Tuesday 22 May 2012

Capturing Grace

I love looking at old photos... of friends and family - some people I haven't seen for years.  I'm scheduling a catch up with an old school friend over the next week (trying to find a suitable time really) - and I was just telling her how I found some old photos that I will take with me to show her.  She laughed.

But I was thinking, we do we cringe when we see old photos of ourselves?  I think it's a wonderful thing to see yourself as you were 10, 20 30 years ago and peer into your eyes in the photo and wonder, try to remember, what you thought the future held for you.    It's kind of like that thing where if you could write your 16 or 20 year old self a letter about life, what would you tell yourself?

Aside from the hair moments, a questionable wardrobe choice captured, and perhaps a self-conscious pose, it's quite heart-warming to know that in fact, you are exactly the same as that person you are in fact gazing at - albeit, slightly more weathered (in a good way), more confident (hallelulah!), self-assured, and taking each step (perhaps a little more cautiously) knowing that where you're going is where you're supposed to be.

Enough of the existentialist crisis... these images of Grace Coddington were the inspiration for today (her memoir is supposed to be released at the end of the year so stay tuned).  You can also check out some photographs of Grace and other early 70's stylish artists captured by Willie Christie here.


Grace Coddington by Bruce Weber

Grace In Window by Willie Christie





6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't wait for her book to be published!

Have fun with your friend viewing those photos. Just by reading your text my mind was flipping through old photo albums and I was smiling. Duran Duran hairstyle anyone? ... the good old days ;-)

classiq said...

I know that feeling: going through old photo albums. I instantly relive those moments and remember so many other things from those times. Looking forward to that book. :)
Ada

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

I love looking back at old photos. It's true that sometimes they're a bit cringe worthy but I love remembering the time nontheless. And I'm so excited for her book to be published! xoxo

Audrey said...

Oh i love this...with my sisters we always joked about those old images, oh my goodness. There's a picture of me!! had just done my hair (going to disco) so hilarious, stiff in a curl, the hairspray glowing a big time, could easily sit in a car with a sunroof and not to worry about my hair, ahahha, had to laugh when i think about this.
And yes...definitely "slightly more weathered", haha!

Have a good time with your friend Helen!
Audreyx

Thea vintage said...

It's indeed a special feeling looking at old photos. Often I feel very happy looking at old photos of family and friends. Thinking about the past... and the future!

Grace is so so beautiful in a unique and interesting way!

Neda said...

I love looking back at old photos as well...but I prefer the ones between ages 0-13 then I like to skip to the older me at age 21. :) Grace is such a classic beauty...I'm really looking forward to seeing her book. xx

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