122 Years of Fashion

For those of us who want to experience every single page in the history of this legendary magazine, but haven't been alive and literate since 1892. http://www.vogue.com/archive/

Dairy-Free Overview

If you've been following, those of you reading are aware that this marks the 10th day of me being dairy-free.  I guess now's a good a time as any to let you know how this diet has been for me. (Keep in mind that I was already a vegetarian, so this was actually a vegan diet for me).

It was extremely difficult.  It's impossible to even be aware of how much dairy you consume each day until you have to stop.  I'm sure most of you are like me in that, you just had no idea how much you really do eat.  I thought I wasn't even taking that much in to begin with, but it's in practically EVERYTHING.  Not eating meat made this a lot more difficult for me, because that really doesn't leave a lot of food groups for me to choose from.  

It was particularly hard to stay healthy because of this.  The only foods I could really eat were fruits, vegetables, and grains.  It's easy to assume an unhealthy diet based on those guidelines, but I did my best.  As far as the dairy goes: I did notice significant improvement in the quality of my skin.  It is now clearer, smoother, and brighter.  It definitely made a huge difference.  

Do I suggest to cut dairy out of your diet?  I say, to each his own.  Personally, I am not going to permanently cut out dairy, but that is because I don't eat meat.  Perhaps it would be much easier to cut out dairy if you eat meat regularly, but I would have no way of knowing this.  However, this cleanse has shown me how much nicer my skin can look with just a diet adjustment, so I am going to cut back on dairy significantly.  I will still be eating my eggs every once in a while and yogurt...and of course the occasional ice cream.  But I will try to only eat dairy twice a week, three times maximum.  If there is anyone else out there who has tried this kind of change in diet or a change similar to this one, please feel free to comment and share your personal experience!

Beyond The Page

For keeping yourself informed on all events, new fashion lines, and tips on beauty and fashion that aren't featured in the magazine: http://www.vogue.com/promotions/

Nostalgia In Vogue

A reminiscent salute to the past 80 years of the reign of Vogue in the fashion world of photography, writing, and fashion itself: http://www.rizzoliusa.com/book.php?isbn=9780847836819

As the magazine comes to an end...

The final and perhaps most exciting article in this issue of Vogue covers Sarah Jessica Parker's plan to put out a new collection of shoes for her brand.  This brand can be found only at Nordstrom and supposedly "harks back to an era when manners mattered and men and women dressed up for the theater."  This is exciting for me because as Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker not only taught a younger me how to deal with men and respect myself, but how to dress impeccably. I can't wait to see her line in stores.

This article concludes my coverage of The Power Issue 2014.  Thank you for reading along with your magazine with me.  But don't worry, I won't be going too far.  I will be tracking my progress with my ten-day vegan challenge and posting about various fashion articles and lines that I find relevant to this magazine and this blog until it is time for the next issue to be dissected.  As far as Vogue goes: until April, readers.

The Power Issue 2014: Full Spectrum

Meet the new faces of fashion: Grace Mahary, Imaan Hammam, and Cindy Bruna.

These women have been selected to represent fashion all over the world in places like Givenchy, and most recently Vogue.  The supposed tradition of a "white-out" runway is done and over.  Women from multicultural backgrounds are just now getting the chance to be the faces of our fashion.  The only regret? The fact that it took them this long to have their stunningly gorgeous faces put on anything.

This article concludes my coverage of The Power Issue 2014.  Thank you for reading along with your magazine with me.  But don't worry, I won't be going too far.  I will be tracking my progress with my ten-day vegan challenge and posting about various fashion articles and lines that I find relevant to this magazine and this blog until it is time for the next issue to be dissected.  As far as Vogue goes: until April, readers.

The Power Issue 2014: Chanel Army Takes Texas

Metiers d’Art is an annual travelling fashion show that designer Karl Lagerfeld puts on for Chanel.  Famous for wearing fingerless gloves (just as Coco Chanel herself did) to protect his hands from sun damage, Lagerfeld has been an essential part of the fashion world for many years, whether he is designing, organizing, or leading. This year, Lagerfeld decided to take Chanel to Dallas, Texas for a fashionable ode to a southern belle take on modern day couture.  

Many people feared the show would be too much of a "parody of a 'kitschy cowboy town,' with cheerleaders," but they were pleasantly surprised by a sophisticated yet fun show displaying a vintage Texan theme.  Here are some photos from the success:

Above: Lagerfeld himself, receiving praise for his work of art.

