SHOW-KAT

COURTNEY YOU BEAST!

2010-07-27T17:04:00.001+10:00

Enter the Wildly Obscene

2010-07-23T09:30:00.002+10:00

For those easily offended, go away, or do something pathetic like leave a nasty comment anonymously. For those who don't have their undies in a bunch over things which are slightly risque, I was flicking through the February issue of French Vogue, you know the one, cover to cover pictures of Lara Stone? Well, whilst I was drooling over her I came across a whacky, s&m-y illustration by artist Marco Perego [same guy who did wino in a pool of blood] and well, one thing led to another and I fell madly in love with it. Look-sy?

When boyfreinds and school work fail to satisfy...

2010-07-14T15:51:00.000+10:00

There's always the Autumn/Winter 2010/11 Haute Couture shows!

Quite literally an explosion of colour and florals at Christian Dior

Demure Femme fatales at Jean Paul Gaultier. I love the chic cigarette holders! Ironically, it was quite refreshing as I was getting so tired of the whole taboo around smoking.

Heavily embellished, ethereal, willowy floor lengths gowns at Armani Prive and Givenchy.

More to come...

For Karen

2010-07-04T12:34:00.014+10:00

It's been more than two months since my last post. It's pathetic, I know. I've indulged a bit and chosen boyfriend over blog. Forgive me. In my defence, I didn't think anyone read?

So to all ye faithfull, [who don't comment] I have compiled all that is sheer, mesh, strappy, short and breezy. Yooooou got it, Resort collections!!!

How I am loving this new edition to the runway! and how quickly it is becomming more and more popular. But I fear that this is where the downside of the Resort collections lies. Not everyone can do it. After fawning over the ah-may-zing Chanel 2011 resort show I felt that the pethora of other deigners that had attempted this would follow suit. 3 hours later, after scrolling through 80 more shows...boy was I wrong.

I think the key to resort is the unecessary luxury factor. I mean the clothes are meant for a very niche market. Not all of us set off to some exotic retreat in guava and pomegranate land, Chanel clad in our private jets...no matter how much we'd like to. So accordingly, Resort should be light and comfortable, but at the same time, excessive. It's the extra embellished head-scarf, kaftan, bangles, shoulder sweepers, strappy sandals and over-sized totes. It's indulgence and God it's fun to look at! I think the biggest problem some designers encountered was being 'too evening'. Maxi-dresses are a resort staple, but not in chiffon and ribbon. The same goes for sun-dresses - bold colours and prints, not fitted and subdued.

Resort is about accessories as elaborate as the lychee, mango and midouri drink in your hand and sunglasses as big as your broad-rimmed sun hat, which is as big as your luggage-sized tote.

The following are my favourites from the 2011 Resort Collections, Enjoy!

Is there anything Lanvin can't do? I am absolutely loving the miss-matched wedges and quirky vintage sunnies.

Mui Mui. 'nuff said.

Black and White and oh so 60's at DVF

Channeling black & sheer

crop-tops & tweed

Maxi dresses!

Sun Dresses!

Basically, Chanel covered everything resort, perfectly. And below is the suit I want to get married in. So Bianca Jagger!

Ear Candy

2010-05-02T21:53:00.002+10:00

Men in Specs

2010-05-01T10:40:00.006+10:00

I don't know why it is, but after watching Tim Fords AH-MAY-ZING A Single man, I've realized something...men look good in large framed glasses. They're back with very, very stylish vengeance. And it's not about creating 'a look' or adjusting yourself to wearing glasses as much it is about pulling it off. It's all about the attitude.

From Andy Warhol to Jay Z, guys are going four eyed and its hot. So I thought I'd suss out the spec market and drop a few hints.

Rule 1: QUALITY. Shell out for a good frame and shell out more for lenses. Thin, antireflective lenses cost more but they are worth it. They look better, they feel lighter and are more comfortable.

Rule 2. SHAPE: Very important. Here's the catch, they're called 'large framed' but not 'over sized'. Meaning? They should NOT be wider than your face. There is a right way to wear them and there's a wrong way. Allow me to demonstrate;

Yes! Yes! YES!

