pDyaTiJVl2
This week saw?an unforgettable day in fashion history: Grace Coddington announced her resignation as Creative Director of American Vogue, a position she’s held for nearly 30 years. She isn’t stepping away from the title altogether; she’ll remain Creative Director at Large and be obliged to work on at least four editorial shoots per year, but the move is undoubtedly significant. Her name has been synonymous with the publication, her reputation renowned as she devoted decades of her life to pushing the boundaries of fashion and the world-famous’magazine. The former model was much more than Editor Anna Wintour’s right-hand woman – she was in a league all on her own, with her incredible editorial fashion narratives virtually unmatched. Insiders are already speculating the mark her absence will have on the fashion bible, but we’re intrigued by her decision to take a step back. For the first time since joining the magazine in 1988, the stylist will be permitted to work on external projects, including an upcoming fragrance with Comme des Gar?ons, so we may get to see an entirely different side to Coddington’s talents. This can only be a good thing.
On foot of her announcement, we decided to put together some of her most thought-provoking pearls of wisdom; she has shared much advice during her 30-year career, and we can’t help but be inspired by her strength, talent, passion and dedication to life and the ever-changing fashion industry. Here is a woman who?went from dreamily flicking through the pages of the iconic title?as a young teen to not only featuring in its pages, but ensuring it became a phenomenal success when her modelling career was cut short.
And if you haven’t seen it already, you simply must see?The September Issue. Coddington is superb in it; she’s unashamedly honest, real and unafraid to take a stand against Wintour for her editorial beliefs. It makes for a brilliant watch.
Her words may have been said in regards to fashion, but they are also undoubtedly thought-provoking mantras we can apply to our everyday lives.
Here are?five of her phrases worth pinning to your fridge whenever you need inspiration:
1. “Always keep your eyes open. Keep watching. Because whatever you can see can inspire you.”
2.”You have to be tougher. You have to learn the way to beat your path through, to make yourself felt, and make yourself necessary.”
“You have to go charging ahead, you can’t stay behind.”
4. “I prefer imperfections – they’re more interesting. Perfect is boring.?
5.??I still weave dreams, finding inspiration wherever I can and looking for romance in the real, not the digital, world.?