“The movie star of movie stars who perfected charm and elegance with such ease that he fooled us all into thinking that we could do it, too, as if it was as simple as learning a card trick.” Cary Grant: A Celebration of Style is a book I cherish deeply, because, first, only by revealing Cary’s complex character it made me understand just how he was always able to look impeccable, and second, it inspires you to develop your own personal style.
Richard Torregrossa’s book is part biography, part style guide, completed by well chosen quotes from people in the fashion world, authors and actors who knew Cary Grant well and thus help us get an insightful look not only at the man of style that he was in the way he dressed, but most important at the man of class that Cary was in every aspect of his life. The author speaks of important stages in CG’s life, revealing his many qualities that made possible his ascent from his home town of Bristol to worldwide stardom and to an iconic status: his determination and hard work regarding his film projects, his modesty, his good manners, his sense of humour and true interest in others, his never ceasing wish to improve himself in everything he did and of course, his taste and elegance.
“His charm was a force of nature.” Oleg Cassini
As Audrey Hepburn says to him in Charade, as if voicing everybody’s thoughts: “You know what’s wrong with you? Nothing.”
But of course he was not perfect. Far from it. But Cary shrewdly overcame his flaws and transformed them into flawlessness by acknowledging them and by learning to make them work in his favour, developing a sartorial philosophy emulated on his very own persona. No wonder (and a lesson, too, why) he can not be blindly copied by anyone else.
“He inspires me to do the best in everything I do. The secret to his charm was that he was a good listener as well as a good talker. He was genuinly interested in you. You could meet him the next day or the next year, and he could still remember the little things about you.” fashion designer Amir
“I’m sticking with the classics, and if somebody doesn’t like it, I can deal. If you look at Cary Grant’s suits from the thirties, fourties, and fifties, they still look good today. That’s style, not fashion.” Glenn O’Brien, The Style Guy
“I was very fond of Ingrid. She was an amazing woman…She used no makeup, not even lip rouge. Why don’t more actrisses imitate her instead of going the other way? You can tell how secure a woman is by the amount of makeup she wears.” (personal note: Cary, could I quote you on this one everytime I have the chance? And there are so many times I can use it.)
He had an extraordinary interest in clothes all his life. He coplimented many designers on their work, including Ralph Lauren, whose talent he had admired before anybody else did and who became his friend. Grant’s clothes were described by author Tom Wolfe as “all worsteds, broadcloths and silks, all rich and underplayed, like a viola ensemble.”
“Style begins and ends with Cary Grant.” Alan Flusser
photos: taken by me from the book Cary Grant: A Celebration of Style; the book is also the source of this post and of the quotes (the ones uncredited belong to the author), copyright © 2006 Richard Torregrossa
PS: his favourite colour was orange. Would you have imagined?
Honestly, I have not seen much of Cary so I can’t really relate to whats said and written about him in this book, but his personality sounds very unique, almost to good to be true. What a gorgeous book to have for you Ada, you make me fond of Cary with these posts too. His personality I mean. His looks and moviecharm already gotten to me;) I’ve to quickly follow your other movie advices!
that must be one fabulous book!
Thanks for sharing Ada and enjoy your day
Ah, Cary Grant…possibly the only actor that managed to make pyjamas look stylish. Take “Indiscreet” – one of my favourite movies with him – as a relevant example…
http://notjustaprettydress.blogspot.com
What a wonderful book! And the quote about make-up is precious. Thanks for sharing this post, darling.
xxx
So very interesting and no i never would have guessed orange – but it kind of makes sense x
http://fashionandfrank.blogspot.com/
He is simply classy!
I adore Cary Grant, he is so very handsome. I loved this peek inside his life Ada! xx
Love the quote..
This book looks fabulous
lee x
Cary Grant, the most debonairre man to ever have lived! The book looks wonderful
I need to add that book to my amazon wish list. Oh Mr. Grant, the first dreamboat.
YUMMY! Me love some Mr. Grant. Absolutely gorgeous + I love his movies.
oh gosh, u have a real talent in finding the most expressive pictures!
Ada! First, can I just comment on your writing? I feel like I’m reading something out of Vogue…very well-done and brilliant! I especially love the quotes about Cary Grant..very inspiring! And his quote about makeup is very true. I always love a girl who doesn’t wear any makeup..it takes confidence to do that! xoxoxoo
@Shin
thank you for your appreciative words, Shin.
i would’ve never imagined, hahaha! thanks for a great post!
Costin M.
I always loved Cary Grant since I was little and have this book–it’s great, and Richard is a very nice guy too.
xo Mary Jo
You are so great in finding these cute pictures. Also, love your photography skill! I have got a lot of room to improve.
i just watched an affair to remember for the first time – unbelievable! great post!
@amourette
I loved An Affair To Remember too, one of hist best.
Thank you for the wonderful review and presentation of my biography, CARY GRANT: A Celebration of Style—Richard Torregrossa
@Richard Torregrossa
How wonderful it is to get a comment from the author of the book Cary Grant: A Celebration of Style. It is an honor. Thank you.
Brava! Good job, Ada! If you saw his movies, you love Cary Grant!
Coco Chanel
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