Woah, there goes by hard on.

See the difference? Thick rims go well with simple, classic, subtle elegance. Not sleazy turtle necks.

Rule 3: FIT. As a fore mentioned, your frames are to be the same width as your face. Not wider, not narrower. The top of the frames hit your eyebrows and they sit comfortably at the nose bridge. If they don't, get them adjusted so they do.

Rule 4: LOVE THY SPECS. Take care of them, keep them clean and get them serviced and refitted once a year. They will treat you well, so you should return the favour.

Rule 5: FACE THE FACTS. Not all frames will suit your face. Accept it, and make sure you get the right one. Good frames leave a the right impression and the bad ones should be left on the shelf. Make a wise choice, and make sure they are well received. The best way to guarantee this is to wear your glasses with confidence, and exude, embody and embrace the boldly stylish choice to go thick rimmed.

Johnny Depp does this effortlessly.

Rule 6: COLOUR. If you can pull off clear glasses, go for it. But most people can't, so don't kid yourself. Andy Warhol can, mark Jacobs got away with it, cute rugged part-time baristas who wrtie songs for the garage band they play in and do their own original cover art come with them.

If you're one of those three, go for it..and give me your number. OTHERWISE, go for classic black or tortoise shell. the latter is more suited to men with lighter coloured hair. And remember, the goal here is not to look nerdy, it's smart.

Well, anyway, I'm going to leave you with pics of Michal Caine and Buddy Holly because they honestly make me repeatedly jizz my pants. OH, and they pull off thick rimmed glasses impeccably. ENJOY!

My latest obsession? Ms. Karlie Kloss

2010-04-30T05:45:00.003+10:00

Things that make you go Ooooh!

2010-04-09T15:38:00.003+10:00

These three ladies show you how to imitate the Balmain runway via highstreet.
(from left to right)
KENJI lurex ball jacket $129, BARDOT zip dress $69.95, MISS SHOP military cropped jacket $69.95 . Team with messy bed hair and heavy eyes.

Something I personally love is dressing in boys clothes. Men's shirts, buttoned to the top with fitted pants look very very cute. The one at the bottom left is VANISHING ELEPHANT houndstooth shirt at $119.95, pick it up at the men's section in most General Pants stores.

Mixing denims really big this season, but it's hard to pull off. What's easier is mixing fabrics. What's cuter is a textured bicker jacket (top right) NEON HART $139.95. Find it at most general pants stores.

Also, a very cute way to add a bit of sex appeal to your outfit, and what was very present at many of the New York shows were subtle slits in the seams of dresses, tops and pants. Not cut-outs, which are also cute, but small peek-a-boo slits, a la, BETTINA LIANO (top left) exaggerated shoulder tux $149 and Grey cut-out jersey dress $99.95.

Last but not least, leggings. Leggings are awesome. They're good all year round. Everyone should have a pair of basic black leggings to pair with...well anything. But to make things interesting you can get them printed, coloured, studded, laced, tasseled, or you can get these awesome mixed material MINTY MEETS MUNT 'match it' tights for $101 smackas or these super super super awesome BETTINA LIANO Zebra print tights (backdrop) for $59.95. Most Myers will stock them.

Sexy, yeh?

Anyway I have to get the Zebra print ones. Some one please buy them for me, *hint* belated birthday gift *hint*.

Accessorize This

2010-04-08T20:12:00.002+10:00

Bags and tan brogues - Sportsgirl, Chocolate Wedge - Zu Shoes, Black&White brogue - Wanted, Sand military boot - Wittner

Cute, no?

Bags: small, square and sitting on the hip, hanging from a long skinny strap/chain. Get it in muted tones of charcoal, gunmetal grey or military green, soft pastels, bold bright block colours, studded, sequined, embellished, with tassels, leather, denim, plastic, in short - whatever you fancy.

