This week, Everybody Is Ugly is highlighting a fashion insider, and we define an “insider” as a fashion photographer, stylist, editor, journalist, model, or muse. These are the people who are important to know about in the fashion industry because of their influence and impact on culture and style. Who better to be our first fashion insider of the week than Grace Coddington? While she might not say it herself, we all know that nobody could better fit into the pages of EIU than a woman who has been so influential in shaping the pages of Vogue.
Camera Ready
Grace Coddington’s position as a fashion icon is due to her amazing commitment to and love for the industry. She’s been in the business since the 60s, and we aren’t just talking styling. Grace was the one being styled; as a model, she was the antithesis to the blonde beauty. Armed with her fiery red locks and unique bone structure, Coddington redefined beauty and opened up the boundaries and limitations put on it, just as she continues to do today in her very different role as Creative Director of American Vogue.
The photo for “Camera Ready” (from Vogue Sept 2007) appeared in The September Issue, in which Grace enforced her anti-retouching stance in favor for more natural and raw photographs (most notably on the camera man in the photo). Editorial shot from Vogue Coddington’s philosophy on fashion photography is stripped down and simple, she feels that there should be a connection between model and photographer with no unnecessary distractions from a busy crew.
Editorial Work
Grace Coddington’s styling is gorgeously romantic and always fashion forward. She definitely is a key part of creating Vogue’s signature transformative style. There is always a slightly period-feel to her work, but always in a sleek and modern way that give the work less “theme” and more fashion.
Noble Endeavor
→ One of Iris’ favorite editorials ever. This editorial piece stars Sasha Pivovarova romping around in opulent McQueen Fall 08 pieces in reds, creams, and golds.
Punk’d
→ David Sims shot this editorial (and the last one mentioned) which explores the high fashion edge given to deconstruction and punk fashion by designers like Ghesquière at Balenciaga, Decarnin at Balmain, and Lagerfeld at Chanel.
Asia Major
→ The Meisel photographed shot makes reference to classical group portraiture of couture fashion in a new way. Celebrating Asian models, high fashion, and Mohawks, the glamorous photo is breathtaking.
Daring Do
→ Craig McDean’s superhero/villain-inspired editorial has fashion that is to kill for (because dying is for damsels in distress and you, Chictopian, are the feline fatale).
Chateau California
→ May 2011’s Vogue Editorial starring Natalia Vodianova has a very modern and chic spin on very classic American fashion.
Noble Farewell
→ A sort-of sequel to the previous Noble Endeavor, this McQueen themed editorial highlights his Fall 10 collection, depressingly beautifully.
Amazing Grace
We definitely did not cover all of the pages and pages of work that Grace Coddington has amassed throughout her whole career. The Creative Director’s commitment to creating a vision and following her own direction comes not only from her independent sense of self but also her love for long-love of fashion and fantasy.
For More Information About Grace Coddington:
- Grace Coddington Wikipedia
- Grace Coddington on Models.com, Editorial work
________
Thanks for reading! Look out for next week’s Editorial of the Week!
Everybody Is Ugly by Iris & Daniel
Don’t forget to follow EIU on twitter! @everybodyisugly
