FASHION | GRACE

“If Wintour is the Pope..., Coddington is Michelangelo, trying to paint a fresh version of the Sistine Chapel twelve times a year,” Time Magazine, 2009

Grace Coddington is Creative Director at American Vogue and for over 50 years has remained one of the most influential and creative forces in fashion. Grace started her career as a top model in the 60's and became a British Vogue editor in 1969. She moved to New York in 1987 to become a design director at Calvin Klein, before joining American Vogue in 1988, the same day as Anna Wintour, who gave her the position. She continues to offer a creative edge, producing editorials that always seem to contain a more than a little bit of fashion magic.

Grace is adored for being fun, brave, smart and revolutionary. Her statement flame red hair, lasting creativity and love of cats - she published 'Catwalk Cats' with her partner, hairstylist Didier Malige - all make up parts of her quirky charm. Her memoirs were released earlier this year and who could forget the stunning editorial(originally published in Vogue US,  August 2008  as Graceful Elegance), styled by Coddington and starring Karen Elson -  showcasing her love for her feline friends.

Photography by Steven Meisel

Karen Elson as Grace Coddington

Currently working on a video project with director R.J. Cutler, Grace continues to steal the limelight, whether front row during fashion weeks or through her continually innovatory work, making her a fashion force to be reckoned with. What's certain is that, in the world of fashion, this icon will never fall from grace (couldn't resist).