Bournemouth writer Lorraine Gibson says she feels ‘all shook up’ after her new book on Elvis Presley received glowing reviews.
The award-winning journalist has written Elvis: The King of Fashion.
The 224-page hardback book features anecdotes and interviews with people who knew, met and dressed Elvis.
It’s described as a highly engaging homage to the iconic style of Elvis Presley, who shook up the world of music and fashion, triggering a cultural revolution that stopped 1950s America in its tracks.
Born into poverty, his voice of liquid gold and show-stopping appearances propelled him into a life of extreme wealth.
Elvis’s extraordinary story – told through a fashion lens – celebrates the shy, lonely boy who awakened an entire generation.
The defiant hair, the sultry good looks, the gender-ambivalent outfits – even the famous sideburns of the man who would be King – are all considered in detail.
From impoverished scamp and teenage antihero in pink, through Hollywood heartthrob and sensual leather-clad rock star, to caped superhero in Vegas jumpsuits, Lorraine describes his clothes with as much joy as she does his journey through the decades.
She travelled to Memphis, Tennessee, where Elvis suddenly leapt to fame in the early 1950s.
Lorraine soaked up its unique atmosphere, walked in Elvis’s footsteps, visited his old haunts and his homes and met endless people, many of whom contributed to the book which was published on August 30.
She told Bournemouth One: “I’ve had several five star reviews on YouTube but one was from a guy who is a self-confessed Elvis nerd.
“He said he was looking for errors and facts that were not right but they were all spot on so I was really excited about that.
“Lots of people are interested and have pre-ordered it and looking forward to the book.
“I’m holding my breath and hoping they’ll love it as much as I’ve loved writing it.”
- Elvis: The King of Fashion is published by White Owl Books, an imprint of Pen & Sword Books, and can be ordered here.