Shoes: Oxford Brogues, Military boots and wedges were the standout trend this season. However Prada showcased towering, luxurious heels and at Versace models trotting down in pencil heels. There was also a return of the understated trainer, at Chanel, furry ugg-boots, Jill Sander, flat, black, sleek, gum boots, and at Louis Vuitton saw the return of the kitten heel. In summary, Go wild.

Berets: Anyone who knows me will know that I absolutley hate/despise/loathe animal print. I think it's tacky, cheap, horrid and disgusting. HOWEVER. In small tatseful doses in can work, and had been working for the last two seasons. And so, as I was killing time in Burwood Wesfield, I stumbled into General Pants, and tried on these very comfortable, faux fur berets, and OH MY GOLLY were they cute!

No camels were hurt in the making of this post

2010-04-08T19:05:00.006+10:00

Get a camel coat. Just do it.
I can't find any spectacular camel coats on the net, but fear not, they are out there, and when you see one, buy it. I'm actually thinking a good place to look would be in op-shops. You might want to replace the buttons and give a good wash, but for a classic cut head out to the Vinnies and Salvo's around North Sydney, Double Bay, Nuetral Bay or Sumemr hill. Or you can stick closer to the city and snoop around Broadway, Paddington, Surry Hills, Newtown and Enmore. The only thing you'll need to go op-shopping is patience. Be ready to filter through a lot of horrid crap before you get your magic 'where-have-you-been-all-my-life!?' piece. But hey, get some friends together, make a day of it and enjoy. And yes, get a camel coat. It's a smart investment because it's classic and never goes out of style, and these fabulous front row elites will show you that you can wear it in any cut, length and style.

The follwing are necessary

2010-04-08T18:25:00.005+10:00

The statement neck-piece is a trans-seasonal item. Great with summer dresses, swimsuits and sarongs, it also pairs fabulously with jackets, shirts and coats. Chanel, Lanvin and Marni show you how...

Okay everyone, let's go buy some $1400 Swarovski neck-pieces! *cough*

What kind of a lazy on-and-off blogger would I be if I didn't reveal cheapie alternatives? So here they are! My favourites from Diva and Sportsgirl, Equip and Bijoux. They range from 25 to 50 pieces of silver. Not bad eh?

There are two ways to do this trend.

1. Find something big, bold and spectacular and wear it with most any thing and everything. Wearing intricate pieces with prints might look a little busy, but that's not to say that you should shy away from it. Pair crazy prints with big chunky beads in a subdued colour for a more eclectic look.

2. Layers! Forget three layers of pearls, go for 12! Add big black flowers and bows to add a Gothic, Victorian feel to your look. If you are going to layer, use chains or smaller beaded necklaces, and add a few chunky pieces to mix it up, and wear your creation with anything your heart desires.

"It's a strange world isn't it?"

2010-01-31T10:50:00.002+11:00

I watched it a week ago and have been musing on it since. Every now and again (meaning all the time incessantly) relating it to belonging.

Lynch mixes the repulsively bizarre with the cozily familiar to keep you keenly aware of that knot in your gut as you witness the haunting and spectacularly sinister activities which take place behind closed doors in the picture perfect American every-town of Lumberton.

My favourite scene if when Frank and his goons are beating up Jeffery, while a hooker dances on top of the car to Roy Orbision's "In dreams" and it between the meaty blows and the music you can hear Dorothy weeping.

I Need You

2010-01-25T16:08:00.004+11:00

Louis Vuitton Brea GM Bag

Tiffany & Co Toggle bracelette

Tiffany & Co 1837 Band Ring

Fendi Cindy Shoe

Mimco Mega Cuff Watch

TAFE Fashion Show 2009

2010-01-24T12:07:00.004+11:00

With Le Bella at Carriage works in the cheapest seats of the house with an uncooperative camera and terrible lighting. The good life.

Rejects

2010-01-17T20:17:00.003+11:00

I've collaborated with a great mate of mine to start a new blog called Fashion Orgasms, [www.fashionorgasms.blogspot.com]. I always find it hard to edit things after a lot of work and thought has been put into them, but then again someones trash is always someone else's treasure. So here are the rejected looks from fashion orgasms. Thoughts?

