A large part of how we communicate with others is through photos. Advances such as Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest focus on self-expression through images people post. It can tell you a lot about a person from their interests to what they did last night. Photography is a large part of conveying inspiration and creating an atmosphere around the garment.

Editors and designers have also shattered their silence around the industry that was largely kept quiet from the wider public in its infancy. Anna Wintour, chief editor of Vogue for the last 24 years describes the crucial role of an editor in the book In Vogue, The Editor’s Eye:

“It’s the search for the perfect photographic moment that separates the editors from the stylists. A good editor instigates all sorts of visual codes and cues to work in conjunction with the girl in a dress. The editor imbues the recording of fashion and beauty with a resonance that speaks of art, life, the here and now, and maybe the tomorrow.”

The recent rise in popularity of fashion blogs have largely consisted of images. Scott Schuman who is better known as The Sartorialist is a perfect example of how much audiences are enjoying fashion photography. His book was sold out within an hour of his book signing in Vancouver. His street style photography has captivated the eye of the readers and industry moguls such as Vogue, GQ and Burberry.

Whether you use it as a table book or just like to be lost in the pages of a fashion fairytale, a good fashion book can continue to inspire you through time.

1. In Vogue, The Editor’s Eye: The editors of vogue take you through a world wind journey in fashion. The book features eight editors that have made an impact in contributing to Vogue. In the words of Polly Allen Mellen, fashion editor of vogue from 1966-1991: “An ordinary fashion photograph is in a vitrine in two dimensions: It’s about the merchandise. But a great photograph, like a window with the power to arrest crowds on a sidewalk, has to channel a dream.”

2. The Sartorialist: Closer: For those of you who like street style photography, Scott Schuman has been making waves in the fashion photography industry. His chic, upper echelon style has landed his work in the pages of Vogue Paris, GQ, Burberry and The Gap. His book was sold out within the hour when he made a personal appearance for a book signing in Vancouver.

3. Style from A to Zoe: This is a great book for those who are interested in trends and fashion. Rachel Zoe, fashion stylist to the stars, takes the reader through ways on creating a stylish look. This was my very first go to book back in 2007 and I still refer back to it from time to time. Here’s Rachel Zoe on making it all happen: “The notion of being a kept wife wasn’t for me. Success and happiness don’t come through shortcuts. I wanted to work hard and achieve my dreams myself. It isn’t about fashion. It’s style. In my book, glamour is pure lifestyle”.

4. Vogue On: A catalogue on four designers (Chanel, Dior, Schiaparelli and McQueen) from the perspective of Vogue. This is a great set for those who like variety and learning about luxury designers.

5. Grace Coddington, A Memoir: The creative director of Vogue, Grace Coddington documents her journey to the top. A model turned creative director, this woman has lived and breathed Vogue since the age of 18. Grace Coddington on leaving to model: “Modelling seemed like an amazing escape into the world of wealth and excitement, a chance to travel to new places and meet interesting people. At the very least, I reasoned, it could lead to a greater social life, a respectable home, and marriage, all of which would make my mother deliriously happy. Besides, I loved seeing beautiful clothes in beautiful photographs and dreamed of being part of it.”

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Amy Yew is a contributing columnist at Vancouver Courier. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to amyvancouvercourier@gmail.com. You can also tweet your thoughts on Twitter