The BIG BANG Theory

Photographer Jeurgen Teller has once again collaborated with Marc Jacobs for his new fragrance called Bang by Marc Jacobs. On this particular project, however, Jacobs was encouraged to be the face of his own fragrance. After a bit of hesitation, he finally agreed because he was able to rationalize the idea.

The photograph is not only “BANG!!” in your face; it is also a rather enthusing picture. With so many connotations linked to it (mainly sexual), Jacobs walked a thin line regarding art and straight up soft-core-porn. He threw some hectic in-your-face advertizing to the masses whilst egging them on to form an opinion about the campaign.

He is not the first male designer, however, to be photographed partially nude for a fragrance advert. In 1971, the YSL Pour Homme ad featured an unclothed, but bespectacled Yves Saint Laurent.

Hopefully, Teller’s photographic genius won’t “scare” men from purchasing the fragrance.

Mimi Khoza

Calvin Klein Collection 2011 RTW Show

The Shining Star of Fashion Week, Calvin Klein’s 2011 spring/summer collection was a beacon of simplicity in a time of extreme drama and “Gaganess”. Architectural, structure and minimalism made a stellar performance on the runway.

Fabrics were lightweight swooping out to the floor, satin, cotton and leather made a prominent appearance. Whites, neutrals and splashes of black and corals commanded attention. Silhouettes, finishes and detailing were remarkable. It was an ode to the everyday working woman with a whirl wind of stunning pockets, pleats, shift dresses, suits and jumpsuits. Necklines were simple with a few deep v-necks. This collection was a story of sexiness, tame femininity with strong personality that proved minimalism and Calvin Klein’s philosophy shall always stand the test of time.

Melanie Banfield

Street Fashion

“We don’t speak Americano, but we understand Fashion” 25/10/2010

Beautiful embellishments, floral printed satchels and detailed high waisted skirts. Tourists are becoming the new fashion attraction.

“The Great Outdoors” Auckland Park 4/10/2010

“Daytime Playtime” 44Stanly 6/10/2010

Quirky style and ladylike separates. We like!

“Flier than the rest of them, still got my Nike’s on” Melville 30/10/2010

Simply rolled up jeans, a classic shirt, the understated neck chain and the original hip-hop cap. This guy mirrors ‘’street simplicity’’.

Water & Oil for Italian Vogue by Steven Meisel

In the September issue of vogue Italia was the most controversial yet creative photo spread of the year. This 24 page spread had models wearing oil-soaked, feather outfits, posed in tangled nets, spitting up oil and flopping like a dying seal. Famed photographer Steven Meisel used model Kirsten McMenamy in many photos to help this controversial “campaign”.

The big question about the spread is: is this a mockery of a disaster destroying nature? Or an innovative way to make people aware of the extent of this disaster? In other words: sense of urgency vs. provocative attention?

One piece of evidence to sway a reader to think that this is definitely a sense of urgency spread is the Seaweed necklace worn by Kirsten on the front page. From Eco-designer Kathleen Nowak Tucci of My sister’s Art. The necklace is made of recycled inner-tubes sourced from the Gulf coast in the time of disaster. Knowing that the Vogue stylists actively chose this Eco-friendly item changes your thoughts about the statement being made. Doesn’t it?

But now think of this: is it right to create beauty and glamour out of tragedy? Seems a bit hypocritical considering thousands of dollars of luxury clothes were sourced and flown in for the shoot only to be subsequently ruined for the look and feel of the shoot. Instead of using the money as a donation to help clean up the oil spill which could make more of an impact on the world. Vogue chose to waste it on a controversial, tasteless photo shoot. Go look at the spread and decide for yourself.

Nicola Longworth