Dressed For Battle

Unbeknownst to me, a few days ago a friend of mine confessed to me that he suffers from bipolar disorder. My immediate reaction was "Are you sure?", then he confirmed with a nod. (Actually his son suffers from the same disorder as well). I have never perceived one of his mishaps or mood-swings, probably because I haven't been around him for that long, but he's a fun dude to be around. He's a bit "experienced", but possess a young spirit, he just lifts me up, and that's one the reasons we clicked. Coincidently, I came cross this editorial spread shot by Paola Kudacki for the February 2010 issue of Vogue Nippon (Japan), featuring Missy Rayder and Kendra Spears, seemingly with the same concept at hand.

The editorial titled "Dressed for Battle" focuses on the militant duality portrayed by these two women. Standing at different extremes, Missy looks rather fragile, innocent, and slightly sensible. In the other hand, Kendra reminds me a bit of Hitler; authoritarian, austere and crude. But what Aurora Sansone, the stylist on duty, attempted to illustrate was the reality of the situation. I think she thought about what the world is going through right now and how each woman would dress according on their standpoint on the war. Missy looks very simple and polished, accessorized with see-thru bangles and necklaces, while Kendra with a much manish updo takes a more risky approach, evident by that Gucci ensemble, displaying an open back blazer and cut-out skinny pants. 

I'm still a bit bewildered to witness so much war references after the 2010 Spring/Summer season, especially in Paris. A bevy of designers seem to still be fascinated with utilitarian clothes and somehow they manage to reform such austere elements into something more approachable and sensitive. I know I'm getting side-tracked here since this topic is somewhat provocative and could be expounded for miles, but that's going to take place on a different post. Enjoy the pictures!

Photos fashiongonerogue.com

Vogue Nippon Gets Catty

Devon Aoki is feature in one of the editorial stories of Vogue Nippon shot by Camilla Akrans. This editorial is not striking me so much for the fashion but for the model. I love the fact, when you look at someone, in this case a model and you can't figure out what's their ethnic background, you may ask yourself, is she asian? european? caucasian? or all of the above?. Surprisingly enough, I learned that she's a new yorker, Are you serious!?!?!, to be brutally honest I'll never guess, but I can tell her family tress must be compose of a variety of races from all over the globe, which is pretty cool. I love diversity and that's what the fashion industry needs, more none-caucasian models in the cover of top magazines and feature in fashion-forward editorials and most importantly in runways, where they can showcase what they're working with. Am I the only one who feels this way???.

I believe, models like Devon have more versatility and longevity in the industry since they can easily transform themselves to fit the part into an editorial shoot, ad campaign, and fashion show. Their face complexion in particular can convey a strong message and reach more of a wider audience and that could possibly and positively affect the future of a designer's success or a magazine's sales. For instance, in this editorial, Aoki is playing the role of this naughty/stylish pussy-cat girl, who in a way may look very odd and creepy, but if you look at the other side of the spectrum, she can come across as sassy and seductive.

 The word if the day is...versatility, embrace it.

Pictures from models.com