Limerick style icon and modelling agent Celia Holman Lee announces autobiography release

MODELLING agency CEO Celia Holman Lee has announced that she is releasing a pictorial autobiography next year, marking 60 years in the fashion industry.

Limerick native and fashion guru, the 74-year-old posted the news on social media, saying that the book, Glamour & Grit, is something that she has “wanted to do for many years”.

The publication is described as being a “stunningly designed 280-page coffee table book” and will be released next year. It will be available to pre-order from June 1, 2025.

“Next year, I will celebrate 60 years in the fashion and modelling industry and my 75th birthday, and I am so grateful for the wonderful opportunities that these years have and continue to give me,” Celia said in her announcement on Facebook and Instagram.

“It truly is a fascinating and captivating 60-year pictorial journey of the incredible people that I have met, the stunning places I have been to, the truly mesmerising clothes that I have worn, the style shoots that bring to life these six decades of a career and life that I love and am so passionate about. 

“And of course, I'll be sharing lots of the tips of the industry so that everyone can take something good and positive from the book.”

READ MORE: My week with Celia Holman Lee: Sparkling start to festive season!

Glamour & Grit features styles through the decades from the 1950s to today and is said to take readers on an adventure that has been the pride and joy of the Holman Lee Agency CEO and founder’s life over these past 60 years.

Saying she chose the name Glamour & Grit “because that is exactly what these 60 years have been about”, Celia added that “lots of hard work and lots of twists and turns along the way” means the title is perfect.

The well-known style icon also thanked those who styled her for the book’s promotional cover, including her dress from Phoenix V and accessories from Limerick-based Enchant, as well as her supporters. She has since added, “my social media is gone off the Richter scale even though it won’t be out for almost a year!”