Saul Leiter

Keith McNally: I regret almost everything



Keith McNally memoir I regret Almost Everything

Wishlisted: I Regret Almost Everything*, Keith McNally’s memoir. Not an Instagram post goes by without someone telling McNally, “you should write your memoir”. Well, little did we know, he already has. McNally’s story as a restauranteur is fascinating. He regularly dishes up anecdotes of personal and professional misdemeanours as the founder of such illustrious eateries as Balthazar, Pastis and Lucky Strike, to name just three. (more…)



Rebel stylist: Caroline Baker – the woman who invented street fashion



Rebel Stylist - Caroline Baker for Vogue - photography Harri Peccinotti

If you’re struggling for killer fashion gift ideas, allow me to make a recommendation.

I’ve just received my copy of Rebel Stylist*, a fantastic delve into the story of fashion styling straight from the lips (and visual archive) of the lady who invented it all, Caroline Baker. Caroline is a legend in the industry. She has worked for everyone, from Nova magazine to The Face, Vogue and i-D, as well as with iconic designers and brands including Benetton (the Toscani ads), Katharine Hamnett and Vivienne Westwood. Not to mention photographers – Helmut Newton, Hari Peccinotti, Sarah Moon, Guy Bourdin, Saul Leiter. Every mainstream trend you can think of – layering, military surplus, power dressing, underwear-as-outerwear – she was there first, trailblazing well before most of us were in nappies. (more…)



The sidewalk cinema of Saul Leiter



Saul Leiter photography

If you watched the film Carol, and enjoyed Cate Blanchett’s red swishy coats, poised gestures and stolen glances through rain-streaked windows, then you might like to know where the inspiration came from. Saul Leiter was one of the great American street photographers, capturing cinematic scenes from the sidewalks of New York in delicious Kodachrome, back when colour photography was the height of unfashionability. (more…)