Dairy-Free: Day 1

I am officially dairy-free.  If you've been paying attention to my blog, you know that for me, this means I am now vegan.  Well, for the next 10 days.  At first I didn't think this was going to be too difficult, because I didn't think I ate too much dairy to begin with.  But I started thinking about it a little more, and I guess I do consume quite a bit of dairy.  I eat yogurt and eggs almost daily, and a lot of the other things I eat that you wouldn't really think of as containing dairy, contain dairy (Nutella is a primary example of that).  This might be harder than I assumed it would be.  Wish me luck!

The Power Issue 2014: Top Dog of Comedy

We've seen Jimmy Fallon, Jay Leno, and Carson Daly successfully do it, and according to Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels, "There's no job after it."  Now, we have the privilege of seeing a familiar face do it: Seth Meyers.

This article from the magazine is a little more funny than fashion, but it is still relevant to the creative society.  Written by Jason Gay, it explains to us Meyers' plan to take over the spot for late night talk show host following Fallon's Tonight Show.  This spot has typically been taken by someone unknown and inexperienced, such as Conan O'Brien, which is what makes Meyers so perfect for the position.  We have been laughing with him for years, whether it was on SNL, the Golden Globes, or just any other appearance the man has had on television.

The thing that makes the post-Tonight Show show so significant is that it completes the day of the average American.  People watching all over the nation rely on this show to make up for the crappy day they had at work, or the fight they got into with their friend.  Whoever hosts this show has to be able to send Americans to bed feeling lighthearted and gleeful.  Seth Meyers was born for this, and everyone thinks so.  It seems the entire world is anticipating this show taking off.  It's all up to Seth to make our day, and no one doubts he can do it.

The Power Issue 2014: Stylin' With RiRi

"I never wanted to be famous.  I just wanted my music to be heard all over the world." -Robyn Rihanna Fenty

It's obvious why Rihanna was the muse at Fashion Weeks all over the world this spring; she is a constant inspiration to the generation of today, which also makes it obvious why she was chosen to represent the cover for the Power Issue of Vogue.  Most cover girls only get 2 or 3 photos taken of them to go along with their article, but Rihanna has 8.

To young girls all over the world, Rihanna is power.  Not only has she accomplished musically what took Michael Jackson to do over 23 years in a mere 7, but she has taken over the fashion world with her trademark sexy tomboyish style.  Everyone wants to be Rihanna.  Everyone wants to look like Rihanna, including Plum Sykes, fashion journalist who allowed the pop icon to make over her wardrobe for this issue.

This article written by Sykes focuses mainly on the actual makeover, which I thought was perfect when dealing with Rihanna.  Rihanna has been on the cover of Vogue before; she is no stranger to the interview.  Instead of asking Rihanna questions about her life or trying to uncover a scandal or controversial opinion, Sykes made it just about fashion.  Everyone already knows everything there is to know about Rihanna--the woman is all over the world.  An article about her personal life would have been good, but an article about her opinion on fashion was great.

Sykes starts off the article with quotes from various designers voicing their opinion on Rihanna and her style, all of whom had nothing but glowing reviews for her.  Peter Dundas of Pucci called her "a very talented dresser."  Dressing yourself isn't typically considered a talent, which is what makes this such a powerful compliment.  Rihanna makes an outfit seem effortless and yet look so perfectly put together, which is nearly impossible to do without flaw.  As a muse, she was recognized most for her ability to take random articles of clothing and somehow make them work together.  This is a coveted talent found in stores and runways all over the globe today, and Rihanna has it down.

The only personal piece Sykes includes in the article is Rihanna's openness when they meet.  Right off the bat, Rihanna admits to having fake hair and wearing fake jewelry.  This shows that she doesn't take herself too seriously.  She's not afraid of her secrets; she uses them for her own benefit.

The Editor's Eye: A Deeper Understanding

http://abramsbooks.com/Books/Vogue__The_Editor_s_Eye-9781419704406.html

For those of you that focus more on the articles and the art of the photography found in the pages of Vogue, I suggest purchasing this book.  It helps the reader to further understand the exact purpose behind the way this magazine is put together.

The Power Issue 2014: Spring Fashion Concept

In case you are unfamiliar with the monthly fashion spread found in Vogue, then you should know that it is a number of pages dedicated to the fashion idea of the month/season.  In this case, it is the start of the spring season of fashion.  At the beginning of the spread, there is a page with the details of the concept that inspired the styles of the fashion lines of the month, and a description of what makes the concept so worthy and relevant.

The concept for 2014 spring fashion dictated to us by Vogue is the idea of being a hero.  "We Can Be Heroes."  What exactly does this mean?  Going with the theme of power, which this issue has been famously known for, it means that men and women simply must create their own style.  It is a concept as old as time, but it continuously rings true.  Written in bold on the first page of the fashion spread are phrases like "fashion force to reckon with," "embracing self-determination and self-creation with vengeance," "individualistic twist," and "strength of character."  These are all brief yet powerful descriptions of what it means to be a hero to oneself.

