Friday 9 May 2014

Vogue USA May 2014 Review

So we went from Kim Kardashian on the cover to someone called Emma Stone.

I am sure she is nice enough but who is she?

Forgive me but I knew she wasn't a model - not that means I didn't think she was attractive but we all know that a model looks a certain way.

But the real problem is that I have no compunction to read the several page spread to find out who she is.

Anna Wintour misses.
Again.




I always think that designers tend to put themselves in the clothes they produce.
In this instance, don't you think supermodel Dara looks like she could be Pheobe Philo's sister?


There was a lovely three page spread as a tribute to the late
L'Wren Scott.

This is a hard topic to discuss in bullet points so I shan't even try.
There are so many rumours about the tragic incident but what is certain is that she was a beautiful and accomplished woman who will be missed even by those who never knew her.

I dislike being spoonfed who I am supposed to fawn over.
I don't even eat the latest foodie fads that are meant to be good for my health so idolatry of people I don't know does nothing for me.



I like Charlotte Olympia a lot.
I, like half of urban woman everywhere fell in love with her
famous Kitty heel.
But I feel like it is just one gimmick after another and I think she needs to slow down and just design some classics that can be worn more than twice.


The theme for the Flash section was sneakers.
I don't know if you guys follow the "How I Wear My" Series run by Adrienne at Rich Life on a Budget and
Jill from Everything Just So.
Their theme this month is sneakers and they are accepting pictures of you modeling your pics of how you wear your sneakers until the 5th of May.  I love this series so would love to see you send them some pictures.


Pleats are everywhere.
(That was a period at the end which means
I have nothing more to add on the matter.)

Fashion trying to justify its exorbitant prices by simulating the equally outrageous prices that art is fetching.

There was a lovely editorial dedicated to Charles James who is renowned to be America's greatest couturier.






This was a nice enough editorial with a token supermodel and superstar photographer.


But I don't get the staging and "choreography".


Barcelona is photogenic and adds visual interest which is handy.


I won't be able to remember what the model wore tomorrow but
I will remember the flat.


Just to let you know that while I did expect to be back full throttle after my digital detox I won't be able to quickly respond to any comments as usual as I am in Korea at the moment taking care of some things.  But I will be posting a few things here and there as
I have missed you guys.  While I was on my break, I realized
 I do find blogging quite a destresser so hope you won't mind if
 I am not as prompt until I get back to London. x 

45 comments:

  1. Hello,

    It is interesting to read your 'destructuring' of Vogue magazine. Clearly you see with a professional eye and it gives a very different perspective from our own purely amateur views. We have found this a fascinating post.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I was just coming to say, come back soon puhlease and lo and behold you have - Jungian synchronicity!
    I wear my trainers every day - to the gym, don't get this current fad at all.
    Missed you too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Naomi, very happy to see you back!! I wear Superga sneakers on occasion, when I'm out with my kids and I need to be able to keep up with them. I always thought the same thing about the Celine ads, that Daria Werbowy was chosen for her resemblance to Phoebe Philo. Also agree about the "It Girl" feature every month. Actually, my pet peeve is the monthly column by Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis. Why do we need to know about her high society life and her travels around the world???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @Hattats - Hello! I don't know how many Vogue posts there are left at this rate as it will take a big issue to make me renew my subscription when it runs out! But I suppose it feeds the zeitgeist and creates universal references so I will carry on for now...

      @Tabitha - Jung all the way!! I admit to wearing trainers as I worry about plantar fasciatis ( sp?) but they do change the shape of one's feet so one must also beware of overuse.

      @Louise - I used to wear superga and i like their clean look. Lately I see a lot of neon lined sneakers. I actually thought Daria was Phoebe from a certain angle!! While I don't have a problem about high society it tends to be repetitive. It is rather like an algebraic equation where you could insert any other rich jetsetter and you would get the same article I dare say!

      Delete
  4. It's the Charles James gowns which really stand out in your review. The way the fabric drapes is spectacular. Pleased to see that there was three page tribute to L'Wren Scott in this issue too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lovely post I wasn't too happy about Kim being on the cover either. Seems like a bad mistake on their side for once. Nice they did the tribute to Ms Scott as she was deserving of that. I will be attending the press preview tomorrow for the Charles James exhibit and cannot wait to photograph those works of art. Have a lovely week!!

    http://www.nycstylelittlecannoli.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Glad to see you back...and Emma Stone is an adorable young American actress. Her public persona is quite charming and unaffected. I'm old enough to be her mother, by the way, but I bet her mother is proud of her. A long way from Kardashian land.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @miss b - I also love the mannequins and the draping. He is finally getting recognition he deserves.

      @Rosemary - You are sooo lucky and I can't wait to see the photos you will take upclose!

