9/08/2013

The Vogue Factor

It was once quoted in what is arguably one of the most iconic fashion films of the last decade that; 'a million girls would kill for this job'. That job of course being the Editor in Chief of Runway, a fictitious magazine said to be inspired by events that happened in the Vogue offices. After being completely transfixed by Grace Coddington in The September Issue, I bought her book and had finished it in a matter of days. Vogue Australia is a little bit closer to our shores so I was really looking forward to reading The Vogue Factor, penned by Kirstie Clements. It doesn't seem to have been released here in New Zealand but I found and purchased my copy online here.


Kirstie Clements spent a lot of time at Vogue Australia before being unceremoniously sacked last year. She worked her way up the Vogue ladder starting as a receptionist and worked in the fashion and beauty departments before eventually becoming Editor in Chief of the magazine. This book charts her career at Vogue and includes many a story along the way. The time Karl Lagerfeld guest edited the magazine particularly stands out as does stories of the Fashion Weeks abroad. Fans who remember the 50th anniversary issue with the stunning Cate Blanchett illustrated covers will be pleased to know that gets a mention as well. I also enjoyed the story about Princess Mary's cover shoot as well, despite not knowing an awful lot about the Australian royal.  As a (self-confessed) magazine addict I found the insights into how magazines are made and all the goings-on really interesting too.

I really enjoyed The Vogue Factor. While the book is by no means lengthy Kirstie covers enough of her time at Vogue for fashionistas and aspiring writers alike to be left satisfied. If you've been reading the magazine for a while or genuinely love fashion and beauty magazines then you'll love this book. Now, if only the rest of the Vogue editors would follow suit. Who else wants to see Alex Schulman and Anna Wintour writing their memoirs? I know those would be two books that'd be added to my shopping cart pretty fast..

*Have you read any fashion memoirs? Leave your recommendations below! x

6 comments:

  1. I got this book out of the library and really enjoyed it. I was a devoted Vogue reader in the 00s, so I remembered a lot of the issues she covered.

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    1. Me too! It's great to read if you have been reading Vogue Aus for a while xx

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  2. Would definitely like to see a memoir by Anna Wintour! The only fashion book I've read is the Teen Vogue handbook :-) x

    http://www.totalmodisch.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. It'd be amazing. The autobiography about her is pretty good too. I can't remember the author but it's so interesting. Teen Vogue Handbook is such a good book to own! x

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  3. Obsessed with everything Grace Coddington does - her book Grace is amazing!! Haven't got this book yet, but will def put in my amazon shopping cart after your great review!!!

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    1. Me too! Grace is incredible-such an inspiration.


      Thank you so much for your sweet comment xx

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