EP 024: WENDY GOODMAN

Image Culture

My guest is the iconic writer and editor Wendy Goodman, whose new book May I Come In? is out now with Abrams Press. Having spent her career at publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, The New York Times Magazine, House & Garden, and most recently New York Magazine, where she has served as Design Editor since 1997, Wendy has profiled a most interesting group of individuals through their private homes. She lives by the idea that a house never lies and that few things are more fascinating than the opportunity to see how people live during their private hours. From Gloria Vanderbilt to Richard Avedon, Tony Duquette to Whoopi Goldberg, Tina Turner and Valentino, the new book is a retrospective of her work, and, as she puts it, an ode to the golden age of magazines. Profusely illustrated with work from an exceptional group of photographers, it offers a rare glimpse into some extraordinary lives. But ultimately, what makes the book so compelling is how personal it is. It’s a book of relentless search, full of risk and anxieties, and at the end we see how perfectly a space can serve as metaphor for the self. It’s much more than just a book of interiors.

I’d like to thank Wendy Goodman, as well as Lauren Starke, Gabby Fisher, and the entire team at Abrams and New York Magazine. This show is produced by Sarah Levine. Our music is by Jack and Eliza. Remember to head over to williamjesslaird.com/imageculture to see my portrait of Wendy as well as my photographs of all our guests. You can also find them on Instagram @william.jess.laird and @image.culture . If you like this show help us grow by leaving us a rating, writing a review and sharing the show with a friend. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of May I Come In? available wherever you buy books. It makes a great gift for the holidays. Thanks so much for listening!

Find May I Come In? online at https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/may-i-come-in_9781419732461/