Armani’s New Style Code
October 20, 2009
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/armani-presents-new-smart-phone-amid-fashion-mobile-trend-1802327.htm
Armani has joined the rest of the fashion world in shaping his empire to embrace the colours in technology and not just those spalshed on fabric and materials. The new exciting Samsung Georgio Armani phone is another addition to the designer brands that have branched out to reach to technologically aware people, and in doing so has added more versatility to the industry and more competition against not only high fashion houses, but electronic manufacturers. This adds on the post I created regarding the Prada phone, just to prove my point that fashion is heading in a direction where lifestyle choices are now determined by what others tell us to buy. Fashion is not what u cloth yourself in, but the decisions regarding how you choose to live and what items you choose to purchase and this time it comes at a heavy price of 700 pounds. Armani is keeping its exclusive clients as exclusive as ever and only providing the best, just like with its unique sheik suits.
Links
Quotes of the Week
October 19, 2009
“Fashion Fades, Style is eternal” – Yves Saint Laurent
“Fashion is made to become unfashionable “ - Coco Chanel
“I dress for the image, Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men” ‘ -Marlene Dietrich
“I don’t do fashion, I am fashion.” – Coco Chanel
“The goal I seek is to have people refine their style through my clothing without having them become victims of fashion.” – Giorgio Armani
Black is the New White
October 14, 2009
This week’s fashion interest lies in the controversial shoot taken by French Vogue magazine, while the global community is moving towards a more dynamic and accepting approach towards different races, cultures and religions, it is fascinating to explore how one shoot can potentially abolish the harmony that we believe exists.
Further more it is interesting to note that fashion, models and photographers have the potential to create this heated topic and move modelling and fashion from the magazines and bulletin boards and onto the field of social and political study. This takes fashion out of the back bench and places it in the center of the spot light, what is interesting is the Sydney Morning Herald’s description of Vogue magazine, states that the magazine is renowned for its attention seeking spreads. Whether this is true is arguable, I would frankly argue otherwise as Vogue isn’t specific to attracting attention, but effective in being innovative, creative and at times pushing against mainstream ideas of fashion, their work is usually deep enough to stand in a gallery.
Thus the media in this instance shouldn’t be so quick to jump to the conclusion that vogue was being insensitive, ignorant and politically incorrect, as their very work is made to create different perceptions of the one product and most times their agenda is not to offend anyone.
Similarly to the Hey Hey its Saturday stunt which was in the media regarding a very similar act, news.com goes into depth about the matter, Australians must remember that we are not American and our culture is our own, meaning not just because one thing may be interpreted as offensive or insulting must be adopted by our own culture. Australian’s are known for their easy going nature, sense of humor and unique adaption of ideas. To have that stunt appear to be a racist appropriation is the equivalent of not knowing the national anthem – that is being so un-Australian.
http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,28383,26181031-10229,00.html
The hey hey its Saturday stunt should have been watched from within an Australian perspective and if it was contextually analyzed the extract would make perfect sense and not appear to be racially discriminative. As many people state, if a black person was to paint their face white that would undeniably be either a racist act, an act of vilification or for the purposes of making a statement. Yet the painting of a white person as a balck person could be a veneration of beauty. Some of the world’s most beautiful and successful models have been black models, must we mention Naomi Campbell who is in her 40s and still one of Victoria’s Secrets best kept secrets. Tara banks who is now not only successful for her incredible modelling shoots, but for her America’s Next Top Model show that has been popular across the world to the extent that countries now have their own competitions, this includes Australia and New Zealaand.
The American President is now an African America, must society still stand within the shadow of the past and not endeavor to move into the future. The more society clings onto this notion of sensitivity and cautiousness when mentioning blacks or creating art through different ideas, the more we revert back to 18th, 19th and 2th century teachings about cultural differences, racism and racial segregation. Australia should lead the world in its examples of harmonious co-existence with many different cultures and races, if farmers can co-exist with Aboriginals through pastoral land leases, then the world is far behind if it can’t co-exist artistically, culturally and socially.
Nonetheless it’s not the entire art and fashion community who is offended by the white model painted black, it is an exclusive few that have shunned this masterpiece, including the media who in this case are looking for any means to create a public outrage. Rather than looking to the deeper value of the image, some have taken it on face value if that even, and some how pointed out why it was so politically incorrect.
What made these images even less offensive was that French Vogue was using its culture, Renaissance creations – meaning props, photography and effects were meant to transcend the image back to a 14th/15th century film still. This is a mere appropriation, in essence a work of art with the likes of artists such as Marcel Duchamp, Andy Warhol and Cindy Sherman who have all aimed to appropriate artworks to make them more relevant today. Vogue’s aim was to most probably paint an image of what didn’t happen back then, meaning having black person’s in the role of a white person, stating a fact isn’t offensive especially a fact that existed centuries ago. Isn’t it high time people understood our history, so that when artworks appear that venerate the blacks rather than dismiss them, the message can be interpreted correctly and not mistakenly confused for a racist act.
