THE BEAUTIFUL FALL - the story behind an ambitious climb -by Alicia Drake

Most people know the name Karl Lagerfeld.   KL has become world famous as the face behind the iconic House of CHANEL.    Karl seems to float through life on an effortless cloud...  aloof yet opinionated, visionary yet classic, never nostalgic, and an out of this world personality.    Yves Saint Laurent on the other hand had almost the exact opposite experience on Earth.   The legendary designer was reclusive and tormented by his own demons his whole life.   What most people don't know is the relationship between these two style icons.    They had the type of friendship that the youth of America would today call "frenemies".   Karl and Yves started their career the very same year in a national competition for the Wool Sydicate of France.  They were both winners in 1954 in different categories.    While Karl became more famous as a personality - Yves has the prestige from the start.

Alicia Drake weaves a wonderful tale that will have anyone with interest in fashion and celebrity turning page after page.   The name dropping of who's who of the 60's and 70's are amazing.    This was Paris and NY nightlife at its best - or should I say worst - depending how you look at it.   Think Drugs, Sex, & Glamour.    Maybe not in the order, but certainly a cocktail of the three!

The real story behind this 50 year animosity has more plot twists than a season of Desperate Housewives!

A must read for the fashion flock!   I think the book could almost be used as a textbook for the design industry due to the extent of fashion facts throw in along the way   Name a designer collection - its in there!!   click here to get a copy for yourself!  Amazon

I don't need to mention that Karl is the ringleader of our "six degrees of Fashionination".   Click here to see Karl's  personal transformation.