Fab Read

When Claudia Schiffer and Karl Lagerfeld get together, they create fashion magic. Did you see the Vogue Germany June cover Karl shot of a pregnant Claudia? Further proof is in Claudia and Karl ($37) published by TeNeues. It's a portfolio — the second one, actually — that Karl has done of his muse Claudia for Stern Fotografie. Here is one of six different covers, with Claudia looking stern yet sexy in round glasses and a black tie. Just imagine what more you'll discover when you flip the cover.

Kalani, Lindsey, Oleema, Alison . . . four of the 30 surfers interviewed in Surf Girl Roxy ($35). Written by Natalie Linden, who is a brand strategist for Roxy and daughter of a surfboard shaper, let this read be your Summer kickoff. While Fit can guide you on how to ride the waves, Fab can teach you how to dress the part — though it takes little more than a bikini. OK, sometimes a wetsuit, booties, gloves, and hood. In this book, you witness the Roxy girls of the 30-year-old beach apparel company in their triumphant surf glory, and the boyshorts, hoodies, flip-flops, and hats they wore along the way. For added fun, peep these 2010 surfer dog competition outtakes — brutal!

Above Magazine ($10) isn't your average run-of-the-mill eco glossy. In fact, it's anything but. This quarterly mag focuses on raising awareness about sustainability via engaging articles supplemented by outstanding photography. The new Spring/Summer issue just came out and it features art-worthy recycled fashion, posh prefab homes, and amazing sustainable house accessories. Just about everything we need to kick-start better habits. Check out eco-conscious model Elettra Wiedemann — who, by the way, can school us on vertical farming and solar-powered clinics in Africa — on the cover. Stunning.

We're sure Anna Sui has a lot to say about her 20-year — and still going — career in the fashion industry. That said, the designer has decided to pen a book, dubbed Anna Sui ($32), along with Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton, and Jack White from the White Stripes. The book will reveal private memories of working with famous supermodels, dressing celebs and rock stars, and will provide insight on her design process. “The process of compiling and reliving favorite memories from my career was very gratifying,” said Sui. We can't wait to read all the Sui details!

May 27 is going to be filled with fashion-packed fun. Not only will you (finally) get to watch Sex and the City 2, you can also grab a copy of Sex and the City 2: The Official Companion Book ($14). This book promises to include wardrobe notes from every outfit worn by Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda in the movie — how awesome is that? Also incorporated are cool behind-the-scenes set photos and a mysterious never-before-told story of "The Movie That Wasn’t." You ready for 500 pages of nonstop style? You know we are.

Get a glimpse inside the book here.

It can be hard balancing out our fashion needs with an eco-conscious attitude, but green fashion expert, Summer Rayne Oakes, is here to help. Her book, dubbed, Style, Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion and Beauty ($10), not only explains the basics of eco-fashion — from fair trade to sustainability — she also highlights some slick fashions from like-minded cohorts such as Stella McCartney, Levi's, and Edun. Who ever said organic clothes had to look like a potato sack? Not I.

Charlotte Smith, author of Dreaming of Dior: Every Dress Tells a Story ($17), is one fortunate gal. Get this: Her American Quaker grandmother had a passion for vintage clothing and gathered pieces from greats like Dior, Chanel, Vionnet, Galanos, and more throughout her life. At the age of 87, she decided to pass on her treasures to her granddaughter. In this book, Charlotte showcases her grandmother's grand collection with illustrations, including notes that detail the stories that revolve around each dress. Sounds magical!

It hasn't been published yet — June 20 is the release — but look forward to a huge tribute book about the late Alexander McQueen. Alexander McQueen: Genius of a Generation ($20), by Kristin Knox, reminisces about the British designer's amazing career. It features over 125 runway shots, including his last Paris Fashion Week collection presented this year after his death. There is also commentary and quotes from fashion journalists and fashion insiders who had the honor of knowing Alexander. If there was ever a book to collect, this one is it.

Most of us know Liz Claiborne as the fashion legend, but what about the rest of her life? The answer is right here in Liz Claiborne: The Legend, The Woman ($17), a memoir written by Liz's husband and business partner, Art Ortenberg. The book details Liz and Art's professional success with the Liz Claiborne brand, along with personal tales of their philanthropic adventures, and Liz's fight with cancer. "Liz left us more than her work," said Art. "Perhaps more than the consequences of her work; she left us herself. The making of that self, and the good she did for others, is the story I tell." So inspiring!

Jewelry is the cherry on top of an outfit — it breathes life into anything it touches. Author of Fashion Jewellery: Catwalk and Couture ($55) Maia Adams understands that, which is why she created this book that profiles contemporary catwalk and couture jewelry. She showcases 33 jewelry designers who combine traditional techniques and modern methods to create the world's most unique bling. Among the designers featured are Lanvin, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, and Comme des Garçons. If you eat and sleep jewels, look to this book for further ideas. To get a sneak peek of what's in store, read more