      @Susan - Hello! I have to say that while she may be sweet she does have a malleable look which is great for actresses but for the cover is not very distinct. If it weren't for the fact I have an ipad subscription I don't know if I would have noticed the issue in a magazine stand. I don't know how she went under my radar!?

      Delete
  7. I have not bought US Vogue in forever but might pick it up for the Charles James piece. Gorgeous. I wish they would put models on the cover again and I don't think I will ever forgive Anna for the Kimye incident. Emma Stone is a lovely actress and terrific is Easy A (a must see film) but she should have been on the cover three or four years ago. Vogue should be setting trends, not tiredly following them.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Welcome back to the blogging world Naomi, although who am I to say welcome back when I'm not even in the sphere!! Anyway I do agree with Susan above about Emma Stone, I watched her in an interview recently; she's in the latest Spiderman movie - dunno if that helps.

    Wasn't it shocking about L'Wren - makes you wonder doesn't it..........

    Haven't invested in the colourful sneakers, yet, but if I had, I would have been sure to send some piccies.

    Hope all is well on your travels babes xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @jen - The Charles James piece was well done and written and am glad they gave him some recognition. Unfortunately that KK cover was the best selling issue apparently thus far. So I think money will override public opinion so these sorts of covers might continue in the future! But I agree Vogue should set trends too and am quite sad Anna has lost her verve.

      @Colleen - I do hope you come back soon Colleen. I know that instagram and facebook are now favored but how about a post once in a while?? I am surprised you don't have sneakers in your shoes collection though hehe xx

      Delete
  9. Welcome back!! I agree with most everything you say. What's wrong with models? I'd love to join the HIWM series, but my husband can't seem to get me in the view finder, and I don't wear athletic shoes, except on the treadmill or walking my dog. Mores the pity, I look like hell in both instances. Enjoying your dissection. Of Vogue because I no longer waste my money on it. That a KK fiasco cut it for me.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Welcome back! I've missed your blogging so much! Kept checking back the last few days to see if you had returned! You gave encouraged me to open the latest vogue just to read the article on l'wren Scott. I gave felt so disenchanted with the mag lately. It's funny I have had a slight softening of my stance against the kanye Kim issue after being horrified about it and disappointed in Anna. I have read a lot of instagrams/social/fashion media lately and I have only just realized the large population of people who actually think Kim is a fashion icon...admittedly I don't think any "high culture" types would say she is their icon but celebs and a lot of women in their 20s seem to like her look. Given the US's obsession with celeb culture and celeb endorsements..,which even in the UK we see people rushing to buy anything Kate wears...well maybe Anna had some justification of merit to feature them as a comment on, or symbol of USA society/culture today....And maybe I just expected too much from Vogue which at the end of the day is about selling ads and selling clothes...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ps. Sorry for my terrible grammar and spelling errors...hate iPhone typing!!

      Delete
    2. @Jennifer - I miss supermodels! Even Naomi!! I seriously doubt you would look bad in sneakers though but I am looking for you to submit something to them in the near future x

      @ Hello Anne! I would have come back on the dot of May except I was rushing around but it is a public holiday today and tomorrow so I had a little time to catch up and am making the most of it while I can. Odd thing is that I think KK has more of a social impact that KMid does which is quite interesting. That issue sold so well that I doubt that Anna cares what anyone thinks...But if I were her I would start worrying about legacy than figures bc that is too short term. PS I hate i-machine typing too but don't worry I am not a grammar fascist ;)

      Delete
  11. Emma Stone. What is up with that girl? I just watched "Spiderman" on the airplane. I HAD TO. It was right there in front of me and I had finished my book. Emma Stone is in "Spiderman." And honestly, I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She has that strange something that some actresses just have. I guess Anna Wintour in her magazinial wisdom saw that, too.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I think it would be quite neat to go to Korea as I love spicy and fermented food, baduk and technology. (makes jealous face)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @Connie - I might watch spiderman on my flight back to London too and see what her appeal is. Garfield looks like he would be a layered spiderman. I wonder if she comes alive in motion instead of the static page?

      @Laoch - one of the only good things about this trip is the food but you might have to go to a korean bbq place which I am sure there are plenty of in Chicago!

      Delete
  13. Ahhh, Seoul. I have fond memories.
    We missed you too.
    Looking forward to meeting with you next month.
    Emma Stone is an actress - she was in a few movies - Easy A, The Help, Crazy Stupid Love, and the Spiderman flicks. She is not conventionally attractive but on film all eyes go to her - A bit of a Julia Roberts type quality.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've never been into Hollywood but used to always know who was who and why. Nowadays I don't know which Jessica or Emma does what and always confuse Sienna and Naomi and don't feel I'm missing anything. Vogue's stature has nosedived after the infamous debacle.

