I Collect Fashion Coffee Table Books—These 44 Are the Best of the Best

Anyone who self-identifies as a "fashion person" has a few things they collect. For some, collecting great handbags is a hobby; for others, thrifting is a full-time side hustle. The point is there's always something that we fashion people are vying to get our hands on, which can make shopping for us a rather tricky endeavor. And unless you've got a detailed wish list from them, chances are you have no idea what to get for the most stylish person in your life.
I'm here to help, and my simple solution is gifting them with a fashion coffee table book. Hear me out on this. It's the perfect catchall gift idea. Whether you're shopping for a last-minute holiday, birthday, or housewarming gift, a coffee table book works for every occasion (and budget). But if you're unsure what books are worth adding to their collection, don't fret. I've scoured Amazon, Saks, and Assouline to identify the 40 best fashion coffee table books based on popularity, relevance, and my collection. Last-minute gift ideas are ahead.
For your fashion friend who's always wearing prints, there's no better last-minute (but thoughtful) gift idea than Taschen's Pucci. Dedicated to exploring the work of the late Italian designer Emilio Pucci, it features an array of archival patterns, sketches, and designs that give the reader a glimpse into how this fashion house became legendary.
For those obsessed with learning the history of fashion houses and seeing archival collections, the Thames Hudson Catwalk book series is a great starting point for crafting a collection of fashion coffee table books. This volume offers an extensive look into every collection designed by Miuccia Prada, from the house's founding to 2019.
Andy Warhol is accredited as one of the artists behind the pop-art movement, but he also became cemented as a pop culture icon. In this Taschen book, the late artist's polaroids compile years of his life and photos of fashion icons like Yves Saint Laurent and Audrey Hepburn.
If you can recall, Tyler Mitchell made history as the first Black photographer ever to shoot a Vogue cover in its 125-year history. But more than being the first, Mitchell has dedicated his craft to exploring the idea of Black utopia through his work, which is displayed in this coffee table book.
Another noteworthy Catwalk book to add to the collection? Versace. I own this one, and I can attest to it being worth every penny, as it gives an in-depth view into the legacy of the late Gianni Versace and how Donatella Versace has transformed this house into one of the most popular brands of our time.
Yves Saint Laurent is now a household name, and this book explores how the late designer became successful. It features a vast selection of images from famous photographers, documenting the house's haute couture and ready-to-wear collections to show how this brand became what it is today.
Fun fact: Nadine Ijewere was the first Black woman to shoot a cover for Vogue. She has become one of the most sought-after fashion photographers in the industry for her ability to showcase the beauty of the Black diaspora. Her book features some of her work and makes for the perfect addition to any collection.
Last year, the legendary Thierry Mugler passed away. In honor of his impactful career, a retrospective exhibition was created and is still going on at the Brooklyn Museum. But if you live outside New York, this coffee table book will give you insight into the late artist's work.
Another influential fashion photographer's work that's worth adding to any collection is Annie Leibovitz. With over five decades of experience, she's shot everyone from Serena Williams to Lady Gaga to Kamala Harris, making her one of the most prolific artists of our time. Her book, Wonderland, features some of her most iconic imagery.
Before the naked-dress trend became a thing, there was a fashion movement known as the neoclassical style movement. The Age of Undress traces the trend's evolution through a historical lens and gives insight into how women in different centuries approached personal style.
You can't talk about American fashion without mentioning the one-and-only Ralph Lauren. With over 50 years in the industry, the brand has continued to define Americana, making this book a must-have.
We have seen a rise in celebrities wearing surrealist-inspired accessories, but before it was a trend on the red carpet, it was being crafted inside the atelier of the late Elsa Schiaparelli. Way ahead of the curve, this book documents her life work and was released in tandem with the current exhibition at Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.
-
Moms Will Love Anything You Buy Them, But These 38 Things Will Really Impress
So good they'll want to make a Facebook post about it.
-
31 Luxe-Looking Home Gifts I'm Buying for My Most Fashionable Friends
Trust me, they'll never stop thanking you.
-
The Under-$100 Things Fashion People Are Buying for Their Apartments
Chic.
-
16 Luxe Holiday Gifts That Will Prove You Have Good Taste
These are guaranteed to impress.
-
Fancy a Little Treat? All These Happy Picks Are $40 or Under
You're half way through the week!
-
58 Cozy Gifts for the Friend Who Loves Nothing More Than a Night In
'Tis the season to stay inside.
-
54 Home Décor Gift Ideas Approved by the Fashion Set
Homebodies will approve.
-
I'm an Unabashed Lover of Luxury—37 Gifts I Immediately Oohed Over
Peak bougie.