Susannah Constantine

Infobox journalist
name = Susannah Constantine


birthname = Susannah Caroline Constantine
birth_date = Birth date and age|1962|6|3|df=y
birth_place = London, England
age =
death_date =
death_place =
occupation = Fashion guru, television presenter and author
alias =
gender = Female
status = Married
title =
family =
spouse = Sten Bertelsen
children = Joe, Esme, Cece
relatives =
ethnic = English
religion =
salary =
networth = £5 million (estimated)
credits = "What Not to Wear""Trinny & Susannah Undress..."

"Trinny & Susannah Undress the Nation"
URL = http://www.trinnyandsusannah.com
agent =

Susannah Caroline Constantine (born 3 June 1962)" [http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~edbradford/books/dean.pdf Dean and Collateral Ancestors of Edward D. Bradford. Scroll to page 77 of 361] " – rootsweb.com. Retrieved June 14, 2007.] is an award-winning English fashion guru, style advisor, presenter, bestselling fashion author and designer.

Constantine was born into a wealthy family, where her father was successful in property and shipping sectors. She was privately educated as a child and went on to date British royalty, David, Viscount Linley, during the 1980s. Constantine has been involved in fashion for a long period, originally working in America for Giorgio Armani and then John Galliano in London. She met Trinny Woodall in 1994 who both proceeded to write a weekly fashion column, "Ready to Wear". They founded Ready2shop.com, a dot-com fashion advice business, and wrote their first fashion advice book in 2000, "Ready 2 Dress", both of which failed. From there they were commissioned to BBC Two to host the style series, "What Not to Wear", from 2001 to 2005. She made regular appearances as a style advisor on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and following her success on the shows, she went on to co-host "Trinny & Susannah Undress..." on ITV in 2006 and "Undress the Nation" in 2007. Constantine and Woodall have now dressed over 5,000 women.

She has co-written many fashion advice books with Woodall, some of which have become bestsellers in the United Kingdom and United States. Her second book, entitled "What Not to Wear", has won her a prestigious British Book Award " [http://www.britishbookawards.co.uk/bba/pnbb_previouswinners.asp British Book Awards] " – britishbookawards.co.uk. Retrieved February 22, 2007.] and sold 670,000 copies. " [http://parkinson.tangozebra.com/guest.phtml?guest_id=93 Parkinson] " – parkinson.tangozebra.com. Retrieved March 8, 2007.] It is estimated that her various style advice books have sold 2.5 million copies in Britain and the United States. " [http://www.pr.com/press-release/24689 Trinny and Susannah Have Launched the Official TrinnyAndSusannah.com Website] " – pr.com. Retrieved April 11, 2007.] Constantine and Woodall have designed their own clothing range for Littlewoods which made its debut in 2007, followed by the release of their latest fashion advice book, "The Body Shape Bible".

Education

Constantine was privately educated at boarding schools including Queen's Gate School in South Kensington, LondonFiona Neill. " [http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/fashion/article2050017.ece Retail therapists (Pages 1, 2 & 3)] " – timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved July 16, 2007.] and the £20,000-per-year St Mary's School in Wantage, Oxfordshire which was run by nuns.Steve Myall. " [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=468490&in_page_id=1770 What not to say to your old school, by Susannah] " – dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved July 15, 2007.] Her time at St Mary's School was described by herself as "miserable" due to her homesickness and insecurity, meaning she was not able to make friends. She was first sent to boarding school at 11 years of age, and has recalled her first night away from home: "I sobbed uncontrollably into my pillow."" [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/trinny-woodall-and-susannah-constantine-in-bed-with-the-first--ladies-of-fashion-664071.html Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine: In bed with the first ladies of fashion] " – independent.co.uk. Retrieved February 25, 2008.]

