Kris Van Assche may have cut his teeth as one of the most influential designers in high fashion, but the Paris-based creative mastermind knows style is much more than clothes. In his newest project, Kris Van Assche has selected seven of his favorite fashion books that have come to define and shape his notable aesthetic. A deeper look into the mind of one of the industry’s most beloved figures, his selections will undoubtedly provide a valuable insight into the ethos of modern-day fashion.
1. Get to Know Designer Kris Van Assche
Kris Van Assche is a Belgian fashion designer who is renowned for his modern yet timeless design aesthetic. From his days as an assistant to Dior’s creative director Hedi Slimane to launching his eponymous label in 2005, Van Assche is held in high regard by fashion enthusiasts everywhere.
- Early Influences: Growing up with his grandmother’s fashion boutique in his hometown of Herentals, Belgium, Van Assche had an early influence over his creative pursuits. His grandmother was attuned to the latest trends and insisted that her grandson (Van Assche) always look the part.
- Attention To Detail: Van Assche approaches fashion with a technical sensibility that gives his designs a modern edge, yet never loses touch with its inherent class and sophistication. His years of experience and a dedication to punctuality and quality guarantee that each piece is part of a timeless collection worth the investment.
2. Uncovering the Fashionista’s Favourite Reads
For the fashionista, reading is one of the greatest escapes. With books, they can explore different universes, transcend time and space, and become inspired by both the wonders and struggles of life. Here are a few of the fashionista’s favourite reads:
- The Devil Wears Prada – Be swept away in a chic and witty world of fashion publishing.
- The Princess Diaries – Experience Mia Thermopolis’s journey from an average teen to a modern day princess.
- The September Issues – Learn the modern day workhorses driving the magazine industry.
For those who need a lighthearted read, why not give The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants a try? Filled with friendship and fashion, the adventures of four best friends will be sure to brighten up the day. From well-written romances to fun and humorous tales, there is something for all fashionistas to enjoy!
3. An Intimate Glimpse at His Bookshelf
Stepping into his bookcase-lined study, one is instantly captivated by the innumerable tomes shelved on these four walls. This is a holy place for a bibliophile – a sacred collection of memories, knowledge, and stories, reflecting the man himself.
His books range from philosophical to scientific, historical to conceptual – from hardcovers, to paperbacks, to first editions – the collection is a near-encyclopedia of ideas and genres. Textbooks share shelf-space with novels, non-fiction, biographies, and treatise; volumes of poetry, works of fiction, and academic journals intermingle happily alongside. There is something of a poetic logic to it, presenting a kaleidoscope of memories, of interests, and of countless hours of interesting reads.
- The Secret Garden
- The Stand
- The Complete Guide to Herbal Remedies
- The Science of Surrender
- Invisible Cities
This man has read and collected them all, and you can feel it, walking through the pathways of his bookshelf. Each volume contains a piece of him, some more than others, but each and every one a slice of his life, his passions, and his understanding.
4. Discover the Literary Gems Chosen by Kris Van Assche
Kris Van Assche, a celebrated fashion designer from Brussels, Belgium, is also an avid reader. He believes that the books he reads have a profound impact on him and his work. To share his favorite titles, he has curated a list of literary gems for you to explore:
- Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
- The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
This carefully curated selection of books is filled with classic stories of joy, heartache, courage, and courage and Van Assche believes they are fundamental and life-altering reads. Allow yourself to immerse in the world of words and discover the hidden lessons and fascinating perspectives from Van Assche’s recommended list of canon books.
Having these books in your library is like having a front row seat to the changing landscape of fashion. Pick up any of these books and you’ll be well on your way to an educational tour through the works of the visionary mind of Kris Van Assche.