The Noughties

2010-01-12T20:20:00.004+11:00

As we bid farewell to the last decade, I took a moment to re-cap the 'hits and misses' of recent seasons in fashion. I know by now a lot of magazines and TV shows have covered this, but it has been addressed from a purely trend-centered perspective. That is, what's in, what's not and what's that? But I thought to reflect not so much on what we were wearing, but more on what it means.

The last few seasons have seen have seen the reinvention of the 30's, 40's and 50's by Christian Dior, Lanvin, Dolce and Gabbana, Zac Posen and Balenciaga. Marc Jacobs, Gucci and Sonia Rykeil have taken us back to the 80's and Rick Owens and Cristophe Decarnin revived the glamorous side of rock and roll and brought back the herione chic.

However, although we've seen many come-backs, a reinvention of trends gone-by, there lays with in a fundamental difference which sets these designers collections apart. Of course there are obvious upgrades made to keep these trends modern and marketable, such as shorter hems and more accessible materials. But aside from technical updates, there still remains that something else, that has been able to sustain the strong shoulder, sequins, studs, acid wash and metallics, and I feel that it is much beyond cut, colour, fabric or trend.

What is considered fashionable has moved beyond mere garments, and shifted its focus on size. Size zero has never been more fashionable, and I feel is the key to why some of the more cringe-worthy trends of yesteryear have sustained such popularity. Fashion has become celebrity, more so than ever, and models are now our silver screen starlets. Designer's such as Alexander Wang have popularised the MOD look (Model off duty), and what is desired is not just shorter hemlines, but also smaller waist lines. Trends are no longer limited to hairstyles or handbags but have evolved to include specific sizing. So I wonder, is this just fashion branching it or has it gone too far? Or has anorex-chic always been around, and now people have grown to accept it. Inevitably question should arise about what kind of an impact this would have on the fashion audience? What is this saying about our expectation on beauty? Moreover, what I find more significant, from what influence do these trends arise? Is it the designers? Is it the buyers? Is it the media? Does fashion dictate people or vice versa?

Yes, it is upon an inividuals personal choice to follow or reject trends, but who's choice is it to make trends available? Designers. So do we blame designers for creating unhealthy and unrelaistic ideals for men and women?
My answer is no. Designers create what they feel is aesthetically pleasing, what is fashionable, and people can choose to accpet or reject their vision. It is impossible to blame either side as they are hand in hand. One cannot exist without the other. Designers require an audience, moreover a market to sell to, and the market responds to what they have to offer.
Size zero has come about to be in vogue due to a collective agreement made by designers and the public market. They have shown, we have accepted.

The must have accessory of the noughties is the nought size label. The questions that remains is, as with all trends from shoulder pads to biker jackets, how long will it last?

...;cP

2009-09-28T08:04:00.001+10:00

;cP...

2009-09-24T20:37:00.001+10:00

Thing's that make you go OH!... ;cP

2009-08-29T13:31:00.002+10:00

Pretty Young Thing

2009-08-29T13:20:00.002+10:00

This is a terrible, terrible photo...but damn she looks fine.

Martin Place

2009-08-25T22:03:00.002+10:00

Sydney from behind...;cP

The front says, 'I did it with Jackie O'

Blue Canary

Hey hey hey

Ms. Purple bra

This isn't very fashion forward, but then again it never claimed to be either...but there's just something about the creases in her shirt, the terrible underwear and the miss-matched bag.

Lacey Pink

Two Ms. Fabulous'...;cP Sorry about my bullshit.

2009-08-22T21:10:00.002+10:00

Martin Place... ;cP

Ms. Best Dressed

Ms. Awsome

Ms. Understated Sexy (in blue)

Mr. Awsomes

Idiots

Aussie Oi?...not so much.

