Grace by Grace Coddington

I love getting books for Christmas. People think they’re a boring present, but they’re so not. A bright orange hardback (a nod to the author’s shock of wiry henna-dyed hair methinks), this memoir is an airy, light read that was perfect for the summer break. Oh, what this lady has seen! And it was refreshing to read a biog that took place throughout the Sixties and Seventies by someone who could legitimately remember it all – no drugs or drink, just a document of a career dedicated to fashion. Young Grace grew up in Wales, moved to London when she 18 and started a successful modelling career, working with the likes of Norman Parkinson and David Bailey. Back in the day, models were expected to do their own hair and make-up and carry with them a bag of accessories to dress the clothes (as well as show up to island shoots a week in advance so they could work on their tan). Life was simpler, and it’s amazing to compare the shoots of yesteryear with those of today, with hundreds of minions doing the work of a handful. Along with weddings, babies and anything else you can affix a price tag to, somewhere along the line, fashion grew into a massive industry and this is where this book holds the most interest. Some will be disappointed that there is not one bit of dirt in the book (though she does hint at Madonna and Puff Diddy being difficult people to work with, like that was some kind of unexpected revelation) but again, it’s refreshing. This is a woman who has built a long-standing and respected career simply by being herself and excellent at what she does, and that is a book worth reading.