Model Muggle: Emma Covers US Vogue

Vogue July 2011 cover
(photo via popoholic.com)

Emma Watson, in Vogue Italia 2008
(photo via vogueitalia.com)

Emma Watson puts us all under her spell again on the cover of Vogue's July issue. This is the first time she makes the coveted magazine's cover, but not her first time to cover a Vogue magazine, having donned both Vogue Italia and Vogue UK and doing two great editorials in each of them. This month's editorial shows a decidedly grown-up version of Emma, wearing key pieces from the Fall collections. I'm sure this is just the first of many major covers we'll see her on, as she closes out her run in the Harry Potter film series this summer and begins her new journeys in her young adult life. Enjoy!




-fggofstyle

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Eastern Trading Company: The Influence of Asian Designers

 What makes the fashion industry is its melting pot of cultures and nations, coming together to create these wonderful things we call clothing for our economic and sartorial consumption. It is a reflection of our own culture, I believe. We are a nation of diversity and a culmination of multi-cultures and generations. We as people influence each other constantly. So, it is no wonder that Asian designers are, in my opinion, the current driving force of influence in fashion today. This influence has been on a continual flux throughout the years but has reached a new apex in the past few. Don't mistake me, there have always been Asian designers in America, it is just that they now command a strong and much deserved presence on the International scene.

Coming of age in the 90s, I was treated to the fashion exuberance of Anna Sui, who for me broke the mold when it came to being ethnic and being successful in the fashion business. I was inspired by her efforts and loved her cool urbane "goth girl" chic, both in her personal style and in the great clothes she presented on the runway. Still working successfully today, Anna Sui continues to grow and push the envelope, and paved the way for the new kids on the block. Also like Anna, Vivienne Tam also set the stage. I remember going to the Vivienne Tam store in SoHo in 1995 and loving the shop and its expressive pops of color and  "Tam Dynasty" chic. She continues to influence others today as well. Her use of color and texture is indicative of this, and is one of the few major designers who is not afraid to use these tools to shape and evolve her collections, making them the hallmark of her design aesthetic. The Queen of the Wedding Dress, Vera Wang, solidified her influential place in the industry by working up through the ranks, starting in editorial work and then creating her own design business, focusing on gowns. Her designs became the epitome of specialty dressing, and you couldn't throw a stone at any wedding without hitting a Vera Wang dress. Today, she continues to dominate and influence the industry.

The NKOTB ("New Kids on the Block")--Alexander Wang, Phillip Lim, Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung, and Thakoon--have been setting the fashion stage on fire with each successive season they present. It is this new garde that are sending waves of influence rippling through the industry.
Thakoon, for example, was featured in "The September Issue", and we can see evidently here that he is a new industry darling and being shaped as such by the major players of it (namely Anna Wintour). His use of simple and definitive shapes means he knows instinctively how to create design that is new and defining, yet classic.
Not needing so much of a helping hand is Alexander Wang, who's signature New Urban look (skinny pant, slouchy top, fitted leather jacket) has become fashion standard and is worn by EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE. His new Spring/Summer 2011 Collection is so far my favorite of all shown during Fashion Week. It is fresh and minimal and is forward-thinking. He wanted to change the uniform he created and move it into a new arena, and I think he hit his mark perfectly. Aside from that, what Wang does in his design aesthetic is create futuristic yet classic shapes that really know how to blend with the body, rooted in American sportswear. His aesthetic is European, American, Asian: its Global.
Jason Wu has the distinguish of being a favorite of First Lady Michelle Obama. Having scored such an important (and prominent) client, he has solidified himself to the annals of American history, and contiunes to put Asian designers on the forefront. Mrs. Obama has worn Jason Wu time and again, and I'm sure its because he designs with an American woman in mind. Using color and fantastic draping, Wu creates designs that celebrate the woman.
New darling Prabal Gurung has come up in the ranks at an exponential pace. Also a favorite of Mrs. Obama, Gurung injects new uses of fabric and cut in his design aesthetic. Not afraid to experiment, Gurung does it with classicism and panache that lends his clothing to always be wearable and of-the moment.
Phillip Lim also is leaving an indelible mark on the fashion industry. His design aesthetic is fresh and clean and yet still directional, and very wearable. His Los Angeles store is a feast for the eyes and the sartorial haven as expected. His FNO  party last week was THE event to attend in Los Angeles, peppered with celebrities and Los Angeles style makers alike.

