Chic Savages

Thursday, April 29th 2010


When reading Andre Leon Talley's biography recently, he mentioned that when a person chooses a career, whether it's fashion or otherwise - that one should become familiar with the history and background of that field.

A fairly easy concept, but one that struck me never the less - as I myself, am guilty for not knowing all of the fabulous art and history that fashion has to offer. Our world is filled with a multitude of bloggers, writers, and publications - all of which are extremely opinionated - but are they/we entitled to such opinions?

I had to agree with Talley's insight - why wouldn't you want to research the background of a career and field you love so much? Shouldn't that be an obligation?

Nevertheless, I've been devouring books, biographies, and so on - all on fashion and it's history. Never having been a history buff or wanting to learn much about the past, I have to say, it's been really fun and interesting! Learning about all of the past designers, models, influences, era's and such, has been eye opening!

One book that I particularly have enjoyed is, "Chic Savages" by John Fairchild. Written in 1989, he fills the reader on the in's and out's of the 'nouvelle society' (or the "in" crowd) - a term coined by WWD and W many years ago. Learning about the gossip, personalities, and influences of all of the celebrities, journalists, designers, models and so on from many years ago was a surprising delight! Hardly a history lesson, it was like reading a very old, "US weekly" (or some other tabloid) if you will. The dynamics, friendships and big ego's were quite intriguing - and a still a very interesting look into the past from one of fashions true 'insiders'.

A delicious read that I encourage all to pick up.

What do you think? Should we all be looking to our fashion pasts more? Have you read the book?

Warmest wishes,


Christie Ressel, International Image Consultant

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