Elevate Your 2024 Reading List
Books have always had a pivotal influence on Silk Laundry, with Katie frequently drawing inspiration from novels that have moved her. In various instances, books have served as a research source for our collections, and we have even curated brand magazines.
So, if you are after some fresh reading for the new year, here are some recommendations from Katie on books she read in 2023 that sparked creativity or resonated with her.
The Book of Symbols: Reflections on Archetypal Images
Ami Ronnberg
A coffee table book that explores the cultural, psychological, and spiritual meanings of symbols across diverse cultures and time periods. Filled with captivating imagery of talismans and their sanctity, this novel served as the inspiration behind an upcoming Silk Laundry collection.
Human Nature and Industrial Scars
J Henry Fair
Featuring a series of photographers whose work Katie closely follows, both books delve into the environmental damage of human activities through the lens of consumerism. In both books photographs of human nature and the hidden consequences of industrial practices, urge viewers to confront the true cost of their choices and advocate for a more sustainable and responsible future.
Silent Spring
Rachel Carson
A novel Katie always finds herself rereading, Silent Spring is an environmental science book that unpacks the devastating environmental effects caused by the indiscriminate use of pesticides, in particular by analysing the impact on bird populations.
The Orchid Thief
Susan Orlean
Dive into the captivating world of orchid collecting with this compelling narrative based on the bizarre true story of John Laroche. Discover the eccentric subculture of these flowers, Orlean weaves together elements of obsession, desire, and the intricate beauty of this elusive fauna. By exploring the complexities of human nature and the allure of the natural world– this is a novel with messages pivotal to our current society.
The Darkness Manifesto
Johan Eklöf
Uncover the profound consequences of light pollution through a series of satellite images that unveil a planet aglow with constant illumination. In the last 150 years, this expansion of our day has not only displaced nocturnal inhabitants but also disrupted essential circadian rhythms, offering a compelling insight into the intricate balance crucial for all living beings, including ourselves.
