Back in January, I shared a list of my New Year's resolutions for 2019, one of which is to read two books per month (24 total). I was on a roll - two books in January, two books in February, three books in March - but that streak came to a dead stop in April.
At the start of the month, I selected a book called The Vanity Fair Diaries. It's based on real life journal entries by Tina Brown, during her time as the editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair. She would go on to become editor-in-chief of The New Yorker, and then in 2008, found the media site The Daily Beast.
I learned of this book on an episode of one of my favorite podcasts, The Literary Life, hosted by Mitchell Kaplan, the owner of Books & Books in Miami, FL. Kaplan interviewed Brown about her career in the magazine industry, and why she decided to share her personal journey in this way. I found Brown to be highly entertaining and after the episode ended, I ordered the book on Amazon.
When I unboxed it, I was startled to discover the book was 419 pages of tiny font with tight line spacing. I knew right away it would be a challenge to read the whole thing in under 30 days. That said, I was optimistic that the behind-the-scenes dirt would keep me hooked.
Well, it took me six weeks to finish this memoir - all of April and half of May. I was pretty bummed about the setback to my pace.
Though it took a while, I did learn some pretty interesting things along the way. In a journal entry dated October 25, 1984, Brown is describing her pride over the upcoming holiday issue and she writes, "Best Annie pics are of Aaron Spelling in bed, Springsteen against a sheath of fire, and the black-and-white-attired decorator Andrée Putman against a wall of checkered tiles. Also the sulky, Elvisy Donald Trump 'because he's a brass act. And he owns his own football team. And he thinks he should negotiate arms control agreements with the Soviet Union.'"
How creepy is it to read that about Donald Trump now, nearly 35 years later?!
I really enjoyed hearing about the very first Vanity Fair party during awards season in 1987, which is now a staple every single year. Brown shares, "I'm sitting in my hotel room at the Bel-Air in Beverly Hills. Tomorrow we'll give a VF party at Spago to woo Hollywood. If it goes well I want to make a Hollywood party an annual thing because our power base for covers is here. Si might not understand what glamour events can do for business, but I am convinced they work."
That same year, Anna Wintour was hired in the number two position at Vogue. "All the press of Anna's arrival is positioning her as the future ed of Vogue, which must make Grace Mirabella shake in her shoes. This press is already hoping for a rivalry between us. Anna is to frontal for feuds and Vogue has never interested me. I suppose catfights are the cliché that always dog (as it were) powerful women working in the same business. Actually her presence upstairs is a bit like suddenly having a sleek-haired race-horse pawing the other side of the fence."
In 1991, under Brown's leadership, the Vanity Fair team would publish one of the most famous magazine cover images of all time featuring actress Demi Moore. "When Annie and I first discussed doing Demi, I thought how great it would be to show her pregnant instead of doing the normal thing with stars who are over three months gone and cheat the cover with a head shot or some other disguise. But being Annie, she went on better. She did Demi in profile, yes, full body, yes, but also . . . naked!"
She continues, and reveals that the cover was so much more than a provocative maternity photo, "We have wanted so much to do a story that moved Vanity Fair decisively on from the eighties, that made a statement of modernity, progressiveness, freshness, openness, after the heavy Trumpy glitz of that decade. I have been beating my brains out looking for the social commentary that would achieve it. And now, in one simple, dazzling image, Annie has the home run. This it it. This what a celebrity looks like in the nineties. Not just a natural but au naturel! And it's a wonderful feminist statement at the same time."
If you have been a long time Vanity Fair reader, certainly you'll enjoy the stories behind the stories.
I wish I could say I loved this book, because I really thought I would, but sadly, it was just a long slog of name dropping.
