As a model, Grace Coddington could morph from bohemian waif to Helmut Newton hottie in the bat of an eye. She brought that talent to her work as a stylist and editor for Vogue, too, and her range is astounding. There are tales of suburbia, explorations of the American West, fairy tales, and reimaginings of cinematic classics. But no matter the season and whatever the plot, Coddington herself remains a fixed axis: sure in herself and her style, and with her fiery mane and all-black uniform a beloved beacon of excellence. Today, on her birthday, we celebrate some of her most lasting images.
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Once Upon a Time
“Alice in Wonderland,” published in the December 2003 issue of Vogue, was the first of a series of fairy-tale portfolios Coddington created with Annie Leibovitz. Perfectly cast cameo appearances (Stephen Jones as the Mad Hatter, Lady Gaga as Hansel and Gretel’s evil witch) added to the enchantments of this series.
Suburbia
What lies behind the perfect facade of a white picket fence is a subject that was explored by American writers including John Cheever, John Updike, and Richard Yates—and a red-headed woman from Wales.
Lights, Camera, Action!
The texture of road movies and elements of Hitchcockian suspense worked their way into Coddington’s work, often when she was on set with Peter Lindbergh. Here, the camera took on the role of a recording, voyeuristic eye, heightening the sense of drama.
Blue Sky Thinking
Coddington has always been drawn to wild open spaces under great expanses of sky, and she often hit the road with Arthur Elgort to explore the American West.
Studio Work
Star Power
The In Crowd
Vogue’s never had a shoot involving a cast of thousands, but Coddington is able to wrangle a crowd, styling glamorous groups in order to best tell multi-layered and themed stories.
Green Things
This Brit knows her way around a garden—wild or tame.
Present History
With an irreverent eye for the past Coddington brought perukes, panniers, and Marie Antoinette among other famous historical figures into the future.
