'Little Book of...' Fashion Series

Some books are bought to be read and some are bought to be seen. The Little Book of series manages both: short enough to finish in an evening, handsome enough to leave out where guests will pick one up.

Each hardback tells the story of a single fashion house, from its founder and early years to the collections, designers and pieces that defined it, with photographs and sketches throughout. Our shelf covers Chanel (including Little Book of Chanel by Lagerfeld), Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Balenciaga, Celine, Chloé, Valentino, Loewe, Issey Miyake, Miu Miu and Dolce & Gabbana.

They are at their best in multiples. Line up a row on a shelf with the spines facing out, or stack three under a small vase or candle. For a fashion lover, pair one with a candle or a perfume oil and you have a gift that looks considered. Browse more titles in our books collection.

How big are the Little Book of fashion titles?
They are compact hardbacks, small enough for a handbag or a bedside table, and the Prada and Miu Miu editions run to 160 pages. Each is illustrated with photographs and sketches, so they read quickly but still look substantial stacked on a shelf.

Which Little Book should I buy for a fashion lover?
Start with the house they actually wear or talk about. Chanel and Dior are the classic first picks, Loewe and Miu Miu suit someone who follows the current runways, and Issey Miyake is a good choice for a design-minded reader.

Are there two different Little Book of Chanel titles?
Yes. Little Book of Chanel covers Coco Chanel's life and the classics that made the house, while Little Book of Chanel by Lagerfeld follows the house from catwalk to classics under Karl Lagerfeld. Together they make a neat pair for a devoted fan.

How do I style a stack of coffee table books?
Stack two to four books with the largest at the bottom and the spines facing the same way, then top the pile with something small, such as a candle, a bowl or a bud vase. Grouping by cover colour gives a tidier look.