In mid 2007, Constantine spoke about how she received a letter from St Mary's School, inviting her to come back to the school to talk about her career and success to current pupils. Constantine immediately declined the offer with a four-letter refusal and wrote "No fucking way" on the letter she had received. [Editors at Metro. " [http://www.metro.co.uk/fame/article.html?in_article_id=58502&in_page_id=7 Susannah tells nuns 'No f***ing way'] " – metro.co.uk. Retrieved August 28, 2007.] Her personal assistant was then left to deal with the situation, who wrongly sent the inviting letter with the hand-written sentence by Constantine, back to the school. The boarding school then wrote a shocked letter back, explaining that they will not let Constantine near the school again.

Early career

Constantine originally did a year of Montessori training after she had left school but she then moved onto other projects such as studying sculpture in Brussels: "lost my virginity, went a bit mad." commented Constantine.Barbara Ellen. " [http://lifeandhealth.guardian.co.uk/fashion/story/0,,2168350,00.html God's gift to women] " – guardian.co.uk. Retrieved September 16, 2007.] Constantine had taught children for three years,Rachelle Thackray " [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20000405/ai_n14298169 Me And My Partner: Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine] " – independent.co.uk. Retrieved from findarticles.com April 13, 2007.] and also worked as a shop girl for Harrods.John Arlidge " [http://observer.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,6903,864290,00.html Just a couple of swells] " – observer.guardian.co.uk. Retrieved March 11, 2007.] She found the job, in her own words, "boring" and even tried shop lifting for more excitement, but she now has admiration for shop girls. " [http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/showbiz/celebsonsunday/interrogation/2007/09/16/interrogation-trinny-susannah-98487-19770870/ Interrogation: Trinny & Susannah] " – sundaymirror.co.uk. Retrieved September 18, 2007.] Constantine's love for horses had inspired her to become a mounted policewoman in London, but was deterred when she was required to do four years walking the beat. She wrote a book about present giving, which prompted "The Daily Telegraph" to write an unpleasant article implying she had never done a day's work in her life, something which deeply upset her.Sabine Durrant " [http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,3962942,00.html 'They wanted to give us a good scrubbing'] " – guardian.co.uk. Retrieved August 28, 2007.] She has stated defiantly "I've "always" worked."

She is now best-known as a fashion guru and style advisor, where her fashion career started when she worked for many years under fashion designer Giorgio Armani as a shop girl in America. She later came back to London with the hope of securing a job with Armani but ended up working for designers such as Richard James, Patrick Cox, Alistair Blair and John Galliano which gained her an even greater understanding of fashion, providing an in depth knowledge of how a garment progresses from a sketch. She then started working with the British Brain and Spine Foundation and consequently met the sports editor of "The Daily Telegraph". Whilst doing a piece for "GMTV", he asked Constantine to report the women's World Cup Final in cricket on finding out that it was her passion. She proceeded to write about cars and then fashion.

In 1994 she first met Trinny Woodall at a party hosted by David, Viscount Linley. Though they did not like each other at first, the two women proceeded to write "Ready to Wear", a weekly style guide for "The Daily Telegraph" which ran successfully for seven years. The column promoted affordable high-street fashion and they used themselves to illustrate which clothing suited which figure. Constantine and Woodall also became the co-founders of Ready2shop.com, a dot-com, but the business venture had failed, and investors subsequently lost a reputed £10 million.Neil Tweedie. " [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2002/12/21/ntrin21.xml No, seriously . . . does my cheque look big in this?] " – telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved March 8, 2007.] It was during their time running the internet business that they had a serious argument that almost ended their friendship.Sinead McIntyre. " [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=412181&in_page_id=1773 Susannah's shock at husband's plastic surgery suggestion] " – dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved June 25, 2007.]

