Nineties X Anna Sui, The

From her iconic hippie and grunge-inspired collections to her beloved baby-doll dresses, Anna Sui’s clothes defined ’90s fashion.

A favorite of Gen Z and nostalgic Gen Xers, the ’90s remain a beloved moment in fashion and culture. It was the last analog decade—a time when DIY aesthetics, zines, and landlines were the norm. This book goes in depth with the designer in her own words about her raucous shows and the many inspirations for her clothes that were the epicenter of the fashion world. 

A self-taught historian of culture, art, and fashion, Sui samples music, books, movies, photography, and art in her designs. From the iconic slip dresses donned by the “it girls” of the moment, like Winona Ryder and pop icon Madonna, to the baby-doll dresses favored by Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, each chapter details the defining moments and trends of the era, ranging from the rebellious energy of punk, grunge, and rock, to the ethos behind her preppy and  vintage-inspired designs. Featured throughout the book are interviews with friends and colleagues Marc Jacobs, Sofia Coppola, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington Burns, and Steff Yotka, who talk about Sui’s singular sartorial genius.

Anna Sui is one of New York’s most beloved and accomplished fashion designers. Marc Jacobs is a fashion designer. Sofia Coppola is a filmmaker. Linda Evangelista is a model and philanthropist. Christy Turlington Burns is a model and founder of Every Mother Counts, a maternal health non-profit. Steff Yotka is the Global Editorial Director of i-D magazine. Ileen Gallagher is a curator and founder of ISG Productions.