See Like Me

Alex Dunstan

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:28:00 -0700

Alex Dunstan, another one of Hedi’s collection, was compared to Olivier Theyskens. Some people are brutal at making comparisons. I once was compared to Lyle Lovett. That being beside the point, however. His quick rise to fame has included being the face of Topman, being shot by some of the best photographers including Hedi Slimane, Mariano Vivanco, Leon Mark, Jolijn Snijders, Thomas Lohr and has appeared in GQ Italia, Metal, Wonderland, and Dazed & Confused.

Lily Donaldson Retrospective

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:51:50 -0700

Really I just wanted to post a video of Lily Donaldson whipping her hair back and forth, but I thought that would be a cop-out, like many of my recent posts. Thus, I decided to take a retrospective look at Lily Donaldson’s body of work. Her father was photographer Matthew Donaldson, but Lily didn’t think twice about modeling until she was discovered at a shopping mall in Camden. Her debut in 2004 with a Mario Testino Burberry campaign solidified her spot as a face to watch for. Not only did Lily rock the runway, she dated Carine Roitfeld’s son Vladimir.

Military Man + Thomas Lohr

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:18:09 -0700

Credit Thomas Lohr / Contributing Editor

Lou Doillon + Vanessa Bruno

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:27:52 -0700

Dröles D'Oiseaux / Ash Stymest + Josh Beech

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 11:14:44 -0700

These tattooed dudes appear in Dröles D’Oiseaux by Richard Bush. The guy you probably don’t recognize is Adrien Sahores. This is for the new issue of Numéro. Not much else to say here.

VERY SAFE FOR WORK

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:58:37 -0700

Remember the good old days circa 2006 when this was considered NSFW? Ladies in their *gasp* negligee! Quick, cover Tavi’s eyes. While I wish this were the case, times have become increasingly more unsettling with photographers, editors & designers feeling more uninspired than ever. I’m actually waiting for when somebody will just send naked girls down the runway and everyone will go crazy over the newest must-have: nothing!

WARNING: By scrolling down you admit to being over the age of three and able to use the interweb. If you are somehow a baby on the internet, I applaud you and if you can read this warning, give me a call on your iPhone. All models depicted below were probably 16 at the time of the shoot, which is now completely legal since it’s considered “art”. Read on.

What I’m talking about here is exactly what people usually argue about: nothing. Nudity in fashion is about as useless as those “help me get money to my offshore bank account and I’ll go halfsies with you” spam emails. I’m talking about blatant, in your face, there-is-nothing-left-to-hide nudity, as I feel that partial, and in some cases, full frontal nudity does in fact help to sell the product. However, that is for another post. No, Natalia Vodianova, nobody wants to see your pubic hair. We can all grow it and it’s never been sexy. While I don’t disagree with nudity, my point is that it’s not getting me excited about fashion. It’s not selling me clothes, and it’s not what I’m buying your magazine for. Yes, nudity can be artistic. I, however, cannot make the argument that these are in any way tasteful or well representative of these unbelievably gorgeous ladies’ bodies. Yes, we understand, you look good naked! Let’s all celebrate on a nude beach in Barbados! And here we get touchy… A lot of these models are about 16 years old, and start at a very young age. While there can be pressure to pose nude, the model always has a right to say no and go about her business (the business of selling clothes!). But fashion is the only industry where a 16 year old girl can be paid to be photographed nude and it be gotten away with. Nudity has it’s place, and has been hosted on this blog a few too many times. And while most of my arguments could be viewed as invalid, I dare you to take a moment to think about what is fashion, what is art, and what you think they are trying to sell with these pictures. If I didn’t provide enough proof, here’s more. I’m not bitter about this, I’m just tired. These editorials are jaded, have been done before, and are about as shocking as Justin Bieber as a twitter trending topic. Please find some inspiration, and please let it come in the form of a stitch of fabric. g

The September Issue + Grace Coddington

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:15:47 -0700

Wintour’s reign has been long, and while she may be viewed as a success by pushing fashion into the greedy claws of a rather unfashionable youth, she is hardly a success in my books. Rather, it is Grace Coddington who should be admired for her exquisite eye and romantic charm. Anna Wintour is a driving force, but her entire claim is that she brought Vogue into the limelight by putting celebrities on the cover. I know many people in the fashion world who think Vogue is one of the worst magazines, for exactly this reason. Pick up a Vogue Paris, or Vogue Italia, and then we’ll chat.

Untitled / Natasa Vojnovic + Barnaby Roper

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:28:30 -0700

This is one of the most beautiful videos I’ve ever seen. I think I’ll remember it forever.

