Dana Thomas’ new book, “Gods and Kings: The Rise and Fall of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano,” tells the backstory of the two iconic designers. Reportedly, it’s got more information than you ever imagined about the designer’s lives. The book is also full of interesting details about every fashion show each of the two designers put on and seemingly every idea and piece of design inspiration.
Thomas said the project began organically. “I was writing a piece for The Washington Post about John Galliano’s downfall. So I write this paragraph, and I think, ‘Wow! There’s something going on here,” she said. After asking her editor and agent if this was a start of a book, Thomas started sorting through files she kept for decades. She was also intrigued with the psychology behind Alexander McQueen’s success and subsequent tragic suicide. Galliano’s story is of course still being written, now at Maison Martin Margiela. “Gods and Kings” reveals the dramatic backstory of his infamous firing from Dior, which includes repeated misbehavior for years and the refusal of any kind of help or rehab. Both designers’ romances are also chronicled in detail.
Thomas is a formal model and longtime journalist living in Paris with her husband and daughter. “Gods and Kings: The Rise and Fall of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano” is available February 10th or pre-order on Amazon.
– Claire Mykrantz
Source & Image: WWD