      Delete
    2. I also read trash so was taken aback that this Emma is meant to be a star. I really don't want to say it because I used to frown at the oldies when they used to say it but they really don't seem to make stars like Liz, Ava, and the Hepburns anymore...

      Delete
  14. Replies
    1. @Cilla - I so look forward to meeting you next month too!!

      @FF - thanks hope you got your issue in the mail too?

      @Pigtown Design - I still read all your posts and wasn't very successful in my digital detox :)

      Delete
  15. Have missed you!!
    I have read this issue too. Agree with all your points. Who cares about half the celebrities they put on the cover? I can't be bothered reading the article to find out why Emma Stone is supposedly worthy of being in Vogue. To think, it used to be such a special thing.... now every young ingenue is in it. Plus reality tv stars....
    That Chanel bag is being flogged to death in the editorials. Agree with you about Charlotte Olympia. I like a lot of her stuff, except I'd never wear most of the heels as they're too high, plus gimmicky. She walks the line with the kitsch as well. Hope all is ok in Soul xx

    ReplyDelete
  16. I didn't realize I was doing a digital detox too ;)
    I'd subscribe to you over Vogue any day.
    Enjoy your trip, I've missed you too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @Heidi - Let's take bets on who will make an issue this year. Heidi Montag?? Charlotte Olympia seems to be like the Hallmark of shoes - sooo seasonal!! That Chanel bag might be really cool in twenty years ;) xx

      @Tiffany - you are too funny! But detoxes are good although this detox has taken a bit of a twist. But I am glad I am at least sorta back and hope you are back full throttle too!

      Delete
    2. snort - The Hallmark of Shoes - genius!

      Delete
  17. But what do you think about pleats - purlease? I like them but not sure they are all that flattering around the waist, maybe they have to be on a dropped waist arrangement. Funny. I thought Emma Stone was a famous singer in Britain who got started really really young?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pleats are for skinny people and people with no bumps!! Yes I thought she was Joss' sister as well ;)

      Delete
  18. Welcome back!
    So very lovely and good of you to mention the How I Wear My: Sneakers post coming up Wednesday. I appreciate you getting the word out.
    I never buy Vogue - I look to you instead!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love the How I wear my series! I would have sent a pic a few months ago except it was just a picture of a flash against the mirror and my shoes...x

      Delete
  19. It's great to see your perspective of the magazine. I love the Celine ad!
    xo
    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @Glamour - thank you!

      @Sharon - I love the Celine ad and Dara too xx

      Delete
  20. Great to see you're back and thanks for the Vogue recap having cancelled my subscription. Not quite happy that the Costume Institute at the Met has been named after Anna Wintour, granted that she has raised a lot of money for that wing. The Met gala has been losing its luster and that punk theme last year did not really take off.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh, I am glad to see you again!

    Vogue has just become something that finances the editor's already overblown lifestyle. I think what really killed Gourmet was Reichl's ego, and I think it's time for a shake-up at Vogue (also known as People for the Oligarchs).

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Naomi! Glad you are back! Korea? ..wow, I have never been there. Hope you will share some photos. As usual, excellent Vogue review :)

    xxleslie

    ReplyDelete
  23. @Marie - The met gala really laid it on thick social media wise...I don't know if anyone does anything to have fun anymore if they just do it for publicity...

    @Wellfedfredy - I used to love RR and got her autobiograph but funny enough I also stopped getting Gourmet and perhaps it was something to do with that bc it just lost its luster for me. Too true about Vogue - where is robin leach nowadays???

    @Leslie - you should come - not a tourist place as it doesn't gear itself for that but I am surprised how many tourists there are now xx

    ReplyDelete
  24. So happy to see your latest on Vogue. I am so behind that I just started reading it last weekend. I'm glad it's not just me. I'm glad you like the HIWM series and that makes me want to prod you to join us. I would loooooove to see you photo next month-just saying. So sad about L'Wren I agree-such a talent.
    Happy Weekend lovely,
    xx, Heather

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hooray. You are back. Doing my happy dance (no sneakers...just woolly slippers. It's cold. :) )

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love reading your Vogue's review... I am always delighted... Korea??? Interesting but not sure I would go there...

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'll sai it again bring back the models..though nothing against Emma Stone ...Wonder what Daira thought of that photo of her..the chin has it.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love these posts, again very interesting, but you have shown me everything, won't be spending my £6.50 this month x

    ReplyDelete
  29. Oh, I must have missed this. I have no idea who most celebrities are these days. I love your mag dissections, even though I don't read US vogue.
    Hope you're feeling refreshed after your secret mission to Korea?

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for dropping by!