- Ametora by W. David Marx
- This Is Not A T-shirt by Bobby Hundreds
- Denim Dudes by Amy Leverton
- 100 Ideas That Changed Fashion by Harriet Worsely
- F**k Ivy by Mark McNairy
Coffee table books hold more purpose than helping to turn your hip Brooklyn apartment into an artsy space. I wanted to share with you some of the books that have helped me along my journey with Rocky Clark. Books that have inspired me to dream bigger, and remind myself that RC is here to make a difference.
First up we have Ametora by W. David Marx. Ametora, or 'American Classic'. This book exemplifies just how often America influences other cultures. This shows up in our lives through food, music, art, and of course clothing. Marx sheds light on how American style has seen significant inspiration from Japanese culture, and vice versa. In this book, we learn how GI's introduced Japan to distressed denim and in turn how Japan saved American Denim.
Next we have This Is Not a T-Shirt, by Bobby Hundreds. One of my all time favorites. I read this book cover to cover, highlighting, sticky-notes everywhere, it's that good. This book has probably had one of the biggest impacts on the direction of RC. It's easy to get lost in the streetwear game, but Bobby owns it. He speaks about his journey on to building his streetwear empire - The Hundreds.
Denim Dudes by Amy Leverton is the reason why I fell in love with denim. This is more of a picture book highlighting the most iconic figures in the denim-sphere. The photographs of each individual exemplify who they are through denim. Amy knows the profound impact on denim in our culture and the story it tells.
100 Ideas That Changed Fashion by Harriet Worsely outlines the top 100 fashion innovations in history. Each idea changes the course of fashion in a unique way adding to the overall narrative.
F**k Ivy by Mark McNairy. This book is a bit less comprehensive, and more of a 'flip the page' type, but it stacks well in my top 5 because it's controversial, and who doesn't like some drama. Mark is a satirical designer that pokes fun at traditional "Ivy" wear. His reiterations are fun to admire and entertaining.
I have always been a collector of things that hold value to me, and these books are useful tools I often refer back to for inspiration or simply just to marvel at some of the beautifully curated photos. It can be easy to get overwhelmed with all of the artists and ideas floating around in books, on social media, etc. and to question if what you are doing is right. If I have learned anything through my journey with RC, it is to always remember that no one has the power to be you, but yourself.
Share some of your top books with me! I would love to know who and what inspires you.
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