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samstillreading's review
4.0
A memoir of a Vogue editor sounds like a compelling idea for a book. All that glamour, travel, fashion and beauty plus all the gossip behind the scenes of models, designers, the rich and famous… it’s a life that most of us will never live. Kirstie Clements held the coveted position of editor of Vogue Australia, but it was a culmination of hard work, long days, arduous travel and ever-changing boundaries in an increasingly shaky market. Clements managed to outlast a number of editors, CEOs and companies before her own ousting.
I think the main theme I found reading this memoir is tact. Clements is tactful and discreet, even in situations that would have been hurtful (such as being sacked). She doesn’t share names or spell out who in the industry is horrible. As she states many times, there is an element to Vogue which is to uphold increasingly forgotten values (such as good manners). Nor is this memoir gushing or boastful (although a trip overseas with Giorgio Armani is again something the average person will never experience).
Clements details many fashion shows, PR events, press trips, conferences and lavish functions. They are stated simply – no overload of detail or gushing of the expense, even though some of these events must have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars! She doesn’t go overboard either – not every season of every location’s fashion week is mentioned. There’s just enough to keep you interested and reading.
Although Clements does go into a small amount of detail about her husband and children, the focus is obviously Vogue. There are a lot of mentions of colleagues (some familiar to me, some before my time) and what they ended up doing after they left (usually, they were sacked for ‘changes in direction’). It can be a little difficult to keep tracking of who was doing what, but that was a minor point. Occasionally the timeline jumped around a bit, but it was for the most linear. Sometimes I would have liked more detail on particular events, but for the most it was an enjoyable read. Clements writes well and doesn’t let emotion cloud her perspective. I could have done with less on how social media and the internet are decimating the magazine industry, but it is a valid point that needs to be discussed.
A must for those who consider themselves Vogue.
Thank you to Melbourne University Press and Net Galley for the eARC.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
I think the main theme I found reading this memoir is tact. Clements is tactful and discreet, even in situations that would have been hurtful (such as being sacked). She doesn’t share names or spell out who in the industry is horrible. As she states many times, there is an element to Vogue which is to uphold increasingly forgotten values (such as good manners). Nor is this memoir gushing or boastful (although a trip overseas with Giorgio Armani is again something the average person will never experience).
Clements details many fashion shows, PR events, press trips, conferences and lavish functions. They are stated simply – no overload of detail or gushing of the expense, even though some of these events must have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars! She doesn’t go overboard either – not every season of every location’s fashion week is mentioned. There’s just enough to keep you interested and reading.
Although Clements does go into a small amount of detail about her husband and children, the focus is obviously Vogue. There are a lot of mentions of colleagues (some familiar to me, some before my time) and what they ended up doing after they left (usually, they were sacked for ‘changes in direction’). It can be a little difficult to keep tracking of who was doing what, but that was a minor point. Occasionally the timeline jumped around a bit, but it was for the most linear. Sometimes I would have liked more detail on particular events, but for the most it was an enjoyable read. Clements writes well and doesn’t let emotion cloud her perspective. I could have done with less on how social media and the internet are decimating the magazine industry, but it is a valid point that needs to be discussed.
A must for those who consider themselves Vogue.
Thank you to Melbourne University Press and Net Galley for the eARC.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
pagesandpaperbacks's review
3.0
As a whole I liked it. Would I read it again no. It was an interesting insight into the fashion world, But after a while the book turned into a list of name dropping. Not to metion telling everyone how wonderful everything and everybody was. I did kind of want more dirt to be dished. Worth a read, but dont go running to the shops in desperation to pick up a copy.
theo's review
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.0
On one hand, very fun and witty book, on the other hand, very horrifying description of the high fashion presented as something beautiful and desirable. Very jarring read in these times of climate catastrophe and inequality.
paperbookmarks's review
3.0
This little book was captivating and interesting, opening my eyes to the world of journalism and dissolving any misconceptions of the Fashion world that I previously had. Clements is thoroughly inspiring and shows that with hard graft you certainly can do the thing you love.
megelzbth's review
4.0
Even before her sacking, I always wanted to know more about Kirstie - especially in book form. I have never ending respect for her. This insight into Australian Vogue & the Australian fashion industry is refreshingly necessary, a comfortable and delightfully honest read. It is short and can be read in a sitting or in an afternoon.
nickyjwatkinson's review
4.0
This book was really interesting - less Devil Wears Prada bitching and snobbery, more honest hard work and dedication, as well as a clear love of fashion. For someone who also has a great appreciation for the fashion industry and magazine writing, this book gave me an insight into both worlds, and the ways in which they have changed since the 80s. Exciting, informative, and a quick read.
bibliophilebookclub's review
3.0
This was an easy read. I really enjoy behind the scenes books so this was exactly what I was looking for!
Before I read books, I used to devour magazines and Vogue was one of them. Funnily enough, reading this has reignited my want to read magazines again, so I bought myself a copy of Vogue yesterday!
Before I read books, I used to devour magazines and Vogue was one of them. Funnily enough, reading this has reignited my want to read magazines again, so I bought myself a copy of Vogue yesterday!
manogirl's review
4.0
In spite of the fact that I don't much like memoirs (okay, I hate them), I actually enjoyed this. Two reasons: it was short and sweet, and it was also a really good look behind the scenes at an international edition of Vogue. Also, and I can't say what version you will read, the one I had was simply beautiful to hold. The published did a great job making it a stylish and pleasurable read aside from what was inside, which isn't as common as it should be.
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