Comments
Taha Yousuf
Tue, 06/30/2020 - 02:13
Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. 伦敦代写
muneebkhatri
Tue, 06/30/2020 - 12:53
Very good topic, similar texts are I do not know if they are as good as your work out. checkerviet
Mohammad Taha
Wed, 07/01/2020 - 17:36
Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. 澳大利亚代写
muneebkhatri
Fri, 07/03/2020 - 06:29
Listed here you'll learn it is important, them offers the link in an helpful webpage: affordable leather sling bags
muneebkhatri
Fri, 07/03/2020 - 23:52
I read this article. I think You put a great deal of exertion to make this article. I like your work. spsreview
muneebkhatri
Sat, 07/04/2020 - 13:28
I use basically superior fabrics : you will discover these products by: Ice Cream Michigan Cake Bakeries
muneebkhatri
Sun, 07/05/2020 - 02:59
I prefer merely excellent resources - you will see these people in: What happens when a copyright expires
muneebkhatri
Sun, 07/05/2020 - 07:29
For many people this is the best solution here see how to do it. garmin map updates 2016
muneebkhatri
Mon, 07/06/2020 - 13:42
The best article I came across a number of years, write something about it on this page. Cupom De Desconto Americanas
muneebkhatri
Tue, 07/07/2020 - 08:42
At this point you'll find out what is important, it all gives a url to the appealing page: top 10 kitchen utensil sets
muneebkhatri
Tue, 07/07/2020 - 12:07
On this page, you'll see my profile, please read this information. mexican food
Mohammad Taha
Tue, 07/07/2020 - 14:26
The article looks magnificent, but it would be beneficial if you can share more about the suchlike subjects in the future. Keep posting. situs bandarq
Taha Yousuf
Tue, 07/07/2020 - 17:42
I really appreciate the kind of topics you post here. Thanks for sharing us a great information that is actually helpful. Good day! 通借網
muneebkhatri
Wed, 07/08/2020 - 06:51
I also wrote an article on a similar subject will find it at write what you think. Cupom De Desconto Americanas
muneebkhatri
Wed, 07/08/2020 - 12:41
Interestingly you write, I will address you'll find exciting and interesting things on similar topics. sub sanwiches
Taha Yousuf
Thu, 07/09/2020 - 14:09
I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. radiation sticker
Seo link creator
Mon, 07/13/2020 - 03:46
I’ve been surfing online more than 5 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours without a doubt. It’s pretty worth enough for me. Thanks... Custom Patch Maker
Seo link creator
Tue, 07/14/2020 - 04:58
When your website or blog goes live for the first time, it is exciting. That is until you realize no one but you and your. Сериалы
muneebkhatri
Wed, 07/15/2020 - 07:34
wow this saintly however ,I love your enter plus nice pics might be part personss negative love being defrent mind total poeple , Bakeries In Minnesota
Seo link creator
Thu, 07/16/2020 - 06:40
When you use a genuine service, you will be able to provide instructions, share materials and choose the formatting style. site
sdexter
Thu, 07/16/2020 - 15:00
An extremely interesting examine, I might not agree completely, but you do make some very legitimate factors. best10
Seo link creator
Sat, 07/18/2020 - 08:13
Very useful info. Hope to see more posts soon!. go x scooter
Taha Yousuf
Mon, 07/20/2020 - 08:05
I was surfing the Internet for information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. sagame
muneebkhatri
Thu, 07/23/2020 - 06:53
Initial You got a awesome blog .I determination be involved in plus uniform minutes. i view you got truly very functional matters , i determination be always checking your blog blesss. thai express
uniquecash forcars
Thu, 07/23/2020 - 16:55
Unique cash for cars is one of the top companies in Gold Coast who pays top cash for cars up to $9,999 | Address: 135 Bradman St, Acacia Ridge QLD 4110, Australia | Email: info@uniquecashforcars.com | Phone: 0732 196 670 | Cash For Cars Gold Coast
All Car Removal
Fri, 07/24/2020 - 15:27
Once the quotation and pickup time and date is decided, our skilled team of tow truck drivers will be at your doorstep to tow away your car cash for cars sunshine coast
Hassan Ali
Mon, 07/27/2020 - 06:44
There you can download for free, see the first of these data. best internet deals
muneebkhatri
Tue, 07/28/2020 - 02:31
