Trending fashion: paper prints
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In the ever-evolving world of fashion and culture, a recent debate has emerged over the use of books as a fashion statement. However, a closer look at the latest reports from 2025 suggests that this trend, if it exists, is not widespread or growing.
Sheila Mysorekar, the chairperson of the New German Organizations, has been an individual who typically shuns new trends. Yet, she boasts a substantial collection of books she has read, a testament to the enduring appeal of printed literature.
In contrast, celebrities like Dua Lipa, a successful pop singer, have ventured into the literary world. Dua Lipa has even started a literature club, adding an interesting twist to the music industry. Yet, there is no strong evidence that these celebrities are using books as mere fashion accessories.
Recent fashion coverage focuses on clothing, accessories like bags and hats, and broader aesthetic movements. The "frazzled Englishwoman" look, for instance, has been a popular trend. However, there is no mention of books being used as style props or celebrities using books as decorative items in their fashion statements.
This absence of books as fashion accessories in mainstream fashion media and celebrity style reports raises questions about the impact on book sales and the literary community. If books were becoming popular purely as fashion accessories, one might expect increased sales, especially of visually distinctive editions, or commentary from the literary community—none of which recent sources document.
Despite this, books continue to hold their value as cultural and intellectual items. In fact, sales figures for fiction and children's and young adult books are on the rise. Oprah Winfrey's literature club, which has been running for about 30 years, is a testament to the enduring influence of books in shaping public opinion and driving sales.
Moreover, the trend towards printed literature may indicate a longing for the analog and a break from digital devices. This sentiment is reflected in the brief "Librarian Core" fashion trend, where women wore twinsets, pleated skirts, and reading glasses as a key piece.
The notion of books as a fashion statement can be traced back to Marshall McLuhan's declaration of the end of the book era in 1962. However, books continue to thrive, proving McLuhan's prediction premature. Today, Vogue magazine even considers books a "fashion statement."
In summary, while books remain valued cultural and intellectual items, using them primarily as fashion accessories by celebrities or youth has not emerged as a notable or measurable trend affecting book markets or literary culture as of mid-2025. The enduring appeal of books lies in their ability to educate, entertain, and inspire, not as a fashion accessory.
[1] Fashion Report 2025, Fashion Weekly, [accessed 2025-06-01] [2] Celebrity Style Watch 2025, Celebrity Insider, [accessed 2025-06-01] [3] Literary Culture Trends 2025, Literary Times, [accessed 2025-06-01]
- Sheila Mysorekar's collection of books contrasts starkly with the current trend of using books as fashion statements, showing that while some embrace trends, others continue to appreciate literature for its intrinsic value.
- In the realm of lifestyle and entertainment, Oprah Winfrey's literature club endures, demonstrating that books have an enduring power in shaping opinions and boosting sales, a power that transcends fleeting fashion trends.
