Ilse De Boer by Andreas Öhlund for Cover Magazine June/July 2011
Ilse’s stunning natural beauty really stands out in this. I really like that the creative director for this shoot let her showcase that. Those freckles are absolutely delightful. And while summer always brings a slew of all-white style print work, I like how classic this particular editorial feels. It is not revolutionary or avant garde, but there’s a nice flow to this nonetheless. I like the intensity that Ilse brings when she gazes into the camera and the dreaminess that she evokes when staring off into the distance. And all that posing further showcases the intriguing angles of her face and body, creating some truly lovely lines. There is a softness to this editorial without delving into romantic whimsy. The styling may be distinctly gauzy, but it is decidedly streamlined. Ilse comes across earthly rather than ethereal, depicting prêt-à-porter at its best. And of course, Andreas Öhlund should be credited for his lovely photography.
Katherine-Clark by Grant Yoshino for Fashion Gone Rogue 2011
Dreamy and gorgeous. I love the romantic feel to this editorial ; it evokes springtime softness. And the styling is fabulous; the texture to every piece really stands out. For once, I like that it is short and sweet. The concept is not overly ambitious and I am not over saturated with the sweetness. Just some charming, and very pretty, images with splendid lines. This is a lovely little piece with just a touch of whimsy.
Malgosia Bela by Greg Kadel for Vogue Spain July 2011
Quite the pair these two. Malgosia Bela and Greg Kadel aren’t quite to the level of Edita + Camilla yet, but are an often found model/photographer pairing nonetheless. Malgosia kind of gives me the same face (and emotion) in editorial, making it feel a bit amateurish, but I find Kadel’s photography gorgeous regardless. Malgosia comes across glamourous and sexy, if rather commercial in this shoot. Which certainly has its place. She feels very approachable in this, rather than fiercely aloof, a persona that the industry certainly loves. And while I desire more edge and attitude, Malgosia exudes a softness in her seduction which draws me in. I like the suggestion of vulnerability in those moments. [I think I will always love the slightly furled brow (shot 11); it’s just so… quintessentially high fashion.] The wide-eyed open mouth stunned look in a good portion of the shots, however, detract from them. Those are simply too contrived and far too comical to be believed. And I don’t quite believe that the creative director was striving for farce. However, as I have been told, the photographer and directors choose the shots from numerous numerous reels of shots. They kept these particular shots in for a reason; however, I still believe that they take away from the shots of true sentiment. Which is unfortunate, as this could have had moments of brilliance.
Josephine Skriver by Rasmus Skousen for Cover Magazine July 2011
Cool girl. I love how she’s chilling out in an emptied pool. Josephine has an unflappable cool that really comes across in this editorial. And the mood is just perfectly blasé. I love how Cover Magazine has taken the typical beachwear to a different setting. It’s not immediately apparent where she’s at, bring a skate park to mind. I think the texture to this shoot is great: the edges of the pool are used often and the execution of this editorial is nicely done. Moreover, sexy beachwear is transformed into skater it-girl chic. Although she’s lounging around, there’s a different sentiment to it by taking it out of the sandy beaches. Everything feels very effortless. And very Proenza Schouler-esque. I definitely approve.
Emma Watson by Mario Testino for Vogue US July 2011
Hermione Granger who?
Love love love the high fashion extravaganza that is this shoot. Emma Watson has been developing some high wattage style. Always willing to take a risk and fly the flag for haute couture, she has very unique taste while remaining utterly chic. I am quite impressed with the pieces she chooses. Vogue (and Grace Coddington) certainly doesn’t hold back any; they pulled out all the stops for Emma’s very first Vogue shoot and cover. And I, for one, think she looks utterly fabulous.
Emma shines in bedazzled pieces from Aquilano.Rimondi and Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2011 Collections and stuns in various oversized Prada sequins. My personal favorite is the Tom Ford (featured above/Shot 1) brass feather skirt. Amor-esque and eye-catching, it brings both decadent luxury and fierce edge. Those two traits are something that Ford always excels at. Moreover, not many can pull off these kookier Prada pieces. This shoot is all about glamour and luxury coupled with fierce attitude and diva-entitled persona. And to top that off, I am entirely charmed by the light dusting of freckles that I can make out in spite of the heavy slick makeup. The makeup is very done, but she pulls it off well. She comes across edgy yet approachable (love the slicked by pixie cut). Not to mention, utterly adorable with that plastic Marc Jacobs beret in shot 2. Brava Emma! I hope this is a sign of even more fabulous Vogue shoots to come.
Yulia Kharlapanova by Johan Sandberg for Marie Claire Italia June 2011
I almost didn’t recognize Yulia for some reason. While she is still her sultry self, I think she is a bit earthier in this than I had expected. In any case, this is a lovely piece of work from her. The posing is highly intriguing without going too far out of the box, and the feel to this editorial is nice and easy. It takes summer in a different direction from the loud neon brights and sexy deconstructed styling we normally see. And I actually really love how she displays her breasts in this. I think it’s sexy without being overly overt. Yulia is a bit of a glamazon in this inherent sensuality and fierce edge. The black and white shots add a classic touch to this. In fact, the pieces feel sophisticated and modern, presenting picturesque summer elegance.
Barbara de Creddo & Tsanna by Andrew Yee for How to Spend It Summer 2011
Hello there Studio 54. Andrew Yee presents a fantastically shiny and fluidly vibrant editorial just in time for summer. I think my tolerance for neon and color blocking is at its highest during summer because I actually enjoyed the campiness. Not only is the color palette rather fantastic, but the over-the-top beauty fits right with the diva attitude. Campy showiness and fierce attitude are perfect for this seventies revival that we’ve been having lately. While I prefer the more romantic flowy neutrals from that era, this loud poppy party style has its place too. I like the voice that it has. And that glowing skin is gorgeous. The girls just pop. Fun for summer indeed.
Janie Taylor by Bon Duke for The Block Magazine SS 2011
Prima Ballerina Janie Taylor (NYC Ballet) puts the ballet-inspired Chloé Spring 2011 “Ethereal Collection” to the test in this beautiful choreographed piece by fellow principal dancer Justin Peck (who also stars). The short film (also by Bon Duke) is gorgeous. I love seeing the pieces in movement; they just flow so beautifully. Janie breathes life into this collection with the aid of Justin’s choreography. And to be fair, I was far more impressed with the short film than either the collection or the shots. Janie (along with Justin) showcases exactly why she is a prima ballerina; the pieces come along for the ride. But I do love how it all comes together to create a little piece of art.
The one on Nowness.com is better. I’d embed the video here but wordpress decided to make it complicated.
MFD - Multiple Fashion Disorder 