Summer Style Reading Challenge: Books to Ignite the Fashionista in You
Brush up on your knowledge and a good tan
Curated for the sun-drenched dreamers, the style seekers, and the beauty lovers, this fashion-forward reading list is your passport to a season of sartorial inspiration.
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The Challenge
This summer, indulge in a reading ritual that sparks creativity and deepens your love for all things fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and jewellery.
Choose 5 books from the list below one for every mood or moment and let each page transport you into a world of elegance, rebellion, and timeless glamour.
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FASHION MUST-READS
1. The Chiffon Trenches by André Leon Talley
A deeply personal, fiercely stylish memoir from one of fashion’s most legendary voices. Dive into the rarefied world of couture through Talley’s elegant prose and sharp insider eye.
2. Fashion Climbing by Bill Cunningham
Before the street style revolution, there was Bill. This posthumous memoir by the late New York Times photographer is a joyous tribute to individuality and unfiltered style obsession.
3. D.V. by Diana Vreeland
No fashion bookshelf is complete without the unapologetic, visionary voice of the former Vogue editor. This eccentric memoir is part style gospel, part fantasy.
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JEWELLERY & GLAMOUR
4. Jewels that Made History by Stellene Volandes
From Cleopatra to Cartier, this visual journey explores iconic pieces that defined eras and personalities. A must for lovers of storytelling through stones.
5. Stoned: Jewelry, Obsession, and How Desire Shapes the World by Aja Raden
A smart, sassy, and wildly entertaining read about the jewels that changed history and the human obsessions behind them. Think history meets sparkle with a punch of wit.
6. The Cartiers by Francesca Cartier Brickell
A sweeping family saga about the dynasty behind the legendary maison. Think Succession meets high jewellery.
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BEAUTY & STYLE ICONS
7. Face Paint: The Story of Makeup by Lisa Eldridge
Beauty lovers, rejoice. Discover the ancient origins of eyeliner, the evolution of lipstick, and the politics behind your powder compact.
7. Pretty Honest by Sali Hughes
A down-to-earth, clever guide to everything from skin types to signature scents. It feels like chatting beauty over wine with your most stylish friend.
8. Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington
Endearing, wildly visual in its storytelling, and full of insider fashion anecdotes. Surprisingly heartfelt and easy to carry.
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LIFESTYLE & DESIGN
10. Anatomy of Style by Sophie Gachet
Learn how to decode the DNA of iconic fashion figures—from Jackie O to Rihanna—and infuse their sartorial genius into your everyday life.
9. Anatomy of Style by Sophie Gachet
Decode what makes an icon iconic. Bite-sized style insights that make it perfect for on-the-go reading.
10. The Cool Factor by Andrea Linett
Part memoir, part style guide—this book celebrates confidence, personal style, and wearable fashion tips from a former Lucky editor.
11. How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are by Anne Berest et al.
Witty, irreverent, and effortlessly chic—this light read will transport you to the cafés of Saint-Germain with a spritz of dry shampoo and a red lip.
BONUS: STYLE-CENTRIC NOVEL
12. The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes & Jo Piazza
A fun, fashion-meets-tech novel set in a glossy magazine world gone digital. Think The Devil Wears Prada meets Silicon Valley—perfect beach read material.
How to Join the Challenge
Choose your 5 summer reads
Share a photo with your book + look of the day
Tag your location or setting: beach, balcony, brunch
Hashtag: #LuxuryEndlessChallenge #SummerStyleReads #FashionistaBookClub
Ready, set, read.
Let this be the summer where style starts on the page and ends with you.