I was eager to read this book having been an admirer of the clothes created by Osman. I guess I was expecting a fashion memoir and more of a focus on design and creativity. It’s actually a really detailed description of life growing up in Birmingham with a very strict father with very strict beliefs. The author writes absolutely beautifully about what was, at times, a very difficult childhood. There’s an incredible amount of detail and memories captured in this memoir. I found certain elements hard to believe such as how some teenage girls were taken out of school by their families and denied an education as it was believed they should stay at home out of sight. As the book was nearing the end I was eager to hear more about the transition from life in Birmingham to becoming an established fashion designer. I felt the book perhaps ended a bit abruptly and I was keen to hear more about fashion design and Osman’s inspiration for collections. A fascinating book however and it had me gripped throughout.

Such a relatable autobiography for many of my students who also grew up in the same world as the author. Truly fascinating!!