Sadly, I missed this gem of a documentary at the Berlinale. After speaking to the distributor, my interest got peaked with the intention of a follow up, but because of scheduling conflicts the film fell off the timetable. Happily, with LITTLE RICHARD: I AM EVERYTHING is receiving glowing reviews. The legendary performer in many ways invented musical showmanship style that was copied by Elvis and Pat Boone, then lead the way for Elton John, David Bowie and Madonna, but sadly as an African American singer in Jim Crow America, the Macon, Georgia born singer never got the credit he so deserved. All the interviews I watched with Richard, laughing, joking, the bitter twang came through. Passing away in 2020 at age 87, the world may finally catch up to a man who was way ahead of his time.
Mary Quant passed away today. The 93 year old designer died at her home in Surrey. Famous for popularizing the mini skirt in the 1960’s Quant opened her store in London in 1955. Influential a defining look of a generation, the high hemlines brought sex appeal to the women of the world. Her Bazaar Shop on Kings Road set the style standard, where famous customers including Brigette Bardot and Jane Fonda shopped to get the look of a generation. Known for her signature Bob hairdo, the Mary is credited with inventing water proof mascara and hot pants.
On her career, the East London born native said, “a lot of work and enormous fun”.
Balenciaga. Balenciaga. Cristobal’s influential namesake brand was once a trailblazer of inspiring silhouettes and shapes. Today, not so sure what to make of the Paris label.
The Shoulder Glove Bag is another gimmick to stand out. Ugly is my word for leather that more like a costume from a Talking Heads video.
Demma Gvasalia continues to head the social media favorite luxury design house at a time when his contemporaries colleagues at Gucci and Moschino have exited. Wondering here, is gimmicky fashion in fashion? $4,250 for an over the awkward top accessory seems a bit out of place. Is it just me!
An excerpt from Before Tacky Podcast the team spoke about Instagram’s affect on fast fashion. Trying to live the large life while caring about sustainable fashion is a contradiction for the social media set.
The second part of the Before Tacky Podcast with Borsalino Head of Styling Jacopo Politi and Actress Eugenia Kuzmina talk about the Headwear design and what goes into making an amazing hat.
The end of an era, actually, a recycled trend that started a few years ago Logomania has moved from being Bling Chic to feeling dated. As the world continues to grapple with Covid and the Ukraine War, showing off a luxury purchase with a giant emblazoned logo seems a bit out of touch.
Logomania, Balenciaga in case you didn’t know.
I remember when the latest craze of Logomania started thanks to social media. The Fake It At Any Cost culture went digital global on sharing platforms. First time luxury buyers not only wanted to show off their new affluence they wanted to flaunt the wealth. At times, the over do it styling became clownish. Classic, understated looks be darned.
Notice
Almost every fashion presentation or show I attended, it was the same plan, Go Big, Get Noticed. Fashion brands scrambled to redesign collections as well brand logos to get noticed. Influencers taking endless selfies accompanied with their latest purchases of an envied lifestyle dominated Instagram. Becoming a a living billboard was what fashion was all about for the past six years. Going to certain runway shows invitees would dress head to toe, as if attending a cult gathering, in a brand’s trademark symbol.
The was the fastest industry wide “What’s In Today, Out Tomorrow” shift I’d experience. Scalps were claimed. Recently, Michele’s exit from Gucci and Scott’s departure from Moschino are signals of the shift. A new reality has dawned of job uncertainty and energy crisis. The all-over Balenciga logo looks are out like latest The Shazam Movie.
As a very part time stylist and editor, a bit of relief because I never embraced paying a lot of money advertising a luxury brand. I was taught when it comes to fashion, notice me, then the clothes.
As I have said, there is a reason why images of classic styles are eternal, not because of a logo.
Before Tacky Episode talks about Hats with a man who is an expert on the subject, Jacopo Politi, Head of Styling for Italian label BORSALINO. Co-Host Eugenia Kuzmina discuss the history, details and influences of the creative leader.
Need a place to visit over the holidays. If you happen to be in Munich or the Bavaria Region I recommend trying wine country for a relaxing Staycation. There are many charming villages and areas around the Main River.