Gemma Ward

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:23:29 -0700

At the moment, fashion has ceased to inspire me. The fashion weeks seem to drag on longer each season, and the recaps are usually the same. I honestly think people are struggling for something to be excited about. During these times, the only way to keep your chin up is to take a look back at what made our jaws drop in the past. I’m speaking of one person: Gemma Ward. I still haven’t bothered to find out why she left modeling, but it’s clear that she was either fed up, uninspired, or wasn’t feeling it. Understandable. However, she was a constantly replenishing spring when it came to inspiration. Every move she made was exalted. Her face was so unique, and she surreptitiously threw everybody who adored her under the bus when she left. People didn’t get enough Gemma to satisfy their craving. She either chose the best or worst moment to leave her career. She’s got me talking about her in 2010, which could be seen as a good thing since she retired in 2008, but it also could mean that we have unfinished business. I’ve never known whether it was a good thing to leave at the height of your career. This isn’t a debate about whether or not she should’ve quit the catwalk though, this is to be in awe of her as she has been headed to the supermodel vault to lay among the other retirees for eternity.

Symbols of Success Part Three

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:23:00 -0700

See Part One + Part Two.

Andy Warhol // Dubbed the most important artist of the second half of the 20th century, Andy Warhol pioneered too many things to list here. I think his genius could be attributed to simplicity.

“Sometimes you’re invited to a big ball and for months you think how glamourous and exciting it’s going to be. Then you fly to Europe and you go to the ball and when you think back on it a couple of months later what you remember is maybe the car ride to the ball, you can’t remember the ball at all. Sometimes the little times you don’t think are anything while they’re happening turn out to be what marks a whole period of your life. I should have been dreaming for months about the car ride to the ball and getting dressed for the car ride, and buying my ticket to Europe so I could take the car ride. Then, who knows, maybe I could have remembered the ball.”

Lady GaGa // I appreciate what Lady GaGa is doing. She is the example of living fashion and marrying it with philosophy.

“Well, that’s your opinion, isn’t it? And I’m not about to waste my time trying to change it.”

Jonathan Waiter + See Like Me No. 4

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:47:00 -0700

This project has been sleeping for some time now, but Jonathan Waiter has brought it back to life by shooting twins Aida & Ieva in his signature style. Jonathan Waiter is a photographer living and working in New York City. Together we bring you, exclusive to See Like Me, project No. 4. Browse through all projects here.

Credits: Photography / Jonathan Waiter // Models / Aida & Ieva @ Marilyn g

Bound / Herring + Herring

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:39:00 -0700

New photographer duo (well, to me at least) Herring + Herring ended up in my inbox the other day, and I was quite taken aback. Not only because they were different from most of the “designer collection” emails I usually get (please stop sending your collections, I don’t care for clothes and won’t post them), but because their sadistic approach for Bound was a refreshing look at the tribal blandness editorials that have been the craze as of late. Finally, somebody who knows how to make misogyny sexy. This editorial is for Zink. Images courtesy of Herring + Herring.

Guapo / In Bed With Bananas Models

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:33:40 -0700

Hedi Slimane Interview

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:51:00 -0700

Before moving ahead, read the interview.

Rarely do I believe that articles need a “response”, but solely based on the fact that this is Hedi Slimane’s first interview in almost three years, it seems an opportune decision. Hedi Slimane has somehow mastered the art of control by letting things happen in his wake. It seems almost ridiculous to repeat that he’s invented the skinny silhouette, the leaving design at the height of your career (Martin Margiela, Helmut Lang), a new dance style called jerking, a new found fascination with young boys in Britain, and much of the indie aesthetic. While it may be hard to believe he single-handedly created all of this, it’s pertinent that he definitely had a hand in bringing all of these styles out of obscurity. The one thing I find strange is how many people haven’t heard of this man. He’s seemingly created so much in so little time but if you found five strangers who knew his name you’d be on a roll. I’ll be surprised if everybody that reads this knows who I’m talking about even though my readership is as niche as The Drums — the band Hedi Slimane believes will start a new movement.

The most peculiar thing in this entire phenomenon is how Hedi Slimane, or whatever genius seems to be possessing him, is immaculate at selecting the next big thing, at predicting the next wave to hit our shores. And equally peculiar, is that I think he is right, with bands like The xx, who seem to live along the same strain as The Drums, growing exponentially in popularity. While I’m not qualified in music, I think Hedi is onto something. The other thing about him that I cannot escape, is how his genius is the most subtle at self-proclaiming what has come and what is to come. The future of fashion, they call it. Hedi’s genius predicts that the internet is the biggest frontier that could possibly wipe out magazines (a battle that’s already started), take out fashion shows, and jeopardize everything a university major was required for. According to Hedi, the fashion industry is headed in the same direction that the music and film industries have recently been transported to, to the demise of the industry heads who have been trying to control the pandemonium. Subtle comments like, “In general, luxury fashion houses are like royalty. They live to preserve and cherish the crown jewels and the symbols of their divine power, no matter what it takes.” The translation: luxury fashion houses better make sure every bloody stitch they sew contains an ounce of “luxury power”, royalty and structure or they could be in danger of evaporating into myth.

The basic nature behind this article is that the future is exciting, and if you haven’t learned how to embrace it then you’ll soon find yourself having little relevance to fashion whatsoever. Invent something new.

