Stories behind the world’s style icons by various authors – book reviews –

Rolex: The Story Behind the Style

Rachael Taylor

Rolex is the world’s most famous watch brand and now you can enjoy the story of its beginnings in 1905 to its current position as a global icon.

Written by Rachael Taylor, a freelance jewellery journalist and regular contributor to titles across the globe, Rolex: The Story Behind the Style is packed with photographs and information covering the company’s entire history.

The book reveals the groundbreaking designs and technology that made Rolex such a significant player in the business, and the timeless designs favoured by everyone from world leaders to film stars.

Marvel at the range of professional watches designed for climbing, diving and other hard-core activities and discover how the crown became the Rolex emblem. Find out about the major moments in history that were graced by the presence of a Rolex watch, and all the places it has travelled to across the world, from the depths of the Mariana Trench to the summit of Everest.

With an exploration of everything from the brand’s iconic film appearances and Rolex’s philanthropic efforts, to its status as a collectible investment piece renowned for holding its value, this is the perfect gift for watch lovers everywhere.

Vivienne Westwood: The Story Behind the Style

Jessica Bumpus

Also in this stylish series is a stunning, handbag-sized visual history of the punk fashion designer and all-round revolutionary icon, Vivienne Westwood.

Packed with photographs and information covering her extraordinary life, readers of Vivienne Westwood: The Story Behind the Style discover how provocation and anti-establishment slogans became her calling cards and how her brand developed its characteristic motifs.

Written by Jessica Bumpus, a freelance fashion journalist and the former Fashion Features Editor of British Vogue online, the book recalls the memorable Vivienne Westwood catwalk moments that have gone down in history, how THAT wedding dress came to feature in the Sex and the City movie and how a pearl necklace went viral on TikTok.

With an exploration of everything from the most notable collaborations and key protest moments to the last VW show and collection before her death in 2022, Vivienne Westwood: The Story Behind the Style is the perfect gift for everyone who has ever been inspired by the great Dame of fashion.

(Studio Press, hardback, £12.99 each)