Biographies / Style Icons

Robertson's Reads - Biographies / Style Icons

She is perhaps my favourite example of a fashion icon: Diana.

She exuded effortless elegance in every ensemble she wore, and that elegance is examined thoroughly in Diana Style through photos, commentary, and interviews with designers and her closest confidantes.

A beautiful follow-up to Audrey Style by Pamela Clarke, author Colin McDowell has created a delightful chronological history of Diana’s style evolution. His commentary — as well as the contributions of several designers — are both helpful and informative.

My favourite features in the book include the detailed drawings — straight from the designers of some of Diana’s famous and most-loved gowns — and intimate photographs. They’re inspirational, to the say the least, just like the woman was herself.

Diana Style by Colin McDowell, $25.17, Amazon.ca

Robertson's Reads - Biographies / Style Icons

Kate Spade’s designs are about as classic as a rope of Coco Chanel’s pearls, Manolo Blahnik’s high heels, or an Etro square scarf; so I love her book called Style for its simple tips that seem so obvious, but are missed everyday by so many women.

Within the pages of Style, Spade details how she came into her own, and what — movies, music, books — inspired her variating tastes. She also writes about other women who impacted her individuality, thus impacting her personal tastes.

The first chapters of the book focus closely on colour (which other books on style fail to do). Spade gives lessons on what shades work with what and how to wear them. She also narrows in on accessories — not just what’s “in”, but what’s classic — and how to pair certain accoutrements together without looking overdone.

Perhaps my favourite part of this book is the extreme vision Spade has for current wardrobe maintenance — learning to work with what you have. I love her idea that creating and carrying out your own personal style doesn’t have to mean spending absurd amounts of $$$$$.

This book for women of all ages, complete with 230 watercolour illustrations is a must for your collection, along with Spade’s companion books, Manners and Occasions.

Style, by Kate Spade, $18.90, Amazon.ca

Robertson's Reads - Biographies / Style Icons

Robertson’s Reads Grace Kelly: A Life in Pictures by Yann-Brice Dherbier and Pierre-Henri Verlhac july_20

While spending wistfully warm summer nights fulfilling my fantasies of vacation on the Riveria ala Grace Kelly in ‘To Catch a Thief’, I can’t help but think just how iconic Grace Kelly was.

A woman of natural beauty — and original style — Grace Kelly: A Life in Pictures follows the screen-goddess-turned-princess from her humble beginnings, through Hollywood, and on to her ill-fated royal days in Monaco.

More compelling and thrilling than any of the book’s narration, the compilation of photographs is nothing if not completely inspiring.

Truly Grace Kelly was the epitome of effortless elegance.

Grace Kelly: A Life in Pictures, $35.28, Amazon.ca.

Robertson's Reads - Biographies / Style Icons

Without Audrey, women wouldn’t wear ballet slippers with such panache; we wouldn’t shape our eyebrows quite as thick; we wouldn’t sport cropped cigarette pants every summer.

Audrey Hepburn made a remarkable contribution to both the worlds of acting and fashion, and within the pages of Audrey Style, Pamela Clarke examines the life and work of the renowned artist and ingenue.

Audrey Style by Pamela Clarke, $49.95 $32.96, Chapters.ca.