about fashion’s past or how to mix and match prints, the following books are for you.
“Style Stalking.”
Christine Barberich is the editor-in-chief of Refinery 29, an online lifestyle platform for the style savvy while Piera Gelardi is the brand’s executive creative director. The two co-founders compiled beautiful fashion photography, industry interviews and styling tips for the brand’s first book, “Style Stalking.”
“Creating a Successful Business from Scratch—Naturally”
“Creating a Successful Business from Scratch—Naturally” is written by Miko Branch, co-founder of the natural hair product brand Miss Jessie’s. This memoir/guide of co-founders and sisters Miko and Titi Branch from childhood to successful business partners to life for Miko after Titi’s sudden death. For those interested in the two sisters that helped pioneer the natural hair movement, this memoir is a must-read.
“Girl Boss.”
“Girl Boss” is another successful memoir/business strategy book about the humble upbringing of Sophia Amoruso, the creator of fashion e-commerce brand Nasty Gal. The book navigates her life from fumbling 20-something to multi-million dollar CEO, told from Amoruso’s witty voice that’s apparent throughout the pages. “Girl Boss” doesn’t hold back with its tips to starting your own business or trying to work for others. It’s very inspirational for those who want to learn how to take charge of their lives and their careers.
“Leave Your Mark.”
Aliza Licht is DKNY’s Senior Vice President of Global Communications at Donna Karan International, otherwise known as DKNY PR Girl on Twitter. Licht’s book follows her life from her days as a medical school student to her quarter-life crisis that turned her to fashion and to her current life as wife, mother and fashion executive. As one of the newest books in the memoir/business self-help book market, DKNY PR Girl’s tips will help you navigate the shark-infested waters of the fashion industry.
Models of Influence: 50 Women Who Reset the Course of Fashion.”
Nigel Barker is a fashion photographer, most known by the millennial generation for his work with contestants during the early years of “America’s Next Top Model.” His book uses full-color fashion photographs, famous models throughout the last few decades and industry quotes to illuminate the history of fashion’s most iconic supermodels. From the dawn of the supermodel with Dovima in the 50s to Twiggy in the 60s and Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss in the 90s, this navigates supermodel history up until Coco Rocha, Cara Delevigne, Joan Smalls and more.
