Style and Substance

Trade Paperback

Why What We Wear Matters

Mixing thoughtful, original and contemporary pieces with trailblazers from the past, this is a gloriously eclectic celebration of self-expression.

Maya Angelou's perfectly fitting dress made her feel like a sunbeam. Zadie Smith's wardrobe differs depending on whether she's in London or New York, while Joan Didion always followed the same packing list. Beau Brummell and Luke Edward Hall consider colour in an outfit like an artist does a painting; Nora Ephron knows that 'everything matches black, especially black.'

Bella Freud and Jarvis Cocker found inspiration at jumble sales; designer Harris Reed in the gender-fluidity of Orlando. Oscar Wilde understood that proportions were everything. Megan Jayne Crabbe learned to stop letting size dictate her choices; Stanley Tucci favours a narrow stripe. Chloe Sevigny delights in traditional with a twist; Sienna Miller misses the freedom of a less self-conscious age. Eunice Olumide collects sportswear and loves bling. The Victorian founders of the Rational Dress Society felt an absence of pressure on the body was crucial, Daphne Guinness leaves a trail of feathers and sequins in her wake.

For Davinia McCall, an outfit begins with underwear; for Sophie Dahl it's not complete without scent. Clothes allow Susie Cave to hide and Charlotte Tilbury to feel empowered. Rachel Weisz praises the democratic power of denim and Bernardine Evaristo's style signals her refusal to be stereotyped.

Whatever your tribe, whatever rules you do or don't ascribe to, Bay Garnett has created the ultimate accessory.

Hardback