The Fruit And Nut Issue

A few weeks ago I stopped by one of the D.C.'s best hidden magazine shops on 20th Street NW (and one of my favorites) in an attempt to appropriate yesteryear glossy issues from your good old Vogue to some of the rarest publications in Europe, and everything in between. I find amusing flipping through past issues, imbibing all the rich, inspiring visuals in form of editorials and thought-provoking writing. Just as fashion recycles itself, these issues become part of a pool of references that would provide a common ground for future issues. On an unusual trip to China a few months ago, Anna Wintour mentioned to a reporter, "I find my inspiration in the history and tradition of the magazine, that I'm so honored to be working at". Who can argue? If you had the privilege to be editing The Fashion Bible, there is not shortage of inspiration, taking into account the over 100 years worth of Vogue. 

Anyways, as I was segueing my way to the back of the rather small shop, I turn the corner and I see a magazine that stands out from its counterparts that were tightly stacked among each other. The title is not what catches my eyes at first, but the cover image. I immediately recognize Naomi Campbell displaying a timid face, while holding her head, atop is what seems to be a headpiece adorned with thin gold straps and green feathers. Naomi seems to be channeling her inner Carmen Miranda, perhaps inspired by Miuccia Prada's sensational summer collection.

The whole fashion story does not read Italian glamour, but a stylized abstract impressionism. If you see the images, you'll find Naomi wearing assorted designer garbs in some of the most odd poses (at the end of the day this is Pop). What struck me the most was this white blotchy substance smeared on Naomi's face. Excuse me, but this could easily be mistaken for something a men's scrotum produces and emerges during ejaculation. In addition, the subtitle, "The Fruit and Nut issue" does not help to disseminate any erotic thoughts away from this assumption. Regardless, the photographs, taken by Broomberg and Chanarin, were peculiarly intriguing, and leaves one wondering the thought process behind the story. 

Expounding on these hard-to-get-around oddity of images, I spotted a second cover from the same magazine on the shelf behind. Elton John is sporting a Gaga worthy pair of shades made of out spikes and baubles. In case there is any doubt Prada had anything to do with the concept of the cover, Elton is wearing the now ubiquitous banana-printed shirt from the collection. Typical Elton John. 

Follow Me Follow Me (Quem Que Caguetou) - (Tejo, Black Alien And Speed)
Staying within the tropical theme of this post, I thought sharing this song I was bumping to while watching Fast Five. Not only the movie contains enough eye candy (Dwayne Johnson, Tyrese Gibson and Vin Diesel) for both genders, this is actually an action-packed thriller. You must go watch it. Now, I've heard the song before, but I never actually took the time to research the artists. After I came back from the cinema, I got on iTunes, and finally found the darn song. It's probably something you'll hear at Carnival in Rio de Janeiro (one of the breathtaking scenes in Fast Five), or be found as one of the many additions in my iPhone. You're welcome.