2009-06-14T11:31:00.003+10:00

I just realised that I spend $60 per month on fashion magazines. I mean 60 per month doesn't seem that much, but its a bit of a problem when you earn $0 per month. anyway, I did a bit more research on Australia's fashion history and came upon another realisation..."I'm absolutley clueless." Any one who does have a clue would realise my last post is some idiotic teenager going 'blah blah blah' thinking she knows fashion.
*breathes*
My worst fear realised. I'm not exaggerating. I don't think I'm Sooo well informed, but I also don't think I'm wrong about the little I do know.
*sigh*
Well here's the slightly more correct version of my "Aussie Oi" post.

Australian fashion has been rich in fabrics textures since the 1920's with Chinese and Japanese silks and Egyptian cottons. And we have had, and still have a great mish-mash of cultural influences, which is very evident in our fashion history.
So the question is, why isn't Australia's fashion scene more noted on a global scale?
After a bit of research I think the blame does not lie so much on the designers, but more so on our successful designers and those who have made them successful.
Previous follies in the "fashion press" has labeled Australia a copy cat amongst the global market. But we've been making wiser decisions since then, and I think its safe to say, we're on the road to recovery.
I mean seriously, who didn't make fashion mistakes in the 80's?

Well I'm going to stop posting crap for a while, and take some time to research more. AND, in the meantime I'm going to collab with the creator of lahh-best.blogspot.com, do like the sartorialist (but with cheaper cameras) and snap up Sydney and her awsome threads. And I promise, we won't be annoying teenagers who regurgitate sportsgirl and GP sales racks. Atleast I hope not.
All this and much more!...
right after my exams.

Aussie Oi?

2009-05-23T18:40:00.000+10:00

I've given up on talking about myself. Too boring. Too boring for me to even type.

Soooo,

RAFW has just finished, and of course I've been front row watching every show...on podcasts. Thank you style.com and vogue.com! (this is where you can cringe at how pathetic I am)
And I was thinking, where does Aussie fashion sit with the big four? (I know, this has been asked before...alot)
One that I always hear is that style down under is very laid back, like the people and unfortunately that's all I hear. Just one word to some up the Aussie fashion scene? in the words of Lleyton Hewitt...C'moooon
The thing with Australian fashion is, it's just budding, we have heritage labels, but no home grown big fahsion houses. but that's not necessarily a bad thing, perhaps that's also our plus. With fashion being so competitive, so scrupulous, so constantly criticized, there's only a little bit of room for crappy roadkill-esque things to get through.
One thing I noticed in the RAFW shows were, how there was a lot of minimalism, a lot of monochrome and simple, CASUAL, pieces. I liked this, it both reflected Australia's fashion scene and our response to our economic climate.
I think Australian fashion, in its relaxed and laid-back nature, gives way into a very eclectic and unique fashion scene. It reminds me very much of the LA fashion culture, Boho yet yet not over-the -top, it holds the perfect balance.
I think our lax appraoch allows for eccentricity to blossom tastefully. We have icons of Australian style, Anna&Boy, Zimmerman, Sass and Bide, Kit Willow, Akira Isogawa. But we also have our renegades, Ksubi, Antipodium and Romance Was Born. Theatricality and eccentricity, I think is allowed to grow constructively, flamboyant is flamboyant and not vulgar, there's no Pocahontas show here. (fingers crossed!)
Aussie fashion reflects it's people and it's culture, in a very obvious way. But who says that's bad? Our swim wear is one of the most diverse in the whole industry. Beach culture is addressed from all perspectives and caters to a wide range of aesthetics. As I mentioned before, Our swimwear is world renowned and are held as icons of Aussie fashion. However what I love most about Australian fashion is that our shows hold looks for both men and women, not seperate shows, just the one show, for everyone.

I do admit, previously I was very gloomy about our fashion future, but after perving at the TAFE runway show (private schools kids can buy talent) I considered the future not being so bleak after all. Devons-nous voir?

I Heart Marc Jacobs

2009-05-23T11:46:00.007+10:00

Trans gender 80's Punk Rock Revival?

The loves child of Kanye West and Lady Gaga?

