Last weekend while at the Barnes and Noble, I was surprised to happen upon two books from the collection, "The Little Book of Gucci" and "The Little book of Louis Vuitton". I quickly snatched them from the shelves, after all these were the only copies available in the collection within the store and also statewide. They were also the most highly coveted and I was eager to see what all the hubub was about. Before flipping through the gold Gucci book, I assumed it was just a small collection of prints, detailed glossy photos of shoots and runways with minimal to no description on each page, hence its use as simple coffee table fodder. I was pleasantly surprised however to find that it was filled with not only beautifully detailed prints but the entire history of the brand, where it begain, how it took off, family relations, collaborators, rise to prominence and how it stands today. Its filled with nuggets of knowledge from those who were affiliated with the luxury brand who even later took off to form their own. Tom Ford in all his sex appeal designs, was taken in by the prominent Gucci house from the late 90's, and grew both the company as well as his cfreativity within the industry for 14 years. After departing from Gucci in 2004, he immediately rose to relevancy in his own line, which has skyrocketed within the ranks of luxury fashion long into today. I also learned of the Gucci Family bloodline, the drama surrounding it members, the in-fighing, tax evasion and even murder! These factors temporarily shook the brand through a turbulent era and would have well continued, if not for the designers and visionaries who were able to rescue Gucci from the near brink of obscurity.
I never knew nor would I have ever known about the extensive history of such a brand had I not only found but opened these books. Even upon a simple Google, there is scarce information on them save a few brief descriptions and samples of a page. In fact, often when I search online to find more information about these lil fashion nuggets, athe reviews I find have the same theme: Decor. Go to an amazon review on "The Little Book of Dior" and you won't find a customer review that says anything about the book besides a comment on how pretty in looks in her girly bedroom accompanied by a profoundly pink photo of the book surrounded by carefully placed feminine accessories. It gives the impression that not many people have read these books ever if at all, and I personally find that disheartening. Inside these books is not only just art but knowledge for the fashion newbie who is interested in fashion, big name designers, or just appreciates the creative minds behind a luxury brand. For those who like to look to said designers for inspiration to create their own line or relatabilty to their beginnings and progress. This may become coffee table fodder to said passionates later on, but at least then they understand the true value of the book itself as opposed to immediately leaving it at the mercy of dust two weeks post purchase.
These books, although small and aesthetically pleasing to a curated coffee table are truly hidden gems of the fashion world and to those who are even the least bit curious to what creates a truly iconic fashion house. If you are fortunate to come across any of these books, weither online or in person, I ask that you do not hesitate to grab one, sit down and really read through them. I promise you they are way more beautiful to read than they look in any instagram post.
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