It is inevitable that Vogue is the queen of fashion.  The magazine dictates what is in.  It helps the reader know what is happening in fashion and the fascinating new things it brings to the table, but we still have so much freedom to express ourselves through fashion.  We are the reason there even are fashion magazines or fashion labels; we use what is provided to us to become who we are through the way we look.  Looks don't matter?  Please.  Looks are the one thing that represent us no matter what.  Appearance represents our entire being, which is why fashion is such a blessing to us all.  The importance of fashion can never be undermined; fashion is our hero.

Finally, the 6 plot points Vogue gives us when considering which approach we want to take this spring:
1. Influence of sports (shapes)
2. The return of the blazer
3. The gothic side of romance
4. Lace
5. Mid-calf lines (skirts or dresses)
6. Floral print

All have been done before, but that is the wondrous thing about fashion.  It takes something old and turns it into something seemingly brand new and never been done before, each and every time.  Welcome to spring season.

The Power Issue 2014: People Are Talking About Adrian Lester

"I get up on a stage and I speak his words.  That's my job."

Whether I was dancing, singing, or acting, I had the fortune of growing up as a child at home when on stage in front of hundreds if not thousands of people.  I've always had a soft spot for theater, which is why this article about the up-and-coming Adrian Lester caught my eye.

In the late 90's and early 2000's, Lester made a great impression on the English stage with his award-winning performances in Sweeney Todd, As You Like It, and Company.  He is now due to grace the American stage in New York with Indhu Rubasinngham's production of Red Velvet, a play written by his own wife, Lolita Chakrabarti.

The Power Issue 2014: People Are Talking About Finn Wittrock

Known as the happy actor, a rare breed.  Somewhat new to the big screen, Finn Wittrock made an appearance in 2014 film Winter's Tale, the film that inspired the pun that is the title of this blog, and plays a role in Noah, a Biblical film that is coming to theaters on March 28.  Wittrock is famous among directors for his ability to be in touch with his masculine side as well as his feminine side with no conflict or difficulty at all.

The Power Issue 2014: Up And Away

This issues's fitness article is written in a very intriguing manner by fashion editor Vanessa Friedman.  This editorial about a new underground fitness craze is reported with helpful detail and an optimistic tone: Friedman lets us into her coveted world of aerial arts--specifically the trapeze.

She considerately begins by introducing to the reader how she happened to come across this rare and quirky physical practice--at a class in the park for her daughters.  She then goes on to describe in detail what makes the trapeze so thrilling and good for the body.  Friedman generously explains exactly what she was working with when she first tried it out, making it quite simple for the reader to picture himself doing the same.  She also lists 5 trapeze schools across the nation and includes a brief description of each school, letting us know the type of instructor we would be dealing with should we decide to check one of the schools out.

Things I Would Have Done Differently:

Described the activities she does in her class in a bit more depth.  Friedman went into great detail about how she came about to using the trapeze and how much she adores "playing" on it, but she does not give enough detail to the actual exercises she performs in her class meetings or the areas of the body that are being worked out in each exercise.  It is important to have fun with your exercise, which is exactly what this article condones, but it is also important to know a little more about how it works before you want to give it a shot. Obviously she didn't have the space to explain the entire act to us, but I feel as though describing these details a little more would have drawn in the reader and compelled him to look into the aerial arts.

The Power Issue 2014: Health

In this issue's Health story, social editor Chloe Malle covers the evil that comes in the form of dairy product.  According to everyone from fashion publicists for Balenciaga to Dr. John McDougall and nutritional biochemist T. Colin Campbell, dairy can cause everything from simply feeling bloated to getting symptoms that lead to being diagnosed with osteoporosis.  To put it more simply, "Dairy just slows you down," (Claire Distenfeld).

This is extremely relative to my life because I am a vegetarian.  That being said, most of us consume a pretty significant amount of dairy.  When you don't eat meat, there is only a select amount of food left for you to eat.  Most vegetarians I know tend to replace their meats with dairy products, whether they are aware of it or not.  I know I am guilty of this at times.  Other than yogurt and the occasional ice cream or cheese topping, I don't consume that much dairy, but I do tend to have issues with being bloated, digestion, and oily skin.  This article made me wonder if eliminating the little bit of dairy I do intake would also eliminate these problems, or at the very least cause them to decrease significantly.

In order to write this article, Chloe Malle had to try out being dairy-free to see if it actually makes a difference in health and appearance, which she concluded it absolutely does.  She noticed changes in the quality and glow of her skin and level of her energy in just ten days without dairy product consumption.  This has inspired me to try being dairy-free, and I encourage you to do the same.

