“Graceful Elegance,” by Grace Coddington, was originally published in the August 2008 issue of Vogue.
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These days I don’t feel obliged to buy a lot of new things, though I always get a coat; it immediately gives you something fresh. This winter, it will be the Balenciaga one in this story. It has a slight cocoon shape, which is very flattering because even though it is roomy, it doesn’t look wide. Also, the sleeves are slim, yet the armholes aren’t small and restrictive—the one thing that always gets bigger as you get older is your arms. I almost always wear pants and a sweater, and always in the same straight shape. The perfect proportion of slimness to my body: That’s what I’m aiming for, especially since I’ve noticed I’ve gotten straighter—the curves have filled out! Really, what I have is a uniform that shifts only by a matter of millimeters, or by changing the fabric. I basically buy the same Prada shirts and Balenciaga pants again and again. Louis Vuitton remade a coat for me because I loved it so much. I like masculine things, such as this Proenza Schouler coat, for their simplicity and functionality. For instance, there is an interior breast pocket in the Vuitton coat; you put your cell phone in there, and off you go. Anyway, I do think I counteract the masculine thing with my red hair. It’s the best accessory I could ever have.
OLDIES BUT GOODIES
Men’s tailored pajamas and white Chucks are perfect to lounge in all day. Proenza Schouler gray double-face-wool coat, $2,450; Ikram, Chicago. Olatz ruby silk pajamas, $650; Olatz, NYC. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers. Karen Elson. Photographed by Steven Meisel.
BACK TO BASICS
Karen Elson portrays Coddington, who says that by this age, women have fully discovered their trademarks—whether that means chunky jewelry, graphic prints, or a love of cats. Marni embroidered dress, $3,830; Susan, Burlingame CA. Dean Harris amber drop earrings. Yves Saint Laurent gold bracelet. Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière chain bracelets. Photographed by Steven Meisel.
