Tales from the Back Row

A keenly observed collection of personal essays about what its like to be a young woman working in the fashion industry, Amy Odells Tales from the Back Row offers a backstage pass to the intimidating, backbiting industry (US Weekly).In the funny, insightful (Harpers Bazaar) Tales from the Back Row, Cosmopolitan.com editor Amy Odell takes readers behind the stage of New Yorks hottest fashion shows to meet the worlds 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 Wangs ripped tights and Marchesas Oscar-worthy dresses, Amy layers in something else: how the fashion industry is an exaggerated mirror of human fallibilityreflecting our desperate desire to belong, to make a mark. In her light-hearted, cocktail-hour confession from someone who issober enough to recognize insanity for what it is (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 cant help but RSVP yes. Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of high fashion: Whether youre interested in pursuing a career in publishing, public relations, or design, or youre just fascinated with what really goes on behind-the-scenes without the usual sugarcoating, wed say this is required reading (Fashionista.com).