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Open Book: Silvia Tcherassi

From Chanel's influence to her own distinctive style, the Colombian fashion designer shares the literary works that fuel her creative journey and remain closest to her heart.

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Silvia Tcherassi stands as a genuine pioneer, innovator, and trendsetter in the fashion world. Courtesy of Silvia Tcherassi.

Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, the visionary fashion designer revolutionized Latin American high fashion with her signature tropical flair and fearless use of color. During precious moments away from her atelier, Tcherassi immerses herself in books that offer fresh perspectives on fashion and the wisdom of legendary icons like Coco Chanel and Madeleine Vionnet. From the volumes that shaped her design philosophy to the transformative text that forever altered her worldview, discover the books that continue to inspire one of fashion's most vibrant creative forces.

The book that changed how I see the world is: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

The book I've read more than once (or twice) is: The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

The book I gift all my friends is: Silvia Tcherassi by Lola Gavarron 

The book I never finished (but wanted to) is: The Bible

The book that inspired by career is: Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life by Justine Picardie 

The book that taught me everything about fashion is: Madeleine Vionet by Betty Kirke

"It was instrumental in deepening my grasp of design. It gave me a new perspective on dress silhouettes and taught me how to draw inspiration from the classics while reinterpreting them in a way that feels fresh and modern.” 

If I were an Assouline book, I would be: The Impossible Collection of Fashion by Valerie Steele

"While all of the titles in this series are exceptional, this one holds a special place for me. It captures the power of fashion as art, as a source of pleasure, and even as a collectible— all viewed through a historical lens. The book perfectly illustrates how fashion is a reflection of its time.”

In honor of World Book Day, discover Culture Lounge’s “Open Book” series, featuring insights from tastemakers and industry leaders who reveal how literature impacts our lives, shapes our communication, and deepens our understanding of the world around us.

Silvia's Picks
The Ultimate Collection The Impossible Collection of Fashion
$1,200 USD
The Classics Collection Cartagena Grace
$105 USD
The Ultimate Collection Chanel: The Impossible Collection
$1,200 USD

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