John Galliano: Unseen, $105, from Time Out.

A behind-the-scenes look into John Galliano’s memorable and playful collections for his own fashion label from 1996 to 2011. Famously known as a laboratory of ideas, all thirty of the brand’s collections are exquisitely recorded in this book.

The World of Anna Sui, $70, from Whitcoulls.

Eclectic and talented, Anna Sui is a fashion icon with a cult following. Known for her self-designed textile prints, Sui is influenced by the rocker, school girl, punk, goth and bohemian. In The World of Anna Sui, fashion journalist Tim Blanks examines the designer’s work accompanied by a range of photographs, garment sketches and mood boards.

Legendary Authors and the Clothes They Wore, $52, from Whitcoulls.

From Zadie Smith’s exotic turban to Patti Smith’s androgynous styling, this beautiful book outlines the signature style of fifty iconic authors. Delve into the relationship between a writer’s attire and their works of art, while examining a true collection of muses and the impact they’ve had on the fashion industry.

Wardrobe Crisis: How we went from Sunday best to Fast Fashion by Clare Press, $37, from Paper Plus.

Fashion journalist Clare Press asks the question “who makes your clothes?” and explores the history and ethics around the fashion industry. A must read, this examination will encourage you to think more positively about your current wardrobe.

James Moore: Photographs 1962-2006, $51 USD ($74 NZD), from Amazon.

A beautiful and captivating overview of influential fashion photographer James Moore and his time at Harper’s Bazaar in the 1960s. Each selected image displays his surreal and cinematic techniques in the form of black and white photographs or images with strong pops of colour.

Literally Me by Julie Houts, $35, from Time Out.

Instagram fashion illustrator Julie Houts or @jooleeloren supplies her followers with witty fashion satires about the modern woman. And her first book compiles the best of the best illustrations, which are not only highly relatable but also sure to produce a bunch of laughs.

Margiela: The Hermes Years, $69, from Book Depository.

A beautiful accompaniment to the Antwerp Fashion Museum exhibition, this book looks at Martin Margiela’s avant-garde styling and experimentation with flesh and fabric and how this influenced his years at Hermes. With input from Martin himself, the book is sure to inspire.

Where Stylists Shop by Booth Moore, $41, from Mighty Ape.

Count this as your little black book of fashion, Booth Moore of The Hollywood Reporter has combined the knowledge of her industry contacts and insider information to create a global guide to the best brands, websites, bargains and boutiques.

Dress Scandinavian: Style Your Life and Wardrobe the Danish Way by Pernille Teisbaek, $33, from The Nile.

Pernille Teisbaek – reigning Scandi Queen of Cool – has compiled her top tips on how to dress like the ultimate Scandi girl. Think a minimalist wardrobe, mixing and matching patterns and Scandi-inspired ideas for beauty and the home.

The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman by Navaz Batliwalla, $40, from Mighty Ape.

The ultimate guide for any modern stylish woman, this book outlines the paradigm of the masculine/feminine aesthetic. Beautifully photographed and curated, it’s a guide on how to be a gentlewoman the includes examples of woman who already embody this way of being.

Why Fashion Matters by Frances Corner, $26, from Time Out.

Who better to talk about fashion than the head of the London College of Fashion? In her book, Frances Corner briefs the reader on all things fashion by discussion different topics including fast fashion, technology and sustainability from a range of different and interesting angles.

Paper Fashion by Papermade, $29, from Whitcoulls.

We can’t think of any better book that houses 20 of the world’s leading fashion personalities all in one place. Though this may not be one for the beach, it’s the perfect activity for those rainy summer days as you punch out and assemble these 3D fashion figures.