Katouchka wannabe?

What ever it is, please buy me this dress! (and the one before)

A new addition to the school yard

2009-05-18T19:10:00.003+10:00

Today during my very stressful Drama Assessment, I discovered a new addition to our high school cliques. I call it the "headcase snob". There's always one person who really really really wants to be noticed for her immense intellectual talent, that surpasses any one else, (especially those of ETHNICITY) and they find it incredibly cool to reject all forms of religion, but still pay lip service (only when in the presence of others who would judge her) because his/her parents make her. And she's oh so unconventional, and of course a complete emotional mess cause of how she was so sheltered when she was little. And she found happiness, and even friends in arts and literature (because there;s no judgment there) and some idiot along the way told her she was right, and *gasp*, there is absolutely no one who can match her talents, no one understand her. And she now has become bitter towards all those smiling faces, and can only find solace in being condescending those who come close, and patronizing those who don't.
Oh Saba,
you have so many issues, you really do. I mean with two loving parents, complete freedom to pursue anything you want and reasonably comfortable living standards. That girl who gets a beating nightly could not compare to your despair! and that other one with the drug addict parents, not even close!
No one can take anything conniving you say seriously, because you'll always cower away into your little corner cause your afraid of our hurtful, oh so unnecessary words. You've never done anything wrong, and would hate to think you have. No really, your gods gift to humankind. you may judge and completely disregard anything anyone says that is irrelevant to your most amazing prophecy. And of course no one would question you, that straight A student, who tries so hard although she's got it so bad at home and at work. Of course you have every right to pass judgment on others! of course your opinion on everything matters! No one can question your insight. Who would upset that poor little girl who's had it so bad? It's always "What are you talking about?" "I would never ever do anything to hurt the smallest little piece of cow poop" Who would believe your out to hurt anybody?

Me.
I don't buy it.
Your a condescending snob. Please get off your high horse. I see passed your whiny bullshit. You do have issues, they're similar to the issues Paris Hilton has when deciding on what shade of blond to go next.

Hey ho! let's go!

2009-05-14T20:46:00.003+10:00

Okay, I've dropped 3 unit maths. That's right I'm an idiot who can't stand the slightest challenge. It was tough for me though, firstly cause I'm a freak, and secondly, cause I'm a freak.
So hear the freak out.
I just think that, there are 55 students doing the course, and well that's a lot of people. So out of 55 why is it so difficult for me? I know what most say..."oh it's just not where your talents are at" No, I can do maths, I get it, but I'm not at the level I'm suppose to be at. And yes, I am being unfair becasue I'm an occasional homework do-er. But it saddens me to think that I can't do what 54 other girls are doing. Whats wrong with me?
*sigh*
well the answer to that is: a lot

anywhoooo. I picked up photography and I'm going to take my first fashion photograph on tuesday. yay!

Moving on to prettier things...

Oh those pants!

Okay I know, one of them are thigh-high boots (do they ever get old? *remembering 2005 Chanel thigh highs*) Well, I had to put some Isabel Marant in. I love her stuff, something about it, it's like she always gets it!

Things that make you go Ohhh...

2009-04-28T20:45:00.008+10:00

My friend told me that blogs are for sharing the events of your daily life and that most blogs are just... logs. I knew that but I just thought, who would want to read about me? Who has that much time to waste?
Who ever is reading this I guess (you are free to hit alt+f4 at any time).
Note: I'm really boring. So here goes!
I'm in year 11, the next two weeks for me will be non-stop mid term exams. Joy! My Drama exam has been extended for another 5 weeks. I'm so frkn grateful for that.There are 6 people in my Drama class and we're very lax about assessments and attendance and everything in between.and um...I like [insert interesting interests] and in my free time I [insert interesting hobby] and I can [insert interesting quirk]. The last move I watched was Cabaret. The last book I read was The God of Small Things and the last thing I learned was the Power of Jesus. Feel free to ask me to demonstrate at any time. Alrighty. that was the last 15 or so years of my life summarized in seven and a half lines. This is a proud day for me.

things that makes me go ohhhh....

