Style and Substance

Mixing thoughtful, original and contemporary pieces with trailblazers from the past, this is a gloriously eclectic celebration of self-expression.

Maya Angelou's perfectly fitting dress made her feel like a sunbeam. Zadie Smith's wardrobe differs depending on whether she's in London or New York, while Joan Didion always followed the same packing list. Beau Brummell and Luke Edward Hall consider colour in an outfit like an artist does a painting; Nora Ephron knows that 'everything matches black, especially black.'

Bella Freud and Jarvis Cocker found inspiration at jumble sales; designer Harris Reed in the gender-fluidity of Orlando. Oscar Wilde understood that proportions were everything. Megan Jayne Crabbe learned to stop letting size dictate her choices; Stanley Tucci favours a narrow stripe. Chloe Sevigny delights in traditional with a twist; Sienna Miller misses the freedom of a less self-conscious age. Eunice Olumide collects sportswear and loves bling. The Victorian founders of the Rational Dress Society felt an absence of pressure on the body was crucial, Daphne Guinness leaves a trail of feathers and sequins in her wake.

For Davinia McCall, an outfit begins with underwear; for Sophie Dahl it's not complete without scent. Clothes allow Susie Cave to hide and Charlotte Tilbury to feel empowered. Rachel Weisz praises the democratic power of denim and Bernardine Evaristo's style signals her refusal to be stereotyped.

Whatever your tribe, whatever rules you do or don't ascribe to, Bay Garnett has created the ultimate accessory.

Stellar PANDORA SYKES
A rich and broad-ranging compendium of essays, interviews and eclectic snippets . . . sure to kindle plenty of curiosity and unexpected journeys of discovery; whether literary or sartorial. This curated patchwork of writing - new, old (both rediscovered and iconic) - is a perfect metaphor for the way Garnett works with clothes as a stylist, of course. She has a special skill for putting together a fashion editorial with an unexpected mix of designer and thrifted pieces, that makes the storytelling resonate with personality and vibrant life. Calendar Magazine
Super stylist Bay Garnett has created a new, brilliant tome for the codes of dressing by excavating how others do it. Everyone from Joan Didion to Oscar Wilde, Chloe Sëvigny to Susie Cave appear in her new book Style and Substance - a perfect read for anyone looking to find a new lease of style life or just interested in examining the way icons dress. i-D
A richly textured collection of essays . . . all about ideas and about cutting out the white noise of what you think you should do. What each perspective touches on is the importance of wearing clothes that feel true to who you are. Grazia
Through a collection of essays, extracts and interviews, the esteemed stylist draws together a glorious celebration of the clothes we wear and the meaning behind them. From the looks of Maya Angelou and Zadie Smith to the power of drag and brilliance of thrifting, this is a wide- ranging delight. i News
Gathering voices from past and present, Style and Substance peeks into the hearts and wardrobes of aesthetes including Chloë Sevigny, Stanley Tucci and Oscar Wilde. Financial Times
A compelling new encyclopaedia of style. Harper's Bazaar
Thoughtful and gloriously eclectic . . . a mix of old and new, which only amplifies Bay's ability to storytell. The perfect stocking filler! Fashion Roundtable
A book where gravity mingles with frivolity, humour with weight, never taking itself or its subject too seriously,but allowing it the attention it deserves. In a world of fleeting trends, Bay Garnett has created an accessory to treasure, earning Style And Substance an enduring place in the canon of fashion literature. Irish News

Bay Garnett has worked as a stylist, editor and creative director for over twenty years. She hosts the 'This Old Thing' podcast and, as a pioneer of thrifting, was the first to include vintage pieces in luxury shoots. She continues to celebrate the creativity sustainability offers through her work with Oxfam, including their Second-Hand September campaign and curating their catwalk show which opened London Fashion Week. She loves leopard print and gold chains.

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