A Nobel Prize Fashion Soiree

December 19, 2024

Literary Legends and Legacy Looks: A Nobel Prize Fashion Soiree

The Nobel Prize in Literature landed on our shores this year, gracing us with the brilliance of Han Kang. It's a powerful reminder of the written word's magic – its ability to forge profound connections that transcend language, culture, and geography.

This historic moment invites reflection not only on Han Kang’s extraordinary achievement but also on the literary worlds of past Nobel laureates. With that in mind, we turn our gaze to their creative legacies, paired with a closer look at their understated, yet captivating, fashion choices. While it’s impossible to spotlight every luminary in the prize’s storied history, the selections here are made with a heartfelt reverence for the art of storytelling. We hope you’ll indulge us in this celebration of literature’s enduring allure.

    

Albert Camus

In 1957, Albert Camus was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature and became the second-youngest recipient in the award’s history at just 43 years old. (The youngest remains Rudyard Kipling, who won at 41 in 1907.) His iconic works, "The Stranger" and "The Plague," brim with existential wisdom beyond his age.

     

ⓒpinterest

         

At the heart of Camus’ philosophy lies the concept of the absurd. The absurd refers to the unknowable realm beyond human control. Life’s many inexplicable and irrational aspects that defy reason. In essence, it’s the raw experience of human existence: a perpetual grappling with the meaningless. And yet, as Camus might put it, giving up is hardly an option.

What matters most, then, is humanity’s attitude toward this absurdity. Camus passionately argued that resistance against the absurd is the sole virtue that truly defines us as human.

"Apart from death, that one inevitable fate, everything is freedom—joy, happiness, all of it. A world remains where humanity is the only master."

—Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus

      

ⓒnewyorker.com

   

Just like his piercing worldview, Camus’ fashion sense is undeniably sharp. His signature look? A perfectly tailored suit, a statement coat for those biting winters, and a tie-waistcoat-pocket square combo so sharp it could cut through the existential void.

        

ⓒpinterest


   

Boris Pasternak

Think of Boris Pasternak, the Russian poet and novelist, as the master of a luxurious morning drama aesthetic. His magnum opus, Doctor Zhivago (1957), is a perfect dopamine hit for those who revel in tales soaked with emotional intensity. His magnum opus, "Doctor Zhivago," is a whirlwind of emotional intensity set against the chaos of WWI. Morality? Forget it. It's a swirling vortex of love and despair.
   
Pasternak, who famously declined the 1958 Nobel Prize due to political pressure, might not have gotten the official recognition, but his style deserves a standing ovation. It’s worth noting that Doctor Zhivago was the only novel penned by this celebrated poet.
    
"Doctor Zhivago is a book about love. A love so immense, it radiates outward to touch everything and everyone."
—Albert Camus
    

ⓒpinterest

     

When it comes to Pasternak’s style, all eyes are on his ties. It’s almost as if he funneled his entire fashion sensibility into this one accessory. The variety is striking. He was often seen sporting ties in different styles and patterns, each adding an unexpected flair to his otherwise solemn presence. Somehow, this subtle detail harmonizes beautifully with his austere aura, creating a unique visual contrast. It’s a reminder of just how transformative a tie can be in elevating a suit’s overall impression.
   


ⓒmaltavest.com, ⓒpinterest

     

John Steinbeck

When it comes to 20th-century American literary giants, John Steinbeck holds his own against the likes of Hemingway and Faulkner. His literary accolades speak for themselves: the Nobel Prize (1962), the Pulitzer Prize (1940), and even the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
  
ⓒtheguardian.com

      

Steinbeck wasn't one for literary peacocking. The appeal of Steinbeck’s works is boundless, but one standout factor is his clear, straightforward prose, which eliminates any barriers to entry for readers. His writing doesn’t get lost in complexity, it invites you in. His characters, on the other hand, are a different story. They're unyielding, defiant, and unafraid to face life's storms. They're pioneers of the human spirit, blazing trails in the face of adversity.
If you’re looking for a place to start, the obvious choice is East of Eden (1952).
    
      
James Dean in Movie East of Eden <1952> ⓒcinegrandiose.com
      
What about the fashion sense of John Steinbeck, the pioneer of literature? His fashion sense was as straightforward as his writing. Think relaxed tees and jackets, a harmonious color palette, and an overall vibe that suggests quiet confidence. Some say his art-loving mother influenced his aesthetic, but one thing's for sure: Steinbeck mastered the art of the nonchalant chic.

