Image | Youngjun Koo
Grace Coddington has been an important and beloved character in the fashion set for well over thirty years. Serving as Creative Director of the American Vogue Team, Grace has been the shining light behind many of the most captivating and inspiring editorials of our time. Read on to see why we’re infatuated with ‘The Cod’ and find out
how to win a copy of her memoir aptly named Grace thanks to
our friends at Random House publishing.
1. She came from humble beginnings
Grace was born in Anglesey, Wales to a Welsh mother and an English father. The family, who ran a small hotel during Graces childhood would have her work changing beds and waiting tables at the bar. Later Grace would be taught by roller-skating nuns at a convent, we cant think of a more suitable education.
2. She’s modest
During the early sixties Grace became a house model for East End hairstylist Vidal Sassoon and was the first to wear Sassoon’s now famous five-point cut. As a poster girl for the look of that time Grace was catapulted into the limelight. Looking back on the experience she would later explain to the New York Times that it wasn’t her that was the icon, it was the haircut.
3. She’s a fighter
In 1961, just prior to setting off on a tour with Sassoon Grace was involved in a serious car accident severing her left eye lid. After five rounds of reconstructive surgery she returned to modeling and continued to build her career.
4. She loves cats
So much so that she designed a capsule collection with Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga named after her own cat, Pumpkin. Here Karen Elson does her best impression of Grace for a spread in Vogue.
5. She’s hands on
Grace famously stated that she’s the last editor to actually “dress the girl” instead of leaving it to an assistant. “The dressing room is the only place you have left to communicate with the model and get your opinion across as to how she should stand and what mood should be conveyed, without interfering with the job of the photographer” Grace said to The Guardian. Watch Grace in action with photographer Annie Leibovitz and Lady Gaga above.
6. She stole the show
During the 2009 documentary the September Issue, chronicling the everyday life of Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour it was Grace who’s personable and humorous demeanor won over viewers and cemented her footing in popular culture.
7. She’s sharing her story
What’s an extraordinary life if one can’t share their adventures with others? We’re tapping our heels in anticipation of the release of Graces memoir, distributed in Australia by our friends at Random House publishing.
WIN: For your chance to win a copy of Grace, simply email win@incuclothing.com and tell us why you love her. The best 15 reasons will win a copy of the book. Please include your full name and postal address.