If we look to the similarities it is clear that Vogue was not making a racist statement, but rather appropriating its photography and making a piece of art – something that is paramount to the Vogue manifesto.
Jezebel an American blog, goes through audience discussion regarding the severity and impact of the image – Jezebel discussion
The upper image is the Alforini artwork, a popular painting created during the 14th Century, if you look closely between that and the neighbouring image of Lara Stone, the Dutch model, you can see similarities in the props and style of both images.
Fashion TV at Favela!
October 6, 2009
Internationally acclaimed Fashion TV has finally embellished Sydney with its presence and launched its inaugural Diamond Model Awards in Australia. This places Australia on the fashion map and for those who consider themselves fashion icon’s, this is a must attend event. No longer is fashion reserved for Paris, Milan and New York, it is at our door step making Australia cultured and placing it under the fashion telescope.
It will be hosted at Favela at Potts point, one of the most exclusive clubs in Sydney, it will feature celebrity guests, judges, contestants and a real glamorous atmosphere that Fashion TV is renown for.
The Stylish Wears Prada
October 1, 2009
The LG KF900 Prada II was among the first phone of its kind to integrate the latest technology that only the most sophisticated and technologically up to date person would possess and merge its sleek and ultra-modern features with the legendary house of fashion - Prada. Together it created an audience of its own, combining technologically aware consumers with those that breed an obsession with the fashion world.
http://www.dialaphone.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/prada%20phone.jpg
What is increasingly fascinating is that, these fashion dominating brands are attempting to seek out new audiences as they explore the boundaries that consumers wont stop at to win the ‘most stylish award’ and have themselves ‘keep up with the ‘Jones’ ‘.
The Prada phone is not just a technological investment and has not been advertised and promoted only through technologically related means, but Vogue has double paged spreads enhancing the product and contributed to its success by commenting on it being a fashion accessory. It also stated,
“HAVING teamed up with the LG Group for the second time, Prada won’t just have us coveting its bags, shoes and clothes for the new fashion season – add to that its stylish new phone.” - Vogue UK article
This innovative approach for Prada, is capable of placing it beyond the rest. particularly due to its strength in developing a phone that was one of the strongest in terms of features that was out in the market. This shows that Prada like its attention to detail and accuracy in fashion clothing does not lack the essential quality guarantee that all retailers should have.
The president of Prada = Patrizo Bertelli has stated ” As we do with ready-to-wear and accessories, we were looking at a breakthrough. Consistent with our approach, we are not branding an existing product,” adding that the phone would have a “very strong character and unique style”.
It has also been stated that “LG and PRADA have worked closely together on every aspect of the product, from handset development to marketing combining the attention to detail and uncompromising quality of PRADA design with the trademark technological innovation of LG mobile. PRADA’s involvement extends beyond exterior aesthetics to the key elements of the user experience such as the advanced touch interface, ring tones, pre-loaded content, mobile phone accessories and the exclusive leather case, inspired by the classic Italian craftsmen tradition.” – Dr Scott Ahn, president and CEO of LG – article
Through this Prada and LG have worked together to create not just a handset, another luxurious option for those who wish to be the empitomy of style.
“We at LG are exceptionally proud of the PRADA Phone by LG” says Dr. Scott Ahn, President & CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. He continues, “The two companies have worked together seamlessly towards a truly shared vision, to develop one of the most beautifully stylish handsets the market has ever seen.”
prada was among the first to initiate this trend and what we have seen follow is other similar high fashion houses extend their approach to what fashion is, by including mobile phones as the ultimate fashion accessory.
Many fo the world’s leading high fashion designers have merged with the technological successful brands of the industry to stylize and elevate it to target the audience who are fashionable but keeping up with high city busy life. This includes new models from Porsche and Bang & Olufsen
Links
How to? A guide to style etiquette
August 25, 2009
The Sydney Morning Herald today featured a small slide show with simple yet sharp comments by ‘style gurus Amber Long and Jodie Bache-Mclean’ to correct society’s style and social etiquette.
Not only do we have society today reverting back to themes and styles that have already been exercised and expanded decades back, we also have a conservative classy scene that fashion and style icons seem to be pushing through and Australia seems to be accepting through wide held arms.
Rather than society becoming more of a carefree fashion and style backyard, the expectation to use modern inventions and interventions to appear stylish are common. New ways of social etiquette or rather traditional ideas adopted to suit today’s technology and social understanding are helping to construct a visible social status for ones self.
