Glamorous, conservative, and at times self-consciously silly, "WASP" style has influenced countless designers and pop culture figures over the past century. Out today, "A Privileged Life" by Susanna Salk pays homage to iconic prepsters of culture and design with glossy photos of a self-consciously rarefied—at times even parodied—lifestyle, from Yale crewmen clad in henleys and knee socks to Luke Wilson's obsessive tennis ensemble in "The Royal Tenenbaums."
Of course, the usual prepster icons also make their appearances, notably Grace Kelly, Jackie O, Truman Capote and Lilly Pullitzer. If nothing else, the book promises to be an entertaining read and we ready our spring wardrobes and consider designers' newly-reworked prep staples like chino carrot pants, saturated summer colors, and dramatic sun hats. Indeed, Jackie O would likely approve of all the ladylike proportions we saw on the runway this season, while we can imagine Capote might have lounged by the pool in a pair of Rachel Comey's preppy printed trousers.