Constantine made her television debut when Granada Sky Broadcasting signed her and Woodall to present a daytime shopping show called "Ready to Wear", and they soon released their first fashion advice book, "Ready 2 Dress" in 2000. The book was unsuccessful and resulted in the pulping of 13,000 copies. Nigel Reynolds. " [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;jsessionid=VYHPUF0QJIOX3QFIQMGSFFWAVCBQWIV0?xml=/news/2002/12/18/ntrin18.xml Fashion 'makeover queens' land £1m book deal] " – guardian.co.uk. Retrieved March 17, 2007.] Soon after the start of their television career, they secured a frequent makeover slot on the show "Richard & Judy". It ensured that they had further exposure in television and gained attention from Jane Root, controller of BBC Two, who took a risk and signed them up after their book and their internet business had been unmitigated disasters.

Television

2001—2003

Constantine began co-hosting "What Not to Wear" with Trinny Woodall in 2001, which required using her fashion advice and expertise in order to reform participants' appearances and fashion style. Constantine and Woodall hosted "What Not to Wear" until 2005 where they instantly became renowned for their tactile behaviour with the participants, direct advice, Sarah Lyall. " [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C06E6DE103BF93BA35751C1A9649C8B63 They Skewer Your Wardrobe In Public] " – nytimes.com. Retrieved September 26, 2007.] and frequently referring to breasts as tits which has become something of a trademark.Vicky Allan. " [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_20020908/ai_n12578387/pg_1 Mammary mia!] " – sundayherald.co.uk. Retrieved from findarticles.com August 18, 2007.] Never one to hold back, a notorious moment arose when Constantine spontaneously pulled a female candidate's underwear down during filming as her knicker line was visible. Critics of "What Not to Wear" argued that the duo were too patronising to their subjects, a claim which they strongly disagree with. Constantine said that the comments come "from the heart", [" [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=522330&in_page_id=1773 What NOT to wear: Susannah looks all lumpy up top as she arrives Down Under] " — dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved February 28, 2008.] and insists that their subjects "see we have a genuine love of women. We love women and they can see that. Women just know." She also stated "Ultimately, what we're doing is giving people confidence. We're probably the only people who have an opinion, who care how ordinary people dress. No one at "Vogue" magazine gives a shit. They work with the designers, it's more creative and artistic — they are creating something beautiful. But they don't care about how their readers end up looking — whereas we do!" The show made Constantine and Woodall household names and are now known together as Trinny and Susannah. One reporter has simply referred to Constantine as "the one with 'big tits'." Constantine and Woodall have even considered taking insurance out on their partnership should something unforeseen happen, although Constantine was against the move.

Constantine has the belief that "anyone can achieve style. It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from." She also says that she finds dressing other women easy, but finds it difficult when dressing herself.Catherine Deveney " [http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/spectrum.cfm?id=1414982004 Deceiving appearances] " – scotsman.com. Retrieved June 1, 2007.] Constantine and Woodall share the belief that dressing to flatter body shape is vital, stating "For us, it’s all about shape, and how that is going to cure a bodily defect. We’re like clothing doctors."

During her time co-hosting "What Not to Wear" for five series, she and Woodall gained recognition for their work on the show, winning a Royal Television Society Award in 2002 for being the best factual presenters. [" [http://www.rts.org.uk/awards_det.asp?id=1457&sec_id=336 Royal Television Society] " – rts.org.uk. Retrieved February 14, 2007.] In 2002, Constantine provided Jeremy Clarkson on a celebrity version of "What Not to Wear". [Press Release. " [http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2003/02_february/01/tvmoments_2002.shtml BBC One honours the best TV moments from 2002] " – bbc.co.uk. Retrieved March 6, 2007.] After Clarkson appeared on the show, he stated "I'd rather eat my own hair than shop with these two [Constantine and Woodall] again". Adding to its success, the show was nominated for the Features Award at the BAFTAS in both 2002 and 2003. [" [http://www.bafta.org/site/webdav/site/myjahiasite/shared/import/TV_and_Craft_Winners_2000-present.pdf British Academy Film Awards - Nominations and Winners 2000 to present] " – bafta.org. Retrieved March 25, 2007.] On the show "Big Impression", impressionist Ronni Ancona took to spoofing Constantine's presenting techniques on "What Not to Wear", [Ann Barlow. " [http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/showbiz/article-2570234-details/McGowan%27s+latest+makeover/article.do McGowan's latest makeover] " – thisislondon.co.uk. Retrieved August 30, 2007.] just one of the shows on which Constantine's character has been spoofed.

