House of F's: Must Read: Grace A Memoir

Grace A Memoir - Grace Coddington

You may know Grace from the 2009 documentary film "The September Issue" which showcased Grace and fellow Vogue employees, including editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, preparing for the 2007 September Issue of American Vogue Magazine. I think this documentary film made every fashionista envious of Grace Coddington's position at Vogue, as she has the dream job that every girl would kill for. Grace truly became the star of this documentary film as it showcased how she has an exceptionally natural talent for creating some genuinely beautiful fashion stories, all while being extremely down to earth and relatable to women young and old.

Grace A Memoir reads out like as if you were watching a film of Grace's life, as she has written this memoir so well you can visualise every story she tells. Grace starts the book off from the beginning, growing up on the Northern Coast of Wales in her family's hotel with her Mum, Dad and Sister. She documents what it was like growing up there, losing her father at such a young age and her love for sailing.

Grace started the Twiggy look long before Twiggy was born.
Photo By: Jeanloup Sieff

Grace goes on to tell of her journey into the fashion world, where a friend and herself packed up and headed to London to make something of themselves. Grace began modelling and tells of how she was not a traditional beauty, she was quirky with an individual look. Grace talks of carting her model bag around as back in those days there was no such thing as make up artists and hairstylists on fashion shoots and what a model carried in her model bag was very important, as they also had to have their own accessories and the better the products, the better the chances of booking a job.

Grace began to make some very influential friends in the fashion world and dating a few of them too. She started to make her mark booking jobs for some of the best, such as Vogue, the magazine she always considered to be the best fashion editorial in the business.

Grace's first British Vogue Cover
Photo By - Peter Carapetian

Grace goes on to tell of an unfortunate car accident she was in, which left scars on her left eye. This somewhat marked the beginning of her switching sides of the camera and entering the world of styling for British Vogue Magazine. Grace spent many years at British Vogue where she met some big time designers, photographers, hair and make up artists. Grace tells many interesting and insightful stories about her time at British Vogue and the photoshoot's she was apart of and the many places she travelled.

Grace Powdering Prince Charles
Photo By: Norman Parkinson

Grace made her move to New York when Calvin Klein offered her a job with a pay packet no one could refuse. Grace had trouble finding her feet in this position, as she was not quite sure what her role was. She however went on to learn much knowledge of American fashion in this role and managed to leave her English roots behind (kind of).

Grace with American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour
Front Row

When Grace caught word that Anna Wintour was to become the new editor-in-chief at American Vogue, she got straight on the phone and asked for a position and Anna had no hesitation in hiring her. Grace and Anna had first met in England, as they both worked together at British Vogue.

Grace goes on again to tell of so many wonderful stories of her favourite shoots she has worked on and the wonderful people she has met. These stories she tells of these amazing shoots she has styled is what makes the book a must read.

Grace with her partner Didier in the English countryside
Photo By: Barry Lategan

Grace has written an exceptionally honest memoir where she has documented all the highs and lows in her life. Her personality shines through so well, you feel like you genuinely know her. She talks of many personal endeavours such as losing her best friend to cancer and taking on the role of guardian to her sister's son, when her sister passed away. Grace is a true inspiration, as she has grown up in a world that is so easy to lose yourself in but she has stayed 100% true to herself. Grace has only just embraced the development in technology, being so against it for so long and managing to avoid having to speak in public at all costs, as it is her greatest fear.

Grace has not held back on giving a true insight into what many of her fashion friends are like, telling many stories of them that puts them in a good light, most of the time.

One of my favourite personal touches Grace has added to this book, is she has filled it with personal little drawings of her in some of her most memorable outfits and life milestones and talks so lovingly of her beloved cats.

My personal favourite shoot Grace styled for American Vogue - Alice in Wonderland Inspired.
Photo's By: Annie Leibovitz