Professional & Niche
Design for the Real World
Victor Papanek
A seminal work on design, advocating for socially and ecologically responsible practices. It challenges the profession to move beyond superficial aesthetics and address real-world needs, promoting innovation and ethical considerations in shaping our environment and society.
Design as Art
Bruno Munari
A renowned Milanese designer and graphic artist explores the intersection of art and design, advocating for a functional and accessible approach to aesthetics in everyday life. Munari challenges traditional notions of art and encourages a deeper understanding of visual communication and the role of the designer in shaping our environment.
Hollywood Costume Secrets
Alison Freer
A behind-the-scenes look at how Hollywood costume designers create iconic looks for actors, and how you can apply those same secrets to your own wardrobe. Learn how to find the perfect fit, break fashion rules, and solve wardrobe disasters with expert advice from a professional costume designer.
Little Dictionary of Fashion
Christian Dior
A concise guide to fashion, offering timeless advice on style, elegance, and personal expression. From accessories to colors, this dictionary provides essential insights for women seeking to enhance their wardrobe and cultivate a distinctive look.
The End of Fashion
Teri Agins
An insightful exploration into how marketing reshaped the fashion industry, revealing the shift in power from designers to consumers and the rise of branding in a world of homogenized styles.
Designing Design
Kenya Hara
*Designing Design* by Kenya Hara explores the philosophy and practice of design through a Japanese lens. Hara, a renowned designer, delves into the core principles that underpin effective and meaningful design, emphasizing the importance of sensory perception, cultural understanding, and the re-evaluation of everyday objects. The book challenges readers to see the world with fresh eyes, encouraging them to find inspiration in the ordinary and to consider design as a process of communication and sensory engagement. Through explorations of projects like "RE-DESIGN," "HAPTIC," and the design philosophy of MUJI, Hara illustrates how design can awaken the senses, reveal hidden qualities in familiar things, and respond to global consumer culture with simplicity and rationality. The book also examines the significance of "white" as a design concept and explores Japan's unique cultural perspective in shaping design thinking. Readers will gain insights into how design can be used to create a deeper understanding of the world around them. *Designing Design* offers a unique perspective on the power of design to shape our perceptions, stimulate our senses, and foster a more harmonious relationship with our environment. It encourages designers and non-designers alike to embrace a more thoughtful and intentional approach to the creation and appreciation of the objects and experiences that surround us.