Best Fashion & Textile Business Books of 2025

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike is a captivating memoir that reveals the inside story of Nike's early days as a start-up and its journey to becoming one of the world's most renowned brands. Phil Knight, the founder, and board chairman of Nike, shares his story in an unfiltered, funny, and beautifully crafted way. Knight's memoir is more than just a story of a successful business, it's a story of triumphs, setbacks, and the importance of relationships. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, business, and sports culture.

The Kingdom of Prep is a fascinating fashion narrative that delves into the rise and (near) fall of J.Crew, the first lifestyle brand. Maggie Bullock's book brings to life the colorful characters behind the brand, from founder Arthur Cinader to ex-Gap CEO Mickey Drexler and designer Jenna Lyons. Bullock charts J.Crew's origin story, its Obama-era heyday and its decline through the stories of the mercurial characters who helmed the company. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the fashion industry and the shifting landscape of the retail industry.

A visual ode to the iconic American designer Tom Ford's eponymous brand, Tom Ford 002 is a stunning slipcased volume that takes readers through the trajectory of his billion-dollar luxury empire. The book covers everything from cosmetics and eyewear to menswear and his critically acclaimed womenswear line. Printed with Forest Stewardship Council approved materials and edited by Ford personally, this volume is a true collector's item for his devotees and connoisseurs of fashion, style, and design.

The Little Book of Hermès is a must-read for fashion history enthusiasts. This book showcases the iconic fashion house's evolution through stunning illustrations and authoritative text by fashion historian Karen Homer. The author's expertise in the fashion industry is evident in her well-researched and informative writing. The book also includes insights into the most coveted items of the brand. Overall, The Little Book of Hermès is a delightful addition to any fashion lover's library.

This book is a definitive publication on Alexander McQueen, one of Britain's most brilliant, daring, and provocative designers. The book explores key themes of the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition and offers an encyclopedic survey of McQueen's catwalk collections. It features previously unseen material, groundbreaking essays, and feature spreads by multiple authors and leading fashion commentators. The book is a representation of one man's genius, offering a kaleidoscopic approach that explores themes central to the designer's work. For anyone who loved and admired Alexander McQueen, this is a one-of-a-kind illustrated treasure.

Yves Saint Laurent: Icons of Fashion Design & Photography is a stunning tribute to the legendary designer's work. The book features 135 photographs of Saint Laurent's haute couture and ready-to-wear designs, worn by fashion icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Twiggy, and Veruschka, and captured by leading photographers of the 20th century. The book also includes an introduction by Marguerite Duras, providing insight into Saint Laurent's ever-evolving artistry. This is a must-have for any fashion enthusiast looking to explore the history of one of the industry's most influential designers.

Complex Presents: Sneaker of the Year: The Best Since '85 takes readers on a colorful journey through 35 years of sneaker culture. With contributions from some of the most important voices in the industry and stunning illustrations, this book is a must-have for sneakerheads and hypebeasts alike. From the Air Jordan 1 to the Nike React Element 87, the book highlights some of the most iconic sneakers of all time. The book also touches on the impact that athletes like Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson had on the industry, and how they became icons themselves. Overall, this book is a captivating and nostalgic tribute to the sneaker culture phenomenon that has taken the world by storm.

The Fabric of Civilization is a fascinating exploration of the history of textiles and their impact on human civilization. Virginia Postrel draws on research from archaeology, economics, and science to reveal the surprising ways textiles have driven technology, business, politics, and culture throughout history. From the wool trade of the Minoans to the silk of the Romans and the Renaissance, Postrel shows how textiles have funded empires, spread knowledge, and taught us to think in binary code. This book is a meticulously researched and engagingly written account of the world's most influential commodity, which deserves more credit for its role in human innovation.

Emotion By Design: Creative Leadership Lessons from a Life at Nike by Greg Hoffman is a must-read for anyone interested in branding and marketing. Hoffman shares his insights and experiences gained during his 27-year career at Nike, and offers three guiding principles for building emotional connections with consumers. The book is a celebration of creativity and a call-to-action for brand-builders to rediscover the human element in forming consumer bonds. The lessons and stories are invaluable for businesses of any size. Overall, Emotion By Design is a transformative and personal journey that offers a blueprint for building a strong emotional attachment between products and people.

Worn: A People's History of Clothing by Sofi Thanhauser is a fascinating and eye-opening deep-dive into how clothing has transformed our lives, societies, and planet over the past 500 years. The author tells five stories about the clothes we wear and where they come from, from linen to wool, illuminating our world in unexpected ways. Thanhauser highlights the labor inequity and environmental impact of the clothing industry but also shows how micro-communities and clothing makers around the world are rediscovering ethical methods for making what we wear. Overall, this book is a meticulously researched and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in fashion and its impact on our world.