"this fashion lark.": Book Review: Luella's Guide To English Style

Luella Bartley is a complete inspiration to me and she has been for years and years. She began her fashion life as a journaliat (a path I hope to follow) and then blossomed into a fully fledged designer with her own brand 'Luella'. She became one of the most sought after designers, creating collections that were completely groundbreaking for an English girl like me. It was down to her that one of my favourite brands, Mulberry, got back on their feet after she designed the iconic Giselle bag. A design for another company that you could still tell had been blessed with the touch of Bartley's hand - this talent has only been possessed by very few. Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Irving Penn are the only other people I can think of who's work is so clearly their own.As I said, Luella was groundbreaking for me. I thought Bartley had gotten into my head, improved my thoughts and then sent them down a runway. I am still so pissed off that that brand went under and that this economy allowed it to. As soon as I saw that Bartley was back with a book, utilizing her original skill, I could not wait. I knew it would be special, and it is. Even the design of it is Luella. An old style book with elaborate writing, highlighted with a bright pink elastic band and a David Bowie quote on the back.Throughout, there are lists of the best dressed women in England, exquisite writing about the classes we belong to, the groups we join and the bands we listened to. It is perfect for any girl who loves Siouxsie Sioux and bows at the feet of Vivienne Westwood.As well as reminding us of garments we loved and celebrities we adored, this book teaches us more about the things we didn't know so much about. The history of Mods and other stereotypes we were all lumbered into as teenagers.
The words are written beautifully, but the photographs Bartley chose are just as appropriate and her sketches are even more stunning. She really is a triple threat - an incredible writer, a talented artist and a fabulous designer (I hope she returns, I really, really do). The best thing about Bartley and this book is that she is normal. So, so normal. Unlike Donatella Versace and Miuccia Prada, who as young English girls who don't have all the money in the world we can't relate to very well, it's as if Bartley takes on the roll of our older sister to guide us on our stylish pathway.
If you don't have it, buy it. If you do have it and haven't read it, are you mad? Read.

Source: http://thisfashionlark.blogspot.com/2011/05/book-review-luellas-guide-to-english.html

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