In a recent article from The Guardian newspaper, many so-called ‘experts’ on literature were discussing how books have become a fashion symbol.
They cited several examples, including the Coach handbag book charms, and celebrity book clubs. Beyond Richard and Judy, many fashionable stars, including musician Dua Lipa, talkshow host Oprah Winfrey and actors Emma Watson, Mindy Kaling, Dakota Johnson and Reese Witherspoon have all launched book clubs.
Many book clubs now charge for their services, and companies have even made products such as handbags that look like classic works of literature. The aim is to get people buying more things and use literature to show sophistication.
What the Guardian seemed to overlook was that books are intrinsically entwined with fashion. Like art, books are linked to most mediums that drive fashion trends, such as TV shows and films.
What’s happening right now is that celebrities are using books to sell products. Whether it’s clothing or to promote themselves and sell membership to their book clubs, literature is just another way of making money for celebrities.
Most of these stars have probably never read most of the books they’re promoting. They will have teams of staff who collate lists of suitable books, and make them crib sheets to help them say the right things in their marketing materials. They remind me of the people during the pandemic who bought books by the metre, just to have them as props in the background of their video calls.
Still, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the fashionisation of literature is a bad thing. Rampant consumerism is bad for the planet, but increased reading is always a good thing, especially with the rise of AI and misinformation. So, if people can be more conscious about buying books, and avoid the tat that always comes with a fashion trend, it could help people read more and improve their critical thinking.
The important thing is that people need to actually read the books that get promoted, or find ones they like. Whether you like the look of them, or the topics covered, whatever makes you read more is a good thing.
Ultimately, if you’re able to see past the marketing, at its heart, this is one of the few beneficial fashion trends. In an age where many politicians on the extreme right, like Trump, are pushing for less funding for education to create an illiterate and unintelligent voting class that can be easily influenced, anything that helps people read and learn is a good thing. So, if you’re influenced by a trend, don’t feel bad. That’s what they’re designed for, but focus on the important thing: reading more to boost your critical thinking skills.
