But he left because of the industry’s increasing focus on consumption and what he felt was a loss of interest in storytelling. The impression is of a veteran creative mind containing multitudes, a composure born of quiet discipline and great depth.įashion was his first love. Mesmerizingly articulate, his every thought tells a cohesive micro story nothing drags or overlaps. In a lyrical Glaswegian lilt, his manner of speech is downright scholarly. Speaking with the author now, this is hard to believe. He was completely self-taught, had no circle of writer friends, no Creative Writing MFA, and no agent. Stuart explains that this newfound attention is at odds with how he started out - as an outsider. It’s an enormous tale of heart, heartbreak, and a young boy’s experience growing up with an alcoholic mother in post-industrial working-class Glasgow. However, most people didn’t know that for the last 12 of those years, he’d been secretly writing “Shuggie Bain,” inspired by the events of his own life. He worked in the industry for 22 years for the likes of Jack Spade, Banana Republic, Gap, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren. Until about two years ago, he had been leading a successful career in fashion. Stuart’s second act is a spectacular one. It’s the person who designed it: Douglas Stuart - first-time novelist and 2020 recipient of the prestigious Booker Prize for his worldwide sensation “Shuggie Bain,” and author of a much-anticipated second novel, “Young Mungo.” I could wax poetic about it for days, but the most interesting thing about this garment actually has nothing to do with its fit or fiber. The elegant, understated piece has been a staple in my closet for years. I’M SITTING AT my laptop in a dove gray cashmere sweater (men’s, oversized, crewneck, with the smallest coffee stain I’ll never forgive my boyfriend for).

Douglas stewart book