Best Textile & Costume Books of 2025

Kaffe Fassett's Timeless Themes: 23 New Quilts Inspired by Classic Patterns is a must-have for quilters and textile enthusiasts. The book reinvents the artist's most beloved designs through a collection of fresh quilt patterns that explore classic, bold patterns such as stripes, circles, geometrics, botanicals, wild paisleys, and retro zig zags. Each chapter focuses on a pattern theme from the Kaffe Fassett Collective, and an archive of Kaffe's photos collected over the last 50 years is presented alongside images of the fabrics they inspired. The book is a beautiful addition to any quilter's library, blending the best elements of Kaffe's life and inspiration.

The Little Book of Chanel (Little Books of Fashion, 3) is a monograph that explores the life and work of one of the most iconic fashion designers of all time, Coco Chanel. From her early beginnings in millinery to her groundbreaking contributions to women's sportswear, the book offers a detailed account of her evolution and the lasting impact of her creations. The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs, sketches, and catwalk shots, making it a must-have for any fashion enthusiast. Overall, this book is an excellent addition to any fashion history collection.

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.

Chanel: The Complete Collections (Catwalk) is a must-have book for Chanel fans and fashion enthusiasts. This comprehensive overview of Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel collections showcases his iconic creations through original catwalk photography. The book includes 22 new collections, including Lagerfeld’s final show for the house and the work of his successor, Virginie Viard. Each collection is illustrated with a curated selection of catwalk images, showcasing hundreds of spectacular clothes, accessories, beauty looks, and set designs. Overall, this book is a lasting tribute to one of the most talented and influential fashion designers in history and a definitive reference on Lagerfeld’s iconic Chanel looks.

The Little Book of Gucci is a captivating read that tells the story of the historic Italian fashion brand, from its founding by Guccio Gucci in 1921 to its current success under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele. The book explores the visionary looks that have made Gucci a household name in the fashion industry, from the signature dark brown diamond print to the iconic belt, bag, and loafer. Written by Karen Homer, an established fashion journalist, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of fashion and Italian luxury. Overall, it is a well-researched and beautifully illustrated book that captures the essence of Gucci's enduring appeal.

The Little Book of Dior is a beautifully illustrated addition to the Little Books of Fashion series that tells the story of Christian Dior and the fashion house he created. It covers his rise to fame, the creation of the "new look" silhouette, and the evolution of the brand after his death. Karen Homer, an author and fashion journalist, has created a concise and engaging read that is perfect for fashion lovers and history buffs alike. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of fashion and the legacy of one of the most influential designers of the 20th century.

The Fellowship of the Knits: Lord of the Rings: The Unofficial Knitting Book is a must-have for fans of J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. This knitting guide features over 25 patterns inspired by the beloved characters, locations, and natural elements of the books and film adaptations. From cozy Hobbit knits to elegant Elven garments, this book has something for every skill level. The detailed instructions and stunning full-color photography make it easy to create classic looks from The Lord of the Rings, including clothing and costumes. This unofficial guide is the first of its kind and is sure to delight any fan of the series.

The Chloe: The Complete Collections (Catwalk) is a stunning publication that showcases the iconic brand's seventy years of collections by renowned designers. The book provides a detailed account of the evolution of Chloe's collections, from its inception by founder Gaby Aghion to its contemporary celebrity clientele. The carefully curated catwalk images and short texts that unveil the highlights and influences of each collection make this book a comprehensive work of art. Lou Stoppard's writing is excellent, and her expertise in fashion shines through in this coffee table book. Overall, this book is a must-have for fashion enthusiasts and those who appreciate the history and evolution of one of the most iconic fashion brands of our time.

The Fashion, New Edition: The Definitive Visual Guide is an extensive catalog of the history of fashion, from ancient times to the present day, with a focus on how every generation has reinvented fashion. The book includes beautiful images of classic pieces, profiles of key designers, and a discussion of how Western fashion has been influenced by design from around the world. The new edition covers recent subjects of interest like social media, fast fashion, sustainable fashion, and diversity. The book is a must-have for fashion students and fashion enthusiasts. Overall, it is a visually stunning and informative guide to the evolution of fashion.