For charity, in 2002 during the BBC's "Children in Need" programme, both Constantine and Woodall performed their own version of Madonna's hit single "Vogue" with a group of celebrity backing singers. [Press Release. " [http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2002/10_october/24/cin2002.shtml The Big Night on BBC Television] " – bbc.co.uk. Retrieved August 18, 2007.] They became the faces of Nescafé in 2003 in which they were featured in television advertisements promoting the brand of coffee. As part of their contract, Constantine and Woodall gave a Nescafé competition winner a £10,000 makeover. [Peter York. " [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4159/is_20060409/ai_n16185407 NESCAF: Trinny and Susannah take us al for mugs] " – independent.co.uk. Retrieved from findarticles.com July 25, 2007.]

2004—2005

Following a ratings success, "What Not to Wear" was promoted from BBC Two to BBC One in 2004 to be received by even larger audiences. The format was changed slightly, where there was a 60 minute show with two makeovers instead of a 30 minute show with only one makeoverJason Deans. " [http://media.guardian.co.uk/bbc/story/0,,1206273,00.html Makeover queens switch to BBC1] " – guardian.co.uk. Retrieved August 23, 2007.] and also saw Constantine spending a day as one of her subjects. "What Not to Wear" soon gained her international fame when it was aired in countries such as Spain and Portugal as well as in the American continent.

Constantine appeared again on "Children in Need" in 2004, which included a special segment with her giving the fictional "EastEnders" characters Little Mo and Mo Harris a makeover à la "What Not to Wear", commenting on them with her usual "no nonsense" approach. [Press Release. " [http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2004/11_november/09/cin.shtml Children In Need 2004] " – bbc.co.uk. Retrieved February 16, 2007.] In 2005, Constantine voiced a robot version of herself in the science fiction series, "Doctor Who". In the episode "Bad Wolf", Trine-e and Zu-Zana were two robots acting out a deadly futuristic version of "What not to Wear", offering a makeover to Jack Harkness in a most gruesome form. [Derek Robbins. " [http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2001320029-2006170431,00.html Dr Who is TV medicine] " – thesun.co.uk. Retrieved August 18, 2007.]

"The Oprah Winfrey Show" has also seen Constantine and Woodall appearing regularly as a makeover and style experts, where they gave fashion advice and guidelines on how to better overall appearances and giving numerous American women fashion makeovers. [" [http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200405/tows_past_20040518.jhtml "The Oprah Winfrey Show", What Not to Wear this summer] " – oprah.com. Retrieved February 13, 2007.] [" [http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200402/tows_past_20040210.jhtml "The Oprah Winfrey Show" - What Not to Wear] " – oprah.com. Retrieved August 31, 2007.] They also did an "Oprah bra and swimsuit intervention". [" [http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200505/tows_past_20050520.jhtml Oprah's Bra and Swimsuit Intervention] " – oprah.com. Retrieved October 13, 2007.] Reflecting on differences between women's style in the UK and America, she stated that although there is not much difference "The Americans are slightly less adventurous," and that "American women are more open to change and slightly more receptive victims."

