By Sarah Adams
Start your personal reading resolution with these visually exhilarating books. Dive into the history of crown jewels, the American West, historic fashion runways and more.
A Crowning History
If the thieves who dropped Empress Eugenie's crown outside the Louvre during this year's heist, sparked an interest in jeweled headgear, try this encyclopedic guide to the world's most famous tiaras.
Tiaras: A History of Splendour by Geoffrey C. Munn, $75
An Exceptional Era
Nineteenth-century jewelry buffs can learn all they ever wanted about the crafts, themes, makers and clients central to the period.
The Age of Grandeur by Daniela Mascetti and David Bennett, $65
A Minimalist's Mentor
Devotees of the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's style haven't seen it all. This book offers previously unreleased photographs of the fashion icon.
CBK: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, A Life in Fashion by Sunita Kumar Nair, $65
A Romantic Reflection
Jewelry historian Marion Fasel dissects famous diamond engagement rings, including a late 1400s Renaissance point-cut ring and the 2014 cushion-cut ring Dwyane Wade gave Gabrielle Union.
The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance by Marion Fasel, $35
A Time Well Spent
This compilation of 76 watches includes Paul Newman's Rolex and Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Tiffany & Co. timepiece he wore to the Yalta Conference.
A Man & His Watch: Iconic Watches and Stories from the Men Who Wore Them by Matt Hranek, $45
A Decade of Delight
This love letter to 1990s fashion from legendary photographer Pamela Hanson includes some of her iconic portraits, along with behind-the-scenes moments from French Elle and Italian Vogue.
Pamela Hanson: The 90s by Pamela Hanson, $85
A Peek Behind the Curtain
Fiemeyer's fourth book on Coco Chanel offers insight into the early loss of her mother and subsequent abandonment by her father; her relationship with the Duke of Westminster; and the meaning of important symbols in her life, like wheat and lions.
Chanel: Her Intimate World by Isabelle Fiemeyer, $50
A Cowboy's Compendium
The Stetson cowboy hat has been worn by everyone from General George Armstrong Custer to Beyoncé. This book examines how the brand's history is intertwined with our country's ethos.
Stetson: American Icon by Laird Borrelli-Persson, $100
A Note on Style
A collection of fabled 20th-century musicians' style from Diana Ross & The Supremes' sequins to The Ramones' leather jackets.
What the Band Wore: Fashion & Music by Alice Harris and Christian John Wikane, $50
An Archeological Essential
Tour the Smithsonian Gem Collection whenever you want with this book on the histories of the Star of Asia sapphire, the Dom Pedro Aquamarine obelisk and the Hope Diamond.
The Smithsonian National Gem Collection -- Unearthed by Jeffrey Edward Post, $35
A Collector's Checklist
Delve into the backstories of instantly recognizable handbags, including the Hermès Birkin, Loewe Puzzle and Dior's Lady Dior.
The Book of Iconic Bags written in partnership between Assouline and Fashionphile, $120
A "How It's Made" History
A rarely seen look at the lives of craftsmen behind Meissen porcelain, French Art Nouveau glass and more.
Lives of the Great Makers edited by Rebecca Knott and James Robinson, $50
No Stone Unturned
Jewelry expert and Town & Country editor in chief Stellene Volandes breaks down some of the most consequential jewels in human history, such as Anne Boleyn's "B" initial pendant, the Regent Diamond and the Pearl Carpet of Baroda.
Jewels that Made History: 100 Stones, Myths & Legends by Stellene Volandes, $45
An Empire's Rise
This coffee-table book takes Louis Vuitton superfans on a non-chronological trip through the archives, collaborations, window displays, movie moments and fashion designers in its monogrammed universe.
From Louis to Vuitton by Arthur Dreyfus, $250
A Horological Heaven
Dig into Audemars Piguet's watchmaking process with these images and interviews with horological experts. Carving the dial is a particular highlight.
The Watch: Stories and Savoir Faire by Audemars Piguet, $95
A Photographic Tale
Photographer Malick Bodian's second book illustrates coming of age in Africa.
Adolescence: Malick Bodian by Malick Bodian, about $60
A Catwalk through the Ages
Journey through Jean Paul Gaultier's renowned runway shows inspired by poets, hip hop, the can-can and more.
Jean Paul Gaultier: The Complete Collections (A Catwalk series book), $85 by Laird Borrelli-Persson, $85
A Looking Glass
Ongoing is a retrospective of Swinton's roles in films like Orlando, Suspiria, and The Room Next Door; her relationships with directors like Derek Jarman and Luca Guadagnino and iconic fashion editorials shot by Tim Walker.
Tilda Swinton: Ongoing by Tilda Swinton, $65
A Designer's Dreams
A foreword by Anna Wintour kicks off this look at the London-based designer Erdem Moralioglu's process. His fanciful inspirations, construction of his clothing and expressions of affection from his supporters decorate the pages.
Erdem by Erdem Moralioglu, $125
A Celebration of the Ordinary
Mitchell, the first Black photographer to shoot the cover of American Vogue, compiles images from his early career photographing Georgia locals alongside his high-fashion shoots.
Tyler Mitchell: Wish This Was Real by Tyler Mitchell, $65
Write to Sarah Adams at sarah.adams@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
December 28, 2025 08:00 ET (13:00 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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