This World Book Day, FASHINNOVATION is thrilled to share a curated list of must-read books authored by some of our community’s most influential figures.
These authors are not only pioneers in their respective fields but have also graced our community and events with their insights and stories. From sustainable luxury to empowering personal journeys, these must-read selections promise to inspire and challenge you.
1. “Sustainable Luxury and Social Entrepreneurship: Stories from the Pioneers”
“Sustainable Luxury and Social Entrepreneurship: Stories from the Pioneers” is an insightful anthology that explores the intersection of high fashion and environmental responsibility.
Compiled from the experiences of visionary entrepreneurs who have shared their journeys at FASHINNOVATION panels, this must-read book delves into how these leaders integrate sustainable practices with the luxury market’s demands for elegance and exclusivity.
Each chapter is dedicated to a different entrepreneur, providing a detailed account of their unique approach to blending luxury with sustainability.
These stories highlight innovative strategies such as utilizing eco-friendly materials, implementing ethical labor practices, and adopting circular economy principles. Through these narratives, readers gain an understanding of the complexities involved in making luxury brands environmentally conscious without compromising on quality or design.
2. “Startup to Proficorn: A Private, Bootstrapped, Profitable, and Highly Valuable Venture” by Rajesh Jain
In his must-read book “From Startup to Proficorn,” Rajesh Jain, the founder of Netcore Cloud, unravels the secrets to transforming a startup into a ‘proficorn’ — a privately held, bootstrapped, and extremely profitable company.
The work is rich in practical wisdom, offering an in-depth analysis of the strategies Jain adopted to scale his company from day one. He shares valuable lessons learned and insights on innovation and entrepreneurship, making it an inspiring guide for entrepreneurs seeking to build a significant business without relying on external funding.
Rajesh Jain’s contribution to FASHINNOVATION was further highlighted during a recent industry event in New York, where he participated in an interview conducted by Jordana Guimarães, co-founder of FASHINNOVATION.
In this engaging conversation, recorded during a cocktail reception, Jain discussed the critical steps in his company’s transition and how he navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship.
This event provided a unique opportunity for the audience to directly understand from the author how to pursue and achieve profitability and sustainability in a competitive environment.
Check out the entire interview: From Startup to Proficorn: A Fireside Chat with Rajesh Jain | FASHINNOVATION NYC Interview
Additionally, Netcore Cloud participated significantly in the 9th Worldwide Talks, with a panel titled “Fashion Is Embracing Inbox Commerce.”
This session featured Pratik Bhadra, CEO of North America for Netcore Cloud and Unbxd, alongside Jennifer Ortakales Dawkins, further emphasizing the evolving intersection of technology and fashion.
This event provided a unique opportunity for the audience to directly understand from the author how to pursue and achieve profitability and sustainability in a competitive environment.
3. “I Am Invincible” by Norma Kamali
Norma Kamali, a renowned fashion icon, presents her transformative book, “I Am Invincible,” which explores deep themes of women’s empowerment, self-awareness, and resilience.
Drawing from her extensive personal journey in the fashion industry, Kamali offers a manifesto on visibility and self-reliance.
The book delves into her experiences, capturing the essence of overcoming obstacles and asserting one’s presence in a competitive environment.
Through her narrative, she inspires readers to embrace their uniqueness and harness their inner strength in both their personal and professional lives.
Kamali’s contribution to the discourse on fashion and empowerment was further highlighted during her participation in the 6th FASHINNOVATION Worldwide Talks in 2022.
At this event, she spoke on the panel “Fashion Is Rebelliousness & Creativity” alongside Simone Oliver. During the panel, Kamali shared insights from her book and discussed how fashion serves as a powerful platform for self-expression and rebellion against conventional norms.
Her engagement with the audience was profound. She elaborated on the ways fashion can empower individuals to defy expectations and craft their own identities.
4. Read My Lips: What It Takes to Build a World-Class Homegrown Brand by Rissa Mananquil Trillo
Rissa Mananquil Trillo, a celebrated entrepreneur, authored “Read My Lips: What It Takes to Build a World-Class Homegrown Brand” a guide brimming with actionable advice for anyone at the intersection of beauty, branding, and entrepreneurship.
Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Trillo outlines the essential steps for creating a leading beauty brand from the ground up.
Her book serves as an invaluable resource, providing a detailed roadmap for navigating the competitive world of beauty branding, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, strategic marketing, and consumer engagement.
Trillo’s participation in the 9th FASHINNOVATION Worldwide Talks further illuminated her expertise.
Speaking on the panel “Fashion Is Everyone” alongside Bea Valdes and Raia Gomez, she shared her unique perspective on inclusivity in the fashion and beauty industries.
During the discussion, Trillo elaborated on key themes from her must-read book, such as overcoming industry barriers and leveraging one’s unique identity to forge a successful brand.
Her engaging dialogue highlighted the innovative approaches discussed in her book, resonating deeply with entrepreneurs and creatives attending the event.
5. “It Can Be You: Humanizing Homelessness” by Jordana Guimarães
Jordana Guimarães, co-founder of FASHINNOVATION, authored the impactful must-read book “It Can Be You: Humanizing Homelessness,” which aims to shift perceptions and narratives surrounding homelessness.
Through sharing stories of real people affected by this issue, Jordana encourages readers to look beyond stereotypes and actively contribute to solutions.
Her must-read book compassionately explores homelessness, challenging readers to understand the complex social dynamics and advocating for thoughtful, inclusive approaches to solving this global crisis.
The book integrates social causes with practical business strategies, reflecting Jordana’s unique perspective gained from her experience at the intersection of entrepreneurship and social advocacy.
Check out more information about her book: #ITCANBEYOU: JORDANA GUIMARÃES’ NEW BOOK IS ALL ABOUT HUMANIZING HOMELESSNESS THROUGH FASHION IN 2021.
