Fashion coffee table books fall into a unique intersection—they’re a book, yes, one that can be read or pursued simply for pleasure. Per the coffee table part of things, they can also double as a beautiful piece of decor, a small accessory that can go a long way toward completing a vignette and making any space feel more pulled together and finished. Not to mention that, given the topic, they can also be an objet d’art, a special item worthy of being collected and displayed. And with a plethora of different options out there, there’s no shortage of stunning books to fit everyone’s aesthetic and personal preference, both when it comes to the types of photographs on the inside and the appearance of the book itself.
Best Overall
Wonderland
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Publisher: Phaidon Press | Year: 2021 | Pages: 448
Price at time of Publish: $68
Best for Couture Lovers
Yves Saint Laurent: The Complete Haute Couture Collections
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Publisher: Yale University Press | Year: 2019 | Pages: 632
Price at time of Publish: $52
Best Celebrity Fashion
Vogue: The Covers
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Publisher: Abrams | Year: 2017 | Pages: 288
Price at time of Publish: $41
Best for Beauty Lovers
Dior: The Art of Color
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Publisher: Rizzoli | Year: 2016 | Pages: 272
Price at time of Publish: $76
Best Avant Garde
Alexander McQueen
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Publisher: Harry N. Abrams | Year: 2015 | Pages: 352
Price at time of Publish: $57
Best Luxury
Chanel: Collections and Creations
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Publisher: Thames & Hudson | Year: 2007 | Pages: 208
Price at time of Publish: $34
Best Street Style
The World Atlas of Street Fashion
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Publisher: Yale University Press | Year: 2017 | Pages: 400
Price at time of Publish: $32
Best Classic
Tom Ford
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Publisher: Rizzoli | Year: 2008 | Pages: 414
Price at time of Publish: $82
Best for Design Lovers
The Big Book of Chic
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Publisher: Assouline Publishing | Year: 2012 | Pages: 300
Price at time of Publish: $105
Best Glamor
Lanvin
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Fun fact: Lanvin is the oldest couture house, in existence since 1909 with nearly no interruption. This book features key collections (many of which embody old-school glamor) from Jeanne Lanvin from 1909 until 1946, with illustrations, photographs, and extra attention paid to details such as texture, embroidery, and embellishments.
Publisher: Rizzoli | Year: 2007 | Pages: 370
Price at time of Publish: $57
What to Look For When Choosing a Fashion Coffee Table Book
Photography
Seek out photography that resonates with you; after all, they should be a reflection of your tastes and interests. “Look for something that is an extension of your personality. Do you love black and whites? Are you colorful and bold? Get books that you will enjoy flipping through at the end of a long day,” suggests Mullen. Plus, “Selecting a coffee table book that is a representation of your interests and experiences can add character to your home and really make it stand out,” adds Jovanelly.
Quality
Given that you will be displaying this book, quality does matter here. Hardcover is ideal, as is something that is larger in scale; the bigger the better, notes Jovanelly. To that point, while they can be more expensive, you don’t need to buy a ton. Even a few stacked together will make a statement.