ⓒirishtimes.com, ⓒpinterest
      

Kazuo Ishiguro

“Apologies for winning the Nobel Prize before Haruki Murakami!” quipped Kazuo Ishiguro, the 2017 Nobel laureate, during a press conference following his win. The remark carried a playful nod to the fact that, in the public eye, it was often Murakami who basked in the spotlight as the perennial favorite. For many, Ishiguro’s name might have initially sparked confusion. Who is this unexpected recipient?

      

Kazuo Ishiguro's standalone books have also been praised for their beautiful design ⓒfaber.co.uk

    

Once you delve into his works, any doubts about Ishiguro's place in literary history quickly vanish. From The Remains of the Day (1989), which earned him the Booker Prize, to Never Let Me Go (2005), named one of Time magazine's 100 best English-language novels of all time, to his latest work, Klara and the Sun (2021), praising him becomes almost a futile task, there’s simply so much to admire. All of these remarkable works are united by one key word: warmth. In his stories, even the darkest corners of the world seem to be infused with a comforting, almost palpable warmth.

 

"Tears ran down my face, but I neither sobbed nor lost control. I simply stood there for a moment before returning to the car and heading toward where I needed to go."
—Never Let Me Go

    


Never Let Me Go (2011), the film adaptation of Ishiguro's novel of the same name ⓒIMDb.com ⓒimdb.com

       

Just as the fashion world holds that wearing black is half the battle won, Kazuo Ishiguro’s style follows this mantra to a tee. From suits to casual wear, he sticks to a black palette, suggesting a personality that leans more toward timeless simplicity than bold experimentation. His naturally graying hair, paired with glasses and his signature black attire, creates a harmonious balance of understated elegance and quiet confidence.

         

ⓒliterariness.org, ⓒnewyorker.com


Peter Handke

Humanity is forever chasing freedom, yet when granted too much of it, we often find ourselves lost. Peter Handke offers us exactly that—too much freedom. And then, with a commanding tone, he dares us: Now, enjoy it on your own terms.
  
ⓒtheguardian.com

What does this mean, you ask? The best example of this philosophy can be found in his play The Play About the Audience (1966), which catapulted him to global fame. With no clear narrative, the entire play consists of actors directing criticism, teasing, gossiping, and insulting the audience. You might wonder, “Is this even a play?” It is, indeed, a play. It was hailed as a boldly innovative work that broke the conventions of drama. Thanks to this, Handke went on to sweep European literary prizes and even won the Nobel Prize in 2019.

"When you face someone," the customs officer continued, "it's important to look them in the eye."
—Peter Handke, The Goalie's Anxiety at the Penalty Kick (1972)

I asked my friend J, a passionate Handke fan, for a recommendation and they immediately replied with The Goalie’s Anxiety at the Penalty Kick (1972). This book completely deconstructs traditional narrative methods and is filled with experimental attempts that make it a challenging read. According to J, the reward at the end of the journey is worth the effort. The title alone is enough to intrigue. Considering the penalty kick success rate is around 70%, one can only imagine the level of anxiety the goalkeeper must feel in that situation.
   
ⓒbiografiasyvidas.com, ⓒnytimes.com


Annie Ernaux

In 2022, Annie Ernaux made history as the first French woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her works are deeply autobiographical, which gives them an undeniable pull. She doesn’t shy away from sharing painful stories, morally ambiguous ones, or even private, intimate secrets. This boldness is both her signature and her weapon.


"Do you know what the greatest joy of writing is? It's when someone tells me, 'You're telling my story' or 'This book is exactly me.'"
—*Annie Ernaux, The Writing Life
    

Simple Passion (1991) is a prime example of Ernaux’s sharp confessions. It presents thoughts that are dangerously close to the boundaries of ethics. things that could happen to anyone, yet remain unspeakable to most. Alongside this, her unflinchingly spare writing style blurs the lines between love and pain, making it a truly compelling read.

 

ⓒvogue.co.uk

      

She embodies French chic with an effortless grace. Her unkempt hair, monochromatic palette, and minimalist makeup create a look that's both timeless and effortlessly stylish. Ernaux proves that less is truly more, and that true elegance lies in simplicity.

       

ⓒthetimes.com, ⓒsevenstories.com, ⓒbritannica.com