As of tomorrow, March 6, I will try living without dairy.  After 10 days, I will report back to you guys and let you know how it affects my life.

The Power Issue 2014: The Stuff Of Legends

Marrakech is apparently a North African city that many artists such as Mick Jagger and Andy Warhol used to visit in the 60's and 70's.  It is filled with the history of our American influencers and has a seemingly rich culture.  This article goes on to describe how Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) and this city have corroborated over the years to create a "groundbreaking skin care ingredient."

Things I Might Have Done Differently:
Described the city itself in a little more depth.  Tell the reader what the streets are like, what kind of people live there, how the climate and scenery is, etc.  Yes, this article is mainly about the YSL skincare product, but it would be nice to envision where this creation is being formed.  Since it is apparently a popular city for stars that affect our lives here in America, I found myself wanting to know more about it, and I'm sure there are many other readers who felt the same way.

The Power Issue 2014: Makeup

We all know them as the masterminds behind the brilliant fashion line that is Proenza Schouler, or Proenza Schouler boys (for short), but now Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez have teamed up with MAC to make their own impact through makeup.  Since they went through adolescence in the 90's, they are using sheer lipstick and black as an inspiration.  To 90's kids like me, that's as nostalgic as it gets. I simply can't wait for March 27 when they're makeup line goes to stores and online at http://www.maccosmetics.com/index.tmpl

Let's all embrace our inner 90's kid and try out their playful yet simple designs!

The Power Issue 2014: Fashion's Assistant

For those of you unsure exactly what you want to do in life but certain in your dedication to fashion, you may want to consider becoming a Fashion Assistant for a magazine.  This job is like a dream come true for most females.  Fashion assistants typically have excellent communication and organization skills and know how to work well in teams--not to mention they spend the majority of their day in a giant closet filled with the latest couture.  If you think you have a good eye for fashion and want to be surrounded by beautiful clothing, you might want to look into this as a career.  It would be my dream job if I didn't love writing so much.

The Power Issue 2014: Style Ethics

The final article from the View category is quite ethnically diverse, just as Wintour promised we would see in this issue.  It covers the fashion line of Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean.  Not only is her racial background a mixed bag; her line also appears to be from all over the globe.  From African-style tunics to "preppy" blazers and skirts that could pass for English, her clothing celebrates the beauty of multiple cultures.

The Power Issue 2014: Classic Pop

This article is about a new family-run fashion line in Chelsea, New York.  What I like about the way it is written is there is no introduction.  It literally just dives right into a quote from the business director of the brand, which by the way is called Trademark, and from there it describes the clothing and the environment of the store.  Apparently the business director, Louisa Burch, came from NYU (a.k.a. my dream school).  The author goes on to list a few other important things on the resumes of Burch and her sister Pookie, Trademark's creative director.  Very to the point; no unnecessary fluff.

The Power Issue 2014: Club Kids

Good morning bloggers! If you are reading this post as it is being published, then you are absolutely my soulmate.  If you are looking to know a little more about me, then you should know that 5 AM is the time I wake up every single morning.  2 out of the 7 days in a week, I am doing it because I have to in order to get ready for work in time.  The other 5 days, I get up at 5 AM because I just love doing it.  Most people look at me like I am completely insane when I tell them that, but this is just my hour.  This is my favorite time of the day, so if you are reading this at 5 AM on a Tuesday morning, welcome to my world and feel free to leave a comment so we know we're not alone.  Now, to the actual point of this post......

Towards the end of this issue of Vogue, there is a tiny article only a paragraph long written about Derek Ridgers.  Most people probably won't even read it, but I found it fascinating.  Derek Ridgers was a photographer in the late 70's who photographed British fashion icons such as Boy George and John Galliano.  This tiny paragraph in the magazine covers a sliver of Ridgers and why he photographed these young kids trying to make it in the fashion and music industry, yet it manages to be so powerful in such a small amount of space.

I decided to include this article in my blog because it signifies a very important voice.  Ridgers acted as a voice for these kids in their late teens and early twenties who didn't quite have their own yet.  I mean, he helped shape the future of London fashion.  The late 70's was a huge time for London; everyone was creating their own thing the world had never seen before, whether that be fashion, music, film, or writing, and everyone wanted to be noticed.  Ridgers helped make that happen, which makes him one of the most influential men in the creative world and a savior to these young people who meant so much to us then...and still mean so much to so many of us now.

The Legend

To learn more about the man who made the ballgown into a work of art....

http://www.assouline.com/9781614280750.html

The Power Issue 2014: Natural Selection

When checking out the new spring fashion lines in stores, most of us don't take the time to wonder exactly how the clothes got there.  Who picked them?  Why did they pick them?  How do they relate to the store?  These are questions most of us never even think to ask, but to women like Olivia Kim, these questions define who they are and what they do.

