A keenly observed collection of personal essays about what itâs like to be a young woman working in the fashion industry, Amy Odellâs Tales from the Back Row offers âa backstage pass to the intimidating, backbiting industryâ (US Weekly).
In the âfunny, insightfulâ (Harperâs Bazaar) Tales from the Back Row, Cosmopolitan.com editor Amy Odell takes readers behind the stage of New Yorkâs hottest fashion shows to meet the worldâs most influential models, designers, celebrities, editors, and photographers.
But first, she has to push her way through the crowds outside and weave her way through the packed venue, from the very back row to the front. And as Amy climbs the ladder (with tips about how you can, too), she introduces an industry powered by larger-than-life characters: she meets the intimidating Anna Wintour and the surprisingly gracious Rachel Zoe, not to mention the hilarious Chelsea Handler, and more.
As she describes the allure of Alexander Wangâs ripped tights and Marchesaâs Oscar-worthy dresses, Amy layers in something else: how the fashion industry is an exaggerated mirror of human fallibilityâreflecting our desperate desire to belong, to make a mark. In her âlight-hearted, cocktail-hour confession from someone who isâŠsober enough to recognize insanity for what it isâ (The Washington Post), Amy is the first to admit that as much as she is embarrassed by the thrill she gets when she receives an invitation to an exclusive after-party, she canât help but RSVP âyes.â Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of high fashion: âWhether youâre interested in pursuing a career in publishing, public relations, or design, or youâre just fascinated with what really goes on behind-the-scenes without the usual sugarcoating, weâd say this is required readingâ (Fashionista.com).