After some time away from the blog (and I *did* miss it!), the Cult is back and with a whole new look to the page! I hope you like it! It was time for a change anyway... you know it's time to go shopping for fall when you go to get your mail and you are greeted with at least 5 lbs of weight to carry inside, thanks to both Vogue and W boasting their "Biggest Issue EVER!". (Vogue has 840 pages, W has 640. *sigh*) It's so exciting! I had to wait to look through them, for that perfect time when there is nothing to distract me and I can really gaze at the details in the pictures that some people think are just "ads", but are really inspiration for fall. (sidenote: I love the paper W uses to print on. I love how it feels as you turn a page... heavy, some pages thicker than book paper. Quality makes a differance.)
There were plenty of examples of actresses and singers instead of models in the ads for some significant designers and brands. Scarlett Johanssen for Louis Vuitton, Angelina Jolie for St. John, Lindsay Lohan for Jill Stuart, Terri Hatcher for Badgley Mischka, Sarah Silverman, Regina King, and Selma Blair sporting her new short hair cut for the Gap, Sienna Miller for Tod's, and Rebecca Romijn for BeBe. Should the models be miffed?
There was a great article in fact, in Vogue... "The Sloppy Syndrome" by Jean Hanff Korelitz, that particularly struck me. The blurb under the headline reads "Is it a form of self-expression or an issue of self-esteem? Jean Hanff Korelitz questions why women are afraid of dressing up." I had recently taken a notice of my own dressing habits. Even a fashionista can sometimes get into a "comfy" zone, and I found myself starting to feel like when I would make the effort I was somehow showing off. This article was an inspriring read, and motivated me to get a few new things to spice up my wardrobe. I even threw in a haircut. It's amazing what that can do for you, inside as well as out.
If you pick up the W, check out the editorial spread called "Wild Roses". I love everything about these images. Photographed by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, styled by Alex White. Images courtesy of Style.com. Slideshow created by moi.
Gwyneth has the cover, but it really isnt the most flattering shot. And her spread is kind of weird, she's photographed with a cane, and crutches. I am the hugest supporter of stepping out of the box. But making someone who is NOT handicapped look handicapped and worn out just doesn't seem fashionable or politically correct. She just doesn't look vibrant at ALL. What do you think? Images courtesy of Style.com. Slideshow created by moi.
I like that I am seeing a lot of true "dressing up" in the fall lines. Designers are putting head to toe looks together, looks that really require you to coordinate and wear "outfits" instead of separates. In Los Angeles, you can wear anything anywhere, and as long as you can carry it you can get away with it. But I do miss the days of having to dress for the occasion, and I think the designers are trying to inspire us to do just that.
I'm loving everything Im seeing come from Hugo Boss lately. Slick, modern, edgy, amazingly cut, architectural angles... incredibly sexy. Make an all black suit look fashion forward, and I'm impressed. Here is a preview of the Fall 2007 ready-to-wear line.
Chloe brings it, once again, with designs that look like you are buying the finest vintage piece... but brand new and remixed. Gucci struck gold with the gold accents on the black silhouettes. Akris demands attention. The Gucci Fall line is definitely one of my favorites by far. As well as Celine. If I had the money I would buy the entire collection! I'm becoming more and more of a fan of Lanvin. One line I have been a fan of for years is Tuleh. There is a GORGEOUS fitted grey suit TOTALLY TO DIE FOR! And Ann Demeulemeester scores big! Here are my selections, straight from the runway. Images courtesy of Style.com, slideshow , once again, by moi.
I am not looking forward to the cold season. But I am definitely looking forward to the clothes. TIME TO PLAY DRESS UP!
ALANA JOY Los Angeles, CA alanajoy.tumblr.com
I work in the fashion industry in Los Angeles. This blog is a place for me to talk about all things fashion and beauty related, hopefully touching on the real art, emotion, and sometimes humor of the industry as a whole.
