Dear Journal

Epilogue : 40 years later

"Love in Pages: The Rediscovered Journals of Fashion Icons Alexander and May Lyon"

By Julia Rothman, Culture Correspondent

In an unexpected discovery that has captivated both the fashion and literary worlds, the private journals of legendary fashion designer Alexander Lyon and his wife, May Lyon, have been unearthed. The journals, chronicling intimate moments of their relationship, career triumphs, and personal struggles, provide a rare glimpse into the lives of two of the most influential figures in the industry.

The journals, found in a hidden drawer of the couple's former home during a routine estate sale, have sent waves through both the fashion elite and the public at large. Together, the Lyons built the iconic "Haus of Lyon," known for its bold, elegant designs that shaped red carpets and runways for over four decades. But beyond their public success, these newly discovered writings reveal a love story that ran deeper than anyone had imagined.

The journals begin during the early days of their relationship, capturing everything from the awkward charm of their first dates to the behind-the-scenes struggles of the fashion world. In Alexander's entries, he writes candidly about his love for May, his insecurities, and his drive to build an empire. In one particularly touching entry from their wedding day, Alexander describes the overwhelming emotion of seeing May in her dress for the first time. "I never thought I deserved someone like her," he wrote. "She saved me in more ways than I can count."

May's journal, on the other hand, showcases her quiet strength and deep reflections on life, love, and her role in their shared empire. Her writings often express gratitude for the life they built together, despite the challenges they faced. In one poignant entry, written just before their wedding, she reflects on her loneliness before meeting Alexander: "I've always been a lonely person, but Alex changed all of that for me. He brought warmth into my life, and now, as I wait to walk down the aisle, I realize I'm not alone anymore. I'm surrounded by love."

One of the most significant revelations in the journals is the discovery that May was pregnant with their first child on their wedding day, a fact she hadn't revealed to Alexander until later. Her entry from that day expresses the joy and hope she felt for their future: "I love him with all my heart, and soon, he'll love our child too."

The journals also reveal a deeply human side to the fashion icons. They were both flawed, imperfect, and sometimes struggled with the demands of their fame. Alexander's entries often mention the pressure he felt to maintain their brand's success, while May's journals capture her feelings of vulnerability and her journey from model to creative force within the company. Their words illustrate a partnership rooted in mutual respect and love, with May often acting as Alexander's grounding force in the whirlwind world of haute couture.

For years, the Lyons were known as the perfect couple—chic, glamorous, and seemingly untouchable. These journals, however, show a couple that worked through their insecurities and disagreements with honesty, humor, and an unshakable bond.

Their story, though long past, is once again captivating audiences. As speculation rises about potential publication, fans of both fashion and heartfelt storytelling eagerly await the possibility of a book chronicling their journey from ambitious artists to fashion royalty. The discovery of these journals not only adds to their legend but also humanizes the icons that many admired from afar.

In the words of Alexander Lyon, written on one of the final pages of his journal: "The world will remember our designs, but I hope they remember us for the love that made everything possible."

The Lyons' legacy—both in fashion and in love—lives on, not just through their creations, but in the pages of these intimate, rediscovered diaries.