2006—present

In 2006, Constantine and Woodall moved from the BBC to ITV in a deal reputedly worth £1.2 million to start a new show, "Trinny & Susannah Undress...", on October 3. The second series of "Trinny & Susannah Undress..." was transmitted in June 2007, and it maintained the format of series one which saw Constantine and Woodall advising couples who were finding problems within their marriage. [Daniel Kilkelly. " [http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/a37620/trinny--susannah-prefer-to-be-nice.html Trinny & Susannah prefer to be nice] " – digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved June 27, 2007.] Nicola Methven. " [http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/tm_objectid=17846372&method=full&siteid=94762&headline=laid-bare-name_page.html Laid Bare] " – mirror.co.uk. Retrieved August 29, 2007. ] " on which they performed makeovers on three women especially for the show. [" [http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&fg=rss&vid=5dea75b0-f096-437f-8eb8-fe297eb3a45d&from=05 The Today Show] " – video.msn.com. Retrieved November 4, 2007.]

The new series on ITV sees a change in format and confronts the main fashion issues in Britain [Editors at Merry Media. " [http://www.merrymedia.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3081&Itemid=196 ITV1 Undress the Nation] " – merrymedia.co.uk. Retrieved August 5, 2007.] which included Constantine being transformed into a seventy-year-old when exploring the theme of age. [" [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=499087&in_page_id=1773 Susannah undressed: TV host ages 25 years and strips to reveal the startling results] " — dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved December 28, 2007.] She stated that it took her four days to get over the sight of herself aged so drastically, and compared the feeling to having an "electric shock". Broadcasting was scheduled for November 7, 2007 and the programme is newly entitled "Trinny & Susannah Undress The Nation". On November 5 and December 28, 2007 Constantine and Woodall appeared on "Good Morning America" and performed makeovers on three women for the show and gave style advice according to the women's shapes. [" [http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3820223 Good Morning America] " – abcnews.go.com. Retrieved November 6, 2007.] They also reported on the fashion at the 80th Academy Awards especially for the show in 2008. [" [http://www.metro.co.uk/fame/article.html?in_article_id=103739&in_page_id=7&in_a_source= Trinny and Susannah hunt for disasters] " – metro.co.uk. Retrieved February 24, 2008.] Constantine and Woodall have dressed over 5,000 women as of 2007. [Editors at MSN. " [http://style.uk.msn.com/fashionandbeauty/celebritychic/article.aspx?cp-documentid=6240055 Trinny and Susannah reveal all] " – style.uk.msn.com. Retrieved October 6, 2007.] With reference to their personal website, they state that their satisfaction remains with the many women they have helped and inspired and not so much with the success with book sales and viewing figures.

In 2003, when Constantine and Woodall were interviewed for the first time on "Parkinson", actress Meg Ryan had a controversial interview with Michael Parkinson, which resulted in negative publicity for Ryan. Parkinson said that he felt Ryan's behaviour to his fellow guests Constantine and Woodall, whom she turned her back on, was "unforgivable". [Stephen McGinty. " [http://business.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=598&id=521652006 Parky was a 'nut', says Meg Ryan] " – scotsman.com. Retrieved January 26, 2007.]

Beyond television work

To coincide with Constantine's move from the BBC to ITV1 in 2006, she co-launched an underwear range with Woodall called "Trinny and Susannah Magic Pants" which are made of nylon, produced to flatten the tummy, buttocks and thighs so that the areas appear slimmer. [Editors at Daily Mail. " [http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/live/femail/article.html?in_article_id=407513&in_page_id=1879 Trinny and Susannah show what not to underwear] " – mailonsunday.co.uk. Retrieved May 14, 2007.] Constantine even wore them after giving birth to her third child. [Press Release. " [http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2003/10_october/24/parky_251003.shtml Meg Ryan talks to Parkinson] " – bbc.co.uk. Retrieved February 15, 2007.] She currently co-writes a weekly column for "The Sun" with Woodall.

