The New Garconne: How to Be a Modern Gentlewoman

by Navaz Batliwalla

The New Garconne is a non-prescriptive guide for today's modern, independent, and stylish woman. It espouses a grown-up style and attitude with a masculine-feminine aesthetic, where culture, history, beauty, intelligence, feminism, quality, and taste are celebrated.

Women who embody the look include Katharine Hepburn, Andree Putman, Lauren Hutton, Janelle Monae, Phoebe Philo, Ines de la Fressange, Tilda Swinton, Stella Tennant, and Jenna Lyons.

This visually inspiring book explores the look, history, and essence of gentlewoman style. It features profiles of women who typify the style, alongside beautifully photographed and curated imagery and how-to-get-the-look information.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, Art, Coffee Table Books

160 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2016

Reviews

[Jessi]

I wonder if there is a way to write a book on this subject without it being so elitist. Really, how many people can afford Acne and Celine? I would have found this far more inspiring had it also featured women who are not rich. This book looks handsome and clever on the surface, but smacks of smug consumerism disguised as feminism.

Also, no matter your audience, there is no excuse for endorsing unethical fashion (J. Crew and COS, I am looking at you).

[Jesseanneo]

Less useless than I thought possible. Even the profiles are light on photos and are pretty surface interviews. The sourcing section was very limited and there was little to no discussion around fit aside from opting for bespoke when possible, which is what makes or breaks this style.

[Sara Watson]

Good visual inspiration, less than inspired interviews and resources that seem heavily sponsored rather than carefully curated. It could benefit greatly from some more historical context, and thankfully the style remains relatively timeless.

[Charity Dušíková]

Originally, I planned to just read this book and pass it on. But I enjoyed the peace and slowness of browsing the pictures and reading as various women reflected on style, design, and lifestyle. A pleasant experience and thus a book I intend to keep.

[sha]

Even as someone who didn't know very much about it I still got the sense that this barely scratched the surface of the subject. Though this wasn't spectacular, I did manage to enjoy the interviews of the women and the photographs of their workspace/homes.

[Sabrina]

nice to look at but ultimately vapid

[a]

picked up this book from the library & it was so underwhelming. ended up just flipping through everything. it really wasn't my thing

[Marilyn]

Enjoyable, but not applicable In NZ!

[Sydney]

a touch stone style book

[Deanna]

Superb focused lifestyle and wardrobe style book for a type of intelligent modern woman.

[Izyan Suhaila]

If you're ever looking to define your own style and have always wondered about the easy-going attitude of French ladies, give this a go. Highly recommended!

[Elizabeth B]

Enjoyed. Great style tips for a no fuss menswear inspired sartorial closet.

[Julie]

Fun and stylish. Need some good loafers.

[Bridget]

Meh.

I guess I didn't pay enough attention to the summaries of this book before I decided to request it from the library. It's a series of interviews with women who were fortunate enough to be born into, or marry into families with resources, and often with one or more creative parent. After about the third interview with someone who grew up with wealthy parents who often owned artistic companies, I just skimmed the rest. They interviews were mainly snippets asking how they got started, how they decided on their styles, etc. and then at the end of the book there were resources for the reader indicating where some of the things included could be purchased (if you are someone who can afford Hermes bags and such).

Next time, I'll pay better attention - this was probably fine for what it was supposed to be, I was just going into it with completely different expectations.