Olivia Kim has always been involved in fashion, but more recently and legendarily, she has "reinvented" herself at Nordstorm with a boutique that goes by the name of Pop-In @ Nordstrom.  We of the fashion world know Nordstrom as a beautiful store that combines the best clothing, purses, makeup, and shoes from all of the most important designers in the world for us to wear and love forever, but Kim is taking that label and making it even larger.  With Pop-In, Kim is able to open up a small boutique featuring new, game-changing designers every few weeks (at a different Nordstrom location each time).

Kim's Pop-In is perhaps the most effective way designers have ever had to show off their designs, even more so than fashion shows, which is what makes this story so fitting for this particular issue.  Think about it: the people who go to fashion shows are very influential and fashion conscious.  It is likely that they already know of all the new designers and have been exposed to their lines.  However, people shopping at Nordstrom can be anything from a high-ranking fashion dictator to a young girl with just enough money to buy herself a new dress.  This idea is taking these new, edgy designers and putting them right in the realm of the public.  I can't imagine it not being a huge hit, which is apparently already is in 8 different cities across the nation.

The Power Issue 2014: Irish Designs

Another View article from this issue of Vogue that caught my interest covered the unique tomboyish designs of Dublin native Simone Rocha.  Before we have the chance to read the article, we are shown a photograph of Saoirse Ronan modeling one of Rocha's exclusive slit dresses and comfortable yet strangely stylish sandals.
The interesting thing about Rocha provided to us by this article is her family history.  Her brother is a talented musician and her parents are both free-spirited creative types.  Rocha took her designs from Ireland to London, where she was greeted with a warm welcome and respect.  Doing anything creatively was literally born into her DNA, and we are very grateful that she chose design because her line is absolutely phenomenal.

The Hamish Files

A word of advice for you: Get acquainted with Hamish Bowles.

If you want a valid opinion on anything fashion related, Hamish is the way to go.  From reviewing a musical to giving his thoughts on a particular fashion line, the word Hamish Bowles is gold.  He began his work as a fashion editor in 1984 in England and has since then brought his talents to American Vogue...lucky us.  Bowles has been dictating fashion to us for as long as I have been alive (literally).  This is a man who has worked his way so high into the fashion world that he has his OWN section in Vogue titled "The Hamish Files."  There are no guest writers for this section; there are no outside opinions or contributors.  It is all Hamish, every month.  Do you think that is an easy feat to accomplish at a major fashion magazine--the number one in the country?  Do you think it is very simple to get your name on a title? What he says goes; it's as simple as that.  If you are interested in learning from Hamish and reading about what he has to say on various topics and issues, I strongly recommend picking up a copy of Vogue if--blasphemy--you're not already subscribed, and turning to The Hamish Files.

"Fashion is only fashion once a woman puts it on." - Oscar de la Renta

The Power Issue 2014: Flash; Nasty Gal

I don't know about the rest of the world, but here in SoCal, Nasty Gal is a phrase that every fashion conscious individual recognizes.  Close to home, Nasty Gal is a popular website that lives in downtown L.A. dedicated to vintage fashion.  Headed by 29-year-old Sophia Amoruso, it is worth over $100 million and contains about 200 fashion forward employees.  Amoruso is proof that you can have power over anything if you are really passionate about it.  She has had a love for vintage clothing since she was 13-years-old, and she has only made that love blossom--and make her an awful lot of money.

To check out Amoruso's baby, visit http://www.nastygal.com/.  You will not be disappointed.

If Only...

For those of you that need a gift idea and have a little (lot) money to blow...

http://www.ifonly.com/

The Power Issue 2014: Flash; East London

For those of you unfamiliar with Vogue, every issue has a number of articles under the category of "Flash."  These are articles just like those found throughout the magazine.  The only difference is that they are significantly shorter--anywhere from one sentence to about a page and a half.  It's basically Vogue's version of news--fashions news, that is.  It's a way to keep track of new things and memorable events happening in our fashion world.

This particular Flash article is about the city of East London.  It is very brief but beautifully written.  It captures a city filled with gorgeous, well-dressed young people, fashion, vivacious outdoor markets, and impressive botany.  This article allows the reader to envision a perfect city where everyone is young, everyone is successful, and everyone is full of life.  What seems impossible apparently takes form in East London.

What is powerful about this?  The idea of a dream.  I can't emphasize enough how important dreaming is.  Take a look around.  I bet most young people you know aren't exactly living vicariously.  In our every day lives, we are typically surrounded by the opposite of glamour.  Personally, everyone in my life who is my age is working one or two minimum wage jobs to put themselves through college.  It's not exactly a desirable lifestyle...just something we know we have to do in order to one day succeed.  It's nice to be able to open the pages of Vogue and fantasize about a place where none of that is real for people our age...or at least if it is, we can have a really cool market to hang out at at the end of the day.