An announcement was made that Constantine and Woodall were doing a tour to New Zealand and Australia where they made a series of public appearances at shopping malls owned by the Westfield Group to perform live styling sessions for the company's customers.Ellen Connolly. " [http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22929635-5012974,00.html British reality show comes to Australia] " — news.com.au. Retrieved December 26, 2007.] " [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0802/S00086.htm Westfield Brings Trinny & Susannah To NZ] " – scoop.co.nz. Retrieved February 18, 2008.] [Ellen Connolly. " [http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22928857-2,00.html?from=mostpop Television's fashion police head Down Under] " — news.com.au. Retrieved December 28, 2007.] Their appearances often attracted thousands of spectators. [" [http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/1607790 Fashion queens impress at Akld mall] " — tvnz.co.nz. Retrieved February 29, 2008.] [Alderman, Kellie. " [http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23341657-5012980,00.html Fashionistas' magic makeovers] ". "Courier Mail", March 8, 2008. Retrieved March 8, 2008.] Before the tour, Constantine said "We don't know how New Zealanders dress but we are looking forward to getting over there and finding out."Cathrin Schaer. " [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=182&objectid=10493332 Mistresses of the makeover] " — nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved February 29, 2008.]

Littlewoods

Constantine became the face of the home shopping company, Littlewoods Direct, with Woodall in 2006 as during its sponsorship of their ITV programme "Trinny & Susannah Undress", orders quickly rose by thirty per cent.Editors at The Times. " [http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/consumer_goods/article1288827.ece Littlewoods signs up Trinny and Susannah] " – timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved February, 2007.] The pair produced a twelve page fashion advice section within the Littlewoods catalogue and made a booklet called "The Golden Rules", which was distributed to all Littlewoods customers with fashion advice to suit a range of body shapes. They have also produced online style guidelines for Littlewoods.

The first series of Littlewoods television advertisements featured Constantine and Woodall as themselves dressed as two agents trying to rob a Littlewoods designer warehouse, [Josh Burt. " [http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article24668.ece Trinny in undercover op] " – thesun.co.uk. Retrieved October 20, 2007.] which was followed by Christmas adverts in 2007. [" [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfBD0dELohQ Littlewoods Advert] " – youtube.com. Retrieved October 31, 2007,] The £12 million advertising campaign is one of largest ever for a home shopping and internet-based company. [The Times. " [http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article1625939.ece The reinvention of Littlewoods] " – timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved October 31, 2007.] Since the campaign began, Littlewoods' sales have risen by 18 per cent, with brand awareness and customers visiting the website rising as well. [Bill Gleeson. " [http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/business/business-columns/2007/10/31/trinny-and-susannah-give-littlewoods-direct-a-festive-style-makeover-64375-20035747/ Trinny and Susannah give Littlewoods Direct a festive style makeover] " – liverpooldailypost.co.uk. Retrieved November 2, 2007.]

On 20 September 2007, Constantine and Woodall launched their own exclusive Littlewoods women's clothing range which consists of trousers, coats and tops which like their underwear range, are designed to make certain areas appear slimmer. A series of eight dresses, cashmere knitwear, faux fur and sequinned shrugs also feature in the range.Editors at Daily Mail. " [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=482911&in_page_id=1773 What to wear: Trinny and Susannah get to grips with Lorraine Kelly] " – dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved September 20, 2007.] She commented "If you want to create a waist, there's a dress that's going to do that for you too. We've designed it very much around the female body."Maria Croce. " [http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/news/tm_headline=scots-are-so-stylish-and-ewan-mcgregor-looks-fab-in-a-kilt&method=full&objectid=19811853&siteid=66633-name_page.html Scots Are So Stylish.. And Ewan Mcgregor Looks Fab In A Kilt] " – dailyrecord.co.uk. Retrieved September 20, 2007.] She also stated "It's not about what size you are, it's about how you can minimise or accentuate parts of your body with clothing. That's what we've created." [Jessica Johnson. " [http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/20026/These-girls-could-save-your-marriage These Girls Could Save Your Marriage] " – express.co.uk. Retrieved September 27, 2007.]

