Friday, February 21, 2014

Why Both Lady Gaga and I Need Fashion

FASHION Magazine February, 2014
I am in the midst of assembling an application package to FASHION Magazine for one of their summer internships and as part of the application I must critique their latest issue (February, 2014).

This I can do no problem. Just like most of the fashionably-inclined, criticizing has become second-nature for me. In fact, the moment I picked up this month's issue I thought to myself that it was a contender for the most understated magazine cover ever published of Gaga (albeit the prettiest and most relatable). I was also surprised a shot of her in one of her innovative eyewear pieces made the cover. Surely even those were too radical for the contrastingly demure FASHION Magazine brand. Well, it turns out they were. Bernadette Morra discloses in her Editor's Letter that she reluctantly let Gaga hand-pick the shot with "wacky glasses" after foreseeing an uphill battle with the pop singer (fun fact: most artists are insufferably dedicated to maintaining the integrity of their visions, myself included).

Now, as much as I like to pat myself on the back for having these sorts of hunches, I recognize that it comes with a price. The more trained the eye becomes to a particular pattern of execution, the less accepting and open-minded it remains to anything that deviates. In other words, I can't tolerate let alone appreciate most civilian fashion. Do you see what I did there? I just shunned almost everything the general public wears. And this is the curse of loving fashion: it's an industry seemingly built on elitism and no one escapes life completely unscathed by its unapologetic standards.

FASHION Magazine August, 2011: Lady Gaga's last cover with the magazine
And just as I begin lamenting about the impossibility of it all, I read Gaga's interview and am reminded of why I love fashion to begin with. "It was always the thing that made me feel like I could be anything, no matter what anyone said about me....fashion gave me a sense of who I am." says Gaga in response to an inquiry on her draw to fashion.

I too have embraced the self-fulling prophecies of my own dress. I grew up painfully shy and insecure, but I learned to dress with confidence and then eventually it came. For most of my life my clothing has been my armour. It has allowed me to project the woman I wanted to become when I could not project it myself, just like Gaga, which is exactly why she fought for those crazy weird glasses on the cover. They're not just for the world to see; she needs to see them too.


Photo Credits: www.fashionmagazine.com


Sunday, July 28, 2013











Vogue Paris February 2013: I  NYPhotographer: Terry Richardson
Models: Natasha Poly & Tony Ward
Stylist: Géraldine Saglio
Hair: James Pecis
Make-Up: Aaron De Mey

Terry Richardson I look forward to working with you one day (even if you are peverse).

Friday, February 8, 2013

Youtube Channel Shenanigans


Tracey Quo (Left) Vonda (Right)



Me and my wonderful friend Vonda are beginning a YouTube Channel called The Style Tips Channel and I will be blogging all about the experience here: http://thestyletipschannel.blogspot.ca.

The premise of the YouTube Channel is basically giving young women some helpful inspiration to get more excited about fashion because sometimes we can all forget just how ridiculously fun clothes can truly be.

We have completed three videos but have not finished editing them. I really hope that this project is a rewarding and fulfilling one. I must admit it is strange and a bit mortifying watching myself on camera as I haven't really seen myself filmed before, except maybe in old family home videos.

I will be sharing the first YouTube link on here as soon as it is up! I hope you all enjoy :)

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Studio Shooting







Color Popping Hipster Shoot 02/02/2013
ACAD Studio
Photographer: Emma Kopstein
Hair & MUA: Maynell Maan
Model: Chris G IModel Management










Monochromatic Shoot 19/01/2013
ACAD Studio
Photographer: Emma Kopstein
Hair & MUA: Maynell Maan
Model: Chris G IModel Management

Been doing some studio shooting lately. It's quick & easy, but ultimately creatives are what gets my blood pumping. I'm planning a couple upcoming shoots in Edmonton that should help quell my editorial cravings. Calgary's winter weather just ain't conducive to fashion story tellin' yo!

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Brand Evolution: Aritzia









Aritzia Magazine Issue #2
    Model: Actress Tamzin Merchant
 Photographer: Valerie Phillips
Stylist: Jeanie Annan-Lewin


Dear Aritzia,

I noticed you've been aggressively expanding across North America, including a new massive flag ship store in Manhattan. I also noticed you finally launched an online store, and have even begun publishing your own online magazine. So do tell, when the effffffffffffff are you going to become a public company so I can make a little cash from following your growth so religiously? If there's one thing I could potentially invest in without annoying market speculation overwhelming my own natural confidence and insight it's fashion labels/companies, and in particular Y-O-U. So please just have an IPO already? kthxbye.

Sincerely,

Impatiently Waiting Your Next Move

new year, new love












This editorial is so lovely. Fall/Winter editorials full of classic, interestingly structured clothing are a favorite of mine. The tears are a nice touch too. Note to self: make next model cry