The Essentialist’s Essentials

Grace Coddington

The name alone conjures images of the most poetic editorials to grace the pages of fashion history. With a sweep of her auburn mane and an unerring eye for storytelling, Grace has become the emblem of fashion's most artful aspirations. She is the quiet force behind Vogue's most iconic imagery, the creative spirit who, for decades, transformed the magazine’s pages into veritable works of art.

In a world often fixated on the ephemeral, Grace’s approach is refreshingly enduring. Her vision, steeped in a deep understanding of fashion’s past and an unwavering curiosity for its future, sets her apart in an industry obsessed with the new and the now. Whether she is drawing inspiration from a Botticelli painting or capturing the carefree spirit of a Parisian street, Grace’s work is a seamless blend of fantasy and reality.

Her journey began on the windswept coast of Anglesey, where a young Grace would leaf through the pages of glossy magazines, dreaming of the fashion world beyond. She first captured the public's eye as a model in the Swinging Sixties, her ethereal beauty and distinct sense of style making her a muse to many. But it was behind the lens, orchestrating the symphony of a shoot, where Grace found her true calling.

At British Vogue and later at American Vogue, Grace's editorials became legendary. She created narratives that were as visually compelling as they were emotionally resonant. Her collaborations with photographers like Steven Meisel and Annie Leibovitz produced images that were not mere fashion spreads but cultural touchstones.

Yet, for all her accomplishments, Grace remains an enigmatic figure. Unpretentious and unflinchingly honest, she eschews the limelight in favor of letting her work speak. She is, at her core, a storyteller—a woman who sees the world not just as it is, but as it could be, through the transformative power of fashion.

In an era of fleeting trends and instant gratification, Grace Coddington stands as a testament to the enduring power of creativity and passion. She reminds us that fashion, at its best, is not just about clothes, but about the dreams and stories they inspire.

As a doyenne of keeping a great home and entertaining like a pro, here are Grace’s “cannot live without” suggestions:


Judge Horwood Egg Beater, Peonies, Cats, Scrambled Eggs, Campari Soda


    

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