Books

Constantine has co-written several style advice books with her fashion partner Trinny Woodall, which have sold over an estimated 2.5 million copies worldwide. The fashion advice books have been number one bestsellers in Britain and the United States, appearing on both The Sunday Times bestseller list [" [http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sitesearch.do?query=the+sunday+times+bestsellers+-+trinny+and+susannah&hitsperpage=10&nextOffset=0&offset=0&leftStartIndex=1&leftEndIndex=10&submitStatus=searchFormSubmitted&mode=simple&sectionId=987 Search results for Trinny and Susannah bestsellers] " – timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved May 30, 2007.] and The New York Times bestseller list, [" [http://query.nytimes.com/search/query?query=Trinny+Woodall&srchst=nyt&d=nytdsection%2b&o=e%2b&v=Books%2b&c=a%2b&sort=newest&n=10&dp=0&daterange=full&frow=0 Search results for Trinny and Susannah bestsellers] " – nytimes.com. Retrieved May 30, 2007.] and have been translated throughout the world. [" [http://www.itv.com/page.asp?partid=6606 Trinny and Susannah Undress] " – itv.com. Retrieved January 26, 2007.]

Their most successful book to date, "What Not to Wear", was published in 2002 which displayed striking chapters such as "Big Tits", "No Tits" and "Big Bum" with fashion advice for each category.James Sherwood. " [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4159/is_20021222/ai_n12667844 Trinny and Susannah: Frock; stars] " – independent.co.uk. Retrieved from findarticles.com October 20, 2007.] It became an instant bestseller with total sales reaching 670,000 copies, consequently outselling Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson.John Cassy. " [http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,,859814,00.html What Not To Wear is just what to buy] " – guardian.co.uk. Retrieved April 6, 2007.] Before the prime book selling season, their book had sold 250,000 copies in Britain. The book was at one point selling 45,000 copies each week and sold 300,000 copies in just fifteen weeks, [Brian Macarthur. " [http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/article806573.ece Nothing succeeds like success] " – timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved May 30, 2007.] eventually making sales worth £8.7 million. Other success with the book includes winning a British Book Award in 2003 for the TV & Film Book of the Year. Despite the book becoming an instant hit, Constantine and Woodall were only given an advance of £10,000. It was then reported that Constantine and Woodall secured a £1 million book deal to write more of their fashion books. [Richard Woods. " [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/student/article805020.ece The makeover millionaires] " – timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved February 22, 2007.]

The fashion duo's latest book, "The Body Shape Bible", was published on September 18, 2007. Through a survey about different body shapes conducted amongst women, Constantine and Woodall were able to discover the twelve most common women's body shapes.Caz Moss. " [http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/entertainment/Trinny+And+Susannah-40852.html?Vote=5 Exclusive Trinny and Susannah Interview.] " – femalefirst.co.uk. Retrieved September 20, 2007.] They used this information to write "The Body Shape Bible" which highlights these twelve shapes which have all been named in ways such as 'cornet' or 'brick'. In the fashion advice book, women can interpret which shape they are, and can then be given adequate fashion advice on their own individual shape. A few pages in the book are also devoted to illustrating some of Constantine and Woodall's own fashion disasters.

Personal life

Constantine grew up in an old priory in the Leicestershire village of Knipton and went hunting from the age of seven.Lynda Lee-Potter. " [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/femail/article.html?in_article_id=229872&in_page_id=1879 Acne, alcohol … and non-stop sex] " – dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved March 17, 2007.] She had a close relationship with her father, Joseph Constantine, who was successful in the property and shipping sectors, was an ex-Eton pupil and served in the Coldstream Guards. When she was young, Constantine would rely on her father for fashion advice and has commented that any style that she has, she learned from him. He was a talented artist and was offered worldwide art exhibitions, although too modest to accept. His death came suddenly and was a landmark for Constantine.