More things that make me go Ohhh...

Pretty things

I love the textures and the mixed prints !

I really really liked the Dries Van Noten show. When we were talking about it in my fashion design class it was kinda booed. Like it was too 'mature'.but I liked it and the way the bubblegum colours contrast the bold structuralal lapels and collars and the way its styled. looksie!

My dream winter wardrobe... My Kenzo dream winter wardrobe

Photos are all stolen from vogue.com. Thats right. I'm a thief.

"Vogue Woman"...continued Part II

2009-04-11T20:20:00.010+10:00

My posts never finish properly, I'll try fix that. I think it's because I get distracted easily...but I've found a solution to that. I think I have anyway.
To clarify my mind, I have to clarify my head, and connected to my head is hair. Therefore I've hacked off my hair. Aha! logic!

Any who...

I think before I can select who is fit to be, and who is not fit to be the 'Vogue Woman', to find her, What needs to be established is what this woman represents.
It's true that this lends itself to interpretation. However, predominantly I feel that the represents at the bar minimum, innocent and unabashed happiness.Where trends and era become obsolete and classic, timeless style governs any and all choices. Most significantly i feel that she represents a lifestyle.
Women that come to mind are the classic beauties, Audrey Hepburn, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman and Vivien Leigh.

Ingrid Bergman

Audrey Hepburn

Lauren Bacall

Vivien Leigh

There's something about these women, they feel like they have substance. They were considered the starlets of the 1940's, but now the term "starlet" to them would be an understatement. They do not demand attention, they do not need to, they do not even have to ask for it. They are naturally obliged to it. There is something about them that is timeless, that transcends style or beauty and has lasted through the decades to remain as a coffee stained dream of the idyllic treasures of yesteryear.
I understand that during their stardom, these women may not have been as revered as they are now. But they stood the test of time, and possessed that quintessential quality which has allowed them to be regarded as not only icons of their time, but also icons of classic beauty.
This makes me think, who are the beauties of our time? Are they the starlets of our silverscreens? Who are the women that will remain the rose-tinted memories of 2010?

Nicole Kidman

Catherine Zeta Jones

Cate Blanchett

Kate Winslet

Do they require celebrity status? Many would argue that this would leave a very narrow selection of women, that the real woman of fashion is not scattered across headlines and pasted on 50- feet billboards. If so, then maybe I have misinterpreted the starlet status of these women, and perhaps the women who will be remembered as the icons of our decade stand as an inaccurate description of what we have to offer.
But here's the contradiction.
The question is does money equal style? A majority of people would argue no, from fashions perspective high street and high fashion have graced the pages of vogue, for example Anna Wintour's upheaval of the American Vogue aesthetic.

Nadja Auermann by Helmut Newton

However, those that are remembered to be style icons, are celebrities, and those who are celebrities are wealthy.
I know all the images I've posted are of celebrities, and this makes me think about all the women who love fashion and are not on the silver screen. Women who perhaps understand that fine quality of timeless style, where is their recognition? Do they require it? Moreover, do they want it?
Is modesty the new little black dress? Or has it always been?
Or is it that true fashion does not require the grand recognition that the industry puts forth and what it's really about is feeling good.
Perhaps the woman of fashion is a woman, who is tune with fashion, yes, but has something that emulates more than the latest Balmain jacket, she has a strong sense of herself and personal style, which is uniquely hers but at the same time coveted by everyone around her.
She understands the principle of fashion, she but also knows to;
1. Never take fashion or herself seriously
2. Realise that she can be too rich or too thin
3. And know that feeling good equals looking good.

The "vogue woman" does not require celebrity status, she does not want one, she is not there to shock or awe, she does not seek attention or approval, she is not vain, she is not arrogant.
She is content. Content with out stylists or photographs. Content with what shes wearing whether anyones watching or not. Content with herself.

Maybe thats it, or maybe I'm just a fashion-romantic.

