Animal Farm

"I was thinking about everybody's obsession with being famous" Miuccia Prada said in reference to the choice of the red flooring of her Miu Miu runway. And while the title of this post may be more obviously applicable to Miuccia's Prada show, where dancing monkeys featured as reappearing motifs, I feel it has more relevance to her latest outing for Miu Miu. Saying that, the more delving one does into any Miuccia show, the more questions remain unanswered. She is like the George Orwell of the fashion world, every show containing an almost satirical (or at the very least, allegorical) commentary on the society in which we live. The silver lamé dress with leather appliqué (or rather, the placement of said appliqué) could be fraught with sexual innuendo as to the repetition within Hollywood's fishbowl. Who knows? Or perhaps, in Miuccia's way, she was doing nothing more than provoking us to ask unanswerable questions, all the while showing us pretty little things to tempt us into her world. Regardless of intention, any messages will be translated differently depending on the experiences of the receiver. The more I consider the details, the more I am reminded of the Orwell's Seven Commandments of Animalism, where I am sure many in that elusive Hollywood scene are convinced they may be just that little bit more equal than those outside of it.  

Regardless of varying interpretations, it all begs the common question: when isn't fashion allegorical? Most, if not all, collections have a theme, a starting point; inspiration that was based on something, which more often than not is carried right through to the end product. That end product, which, upon viewing, requires thought on behalf of the audience to decipher and do what they will with any possible meanings. Still think fashion is nothing more than a slew of pretty dresses? Take a closer look at any fashion editorial, and you'd be hard pressed to explain why they're often referred to as "fashion stories". Because, I'm afraid, stories they (as well as the dresses within them) do tell. 

Enough literary wonderment. Here's Kasia Struss lensed by Mert & Marcus for Miu Miu's spring 2011 campaign. Allegorical or nay, this campaign is hot. 

 via Style.com

Morebidly obsessed with... Fenton/ Fallon

The Vieuphoria. The one that started it all. I stumbled across it during my daily (ok, let's be honest, more like hourly) perusal of Syle.com's Style File blog. Featured in On Our Radar, ever since I've seen it, it's been on mine too.  It definitely fits with my growing penchant for opposites and contradictions, that's for sure.  The gunmetal finish gives a more edgy contrast than a gleaming silver chain, and the stones are removed of any princess-quality with the added spike factor. I'd pair this baby with a simple white tee, my slightly torn, light blue skinny jeans and black Camilla Skovgaard (-inspired, naturally) saw-edged booties, and an uninspired pairing instantly becomes an outfit. Of course, it's been sold out on Shopbop (and every other US retailer I know of that ships to Australia) for months. 

All is not lost however, as the brains behind the label Dana Lorenz has teamed up with friend and creative director of J. Crew to come up with the suitably-named capsule collection: Fenton/Fallon for J. Crew. Priced slightly under the original Fenton pieces, they are by no means any less of a statement. Judging by the amount of layered chains, spikes and jewels, it probably works the other way around. Fans include First Lady MObama, famous (not only for being the President's wife) but for championing up-and-coming American designers (Jason Wu anyone?) and of course, accessories editors Taylor Tomasi Hill. When it comes to Fenton/Fallon, I do not discriminate. Spikes, jewels, gold, silver, chain, crystal... the list goes on. And usually, the more, the better.

And finally... TTH and her collection of Fenton/Fallon pieces, mixed with the very best from Chanel and Eddie Borgo of course.

Pictures via Style.com, The Huffington Post and Refinery 29

 

Miss Magda

This backstage picture completely captivates me. I'm not sure what it is, but there's something about the way she's sitting there, waiting, completely at ease in her ballerina tutu, rocking gently on her heels; exuding calm before the storm, that is nothing short of serene. So excited that one of my high fashion favourites, Magdalena Frackowiak, did the Victoria's Secret show this year. I know I've talked about the crossover between commercial and high fashion re: VS before (read: here) but it seems the lines continually keep on blurring between the two. Whatever the view, I think Magda made the transition perfectly. She's one of those models whose versatility never ceases to surprise; one day she's all chiseled cheekbones and solemn stares - the epitome of an editorial model - the next she's giggling down the VS runway, dimples and wings in tow. A quick scan of the forums over Magda's thread at tFS, and many agree that she was definitely the standout of the show. She had the perfect combination of cheeky winks, waves and air-kisses, without being over the top or too serious- something I'm sure is much harder than it seems.  

Giampaolo Sgura for Vogue Korea

This spread by Cameron Krone for Viva! Moda is beyond amazing. With the inspiration being the 90's supermodel series by Peter Lindberg, Magda appeared alongside Anna Jagodzinska, Monika 'Jac' Jagaciak, Kasia Struss and Anja Rubik in a spread dedicated to the top five Polish models. I love the simplicity of the styling - all matching Versus silhouettes and strappy sandals - allowing the beautiful photography to really make the pictures a celebration of the wearers, which is really what fashion is all about.  

Mirand-a for Jil Sand-a

As hinted a few weeks ago by the newly married Mrs. Bloom (yes, her and pirate-beau Orlando yesterday tied the knot) in an interview with Modelinia, she's nabbed herself yet another high-fashion get, this time with the latest campaign for Jil Sander. Also featuring int. runway regular Kasia Struss, the streamlined campaign was lensed by Willy Vandeperre, who also shot Miranda for i-D and V's summer issues. Although I think Miranda makes the transition from smiley VS model to edgy super quite seemlessly, not everyone does. One reader in particular disagreed with my sentiments, saying she looked more like Clark Kent. Hey, she mightn't please everybody in the high-fashion stakes, but at least one thing is agreed upon, and that is the link between herself and supermanmodel.

pictures: Fashion Gone Rogue