Valerie Frankel American writer and journalist. Country: USA

Biography of Valerie Frankel

Valerie Frankel is an American writer and journalist known for her series of books, as well as her work as an editor for the magazine 'Mademoiselle'. Throughout her career, she has tackled the idea that the modern world is obsessed with being thin, which is prominently explored in her book 'Thin is the new happy'.

Having personally experienced the harmful effects of an excessive focus on weight control, Valerie overcame her own obsession with diets. Now, she dedicates her efforts to helping others who are in need. In 'Thin is the new happy', Valerie provides an insider's perspective on the world of glossy magazines. While this theme has been explored before in books like 'The Devil Wears Prada' by Lauren Weisberger, Valerie's focus is on the people behind these articles. She questions the authority of fashion magazines in dictating what people should wear, how they should look, and what they should eat. Valerie suggests that perhaps these writers should step out of their expensive 'Prada' suits and experience something less fashionable, but more practical. Through her book, readers will come to understand that the issue is much more serious than it may initially seem - various manias flourish within the editorial offices of fashion magazines.

The obsession with weight loss is undoubtedly the reigning mania in the world of glamour. Fashion journalists, on average, would sooner cut off their own leg than indulge in an extra pastry. Calorie counting has become a new religion in the world of glossy magazines. Some torture themselves with extreme diets, others weigh themselves three times an hour, and some abuse their bodies with powerful laxative herbal teas. Working in such a crazy environment drives even the strongest individuals to madness. Valerie writes about how people quickly lose touch with reality in these magazines, and even struggle to regain it after leaving. Spending thousands of dollars on tasteless dresses becomes the norm, a daily diet consisting of two grapes is considered healthy, and bulimia is seen as a minor eccentricity.

Valerie's revelations shocked many, and readers were further shocked when other former employees of glossy publications, like former editor of 'Marie Claire' Liz Jones, confirmed Valerie's stories. Former reporters, in unison, tell us that the notions of beauty are predominantly dictated by completely insane individuals.