Gods and Kings: The Rise and Fall of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano

This book is so interesting and well researched . It fills in some holes left by the McQueen documentary . Really enjoyed it.

An incredibly written about two of the world’s most complex, talented, yet deeply damaged souls. A wonderful history and an even better listen on audiobook. I’ve been a long time admirer of McQueen’s work while being much more aware of his life story versus Galliano. A must read for anyone who enjoys fashion and fashion biographies. I only wish there were more photos; though the author did a phenomenal job bringing the images to life.

This book was fascinating to read, and I am not all that interested in couture fashion. The rise of two gay men from humble beginnings to wealth and power was what kept me clicking through the pages. But I now understand a little better why designers show outrageous creations on the runway, how the fashion houses make money, and how much pressure the star designers are under. Note: If you read this on Kindle, be aware that pictures of the designers and their creations are at the end of the file.

Gods and Kings is an excellent chronicle of the lives of two fashion superstars and the toll it took on their lives. Recognized as wunder kinds for their vision and crafting abilities, they never grew beyond their fame to quiet their personnal demons. McQueen silenced his by committing suicide and Galliano through career suicide. Their stories are interesting because their lives intersected at school in a similar path to fame and success. They crashed at the same time with Galliano left standing, more or less. Left me with the impression that while true creativity is a little crazy it destroys when it is all crazy or certainly did in the case of these two men. All in all an interesting book.

The book is very well written. I worked in fashion in the same period as Galliano and McQueen and met Galliano at the beginning of his career. I remember thinking he would make his mark in fashion. When you go up the ladder be kind to people because when you you go down you might meet them again. He failed to remain humble. McQueen also forgot who helped him to succeed like ; Isabella Blow in her own right was a genius. Alexander McQueen was a true artist and genius. Galliano had other problems then a racism and I am glad the fashion industry has given him a new beginning

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in fashion and the business of fashion. These two men, very similar yet very different, led incredible lives and in McQueens case, a very tragic end. We shall see what will happen to Galliano, but I am afraid he is done. I applaud the author, she keeps everything moving, the book is very interesting and her writing makes you want more. This is a marvelous book. A tragic story for both of these men, but a marvelous read.

Must read for any fashion enthusiast. Very real and insightful and tragic stories of two fashion greats. The author has written a human story of love .relationship, recognition and all that comes with it.

Couldn't stop reading. A fascinating and compulsive read offering an intimate look into the lives of two of the most famous men in fashion today. I am not an avid follower of fashion and both men were known to me only in name prior to reading this book. The genius of Dana Thomas is that as a full-on fashion insider, she is able to not only share that world through her words, but to make you truly care for these two men and their tumultuous and ultimately tragic life stories.

Amazing

Couldn’t put the book down.... Written with such flow,as if a friend is telling a story Informative as well...all in all a very good novel

This is a great book. Well researched. Excellent written and not a minute boring. It is not so much a biography about the two designer but an in depth look at an important time period in fashion history. I am sure were are more detailed books about Alexander McQueen or Galiano's live and work available. Not that we get a very good look at both designer. Contrary. This book is about the rise of two of the most important fashion designer of 90s and were struggle of survival in a billion dollar industry that demands change every 6 months to make more money. Highly recommended if you like this kind of story.

Very tough to read, don’t regret having done so, but felt like vomiting at times. Also, while both men changed fashion forever, I would not equate “the son of a plumber” (Galliano) with that of a “taxi driver” (McQueen) in the way the author does: it is clear that Galliano had a richer upbringing and his father knew how to build something and was a perfectionist, while the other was, well… a taxi driver.

O livro mais completo sobre a história de McQueen e Galliano. to die for!