At seventeen, she was a young, wide-eyed model. At twenty-eight, she was crowned junior editor at British Vogue. And now, at seventy-four, Grace Coddington is stepping down as creative director at Vogue . This may seem like the final chapter of a saga, except in true Grace style, the rest of the story is still unwritten — inevitably, with many ventures to come.
Coddington's departure is the latest to shake up the sartorial universe. With Allure struck by layoffs and Condé Nast to shutter Details, the glossies are going through a major shuffle. According to Business of Fashion, Coddington will continue to serve as creative director at large, though the actual role of creative director remains vacant for now. A spokesperson for American Vogue confirms to BoF that Coddington "will work on several Vogue fashion shoots throughout the year".
The fashion extraordinaire is no foreign face on the media landscape. She has voiced her hatred for Instagram and defended Vogue's infamous Kimye cover in the past. Clearly, this is a woman who is not afraid to delve beyond the boundaries. Coddington's distinct method of styling and producing editorials is the subject of many — documentaries, books, general fan appreciation.
Without a doubt, hearts will be heavy due to Coddington's exit — after all, she served as Vogue's creative director for nearly thirty years. However, Coddington will not be one to disappear into the shadows and go off the radar. "It’s just another approach. I’m certainly not going into retirement. I don’t want to sit around," she tells BoF.
Start placing your bets now, ladies. What will Grace Coddington do next? But no matter what project she has up her (chic) sleeve, it will certainly be out of this world.
1. Hit The Hollywood Circuit
Don't rule this out yet, but there's a possibility Coddington may grace the silverscreen in the future. Years ago, leaked Sony emails revealed that the company was interested in adapting Grace: A Memoir into film. While this project has yet to see the day of light, never say never. Meanwhile, BoF reports that A24 Films, the brainchild behind indie hits such as Room and Ex Machina, also considered optioning Coddington's memoir for the big screen. I don't know about you, but I'd like to see Coddington whip out her directorial chops — surely her sartorial talent can also translate into the cinematic world.
2. Illustrate More
Felines are essentially the unofficial mascot of the fashion industry (as if Karl Lagerfeld and Choupette haven't proved otherwise). Apart from directing photoshoots, Coddington just so happens to sketch too — her Instagram is chock full of adorable cat illustrations. Though Coddington already has published a book dedicated solely to these stylish kitties, I wouldn't be one to complain if she churned out a sequel. Or two.
3. Become A Fragrance Expert
According to BoF, Coddington already has embarked on her next commercial project: developing a fragrance with contemporary Japanese brand Comme des Garçon. The questions are already pouring out: what will the notes be? The bottle design? The influence behind the scent? Either way, I'm excited to have a touch of Grace Coddington on my perfume tray soon.
4. Collaborate With Anna Wintour
Ah, Grace Coddington and Anna Wintour — a powerful duo of creative masterminds. Coddington has been working alongside Wintour since 1988, so it's safe to say the two are a little more than everyday co-workers. Perhaps Coddington's next move is to join forces with her partner-in-crime — a collaborative book or clothing collection, anyone?
Images: Getty