This influence can also be seen and felt by other Asian style makers in the business. ELLE Magazine's Creative Director, Joe Zee, has made that magazine into a true fashion source rival for Vogue, by injecting the magazine which much needed style and a fresh take on its design and presentation. Some of the best editorials in the past few years has come from ELLE. Not surprising since Mr. Zee brings a fashion stylist's detailed eye into the mix. And for me, ELLE has become the new Harper's Bazaar, or at least on par with the re-inventive Liz Tilberis years of that magazine. Two of my favorite fashion bloggers, Susie Bubble, and Jak & Jil's Tommy Ton, are also making their mark on the Asian influence game. Known for their individual style and irreverent viewpoint of fashion, these two bloggers sending ripples across the blogosphere with their mere mention of like (or dislike) of the sartorial persuasion, and their supremely self-indulgent fashion obsessions.

Influence is exactly what it is, influence. It is is the gasoline that fuels the creative machine. It drives us, as a people, and as creative beings forward. Influence not merely suggests but states itself into our thinking and shapes us to venture into new territory. Without it, I'm not sure if we would move forward.
I'm happy that influence has taken on an Asian shape. The new commercial market of mega-populated China is opening up this influence to a new generation as well. I'm sure this is only the beginning. And I can't wait for more.
-fggofstyle

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My Top 5 Fashion Films of 2009

As its major form of social entertainment and as its product of manufacture, movies are to Los Angeles what theater is to London or New York. Movies here dictate the currency of our pop culture and of the world right outside of our doors. I view a lot of films, it is no question. Going to see the latest film is very de rigueur here, and really is the most prominent topic of conversation all over town. There has been so many films released this past year that one can easily forget about many of them (so many are unforgettable anyway), or miss them entirely. A movie about fashion or a movie that has fashion at its center point, I am sure to make the effort to see, and hope that it will be memorable. Here are my choice picks of the top five fashion films of 2009, in no particular order:

The September Issue

To be privileged to get not just a sneak but a full tilt boogie peek into the hallowed halls of Vogue Magazine and to see Anna Wintour at work, was such a treat. The undeniable star of this film was and will always be Grace Coddington. Her keen and sharp eye and attention is unsurpassed, and I am so glad to have been able to witness it and to cheer her on!

Valentino: The Last Emperor

Valentino is truly the last of the famous international designers. What a great treat to see how this genius rules (and creates) his kingdom. The best part of it all: the endearing love and partnership between Valentino and Giancarlo Giametti. It is the most touching part of the whole film.

Nine

Another hit musical for our time, this time about Italian style, Italian life, Italian fashion! There’s even a costume designer (Dame Judy Dench) who easily whips up costume confections right in front of us (sequins, feathers, and mesh oh my!) a Vogue journalist (Kate Hudson, in mirrored glass mini skirt!) and all the rest of the gorgeous female stars in their distinct looks/costumes. We get to be treated to the fabulous Colleen Atwood’s fine costume work here and it does not disappoint!!

A Single Man

In Tom Ford’s world, everyone is gorgeous and everyone has style in everything on and around them. This film just dripped with true classic style, everywhere. From George’s fantastically dreamy Santa Monica home, to his sleek Mercedes Benz, to his sharp, tailored clothing he leads the pack when it came to men’s style in the movies (or out in the real world).  Everything was visually lush and it drew you in with wishes that the world was simple and stylish and classic like it was back in 1963.

(500) Days of Summer

Aside from all of the charm that this non-traditional romantic comedy gives us, it reflected back to us how we really dressed in our everyday lives. Zoë Deschanel’s “Summer” couldn’t have been styled more real: I see women dressing with the same indie flair every day in my favorite LA neighborhoods of Los Feliz and Silverlake, and young professional hipster guys wearing classic and modern clothing like Joseph Gordon-Leavitt’s “Tom”. The style was simple and realistic, and it reflected that face back to the audience who, in their indie-hipster garb, could easily see themselves in the characters. And as each of the characters grew, so did their clothing, also reflected in a real-time and concise way. And when “Tom” puts on his grown up suit, I swear the four times I saw this film I spotted guys in the audience mentally check how neat, presentable, and fashionable he looked, and took notice.

It is a New Year, and a new slate of films are yet to come out. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes up on the silver screen and hope to see some great fashion notes reflected back at me.

So far, “Sherlock Holmes” doesn’t miss a beat with its presentation on Victorian England style with a very subtle modern flair (Adler in pants and waistcoat!) and of course, “SATC 2” in the Spring, a bona fide fashion film if there is to be at least one for the year!

-feelgoodguru