Fashion, Drama and the Stories We Wear

Promotional photo of Audrey Hepburn with Oscar won for the romantic comedy film Roman Holiday (1953). Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

The past week has been filled with global drama, but at least for one night, the Oscars provided a different kind—one we can all enjoy. Awards season always brings glitz, glamour, and cinematic celebration, but for many of us, the real spectacle happens before the ceremony even begins: the red carpet.

There’s something endlessly fascinating about watching the bold, beautiful, and sometimes bewildering fashion choices unfold in real time. The Oscars are a reminder that clothes aren’t just fabric—they tell a story. They make a statement, express identity, and can be as dramatic as any film or novel.

Which brings us to books. Just as film has the Oscars, literature has given us some dazzling, insightful, and compelling stories about the world of fashion and clothes. From high-stakes drama in the fashion industry to novels that capture the personal significance of what we wear, fashion in fiction is as rich and varied as the designs we see on the red carpet.

So, we’d love to know—what are your favourite books about the world of fashion and clothes?

Perhaps you love The Devil Wears Prada for its high-pressure, high-fashion workplace drama. Maybe The Dressmaker by Rosalie Ham captivated you with its tale of couture and revenge. Or is it Orlando by Virginia Woolf, where clothing plays a powerful role in exploring identity and transformation?

Whether it’s a novel set in the world of fashion, a memoir by a designer, or a book that simply captures the emotional power of clothing, we want to hear your recommendations.

Drop your favourite fashion-focused reads on X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky using the hashtags #BooksAboutFashion and #PWaveReads. Because, much like a great book, a great outfit tells a story—and we love a good story. 💃📚✨