LACMA’s Costume Council hosted a sold-out evening with American Vogue Creative Director, Grace Coddington, and filmmaker RJ Cutler on December 10th.
Their candid and lively conversation featured Coddington’s new autobiography, Grace: A Memoir, which chronicles her 50-year career in the fashion world. The shy and down-to-earth former model turned magazine editor became an instant celebrity in Cutler’s 2009 documentary, The September Issue. They both recalled her first adamant refusal and then reluctant participation in the film. It was her soft-spoken demeanor and incredible talent that allowed Coddington to unknowingly steal the spotlight from Anna Wintour in Cutler’s narrative.
The event’s audience was stunning: from well-placed millinery to exploding colors and patterns. It is safe to assume everyone there had been influenced by Coddington’s impressive photo spreads for Vogue. Notable guests included iconic fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh; supermodels Amber Valletta and Cindy Crawford; and Rodarte’s Kate and Laura Mulleavy.
Coddington spent the entire reception signing books for almost everyone in attendance. With her long, red mane and all black attire, her presence was graceful.
Whitewall spoke to RJ Cutler at the event about what’s happening with Coddington now and future plans.
WHITEWALL: How has Grace Coddington’s public life changed since the release of your film?
RJ CUTLER: You’d have to ask her, but she’s told me that when she walks through Chelsea she feels like one of the Beatles…
WW: What was it like to reunite at this event?
RC: We had such a great time doing the event and celebrating afterwards, but maybe the best part was getting to spend time together preparing the presentation. Grace is quite a task-master, you know, so it was fun to see her cracking the whip. I’m hoping we can do a combination of The September Issue screening and a book-signing of Grace: A Memoir sometime soon. And when her memoir is translated to French I really want to do the LACMA event somewhere in Paris.
WW: Do you have any plans to work with her again in the future?
RC: We are desperate to turn Grace and Didier [Malige’s] book, Catwalk Cats, into an animated film. We’re just seeking a financier to get us going. How rich are your readers??
Photos: Andreas Branch/ PatrickMcMullan.com