Articles like these are important to young people.  They give us hope for our futures...maybe one day, we'll be as glamorous as the strange people living across the Atlantic, right?  Maybe one day we'll even be able to up and travel to East London, and we'll have Vogue to thank for that suggestion.

The Power Issue 2014: It Girl

From the cast of Girls, a fresh face is making an impact not only on screen but on the red carpet.

Williams is wearing Alexander McQueen at the Golden Globes.  If for some tragic reason you are unfamiliar with this designer, please do the fashion world and yourself a favor and get acquainted with the late clothing artist and genius; it will change your life.

The Power Issue 2014: The Other Elizabeth Hawes

"Fashions is a mystery because it's something that developed with no relation to the public taste or need. [Style] is dressing to fit your own self--it lasts." -Elizabeth Hawes, American fashion designer.

A lot can be construed in a name.  A name represents a person as a whole; it is a way to describe a person and every little thing about them with one word.  You could call her a fashion legend, one of the mothers of the American fashion industry, a renowned author, and a talented designer, or you could save yourself a few breaths and just simply call her Elizabeth Hawes, envisioning every aspect of the woman in a briefer yet more meaningful way.  You could call her a talented author, a dedicated journalist, and a hardworking editor, or you could call her Elizabeth Hawes as well.

Hawes (journalist) came to New York as a 23 year old editor for The New Yorker when she was first mistaken for Hawes (designer).  Simply by the fact that these two women shared a name, Hawes (journalist) was viewed as a legend to most people that she met at parties and events in New York.  She would go from stranger to icon in two words: Elizabeth Hawes.

This article, written by Hawes (journalist) herself, pays homage to the works of one of the original American fashion designers in a quirky and interesting manner that centers around a name.  It is important that the fashion world of today remembers where we came from.  American fashion advocates must be aware of the lengths that women like Hawes (designer) went through to make fashion attainable and remarkable.  In Hawes' (designer) prime, fashion and couture was something that was reserved for the elite living in Europe; not just anyone could be passionate about it.  Hawes used her power and resilience to help gain the United States some credit in the fashion world and make a name for us in comparison to French or British couture.  In my opinion, this is a woman with all the power in the world.

If fashion isn't appreciated, then these women dedicated their lives to it for absolutely nothing.  We need to keep on the legacy of these brave and tenacious women who came before us, and that is the exact reason I started this blog.

The Power Issue 2014: Star Power

It's time for dinner--whether you're eating it, reading about it, or doing both simultaneously.

This issue's food article, written by Oliver Strand, covers the Michelin three-star French restaurant of Anne-Sophie Pic, located in Valence, France.  This restaurant is named Maison Pic, a family legacy.  Strand depicts Pic as quiet and graceful in her mannerisms and chef skills, which is how she is viewed in the two photos of her provided in the article.

When Strand arrived at Maison Pic to interview Anne-Sophie, he found the kitchen unlike most we know of in the world--quiet.  When Pic took over the restaurant for her father, one thing she wanted to change was the environment.  She believed that yelling and being aggressive in the kitchen was distracting the cooks and resulting in less than adequate dishes.  She began promoting only the quieter employees, and eventually the yelling dissipated.  Today, you can walk into her kitchen and find yourself in a practically mute environment where employees focus solely on their work and communicate only through looks and motions.  As a result of this discipline and control, Pic is known as the only woman in her country to have earned her restaurant three Michelin stars, and one of the five women in the world to hold this rating.

Being a person with little to no interest in culinary arts, I was not aware before reading this article that so few women excel in this field. I find it ironic that although there are a countless number of jokes involving women, kitchens, and sandwiches, women are discriminated against in the professional culinary world.  Strand quotes Ruth Reichl, former editor of Gourmet, revealing that "there's still a bias against women in the kitchen.  Kitchens are remarkably macho places."  This statement completely caught me off guard; I had no idea that this was a big issue in the culinary field.

I think this article speaks for itself when it comes to how it represents power.  It is centered around the most powerful French woman in the art of cooking, and one of the five most powerful female chefs in the entire world.  Although there are apparently many biases against a woman's ability to prepare a proper meal, Pic has achieved respect.