"Vogue Woman"...continued

2009-04-07T20:51:00.012+10:00

Nowadays I have so much crap going on, I can't even take a break to think straight. Anyhow, continuing on the vogue woman, I haven't even reached my point yet, I know. But fear not, this is not nonsensical babble...to some degree.

So...where was I?

ah right, I was saying something about the people of the time reflecting the clothes of the time...well that's obvious.
But what concerns me is, who are the people of our time? Who's the icon of my decade? And where am I going find them?
Are they amongst the millions upon millions of Facebook profiles? are they the teen-age pseudo celebrities continually making headlines on fix.com? or are they the ones who stay out of the loop, are not interested in displaying or validating their social lives in photo-shoped photographs?

I think my point is with this very accessible display of the overt self centered nature of young people , with the upcoming youth representing the values put forth by Facebook and Twitter, with such a wide array of avenues for self expression, who's going to be the Galliano of tomorrow? Who'd want to be? Where does that small, innocent beauty of fashion stand in modern society? but, more importantly will it last?

Amidst the blogspots and photobuckets and whats-it-called's, where does the woman of fashion stand? She's not the 40 year-old Fashion Design lecturer at UTS, and she's not the 17 year-old clad in sportsgirl with a fan blowing in her face. With fashion lending itself to interpretation, I wonder, who gets it and who doesn't? Who is the 'vogue woman' of the nought-ies?

Isabella Rossellini

Sarah Jessica Parker

Charlotte Gainsbourg
OR

Sienna Miller

Nicole Richie

Agyness Deyn

"The Vogue Woman"

2009-04-05T23:28:00.005+10:00

I'm still only in my 'teens', so I do not know much, and I accept that. So 40 whatever year olds don't come howling at me because I'm trying to figure out the 'vogue woman' whens the odds may be that I wouldn't have a clue, because you were there with Turlington and I'm here with this Agyness Deyn shit. Hear me out, I may have come close.

I recently got my hands on a book called 'The art of vogue covers 1909 - 1940", by William Packer with an introduction by Lady Diana Cooper. And it was amazing. Cover to cover, filled with hand drawn languid and humble forms adorned with the fabrics that gave birth to Vanity's celebrity status, it shows, in every sketch the beginnings of the art, the everlasting style, of Vogue. And it made me wonder, with all our fashion schools churning out the 'young and innovative' all the Siriano's, Pugh's, Anna Plunkett's and Luke Sales', pushing the boundaries of abstract and vulgar to try place the nought-ies on the fashion time-line, with all this welcomed change and eagerness towards 'the future', does the porcelain recumbent woman in the withered pages of my old book, covered in peacock feathers, pearls and ra-ra's, still stand? Or is she just tossed aside as 'vintage'?

Its established that fashion moves forward with the decades and aspires to address the present with the bold new ideas of tomorrow. So, it reflects greatly on the designers of its current generation. The last few decades have shown a very productive transition of the legendary houses Dior, Chanel, Lanvin, Loewe changing their creative directors to suit the contemporary fashion market. And in doing so, Galliano, Lagerfield, Elbez and recently, Stuart Ververs have made for themselves signatures to go down in history. However, the question is now, in 09 with the big ten looming. What have we got to show for the early 2000's? What will go down in the fashion books pf 2090? What will be proclaimed as 'vintage' then? This leads me to speculate our upcoming designers who will dress our generation, who will dress me, what do they have to offer?

Predominantly, I see a rise of the eclectic and carefree, and though it may be a refreshing perspective, it makes me think about the mindset of our contemporary designers, which leads me to think of our contemporary youth, and, our generation. What's the mentality of the 00's? It's said that what you wear, reflects who you are and vice versa. What are our clothes saying about us? With youth culture sitting hand in hand with facebook, youtube, twitter, ipods and mac books, I wonder, is this the rise of personal freedom and individuality or just self obsession? It seems, that the free-thinking individuals of our generations are not so easy to find, with blogs and online profiles making it so easy for us to "express ourselves" and pushing us to show off our individuality, how do we filter through the bullshit?