Posts for February 2007
the state of the modeling union February 18, 2007 7:57 pm >> If you listen to Anna Bayle's sources, models today are "generic," "nondescript," and even "disposable." Bayle, who used to be a top model in the eighties, wrote an interesting in-depth article about the state of modeling today, and how it differs from the past. It brings up quite a few interesting points, and even begs the question that she seems on the verge of asking: if fashion shows have become so "boring and robot-like," void of personality, are they even relevant anymore? Editors see most clothing in preview sessions anyway, and if the designers really want models to be like marching hangers, why not save the money and use mannequins? But then nothing adds to the idea of fashion being glamorous in the public eye than a runway show.
the life backstage with fashionologie February 18, 2007 5:48 pm >> If you are in any way, shape, or form a claustrophobe, going backstage at a fashion show is not a good idea. The place is crawling with people -- everywhere you look, more people -- photographers and cameramen, makeup artists, hairstylists, reporters, dressers, all wielding their weapon of choice -- cameras, makeup brushes, scissors, microphones, steamers. Backstage has a major case of "let's put as many things and people as possible into a very small place" syndrome. To get anywhere, you have to wade through a sea of people. And the models are caught up in the middle of all of it. The makeup artist grabs one model, starts applying makeup, talking to a video crew and reporter about how the "look" for the show is accomplished. Two models loiter near the table which supports a basket of bananas, some bottled water, spools of thread, blister bandages, and Lifesaver peppermints. One picks up a mint, pops it into her mouth, and says to the other, "These things are great, they fill me up." It makes you wonder, a comment like that, if she's for real, or if she just says that to be competitive as a model, to seem more legit.
Another model is crouched under the racks of clothes, drinking some water and scarfing down a burger. A zillion flashes go off, all the photographers have to chronicle the moment, because look -- models do eat after all! Actually, quite a few models crouch under the clothing racks -- the only free space available.
Some text on their phones, some write in notebooks. A model has to undress in front of everyone, put on her runway clothes on to take polaroids. She looks uncomfortable. In fact, most of them look uncomfortable. Miserable, even. Flashbulbs go off everywhere, chronicling every step they take.
putting the art back in fashion February 17, 2007 5:44 pm >> As high-end/low-end collaborations like Christopher Kane for Topshop are becoming more and more de rigueur, the whole of fashion seems to be moving away from the art and towards the commercial. Enter Jefferson Hack and his Another Magazine. For the past two years, at Hack's request, 15 designers have been collaborating with artists of their choice on a unique design, featured in Another Magazine's spring 2007 issue. Stella McCartney worked with Jeff Koons on a dress that ended up costing $250,000 to manufacture.
Christopher Bailey and Annie Morris produced a dress that was half Burberry trench, half flowing train of 25,000 hand-painted clothes pins. Due to the participant's busy schedules, "Some pieces had to travel back and forth between the artist and designer," Hack told WWD. The final products are all beautiful, but best final presentation goes to Martin Margiela and Gotscho, with the dress eerily hanging from a mannequin and tethered down by a pair of red pumps.
welcome to oz, dorothy February 17, 2007 3:09 pm >> Or Bryant Park, rather. Mercedes-Benz really brought out the beef in front this time around -- there was no walking through the Red Rover line of security guards with a simple "I'm on the list." It was all press credentials, invitation, or bust. The funny thing is, even when you're inside the tents, it doesn't guarantee you'll be seeing the show. The only things you're guaranteed are free copies of Fashion Week Daily, New York Magazine, The New York Times and a visit to a smelly Port-a-Potty (the poor woman cleaning the toilets was wearing a surgical mask, just to illustrate).
Nine West
See by Chloe