Something else this article brings to light is that to many people, food is actually considered an art.  Many readers of Vogue simply see food as something to eat when they are hungry.  To people like Anne-Sophie Pic, food is so much more.  It is a way for Pic to make a name for herself.  Pic works hard to uniquely put together a course of meal that reflects her beliefs, her hard work, and herself.  This is something most people don't think of when eating, but it is how Pic and her colleagues view food.  They see it as a deeper, symbolic form of art and that is fascinating to me.  This article proves to the world that power can be found absolutely anywhere; you just have to find it in something you are the most passionate about, and I don't think Strand could have picked a better chef to write about.  From the legacy of her family to her unique management styles in the kitchen, Pic exudes power and passion; she has found her own way to make a great impact on our world.

Things I Might Have Done Differently:

• Perhaps it would have been beneficial to describe her actual meal courses with a little more depth; after all, it is what the article is mainly about.  The background story of Pic and of women in the kitchen is romantic and fascinating, but I feel as though the reader would be able to be seduced by the story even more so if he had more of an idea of Pic's menu.  Most people reading American Vogue aren't familiar enough with French food to understand the art of it very well.

The Power Issue 2014: Shock To The System (The War At Home)

The Politics article of this issue is on the topic of rape within the military, covered by Mimi Swartz.  Swartz interviews two female victims of sexual harassment/rape, a Navy Seal Sexual Assault Prevention officer, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a political figure who is set on preventing sexual assault in the military environment.  In the US Military, there were approximately 26,000 reports of men and women being subjected to "'unwanted sexual contact' from fellow service members" in the year of 2012.  Out of this 26,000, 3,374 were actually reported.  Out of that, 238 resulted in some sort of conviction, and out of those, only 176 served time.  176.

An article like this is what makes Vogue so great.  To the eye of an outsider, Vogue appears to be a frivolous fashion magazine for women to look at pretty pictures of other women wearing pretty clothing.  On the inside, Vogue is an influential magazine that covers real world issues and topics that affect everyone, not just the fashion world.

Yes, this article is primarily about the sexual assault that 1 in 5 women have to face when they join the military, but women are not the only people traumatized by experiences like this; men in the military are subjected to sexual assault and rape as well.  In their case, justification is even less likely.  Male victims are convinced that it is their own fault that they got raped; they are in the United States military, which means they should have been able to defend themselves.

Two very different instances of power are a theme in this article: the power that has been metaphorically stripped from the men and women that were victims of rape, and the hope for power in future situations of sexual assault. Rape in the military has a tradition of being ignored, but men and women all over the nation are doing what they can to fight back.  Whether it is people who experienced the violation themselves, relatives of these victims, or third party objectives who just believe in the cause itself, voices are popping up more and more throughout the nation.  This article is so powerful because it is an issue that affects each and every one of us in some way; it is an issue taking place in our own back yards.

Things I Might Have Done Differently:

• Get more information on Senator Gillibrand's plan for prevention.  It is possible that this information could not have been received for personal reasons of Gillibrand, but if it was available it should have been included in the article to let the reader concretely see a plan in motion about the issue.
• Again, this may not have been possible to get, but some statements from the predators would have been more controversial.  Being able to read what they have to say to defend themselves, or just their take on the issue in general, would have been enthralling.

The Power Issue 2014: The Lost Girls (Up Front)

This Up Front article was written by author Susan Minot, focusing on the sexual abuse and murder of young women who were victims of Joseph Kony and his followers of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA).  Not only does Minot use the article to bring attention to the novel she has recently finished regarding the topic, but to bring attention to these events in general that we know so little about.

As many of you already know, Joseph Kony is a radical leader of a self proclaimed "army" infamously known for kidnapping young women and subjecting them to sexual slavery and/or death: the Lord's Resistance Army.  Kony is now in hiding and has kept a consistently low activity rate, but his crimes were climactic in the late '90's and early 2000's.  A particularly well-known event took place in 1996 in Uganda, Africa at an Italian-Catholic boarding school for young women.  Kony and his men broke in and kidnapped 139 girls between ages 8 and 18.  Sister Rachele Fassera, a nun at the institution, went after Kony and pleaded with him to leave the girls and take her instead.  He declined her offer but agreed to leave behind 109 girls and take only 30.

When this story was made known to the public, Minot was mesmerized by it.  She decided that she needed to write about what had taken place.  If these girls couldn't speak for themselves, she would act as their voice through her writings.  After traveling to Uganda, speaking to teachers from the school including Fassera herself and to 3 of the 30 girls that were kidnapped, she has composed an entire novel titled Thirty Girls based on this event.

What makes this story so powerful (after all, there is a certain theme that must be maintained) is Minot's passion.  Whether she is aware of it or not, it is directly reflected in her writing.  She is correct in her assumption that these young women will probably never be able to have their own voice on the situation. The pain they went through remains, for the most part, undiscovered and ignored.  Minot volunteering to bring their story to the attention of the rest of the world is the most powerful thing anyone has done for it.

