The Vogue Factor

I’m not sure what expected when I put The Vogue Factor by Kirstie Clements on my reading list.  I knew the memoir didn’t cover any juicy American Vogue gossip but I didn’t know much about Australian Vogue either.  However, the idea of getting any sort of behind-the-scenes look at fashion’s most prestige editorial had me intrigued.

The Vogue Factor

Clements wrote The Vogue Factor after being let go as Australian Vogue editor where she began as a receptionist in 1985.  By 1999 she had worked her way to the top and began her decade-long reign as editor.  Her stories begin and her immediate love for the Vogue world becomes very apparent.  Being captivated by the glamour immediately, she  paved her way from reception into beauty editing and onto leadership roles.  All her recounts of photo shoots with top models & celebrities, exclusive travel overseas and lavish designer parties are simply astonishing.  She’s not shy in her writing, knowing very well how blessed she was to experience these once-in-a-lifetime events.  Rubbing shoulders with Karl Lagerfield, Denmark royalty and Cate Blanchett (just to name a few) sounds like a fairytale, but it all came with hard work and sacrifice.

Clements’ stories range from juicy office intel – how she kept the staff motivated while the magazine struggled – to spewing her real thoughts on famous individuals she encountered along the way.  Plus, a look inside the fashion week hierarchy and even a few notes on Anna Wintour herself.  Some behind-the-scenes details are almost unbelievable, yet the industry seems to match up with most people’s preconceived notions.  Vogue doesn’t have patience for the light-hearted and Kirstie definitely reiterates that along the way.

Should you read The Vogue Factor?  If you don’t have any interest in the fashion industry whatsoever, I think you may find yourself a bit bored.  Skip it.  However, if you’re simply interested in juicy Vogue insider stories or are interested in the corporate world of journalism, it’s work a read.  At just over 200 pages, it’s an easy read for summer and Kirstie’s writing is easy to follow.  I’m definitely glad I read The Vogue Factor, even if it left me with a little “FOMO”.

xoxo.  B