Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By Justine Cullen, Allen & Unwin, $29.99.
This book is not an exposé of the world of glossy magazines. Neither is it a memoir or a self-help tome … unless it’s in the form of what not to do.
What fashion magazine editor Justine Cullen does is take us on a entertainingly candid exploration of her life – and all the mistakes she’s made along the way.
This book is not her opus either. Through her collection of autobiographical essays, we get a window seat into a private journey.
A personal, distinct and chucklesome look at growing up and growing older from the kind of woman who seems like she has it all together – glamorous job, perfect family, killer wardrobe, jet-set lifestyle. However, scratching away at that glittery surface, Justine reveals the beautiful mess that lies beneath.
After quitting her job as editor-in-chief of Elle magazine, Cullen found herself in the midst of something of an identity crisis … and pregnant with her fourth child. She admits the last thing she wants this book to do is contribute to the culture of comparison that curses us all.
“I know I’ve been lucky enough to experience a lot of high-shine, ultra-sparkly, pinch-me moments in my life. As with every woman we might compare ourselves to, it is, of course, mostly surface. This book is an attempt to go behind that glossy façade and show the Hot Mess Express that almost always lies beneath.”
It’s a wildly entertaining and sometimes bumpy ride through a good life, by one of Australia’s most respected female voices. Underlying her glamorous lifestyle as an award-winning fashion magazine editor, Justine Cullen has also brought diversity of talent and the championing of women to her editorship, along with bringing up a family. Through a life well lived, Justine has laudably captured her life experiences!