For as long as we can remember, it hasn't been easy for women to succeed and influence the world.  In order to do this, we must stick together and look out for one another.  I'm sure the young women Minot wrote about see her as their savior.  She set them free through her novel, and that is a supreme example of women sticking together.  Minot and these women are from two very different cultures with two very different views on life; the one thing they have in common is the desire to make a difference in our world.

If you want to learn more about Susan Minot's novel, Thirty Girls: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/16/books/review/thirty-girls-by-susan-minot.html?_r=0

Rihanna On The Runway

Alexander Wang:

Tom Ford:

 

Balmain: 

 

Pucci: 

 

The Power Issue 2014: Letter From The Editor

For those of my readers who are fairly new to fashion, make a note for yourself to become familiar with the fashion legacy that is Anna Wintour.  In 1983 she made her way to Vogue as the magazine's first ever creative director. This July, she will be celebrating her 26th year as editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine.  Following the legacies of the great fashion influences and previous editors-in-chief of the magazine such as Condé Montrose Nast and Diana Vreeland, Wintour came into this position with some very large designer shoes to fill.  As a result, she "decisively [informed] and [influenced] our world," which is exactly what she claims the people featured in this issue have done in her letter to the reader (Wintour).  

As always, Wintour's letter delivered with strength. It is informative, yet it doesn't give away too much about the issue. It is serious, yet has an appropriate amount and style of comic relief.  It contains an ode to the past, yet it also has a certain sense of pride for the present and hope for the future in the fashion world. Lastly, the vocabulary blends gracefully, freshly, and uniquely, as if the words were being chosen and used for the very first time: a feat that can only be accomplished by Wintour herself.

The goal of the letter from the editor is to prove to the reader that everything in the issue properly relates to the grand theme, which in this case is power. She starts off the letter by praising the influence Rihanna has over fashion designers this spring*, her fans every day, and the fashion world every time she puts an outfit together. However, Wintour is actually referencing many instances of influence in one: primarily, the influence of Rihanna; the influence of one of the most important men in fashion, Marc Jacobs; and the influence of the first issue of Vogue edited by Wintour, also known as the famous November 1988 feature of Christian LaCroix Haute Couture jacket daringly paired with a pair of distressed, acid-washed Guess jeans modeled by Michaela Bercu (an inspiration to Jacobs in this 2014 Power Issue).  

The letter goes on to briefly explain what Rihanna and designer Dries Van Noten have in common with Grace Mahary and Cindy Bruna: power, influence, and most importantly, style. Wintour beautifully strings these very different people together by giving the reader tidbits of information about what makes them so special, simultaneously exciting us to read more. Finally, Wintour explains that this issue also covers the issue of diversity in the fashion world by reporting on the "broad sweep of young women from a variety of backgrounds" that was seen on runways all over the world this spring--diversity perhaps being the most influential topic in all of history (Wintour).  


*Rihanna's style and attitude was found on runways all over the globe this spring: at Alexander Wang in New York, Tom Ford in London, Pucci in Milan, and Balmain in Paris.  See my next post for pictures of fashion's Bajan muse.

Power Issue (Spring Fashion, 2014): Cover Page

The impression I got from the cover of Vogue's annual spring Power Issue (before having opened the magazine or read a single page) was just that; power.  Sometimes, a magazine doesn't have to do anything ostentatious or risky to get the point across; blunt minimalism, when done correctly, is risky enough by itself.

For avid Vogue readers, it is already well-known that every March, Vogue puts out an issue that is 2-3 times larger than the average month/ This is traditionally titled "The Power Issue". Not only does this issue exist to to celebrate all of the powerful influences in and around the fashion world, but to help smoothly transition us from winter season to spring. This issue is meant to inform us about influences happening all over the world and to influence us itself with the fashion and culture of the turn of the season.

The cover is quite plain; the background is a deep charcoal grey, and Rihanna, a 3 time Vogue cover model, is dressed in black and denim. However, it captures the exact essence that the pop icon is so well-known for. Rihanna is one of the boldest, most fearless women in the music and fashion industry. She is every girl's dream: the perfect combination of bad girl and classy sophistication. A women this influential doesn't require anything extra to highlight the impact she has on men and women all over the globe, and editor-in-chief Anna Wintour clearly realized this when choosing Rihanna to represent the 2014 Power Issue.

In the style of basic yet bold, the cover page is written in solely bright red, white, and black letters. Names of power icons Sarah Jessica Parker, Karl Lagerfeld, Seth Meyers, and Lorde are written in white and the descriptions of their legacies in black. Red is used to craftily spell out the boldest words on the cover: Rihanna, Go Bold!, and, of course, VOGUE. This cover sets the tone for a magazine that is undoubtedly immersed in inspiration.