Constantine became a fixture in 1980s British gossip columns and newspapers as the result of her relationship with Princess Margaret's son, David, Viscount Linley which lasted for eight years. Princess Margaret thought highly of Constantine and even called her "my daughter-in-law". Constantine admitted that her relationship with Linley undeniably opened doors for her, but after they broke up, she was keen to put the episode behind her and become well-known in her own right. She has also had a relationship with Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan, but she is now married to Danish entrepreneur and businessman Sten Bertelsen, who launched Death cigarettes, and with whom she has three children; Joe, Esme and CeCe. Lulu is godmother to one of her children, [Louise Compton. " [http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,7-2005350025,00.html I'd take music over men] " – thesun.co.uk. Retrieved September 16, 2007.] and she has also said "All my children have gay godfathers. I just love all gay men." Constantine and her family have recently bought a 120-acre property in Sussex. Constantine is estimated to be worth £5 million. [Editors at Daily Mail. " [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=395531&in_page_id=1766&in_page_id=1766&expand=true What not to bare, Trinny!] " – dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved May 7, 2007.]

After having her first child, Constantine suffered from severe postnatal depression and panic attacks. Upon discovering that she was pregnant for a third time, as well as being overcome with delight, she felt despair as it came at a time when best friend Trinny Woodall was struggling to conceive and undergoing IVF treatment. In an interview Constantine said that she "couldn't bear to tell her." A short time later however, Woodall became pregnant.

Constantine has spoken of the pressure to look good in public but affirms "We're as much in the business of dressing ourselves - but more importantly helping other women to do that." Constantine has admitted to a fear of growing older: "I just don't want to get old. Old women are invisible, and I don't want to be invisible," she has said.

In 2002, while on a visit to the Cannes film festival, Constantine and Woodall were the victims of gem thieves. The thieves broke into the villa on the French Riviera where they were staying, rendered Constantine and Woodall unconscious with chloroform, and then continued to steal money and jewellery. [John Innes. " [http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=336&id=576012002 TV duo drugged and robbed] " – scotsman.com. Retrieved June 20, 2007.] Carol Vorderman was involved in a feud with Constantine and Woodall in 2003. Vorderman commented harshly about the double-act, after they had called her an "overdone Eighties nightmare" and named Vorderman in their list of the 20 worst-dressed celebrities. [Editors at BBC. " [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/showbiz/2800439.stm Carol Vorderman launches fashion attack] " – news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved February 17, 2007.]

Bibliography

*"Ready 2 Dress: How to Have Style Without Following Fashion", Weidenfeld Nicolson (February 14, 2000) (ISBN 0-3043-5425-2)
*"What Not to Wear", Weidenfeld Nicolson (September 5, 2002) (ISBN 0-2978-4331-1)
*"What Not to Wear: The Rules", Weidenfeld Nicolson (June 1, 2004) (ISBN 1-8418-8249-6)
*"What Not to Wear: For Every Occasion", Weidenfeld Nicolson (June 1, 2004) (ISBN 1-8418-8236-4)
*"What You Wear Can Change Your Life", Weidenfeld & Nicolson (September 17, 2004) (ISBN 0-2978-4356-7)
*"What Your Clothes Say About You", Weidenfeld & Nicolson (September 29, 2005) (ISBN 0-2978-4357-5)
*"Trinny and Susannah: The Survival Guide", Weidenfeld & Nicolson, (September 20, 2006) (ISBN 0-2978-4426-1)
*"Trinny & Susannah Take on America: What Your Clothes Say about You", HarperCollins Publishers (October 2006) (ISBN 0-0611-3744-8)
*"The Body Shape Bible", Weidenfeld & Nicolson (September 18, 2007) (ISBN 0-2978-4454-7)

Television appearances

ee also

* Trinny and Susannah

References

External links

* [http://www.trinnyandsusannah.com Trinny and Susannah's website]
*
* [http://www.itv.com/page.asp?partid=6606 "Trinny & Susannah Undress"] at itv.com