Keep the Faith

My fancy for Marianne Faithfull [and Mick Jagger] never seems to subside. This is probably my third post on her..maybe fourth.

Burberry Burger with a side of Gucci Fries

(thecoolhunter)

One Industry Fits All?

What's the difference between models, Crystal Renn and Jacquelyn Jablonski on the January 2010 cover of V Magazine? Not much. Just a few pounds and a couple inches-and it's actually refreshing. Thin is to model as expensive is to couture. One always seems to follow the other and with infamous Karl Lagerfeld who lost 90-pounds himself back in 2002, it's no wonder why. While so-called "flaws" and imperfections that defy conventional standards of beauty such as the wide-set eyes of Gemma Ward, freckled skin of Lily Cole, a large forehead or a hook nose like that of Linda Evangelista can set a model apart, weight is the deal breaker. The issue of V Magazine, which hits stands January 14th of 2010, re ignites the ongoing model-weight debate. In the editorial properly dubbed, "One Size Fits All", Renn and Jablonski are adjacent to one another, striking the same fierce pose, both rocking the same Versace top, Proenza Schouler skirt and shoes and Michael Kors necklace, as well as an array of colorful bangles. As for the result? Given their size difference, with Renn, at 5'9" and 36/31/41 measurements and Jablonski also 5'9" with 32/24/34 measurements, not as dramatic as one would think. Some might have to do a double-take, even questioning if they are the same model or if the photographs are photo-shopped. The striking effect lies in the absence of dramatic difference. Why do fashion magazines mainly showcase designer clothes (and models) that infinitely exceed the average budget and realistic lifestyle of most of their readers? Perhaps they're selling us an unattainable illusion- it certainly works-it's a multi-billion dollar industry. Regardless of the industry standard, it's refreshing to see a fashion magazine endorsing the thin and real sized models, both clad in hot, high-fashion clothes and looking equally stunning. While it can't be said for certain that V Magazine's display of curvy shapes will inspire a spike in future curvy model editorials, it most definitely makes a bold statement.

-guest post by Alison Freed. Photos courtesy of vmagazine.com.

(centralpark.com)