Is there anything else you would like to say about the “future of fashion” that I neglected to ask?
Oh, well, at the end of the day, the future is always the same story, minus the digital revolution and its collaterals. The future has to be bright. It is the nature of fashion to evolve, only this time it might evolve more than ever, with seat belts optional.

Ana Kras

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:01:00 -0700

Continuing with my series of film photographers who are frontrunners of the film revival, I introduce to you Ana Kras from Belgrade, Serbia. Other frontrunners of the film revival include Sophie Curtis, Hana Pesut, Kristie Muller, and Ian Markell. Check out Ana Kras’s blog and site.

“I was always fascinated when I watched old war movies where the girls get married by proxy over the phone to husbands across the sea and they’d say, ‘I hear you, my darling!’ and I always thought how great it would be if they just stayed that way, they’d be so happy. I guess they wanted the monthly check, though” // Andy Warhol

Abbey Lee Kershaw + B.E.R.L.I.N.

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:02:16 -0700

I almost tried completely ignoring this editorial. That didn’t work. Then I tried calling up Abbey Lee for a night on the town. Didn’t work either. Her agency wouldn’t give me her phone number. I mean, since when do agencies not give out private information? This is probably why I spent my Valentine’s day alone… Ronald Dick shoots her for the new issue of Pop.

Mode Models + Mitch Baker

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:46:00 -0700

While us Canadians don’t have too much of a claim to fame besides our lush wilderness and overabundance of clean air, it’s nice to see that we can also supply human beauty from time to time. Mode Models is one of those eyes on the prowl for the next set of cheekbones or puppy-worthy pout. Home to some of the best in the industry like Heather Marks, Simon Nessman, Meghan Collison, Terron Wood… Oh, and there was one more… Oh, right, Taylor Fuchs! While all of these familiar faces are important to fashion, up-and-comer Mitch Baker is a fresh face that should be put to work.

Frida Gustavsson + Vogue Deutsch

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:03:52 -0700

Gushing over Gustavsson once more as she poses in an everything-in-one editorial for Vogue Deutsch shot by Greg Kadel. Seriously, these could all be separate editorials. I think they’re trying to bring out her diversity. The next Karlie Kloss, maybe? I’m still shocked by those shoes. In the wake of McQueen’s death I only think value has been added to anything he has created. Sad, but true. Frida Gustavsson looks a bit (and use your imagination here) like Abbey Lee Kershaw, no?

Sophie Curtis

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:53:07 -0700

A collective of three amazing photographers presents itself in the form of Out Here Over There, a place where their similar styles and aesthetics come together to take some of the best I’ve seen on film. Film is coming back, just to warn everybody out there. Buy back those film cameras you sold to make way for the digital age. Nostalgia always wins. Today, we feature Sophie Curtis. Click here to see more.

Bonjour Paris

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:13:00 -0700

Cher Vous, s’il vous plaît excuser mon mauvais français.

Oui, je sais que la plupart de vous ne peut rien comprendre. Mais quand même, j’ai quelque chose d’important à vous dire. Alors, vous pouvez savoir que à ce moment je vis à Vancouver, Canada. La bonne nouvelle, ce dont peut être très important pour vous de savoir, c’est que je déménagerai à la belle ville de Paris. Ceci dit, je sais qu’il y a un peu de vous qui vit sur l’Ile de France. C’est une de les plus connues villes du monde, mais apart de la tour Eiffel et des choses comme ceci, je connais très peu de Paris. Donc, ce que je vous demande, c’est de me donner tout l’information qu’il est nécessaire. Je cherche où vivre, que faire, et qui connaître (mais aucun merde de touriste). Si personne ne veut m’aider, au moins je voulais vous laisser savoir que j’y serai en Septembre. S’il y a quelqu’un qui veut hôter un blogger de mode, ou veut rehausser mon expérience par-là, je vous remercie pour tout. Envoyez-moi un courriel.

Sincèrement, Trey

My shabby translation of my even shabbier French:
Dear You, please excuse my poor excuse for French.

I have something important to share with you. You may be aware that at the moment I’m living in Vancouver, Canada (an obvious mecca for fashion). I will be moving to the beautiful city of Paris. Having said that, I know that some of you who frequent my blog also live in Paris. It’s one of the most well known cities in the world, but besides the Eiffel tower and things like this, I don’t know a whole lot about the place. Therefore, what I’m asking you is for anything and everything you know about Paris to help me out. I’m looking for where to live, what to do, and who to know (but no tourist shit). If nobody wants to help me, at least know that I will be stationed in Paris from September on. If there is anybody living there that would like to host a fickle fashion blogger or wants to enhance my experience there, I welcome your offer. Send me an email.

Sincerely, Trey
P.S. (not included in the French section above) I really want to live with somebody cool. Like Louis Vuitton, or Hedi Slimane, or Lou Doillon. As long as their last name rhymes with something or ends with “on”. P.P.S. Since I’m Canadian and have no bank account in France, I won’t be able to rent by myself, and so if you are French and are looking for a roomy, I’m practically invisible and don’t smell.

I really want this to happen to me while I’m there.