I think you have to laugh in life.
Never have fewer words resonated. These spoken words come from the most intensely fierce fiery redhead stylist Grace Coddinton, during an interview conducted by Nicolas Ghesquiere. Vogue’s Fashion Editor is the brains behind bringing fun dramatic fairytales to life, storytelling across the pages of an American fashion bible. Grace has always taken her job seriously, but the silly things in the industry are what keep her grounded and present, within the craziness of the business.
Growing up on a small island in Wales, Grace moved from island dweller to British Vogue cover girl, inevitably ending up as the Fashion Editor of the American version of the forever famous magazine. There were humps and hurdles in between, but you must read her exposé called Grace to indulge a little further. Your curiosities will be fulfilled. As a stylist, she makes a concrete effort to let garments be as they are. There is no need to “push the sleeves up or turn the collar up” because she can do no better than the designers themselves. Of course, there is a purpose but it’s a natural ease. Her talent lies in making dreams come true for the readers of Vogue, all while bringing daydreams to life for the designers of the world. Often old-fashioned, her themes range from Disney influences to 16th century Baroque. She pours herself into the pages, and it’s in the way the story unfolds that makes it unforgettably magical. To some, the goal is to style editorials with the current, trendy, and progressive elements (cue Normcore and minimalism), but for Grace it’s about how to story-tell using pieces straight off the runway (regardless of what’s a le moment).
Any creative talk about the most influential editorial spreads in Vogue will circle back to the Alice and Wonderland editorial, shot by Annie Leibowitz. The photos feature a frolicking Natalia Vodianova (Grace’s favourite face) as Alice, showcasing an abundance of bright blue garments jumping off the page. Some very special guests make appearances as Wonderland characters, including John Galliano as the Queen of Hearts and a poignant (and young) Marc Jacobs as the smoking Caterpillar. Flash forward eight years to 2014 and Grace is still able to replicate only the dreamiest of dreams in all international editions of Vogue. Take for instance yet another dreamy spread called “Wild Irish Rose,” an influential still life that fuses celebrity and fashion effortlessly (this isn’t the only one). There is a raw, real, and relatable element that always comes through in her work – it’s a gift. She is truly the one and only dream catcher. It’s her style and “grace” that will forever be reflected in editorials to come, and she will forever remain the influencer who brings fashion dreams – and our day to day dreams – to life.
