Categories
Fashion

A Low Octane Met Gala

Of course I reviewed the Red Carpet fashion looks from the 2022 MET GALA. The big event raising money for the Costume Institute in New York City. Vogue Global Editorial Director Anna Wintour reigns over the biggest night in fashion. The theme this year “Gilded Glamor” raised a few eyebrows. The theme was either a stroke of insensitivity, pr genius or random luck given the growing wealth gap. Let’s face facts, how many of us can afford the $35.000 ticket? Only the rich and famous need apply for the First Monday in May dress up.

Funny, given the over top promotion on the Conde Nast platforms for millionaire party, a person would not think many of the publishing house employees have formed a union for better salaries, working conditions and security. Under the banner “Prestige does not pay bills”. Perhaps, a fundraiser for Vogue staff should be organised.

Relevant

Desperate to stay relevant, let’s face it, Vogue’ mountain top tastemaker status is under threat from platforms and content makers. The MET GALA is a cash cow for the aspirational publication with income streams from sponsors to high media value. According to the Business of Fashion, the 2019 MET GALA generated over $16 million.

The Red Carpet Gold Medal: Kim K stole the limelight channeling old Hollywood Glamour in a nude dress inspired by Screen Goddess Marilyn Monroe, hardly keeping with the theme of the night, but the reality star mogul understands the optics. For the other attendees, their A-Game fell short, lacking spectacle. As if invitees were unsure. In other words, “I’ll go, but make a social political woke statement at an elite event during a global pandemic in a world on the brink of World War 3.” I hope the food was good.

Categories
Cinema

Tribeca-The Fury

When I saw this film on the Tribeca Film Festival Schedule. I put it on my list. Bitchin:The Sound and Fury of Rick James tells the story of a Funk Master Rick James from the highs and lows.

Stay Tuned for the review.

Music Artist Rick James
Categories
Cinema

Tribeca Day 1 Impressions

My first day at the virtual Tribeca Film Festival. My first impression of the overall films: technically superb, polished, broadcast quality, indeed ready for a streaming service. These are filmmakers with an end goal concerning their work. 

While I have not seen broad risk taking, after viewing a few features, the message here is: I am here ready to work in the business.

Stay tuned for coverage. 

Categories
Cinema

Tribeca 2021

What is happening in the indie film world? We are covering Tribeca this year. Stay tuned for all the interviews, news and reviews.
Categories
Fashion

Will Anna Stay?

The famous silhouette at Fashion Week for the past 32 years. The perfectly coiffed helmut hairstyle. Oversized sunglasses. Statement Necklace. Calf-length dresses. Admired, feared, and copied, Anna Wintour commanded attention. Whether on purpose or not, when she entered the room her presence was felt far and wide. 

Vogue Head Anna Wintour 

As the daughter of famous newspaper editor Charles Wintour, publishing runs through her veins. Vogue USA sits at the top of a diminishing fashion magazine landscape besieged by the digital platforms. Now the resurgence of Black Lives Matter has placed the once venerated title and its editor in a cross hairs.   As the pressure mounts for a more socially responsible outlook, many want answers about the lack of diverse voices in the fashion field, particularly at Vogue. Will Anna Survive?

The “C” Word  

In Anna’s defense, her first cover model was Naomi Campbell in 1989. But, in 2020 the entire organization feels like a social club trapped in an episode of “Mad Men”. First, Andre Talley, former Vogue Editor at Large, released excepts from his book calling Wintour “A Colonial Broad”. OUCH!

Side Note: I plan on reading Mr. Talley’s book “The Chiffon Trenches”. I have some questions with a raised eyebrow concerning his new found “Identity” and “Sour Grapes” tell all.

I cannot remember a designer or creative of color championed by her or anyone at the publication. Based In New York City, I fail to see why it was difficult to find a Black Photographer. It took singer Beyonce to insist on one for her cover shoot. Former African American staff members (the few who worked there) complained of bad treatments and lazy stereotypes.

Can She Stay? 

If a letter to Vogue staff on lack of support for African American Staff members was suppose to put out the fire, it only threw gasoline on a flame. Conde Nast Chairman Roger Lynch during a staff phone call defended the embattled Editor in Chief. Stating, “Wintour is staying put”. But with opens calls inside and out insisting on her resignation, it is hard to see how this corporate position is sustainable.

How will fashion handle this increasing awkward relationship? A one time asset suddenly has the potential of being a liability at fashion week. Social Media could be unforgiving if that scrutinizing silent gaze is sitting front row.

My Thoughts 

As for my real opinion. It was no secret many publishing houses were and are cultural insensitive.  I would not have met the “hiring profile”.  Vogue USA never impressed me on the creative level. It did not take risks. Nor did I find it particularly stimulating or at the forefront of style. It was about the establishment. Who made into the club. However, guilty as charged, I read the September issue.

Earning a reputation for control, Anna Wintour has learned as the rest of us, no one is in control during these times.

Categories
Fashion

Met Gala Review 2

Met Gala Review part 2

I had a chance to go over the final images from the event.   There were more looks I liked and ones I did not like.

LIKES

Natasha Poly

Liu Wen

Isabelle Huppert

DID NOT LIKE

Jessica Chaistain-The color tone and dress reminded me of a medicine bottle.

J-Lo-Blue Maleficent

Selma Hayek-Boring Balenciaga!

Categories
Fashion

Met Gala

The spectacle that was the Met Gala 2017 theme was Rei Kawakubo, the Avant grade designer and founder of Comme des Garcons.  Known for conceptual designs, Kawakubo has been at the forefront of edgy, sometimes surreal looks since 1969.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute’s curator Andrew Bolton and Vogue US Editor in Chief Anna Wintour have called “Rei a major influence in the world of fashion.”   This writer would agree. Comme des Garcons advances fashion design in ways few other brands would even dare to try.  Kawakubo advanced the colors, shapes and materials in unusual ways that were later filtered through to mainstream fashion.

There was no knockout look this year as A-list celebrities were challenged to merge Red Carpet with Vanguard style.  Some did well; some should deserved honorable mentions, while others went over the cliff in failure.

Hit the Mark-Lily Collins, Sofia Sanchez, Ashley Graham, and Cynthia Erivo

Best Suits-Rami Malek, Cara Delevinge, and Aymeline Valade

Ralph Lauren Bedroom Collection from Bloomingdales in the form of a dress-Lena Dunham

Naked and too much sharing in all the wrong places-Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid

Bride of Dracula-Katy Perry

Misunderstood the invitation-Emma Roberts and Katie Holmes

Beetlejuice-Grace Hartzel

Surprisingly Demure-Kim Kardashian and Niki Minaj

Please buy a mirror-Madonna