OPINION PIECE: 'Water& Oil' - Vogue Italia

'WATER & OIL' - Vogue Italia

Photographed by

Steven Miesel

We're all about the controversy in this blog, taking a look at the collaboration between renowed fashion magazine Vogue 'Italia' and famed controversial American photographer Steven Meisiel. Together they brought us a 24-paged fashion shoot unlike any other that was considered genius by some, and tasteless by others. Having just seen the images of an all black-clad Kristen McMenamy on a dark oil-slicked beach caught in nets, spitting up oil, and flopping like a dying seal on rocks - replicating the scenes from the Gulf of Mexico where BP’s oil spill has caused months of damage to surrounding wildlife. The shoot which was shot in Los Angeles (who would have guessed), caused quit a fuss. Many readers at the time were left wondering whether Vogue Italia's aim was a call to action for people to become aware of what is taking place in the world or merely hoping to get attention by being provocative?

“The message is to be careful about nature,’ said Franca Sozzani, Vogue Italia’s Editor-in-Chief, explains to the Metro of the shoot, called Water and Oil. “Just to take care more about nature. I understand that it could be shocking to see and to look in this way these images.”

Initially the images were shocking and grotesque, it was hard to even continue looking at them at certain points, but one can't deny the evident artistry that went into the construction of this overwhelminingly dark fashion spread. Water and Oil was powerful, because it became a hybrid - it was utterly fascinating, provocative, sinister and beautiful all at the sametime. The sheer irony of this spread is what we believe caused an uproar amongst many people, because one cannot easily place the shoots position (fashion? or Oil Spill?). Whether the imagery was tasteless and lacked tact doesn't remove the fact that it had a role it played in raising awareness on the Oil Spill. Had it not been for Vogue Italia playing it's social role, there would still be many baffled fashionistas unaware of what's taking place in thier own world. As some might say, 'any publicity is good publicity' - good or bad. At the end of the day designers sold clothes, Vogue Italia sold issues, and the issue of ecological disaster was brought to the fore-front.

Though still hanging on the edge it's hard to find a standing point on the matter that is the 'Water & Oil' shoot. There’s no denying that these images from Vogue Italia are striking and thought-provoking, however the pain is still being felt by those in the area, one needs to think of these people at all times.It's simply not about doing shoots you want to do without giving thought to those that 'lived' the experience, interpretation is very far from reality at times and sensitivity is alway the order of the day.

SHOW REVIEW

Calvin Klein S/S RTW Collection 2011

New York - September 16 2010

Architectural minimalism was again the order of the day for the Calvin Klein Spring/ Summer 2011 RTW collection held in New York City. Renowned structural designer Francisco Costa lived up to his ethos for 'less is more', creating a collection that was confident, focused and refined. The palette consisted of stunning shades of chalk, pearl, ivory, white, balsam and shades of coral.

Costa sent down the runway a series of immpeccbly tailored looks ranging from white silk tunics, suits, loos-ish silk shift aand jersey dresses. Not shying away from the sensuality that lies behind a women, Costa threw in some distinct feminine accents into his design aesthetic, ranging from plunging V-Necks, pleats and scoop necks, paired with  strappy wedge inspired high-heels - proving that minimalism can be sexy. Costas' frocks were devoid of any embellishments, yet sensual in their simplicity. The overall collection breathes air into a women's wardrobe, creating a collection that is refreshing.

Jozi Street Kred....

This is when things got a little exciting and we hit the streets of Jozi scouting for those "hot looks", and it seems that accessories are definately the order of the day for this summer season of '2010'. Ranging from animal clad sling bags with intersting animal detailing, brooches, nerdy glasses, hair bands with bows and embellishments, leather wrist bands, and the men are not shying away from rocking those pimp rings.

     

Babydoll in Ghandi Square, 04/11/2010 -0955h

            

   Check out the flower ring, the Lil Bo-Peep Bow on her head, the heart shaped pendent and those killer skats (plimsoll)

Arty Street at The University of Johannesburg, 04/11/2010 -1330h

            

  Digging the classic black and white Chuck Taylors, the strip waist coat, the cheeky little tee underneath the check shirt, but most of all we are loving the accessories from the silver 'pimp' ring to the edgy leather starp wristband. This is when fusing different concepts comes together well.

Bohemnian at The University of Johannesburg, 04/11/2010 -1300h

The entire styling of the look rocks, it's sexy in a non-provocative way, and the oversized white shirt is sophisticated and demure. The leather sling bag was the final touch which really made a statement, that brought the look together.

Vintage Today at The University of Johannesburg, 04/11/2010 -1551h

The look is a modern take on classic fashion from the little high waist skirt, to the very feminine bow hairband which is a fashion must have this summer. She introduces a little 'VaVa Voom', with her cheeky pair of floral printed lace stockings. The leather bag adds maturity to the overall look.

Preppy Nerd/ Hip-Hop Pantsula in Braamfontein, 03/11/2010 -1830h

THIS IS 'Th(E)-Klectic' LOOK OF THE WEEK: The entire look is eclectic much like us. The colour palette is a nice shade of soft pastels, reminding us of the Rococo period. It shouts feminity, yet has a seductive masculine accent. We love the subtle fusion of the Hip-hop look with those amazing sky blue Nike high-top sneakers, and the nerdy glasses are the icing on this pastel clad cake. lol

Inspirational Fashion Photographer

(E)-Klectic loves this image by Nick Knight for Jil Sanders for it's mystery, feminity and sheer artistry. The image is striking and beautifully composed, we love the cropping out of the head, arms and feet, and the annonymity of our protagonist. It has a haunting mystery that is enchanting - evoking the senses as well as the imagination. There's an attractiveness that lies behind the image that tells the story of young and blossoming stardom.

Th(E)-Klectic

Randy is crazy, cool, and stressed out like a fool. “Always covering it up with a smile. Always feeling like half a person with half a soul, but sometimes when I dream hard enough I can bring the two together. Always trying to stay positive and brave, like a warrior fighting against all negative elements. You will never know how serious I am, because I’m a master of disguise.”

Mira is 'fashion'. “It’s my life. I’m a feminine flower child at heart, but a classic edgy dresser on the streets. I love every breed of fashion. For me, fashion is like an infinite closet that I delve into everyday, wanting to gain and learn as much as I can fathom. From the closet of fashion, to the streets of fashion stores to the runways at fashion week, I crave it all.”

Danayi is flirty, cunning and most of all, the ultimate brand whore,”… and I love it. With my secret 'S' branded on my chest I become the unexpected. Like a swift Eagle from above I swoop down on the world of fashion, constantly shopping the streets for the next hot look. A trend follower at first sight, yet the mind of an innovator lies behind these eyes. The look of an underdog yet the heart of a ‘Legend’.”

Together we bring to you ‘Th(E)-Klectic’ circuit ranging from chic, feminine and alluring looks, with a splash of crazy, sexy, cool. When it comes down to the fashion scene we're the ultimate femme fatal. Providing spunk to femininity with a dash of witty upbeat humor.