The world of fashion journalism is cut-throat. A combination of right clout, networking, and an eye for success are a few of the essentials that go into moulding a fashion writer of iconic stature -- and not to forget, it all needs to be enveloped by a generous dosage of personal charisma translated into paper. One generally tends to associate a lot of glamour with the 'job'. And very few actually end up receiving global recognition for their work; we budding enthusiasts dream of being in that category some day in our lives.
However, one stereotype that is almost always associated with them is snobbishness. They are labelled as tough personalities who rein with an iron grip, who are extremely difficult to please, and who dictate and rule the trend scenario on their whim. I can bet a lot of names are popping into your heads that conform to the above said. I do not defy it though. It is a part of the job and toughness eliminates mediocrity, my dad always says. Then there's the second category of editors who have revolutionised fashion with their unorthodox approach, like Hanadi had elaborated on an earlier post here. Then there is the third genre; loved by all that have had an opportunity to work with them -- those who have an unparalleled sense of balance -- and to be more precise, the likes of Suzy Menkes.
British born Menkes has served as head fashion editor and reporter for the International Herald Tribune since 1988. One of the most respected authorities on everything fashion till date, she is loved by all for her fairness and holistic strategy of working. Besides successfully launching many a careers in the industry with an impeccable eye for talent, having authored numerous books, and winning many hearts along the way with her spectacular impartiality, here is one woman who shatters the traditional take on the high-handedness of the fashion world.
Entering the fashion arena at a time when contemporary aesthetics were just in their initial stirrings, Menkes with her intuition and sense for nailing and encompassing everything at a global context lent her the reputation of a legend. She can make or break a career, yet coming from her, you would know that it was done with much thoughtfulness, sans outside influences and favouritism. One of the instigators of "not limited to famous mammoth fashion houses and names", Menkes indeed and much deservedly holds the Legion d'Honneur in France and a British OBE. Oh BTW, even though she's is an immortal figure in front rows of the world's most important showings, you can read about her tips on crashing fashion shows here.
A homage to her in every appropriate way, fans of Menkes can now bid at an auction to be commenced by Christies starting July 11 until 22. A collection of around 80 very personal memorabilia in the form of fabulous Clarks, Puccis to Lacroixs, majority of the lot is expected to sell under GBP 1,000. The fraternity has already started speculating about a most covetable Saint Laurent jacket from his 1980 collection which would be a collector's dream come true at a fraction of private prices.
Menkes said in a statement, "I have never thrown anything out of my wardrobe since 1964. If I had a large open space in my home, I would dedicate it, like an art gallery, to my collection. But there is something sad about clothes laid in a tomb of trunks. They need to live again and this auction provides the opportunity for them to walk out in the sunshine, to dance the night away and to give someone else the joy that they gave to me."
However, one stereotype that is almost always associated with them is snobbishness. They are labelled as tough personalities who rein with an iron grip, who are extremely difficult to please, and who dictate and rule the trend scenario on their whim. I can bet a lot of names are popping into your heads that conform to the above said. I do not defy it though. It is a part of the job and toughness eliminates mediocrity, my dad always says. Then there's the second category of editors who have revolutionised fashion with their unorthodox approach, like Hanadi had elaborated on an earlier post here. Then there is the third genre; loved by all that have had an opportunity to work with them -- those who have an unparalleled sense of balance -- and to be more precise, the likes of Suzy Menkes.
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| Suzy Menkes |
Entering the fashion arena at a time when contemporary aesthetics were just in their initial stirrings, Menkes with her intuition and sense for nailing and encompassing everything at a global context lent her the reputation of a legend. She can make or break a career, yet coming from her, you would know that it was done with much thoughtfulness, sans outside influences and favouritism. One of the instigators of "not limited to famous mammoth fashion houses and names", Menkes indeed and much deservedly holds the Legion d'Honneur in France and a British OBE. Oh BTW, even though she's is an immortal figure in front rows of the world's most important showings, you can read about her tips on crashing fashion shows here.
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| Commemorating 20 years of Menkes' contribution to the fashion world with industry moguls in Paris last year |
A homage to her in every appropriate way, fans of Menkes can now bid at an auction to be commenced by Christies starting July 11 until 22. A collection of around 80 very personal memorabilia in the form of fabulous Clarks, Puccis to Lacroixs, majority of the lot is expected to sell under GBP 1,000. The fraternity has already started speculating about a most covetable Saint Laurent jacket from his 1980 collection which would be a collector's dream come true at a fraction of private prices.
Menkes said in a statement, "I have never thrown anything out of my wardrobe since 1964. If I had a large open space in my home, I would dedicate it, like an art gallery, to my collection. But there is something sad about clothes laid in a tomb of trunks. They need to live again and this auction provides the opportunity for them to walk out in the sunshine, to dance the night away and to give someone else the joy that they gave to me."
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