b) I don't know what to do with myself now I've finished reading it.
I probably couldn't have picked a better book as my first 'fashion' read.
As well as offering an extraordinary insight into recent fashion (mostly Vogue) history (1960s to now), Grace Coddington writes openly and freely about her (numerous) romantic, friendly and professional relationships - which I find fascinating.
She has seen a lot of death and tragedy in her time but I suppose once you reach 71 this might be, unfortunately, common.
I like how matter-of-fact she is, but found myself frowning during the chapters where she complains about technology and the affects of the 24 hour news cycle. I imagine there are only a few people out there who have worked at her level for so long, experiencing the changing media landscape in relation to fashion, first hand.
I love behind-the-scenes type stories, so reading about the goings on at Vogue photo shoots had me hooked. Often people flick through fashion magazines without a seconds thought as to what goes into creating the images they are seeing. I can tell you, it's a lot. Someone has to think of a concept for the shoot, have it approved and then a team of people (size dependent on resources and the photographer), must gather appropriate clothes and props, cast models and talent, travel to the location of the shoot and then produce a version of the original concept. There are so many factors to take into account. I especially enjoyed the chapter about Annie Leibovitz and the Kate Moss/Puff Daddy shoot. Chaos.
While sometimes I found myself becoming frustrated with Grace, (I rolled my eyes a few times, and would she give a toss? Absolutely not.), her experiences, her knowledge, her passion and her determination just blew my mind.
I also felt very humbled, after all, I am just another nobody with an iPad. But then again we all have to start somewhere. Actually, I've already started. Two years ago. So I am somebody. Just a junior somebody.
