While fashion month has come to a close, I thought I would try something different for today’s Fashion Friday and share a book review.
I recently finished The Chiffon Trenches and couldn’t have loved it more. André Leon Talley’s encyclopedic memory for fashion history is paralleled in this personal account of his life and career. The details of the book are so real, I felt like I had entered a time machine, and to quote Hamilton, was “in the room where it happened.” The clothes he describes jump off the page – you can feel them – the textures, the prints, the colors.
The most prolific designers of our generation were and are his close personal friends. He witnessed Karl Lagerfeld’s first runway for Chanel, orchestrated John Galliano’s first ever show, and was one of only three people to maintain strong friendships with both Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent – an almost impossible task given their rivalry.
He recollects his relationship with Anna Wintour – a partnership that encumbered equal parts joy and pain – with grace and dignity.
This book is a beautiful account of Talley’s life. What it gives the reader is an inside glimpse into an industry that is explosive in its creativity, drama and talent.
I’ve read my fair share of fashion books. Here are 10 of my favorites.
10 of the Best Fashion Books
- The Beautiful Fall – the history of Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld as told through anecdotes and personal stories of those that were close to the designers. Probably my favorite fashion book of all time.
- I’ll Drink to That – the story of Bergdorf Goodman’s longest running personal stylist.
- Fashionopolis – the true story of where your clothes come from, and where they go.
- Gods & Kings – the rise and fall of John Galliano and Alexander McQueen.
- In My Shoes – the memoir of Tamara Mellon, Co-Founder of Jimmy Choo.
- Tales from the Back Row – as an avid reader of The Cut during Amy Odell’s day, this gives the inside scoop on fashion from a young journalist’s POV.
- Seeking Love, Finding Overalls – yep, I know this is a blogger book, but Leandra Medine’s memoir is actually fabulous.
- The Woman I Wanted to Be – Diane Von Furstenberg’s memoir is fascinating due to her background, but also how she got her famous wrap dress off the ground.
- Grace: A Memoir – Grace Coddington is the most prolific editor in Vogue’s history. Her story is fascinating.
- The Chiffon Trenches – enough said.