Once again, it's a series called Fashion/Beauty Friend Friday. Blogger, Katy Rose asks us FBFF members fabulous questions. Care to participate?
Katy,
"With all the talk about New York's Fashion Week I thought it only fitting to do a Friend Friday on the topic. While every other blog out there will be talking about the trends and the shows we can take a break and talk about the bigger picture, etc... I'm already finding all the coverage fun but a little overwhelming. What about you??"
(That was a little pre-question, but I'll answer it.)
I'm an old veteran of fashion week, but only from afar. After one week I'm always super wiped from it all, but as I read this on Wednesday, hardly even the stress had begun for me. ;-) I'm still getting the hang of covering everything in a way I love and am comfortable with. Hopefully before it's polished to perfection, I won't be "afar" anymore, and there will be madness to figure out. But fun, good madness. Wish me luck in affording to visit. (Before the recession, I don't think there were as many public or blogger events, and I didn't then know we could apply to attend shows.)
Q1. Do you pay attention to the shows during fashion week? Which designers collections are you looking forward to seeing?
A1. Always for New York, I seem to run out of steam at the end of NYC's week, though. I always look forward to Marc Jacobs for some reason, and there are so many others, it's hard to keep track. A lot of those in the states' shows are smaller designers I don't know well, but I try to peruse every single show, at least in the beginning.
Q2. Where are you getting your Fashion Week news from?
A2. Usually Style.com with some tips from MBFashionWeek.com. If I have time, I get over to DailyFrontRow.com, too. I don't have much time for a lot!!
Q3. Over the years the runway has become more than just models displaying the creations of a designer. They are now spectacles. Do you think that adds or detracts from the fashion?
A3. For me personally, it detracts, but to each his or her own. I'm not into spectacle of certain kinds, like on the catwalk or on Lady GaGa, I guess I'm more into the pure form of the actual art. Am I a dork? (Well, yes, I know I am.)
Q4. Twice a year, as models begin to strut the catwalk we see articles about model size and body image. Do you think the super thin models are offering an unattainable goal to the public or are we immune to their looks?
A4. There really is a marketing benefit from these catwalking women who are size 2s with AA cups, but not skeletal 00s, who are, don't forget, also giants. "Models" are supposed to be like human mannequins, or actually it's much more like human clotheshangers, and not detract from the clothes, but there are major problems with it, too, of course. One is that they're called "models". That makes them sound like role models for beauty, which they really shouldn't be, nor should ever have been. Many models are not even attractive in the slightest, and that's fine - but they still get this cred and reputation. Then young women are confused, saddened and jealous, and women of all ages feel fat and dwarfish, which even leads many to wear painful shoes any day, anywhere. Hardly any person is immune, as well!
"Model thin" is not the example of a good body; it shouldn't be an example of anything; they should just disappear behind the cloth, but society really screwed that up.
We seriously need a campaign to change the name of models, at least in a section of the blogging world. Say it with me, "human clotheshangers!"
Q5. If you could sit front row at any show what would you want to see? And which celebrity would you want to be sitting next to?
A5. Oh gosh, again I think I always turn to Marc Jacobs, and even though I love him, I'm not sure why. Right now I hardly have time to think about it, but this year I know I lost a contest to attend his show, additionally with all accomodations paid, so that puts him on my mind. But each year before, I thought of his shows, in particular. I do think it's simply because he was my oldest (and longest) favorite of the big leagues, and not just for bags (my original high-end love), for clothes.
As for which celebrity, well I'm not into celebs, so I think I might go with Anna Wintour, although I'd be super nervous about how my ensemble measures up. As far as fashion goes, she is the ultimate.
There's a lot more Fashion Week on our home page, and more body image talk in the weight category. Also see our Campaign for Healthy Body Image(s).
Here are some more things I love, including my biggest favorites, from the beginnings of New York Fashion Week. More to come, of course.
While I may not like garments that appear to mix swimwear with evening attire (read: very short dresses, if that's what they are, that are more like ruffled leotards), I can appreciate what this artist attempted.
