Style and Fashion book review:
The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman

There are some affiliate links below and I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post, this is a product I highly recommend - I bought my own copy.

'The New Garconne - How to be a Modern Gentlewoman' book written by Navaz Batliwalla

An empowering read about women's style, this book is informative to anyone with an interest in fashion, beautifully written and indulgently supported by strong reference imagery.

"The way we live now is edging towards a more sustainable pace in which we aim to buy less, but better. As woman of all ages is fêted for their style and achievements, it is the right time to applaud the personal and individual, not just fashionable." - Navaz Batliwalla

The heritage of women's fashion is clearly explained, well researched, and is complemented with some of history's most notably stylish women; Coco Chanel, Charlotte Rampling, Jane Birkin, Marlene Dietrich's to name just a few.

The pages then continue with 14 fascinating interviews;

1. Bella Freud London-based fashion and beauty product designer. Her style is truly original and inspirational, gentle though marries tailoring aesthetics with playful passion. Adore Bella Freud ' What do women want' slogan t-shirt.

2. Lyn Harris who resides in Paris, her talent is as a perfumer. Her luxury brand is Miller Harris, she poses delightful British charm and sophistication.

3. Polly Morgan a London based artist who specialty is taxidermy. She is handsome and low key and highly recognised in the East London art scene.
   

4. Caroline Issa a true master; CEO of the Tank Group (publishing company for Tank magazine), the street-style superstar with her masculine tailoring and finely crafted shoes. She designs a line for Nordstrom.

5. Kris Kim founder of La Garçonne a unique online destination that encapsulates a combination of her interests from fashion to home. Signature styles pieces combined with pieces with a purpose - it's easy to see why she attracts a loyal following. Absolutely coveting these Sophie Buhai - Silver small everyday hoops.

6. Donna Wallace aka Accessories Editor at Elle Magazine UK has a sea of millions of products within her editor’s eye her opinion counts and her style embodies an appreciation of quality workmanship and design style.

7. Jill Nicholls interior decorator and set designer Brit who resides in New York. A history of thrift shopping through post-punk Camden London for the sets of Vogue shoots.

8. Chloe Lonsdale Chief Creative Officer of M.i.H Jeans. Launching the denim brand in 2006 and encapsulating boyish shirting and slouch sweaters. Got to have these M.I.H - Daily frayed high-rise straight-leg jeans.
   

9. Sophie Hersan a revolutionary in the way we style and use fashion, she leads an eco-friendly existence. Supply director for Vestiaire Collective a consignment luxury marketplace.

10. Daphné Hézard based between Paris and London, she is fashion director for Monocle magazine. An interesting individual who thrives on life's smaller pleasures.

11. Phyllis Wang a comedienne and fashion collaborator, she never plans! She lets her instincts guide her.

12. Laurence Dacade house-boat dweller and shoe obsessed Parisienne. She runs her own line of luxury accessories. Her range is as much about quality and look as comfort.

13. Sophie Auster singer-songwriter, her major style influence is her mother creating an androgynous and elegant wardrobe.

14. Kristen Naiman Vice-president of brand creative for Kate Spade New York, she oversees every element of how the world sees the brand. Must-have Kate Spade New York essential, Lucie black bag.
    
    

PLUS loads of street style inspiration

AND EVEN MORE CONTENT - 'Style Codes'; An expertly pieced together summarisation of what a Garconne - Modern Gentlewoman’s closet may contain.

Still, there is more, A SOURCEBOOK - secretly hidden shopping finds in London, Paris and New York. 

An incredible reference guide!

Hopefully, this has told you everything you need to know without giving away the valuable experience you will have of reading this book for yourself.

Being proud of your individuality.