If you love fashion, you know that fashion designers sometimes share their life journeys. Fashion designer autobiographies can give you an inside look at what the industry is all about and what fashion designers have to go through to make their dreams come true.
Each fashion designer who has entered the fashion industry has left their unique mark, whether it be big or small, and we can learn from them by understanding the journey and process they went through. Here are five of the best fashion designer autobiographies you can read, to gain an inside look of what it takes to become a fashion designer:
#GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso
#GIRLBOSS is an autobiography that you are probably very familiar with. It’s had a series modeled after it on Netflix and Nasty Gal was one of the most popular clothing lines of the 2000s. What makes Sophia’s story incredible is that she was dumpster diving and stealing until she turned her life around and started a multi-million dollar business from absolutely nothing. Throughout the book, she is honest and open about the struggles she faced and you get to know her on a deeper level.
She had no credit, no money, and didn’t have the experience that other designers had. Yet, she was able to succeed because she didn’t give up, and kept pushing. She taught herself about social media and the fashion industry while staying true to her own unique brand. Because Sophia loved all things vintage, that was what Nasty Gal produced, and it took off like a rocket. This autobiography enlightens you on her tips and her story. It makes for a fascinating read.
Buy #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso
Vivienne Westwood by Vivienne Westwood
Vivienne Westwood has graced the fashion industry for years. Her designs are beautiful and offbeat. How many of us wanted that unique full-finger ring that was showcased in Hackers? Not many people knew it, but that was one of Vivienne’s rings. Also, who could ever forget Pharrell’s infamous Grammys hat!
While she is older than others on this list, this autobiography proves that just because you get older it doesn’t mean you lose your spunk or edge. Vivienne is a grandmother who is proud to know the fashion industry and wants to reveal exactly what she’s been through. The book is bold, rough, and doesn’t shy away from the bigger picture. It also faces issues like sexism. Her fashion designer autobiography is an excellent look inside years of an industry that can be ruthless.
Buy Vivienne Westwood by Vivienne Westwood
Autobiography Of A Fashion Designer by Ralph Rucci
If you are looking for an inside look at exactly what a fashion designer does, this is the book for you. Openly candid in his autobiography, Ralph offers you a story that is both captivating and interesting. He offers tidbits from when he was just fourteen years old and his creativity shines through each page. With the work of a master photographer, you get an inside look at his process, his hard work, and the passion he has for each piece he designs.
He offers a proper portfolio of his life and career for those who want to know what being a fashion designer is all about. Letting you into both his private and public life, he is open about what he’s been through and creates a compelling story that should be on every fashion lover’s shelf. The book has been praised for being innovative, different, and a raw look into the private world of fashion that everyone wants to see.
Buy Autobiography Of A Fashion Designer by Ralph Rucci
The Woman I Wanted To Be by Diane Von Furstenberg
Diane Von Furstenberg is well known for her designs and for marrying into the German royal family. Her autobiography details what it was like dealing with the pressure, being in the public eye, and overcoming health issues. She has overcome cancer, a public divorce, and built a fashion label through it all. The book is a beautiful read to find your inner strength and keep fighting when things look bleak.
What sets this autobiography apart from others is that she is completely open. You know exactly how she felt through each experience, and you feel her pain as if it’s your own. Her goal is to let every designer know that they can be whoever they want to be. It’s a powerful message we can all use and a truly inspiring story.
Buy The Woman I Wanted To Be by Diane Von Furstenberg
Fighting Fashion by Helen Storey
Helen Storey wrote an excellent personal account of her experiences and her life in Fighting Fashion. She’s done it all from working under famous designers to winning awards for being an innovative and creative designer. Her label closed in 1995, and she wrote Fighting Fashion to let people into her personal experiences withing the industry. Though her brand was shut down, it doesn’t diminish her story and she lets us know about fashion during a booming time that was extremely difficult to break into.
It has been described by critics as a perfect account of life in the British fashion world. The book is raw, emotional, and a true testament to Helen’s character. She shares the perspective of watching your business take off, face difficulties, and what it is like to struggle with family. It is a must-read for anyone who loves fashion.
Buy Fighting Fashion by Helen Storey
The fashion world is constantly changing and there are always new designers hoping to make their mark upon the industry. We learn so much about what these designers go through and the struggle to make it in a harshly competitive through their inspirational stories. They also teach us to believe in ourselves even when no one else will. The stories on this list are a raw look into people’s lives, pain, and how they wouldn’t give up when times were hard. Through their stories, we can learn to challenge ourselves and do our best to rise to be the people we want to be.
If you know of any other great fashion designer autobiographies, don’t forget to let us know in the comments!
Loading ...