Versace In The Wrong?

Donatella Versace has recently cancelled a photo shoot in which "real women," as opposed to professional models, were supposed to be featured sporting the new collection created in collaboration with H&M. In an article I read on the subject, Donatella's only defense was "I know this customer. I know what they want."
 In light of today's modern movement towards a universal acceptance of women in terms of their distinct physical appearances, it is obvious that such an occurrence would be seen as a scandal, as a controversial issue and a faulted decision. Although I strongly believe in promoting these ideals, those of the "empowered woman", the world of fashion was built on a particular aesthetic. It is not to say that I agree with Donatella Versace's decision, however, she truly is the only person who knows how to market her product best. In my opinion, her decision to cancel the shoot was not a product of her ignorance and disregard for women, but rather a strictly business-based course of action. To be frank, after seeing the clothes in person, they don't exactly appeal to the common eye. They are firstly very extreme in terms of colour and patterns, and most of the items don't meet the brand's quality caliber. The photography, in this case, is mastered to an exceptional level, and often, a desire is created from the image projected in photo shoots, as opposed to from the clothes themselves. 
We have to consider an important, possible reason for the cancelation of the shoot: this collection simply does not translate well to the average, "real" woman. The world of high fashion and haute couture, a place in which Versace has built a strong brand name and reputation, seldom includes clothes that could be worn by just anyone. The world of fashion is riddled with these cases, and such an event really does not shock me. The objective here is to make sales, to create demand for your product. And sometimes, the name "Versace" isn't enough - it needs to be backed up by a visually appealing and desirable quality. That is where the professional models come in. They have the look, they're experts, they know how to make the clothes seem 100% better than they might be in reality, which is truly the case for Versace's collaboration with H&M. 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2061915/Donatella-cancelled-Versace-H-M-shoot-using-real-women-models-did-fit-branding.html#ixzz1dqPhZcEE

Flower Power

Anybody who knows me knows about my absolute obsession with anything from the past. Although I don't necessarily believe I belong to the wrong era, I relish in my privileged ability to relive it all. How? Through things like music, movies, books, pictures, articles, and of course, through fashion. The 1960s and 70s were a time of freedom, a period unique in history marked by creativity, universal love, and peace for all living beings, all of which were reflected in the way people dressed. Psychedelia had finally freed women from their constricting corsets, and men from their suits. There were no rules, no standards, just love, and a whole lotta drugs. I was so excited to see both Wildfox's Fall 2011 Look Book, and Singer 22's Look Book take on inspiration from the so called "hippie movement."

MadeMe and Stussy 2011 Fall/Winter Lookbook

This look-book came out early August, although I just stumbled upon it now. This is what happens when madness collides with originality and the desire to shock. New York designer MadeMe teams up with Stussy to produce this intoxicating, weird, and ridiculously awesome collection. It provides such a contrast to the usual heavy knit sweaters and neutral colours that often flood fall seasons. Looks like someone threw up rainbows on this unicorn-riding chick, and it couldn't be more perfect.

Source: Hypebeast 

The fashion industry is coloured by the stories and experiences of different people. Beyond the glamour of the runway, it begins with a desire to challenge convention, a meticulous plan put in place to reach the ultimate level of self-expression. As we walk the streets of different cities around the world, these very observations begin to inspire. Little Bits of String is the beginning of a blog for those who choose the path of dressing with passion, whatever that may mean. 

picture: snapshot of my closet