The little pieces of advice offered by Amber and Jodie are very simple and easy ways of appearing more charming and gaining an understanding of social behaviour and trends. Even the most carefree and dare I say reckless person may pick up these habits and transform themselves into a person with socially accepted habits who abides by the etiquette of today. These little secrets are cost effective and can act to improve the general wellbeing of person. They act to lift ones confidence through the participation in a communal behaviour which is appreciated and generates respect for persons around them as well as maintaining a good self image.
Now I mean some of the advice may not be adopted or appreciated by all people, but there are some very simple pieces of advice, such as ‘not clicking at a waiter’ that can effectively work in favour of the person. This sign of courtesy shows respect for the waiters and acts against a rude display of social etiquette. Other advice, such as not wearing thongs unless at the beach, may bring home some form of criticism, as it may not necessarily align itself well with the Aussie culture, which is as casual as a ‘gday mate’. Yet again this is what I mean by fashion and style instilling itself into lifestyle decisions and is also a somewhat a cultural decision to some extent. Yet as I mentioned earlier it is increasingly appeared that the fashion industry has spread so far and wide, that Australia is now drawing back on a more dressy scene invoked by decades of fashion that have already passed.
The Rules
1. “Do NOT wear rubber thongs anywhere that doesn’t involve, surf, sun and sand”.
2. “Do not use your cutlery as though your are conducting an orchestra, cutlery should be placed down inbetween mouthfulls”.
3. “Do NOT WRITE in CAPITALS on email this can be highly annoying and trigger unwanted responses”.
4. ” Do not cancel a social or business appointement or meeting via SMS”.
5. “Do not speak on the mobile phone whilst you are ordering food at a cafe”.
6. “Do not click at waiter to get his or her attention”.
7.” Do remember to say please and thankyou”.
8. “Do remember to offer a handshake”.
9. “Do hold a glass of wine by the stem and not the bowl”.
Photo by - Paul Aloe : wine held by the bowl
10. “Do be elegant and sophisticated, even when looking for sultry evening lookss”.
11. “Exposure of skin is not always tantamount to sexy”.
12. “Do RSVP on whether or not your accepting an invitation, you should reply either way”.
13. “Do send hand written notes when possible”.
These are only some of the little secrets offered, for further advice look to the article in the SMH.
For further tips on social etiquette check out the following links:
A strange one – but tips for business etiquette when visitng Germany
CATwalking the Dog
August 18, 2009
Widespread love of Fashion has turned not only celebrities into fashion icons themselves, but also their Dogs! Fashion is now inclusive of the dog one owns!
The SMH featured images from the charity event in New York which includes celebrities showing off their dogs, a moment to shine both the celebrities and the dogs.
“Paws for style
“Fashion lovers take their pooches for a stroll on the “dogwalk” at the Paws For Style charity event to benefit the New York Humane Society”.
The Burquini – not so fashionable
August 13, 2009
Aheda Zanetti - image by smh - Danielle Smith
It is not a foriegn concept to consider that fashion is also influenced by religious beliefs, whether this is a view accepted by wider society is still open to debate. The following article featured in the Sydney Morning herald on the 13th of August explains how France did not wilfully accept the Burquine, a body fitted swimming suit designed for Islamic woman by the Australian designer Aheda Zanetti.
In this regard, it is clear how France a leading country immersed in High Fashion has banned the burquine in order to prevent it becoming a part of their ordinary lifestyle. This complements the idea that fashion is indeed moving into a stage which is defined by the lifestyle one choses to live and France is taking an active stance to implement this. The banning of the Burquine is not the first of its kind in France, as the Hijab has been banned in French schools, clearly it does not want to implement this kind of fashion into their fashionable lifestyle.
This alerted many nations and citizens as to the presence of the Burquini in their own countries.
However, some countries such as the Netherlands have learnt to embrace the existence of the Burquini, where a Burquini fashion show was hosted at a swimming pool. However arguably this was fueled by a swimming pool official previously kicking out a Muslim woman wearing the Burquini from a local swimming pool.
Countries seem to be torn as to whether they should allow this into their lifestyle, this is a true reflection on how fashion, culture and religion have intertwined. This asserts the idea that fashion is no longer limited to the catwalk, it has become a culture of its own where people are offended by the values that it represents – article
Although some countries have decided to accept it, I think the Burquini has a long way to go before it can be accepted by the overall fashion world.
Fashion Your Life
August 10, 2009
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” – Coco Chanel
This blog is not only dedicated to the thread and needle of fashion, but follows the cultural trends of high fashion and how it has transcended conventional ideas of clothing and now includes lifestyle choices. Labeled Alcoholic beverages, lavish parties and expensive holiday destinations are now part of today’s fashion genre, with beautiful people parading their style which has not been affected by the economic climate. This blog pays tribute to both fashion trends and high fashion trends and how it has become a way of life for many, and a good life that is.
