TFG Exclusive: Book of the Month

Things have been a little slow here at TFG, but they are about to pick up. I have been working on a number of big projects that I hope to share with our readers in the next couple of months. In the meantime, I wanted to reveal TFG's pick for December's book of the month. Normally, I post about books I have already read. However, given that the holidays are just around the corner, I had to share with you my most recent purchase- a copy of Grace Coddington's memoir, appropriately entitled Grace: A Memoir.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the creative director of Vogue, Grace Coddington is one of the centripetal forces behind the magazine. She is a key figure in developing the look, style, and feel of the magazine's masterful editorial spreads. Time magazine summed it up best: "If Wintour is the Pope [...] Coddington is Michelangelo, trying to paint a fresh version of the Sistine Chapel twelve times a year."

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding this book. Personally, I became fascinated with Grace Coddington years ago after watching The September Issue. Throughout the documentary, I couldn't help but wonder- who is this talented woman who is boldly challenging the Anna Wintour on her editorial choices? Who is this witty woman who brings up "budget" issues in front of the camera as an admittedly sassy strategy to put Anna on the spot so she would finally give in to Grace's idea? More importantly, who is this talented woman that Anna Wintour ends up conceding to when she decides to keep the images Grace was advocating for in the magazine's final copy of its biggest issue? It's clear there is a long history and ironclad respect between these two fashion power-players. The documentary made Grace Coddington into an icon in her own right. And from the quick excerpt I read while flipping through the book, her wit, down-to-earth, and open attitude come through in her writing as well.

 

The memoir essentially chronicles her 50 years in the fashion industry, from a young model, to editor, and finally to creative director of Vogue.  She compares the fashion world from then to now and how it has changed from a niche industry into a celebrity-oriented, global pop culture medium. She also gives us an insight into her relationship with Anna Wintour, as well as her personal life and relationships. This is one book I look forward to delving into over the holidays. If you're interested in joining me, you can purchase a copy here.