Back to the Fash

These past few weeks, I've been pretty preoccupied with "work" and "deadlines" and "professional commitments" -- which are all very important, of course, particularly because they allow me to have the means to contemplate slightly frivolous purchases like buckled Coach loafers. (So comfy looking!)

But I should be back in full force relatively soon, and I cannot wait to start obsessing about fashion again (starting with the New York collections. I honestly haven't looked at a single one, except for Indian designer Sabyasachi's terrific New York debut. But then again, I figure I've got some time, since I've barely starting planning my fall wardrobe and am SO not ready to start thinking about spring.) Now usually, I'd be feeling a little wiped out after my recent hectic work schedule, but I'm actually completely energized about style and design at the moment. That's mainly due to Fashion Now, an great little book compiling most of the most influential designers currently in fashion. I bought it in Bangkok and devoured it immediately -- it's an excellent crash course on many of the innovators in the industry, entertainingly written by the editors at I-D magazine.

(Note: I purchased the Icons series edition, about $10, which is a truncated version and infinitely more public transportation-friendly than the original volume, about $13. But I liked it so much, I'm thinking of buying the big version as well.)

I also snagged a few other editions from the Icons series, including Design of the 20th Century, Design Handbook and Industrial Design. (Many of these are, inexplicably, not available on Amazon, but seem to be at plenty of other bookstores.) At around $10 a pop and very nicely done, I've not found a more thorough overview on some of the design and art movements that have captured much of my attention lately. And! They fit nicely in my totebag, which is just icing on the cake.