Airco Gijzegem - Airconditioning Gijzegem. Een airco installateur in Gijzegem gezocht? Doe beroep op Klima-Technics voor uw airco installatie te Gijzegem. Airco Gijzegem
muneebkhatri
Tue, 07/28/2020 - 07:45
Airco Herzele - Airconditioning Herzele. Een airco installateur te Herzele gevraagd? Reken op Klima-Technics voor uw airco installatie te Herzele. Airco Herzele
Mohammad Taha
Sun, 08/02/2020 - 05:54
Hey, this day is too much good for me, since this time I am reading this enormous informative article here at my home. Thanks a lot for massive hard work. รับแทงบอล
Mohammad Taha
Mon, 08/03/2020 - 07:43
Thank you so much as you have been willing to share information with us. We will forever admire all you have done here because you have made my work as easy as ABC. www.affiliatemarketing.cash
Moiz Shaikh
Tue, 08/04/2020 - 02:56
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. desconto amazon
Seo link creator
Tue, 08/04/2020 - 05:28
You there, this is really good post here. Thanks for taking the time to post such valuable information. Quality content is what always gets the visitors coming. real racing 3 apk download
Moiz Shaikh
Thu, 08/06/2020 - 04:07
Noma by Macly Group. Hotline 61009266. Get Discounts, Direct Developer Price, Brochure, Floor Plan, Price List & More. Upcoming Freehold new launch at Guillemard Noma Showflat
Seo link creator
Thu, 08/06/2020 - 04:21
Excellent and very exciting site. Love to watch. Keep Rocking. https://npietoys.com/
Moiz Shaikh
Sat, 08/08/2020 - 05:14
Myra Condo by Selangor Dredging Berhad. Hotline 61009266. Get Discounts, Direct Developer Price, Brochure, Floor Plan, Price List. Upcoming new launch at Potong Pasir Myra
Seo link creator
Sat, 08/08/2020 - 05:19
Everything has its value. Thanks for sharing this informative information with us. GOOD works! http://npiebet789.com/
Mohammad Taha
Sat, 08/08/2020 - 10:11
I got too much interesting stuff on your blog. I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the good work. 9595.tw
Moiz Shaikh
Sun, 08/09/2020 - 06:15
Pasir Ris Central Residences by Allgreen. Hotline 61009266. Get Discounts, Direct Developer Price, Floor Plan, Price List, EBrochure and More. New Launch Condo at Pasir Ris Central in Singapore Pasir Ris Central Residences Showroom
muneebkhatri
Sun, 08/09/2020 - 07:17
Here you will learn what is important, it gives you a link to an interesting web page: Airco Hofstade
Moiz Shaikh
Sun, 08/09/2020 - 07:57
Clavon at Clementi by UOL & UIC. Hotline 61009266. Get Discounts, Direct Developer Price, Floor Plan, Price List & Brochure . New Launch Condo at Clementi in Singapore. Clavon Condo
Moiz Shaikh
Mon, 08/10/2020 - 02:24
Midtown Modern by GuocoLand and Hong Leong. Hotline 61009266. Get Discounts, Direct Developer Price, Brochure, Floor Plan & Price List. New Launch at Tan Quee Lan Street. Midtown Modern Showroom
muneebkhatri
Mon, 08/10/2020 - 03:45
This is helpful, nonetheless it can be crucial so that you can check out the following website: Airco Lede
Moiz Shaikh
Mon, 08/10/2020 - 05:56
Normanton Park by Kingsford Huray. Hotline 61009266. Get Discounts, Direct Developer Price, Brochure, Floor Plan, Price List & More. Former Normanton Park HUDC. Kingsford Normanton Park
Moiz Shaikh
Mon, 08/10/2020 - 08:11
Peak Residence by Tuan Sing & Rich Capital . Hotline 61009266. Get VVIP Discounts, Direct Developer Price, Brochure, Floor Plan, Price List & More. (Former Peak Court) Peak Residence Showroom
Mohammad Taha
Mon, 08/10/2020 - 23:02
This is my first time visit to your blog and I am very interested in the articles that you serve. Provide enough knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful and don't forget, keep sharing useful info: iptv
muneebkhatri
Tue, 08/11/2020 - 04:14
So lot to occur over your amazing blog. Your blog procures me a fantastic transaction of enjoyable.. Salubrious lot beside the scene. Airco Liedekerke
muneebkhatri
Tue, 08/11/2020 - 06:20
So lot to occur over your amazing blog. Your blog procures me a fantastic transaction of enjoyable.. Salubrious lot beside the scene. Airco Liedekerke
Moiz Shaikh
Tue, 08/11/2020 - 07:20
Mountbatten Residences by Bukit Sembawang. Call 61009266. Get Discounts, Direct Developer Price, Brochure, Floor Plan, Price List. Former Katong Park Towers. Mountbatten Residences Showroom
sdexter
Tue, 08/11/2020 - 08:16
Yay google is my world beater aided me to find this outstanding web site. liteblue website