It's a yes from me.
Saturday, 19 April 2014
I said yes, Lazy Oaf
It's a yes from me.
Thursday, 3 April 2014
Fashion Writing Competition
I've entered Modeconnect's International Fashion Writing competition, berating Abercrombie and Fitch for their lack of ethical procedure when it comes to their excess stock.I was successful in getting through both first and second rounds, being awarded second place overall, meaning I was awarded a one day salon visit to Polly King & Co during fashion week SS15.
Here it is then.
Abercrombie and Fitch: the ‘Pride and Prejudice’ retail giant
Abercrombie and Fitch: “Authentic American clothing since 1892”. Yet my scepticism challenges this particular adjective. The only “authentic” character that could legitimately pride themselves on this label is the heartthrob Channing Tatum of American chick flicks; the athletic privateschool type whom the shy female dotes on and admires his burliness from a distance in his tootight ‘A&F’ tshirt bursting with a pubescent muscular frame. In other words, the only type that can pull off Abercrombie and Fitch is an American highschool television cliché that doesn’t exist in real life. Authentic? I think not.
But my argument for Abercrombie’s lack of authenticity digs a little deeper than a frivolous sneer at their fan base. I’m not even referring to the scandal that emerged last year about the label refusing to manufacture extralarge sizes of their clothing, which merely foregrounds a selfimportant Abercrombie grandiose that only thin is beautiful enough (indeed, apparently you don’t wear the brand, the brand wears you). What I am referring to is something,perhaps, far darker. Even darker than their nightclublike interiors that bombard you with pumping subwoofer bass music and agonizingly oversculpted hunky sales assistants. In 2011, it was found that Abercrombie and Fitch send all their faulty stock to be destroyed by incineration. The CEO, Mike Jeffries, insists that this is for a justifiable cause. According to an online business journal: “any clothing that has any type of blemish, including things such as a stitch missing or a frayed fabric, gets sent back to the company for immediate disposal.” Furthermore, any seasonal stock rejected in the last survivals of their clearance sales is also promptly returned for incineration, rather than donated to charity shops or homeless shelters, which is the more logical solution.
The brand validates this cause: “Abercrombie and Fitch doesn’t want to create the image that just anybody, poor people, can wear their clothing. Only people of a certain stature are able to purchase and wear the company name.” Initially, this quote from Jeffries implies a man of conceit and ostentation (incidentally, two traits I tend to associate with the Hollywood prep character referred to earlier). But on second reflection, it actually demonstrates a truly disgraceful and backward attitude in a twentyfirst century world that still harbours very real and relevant global issues like homelessness.
Jeffries is ultimately a powerful and wealthy individual who is in a position to help but actively chooses not to. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, over ten thousand people were left homeless. Even in a so-called modernised Western society, this clothing giant would turn their backs on them almost literally speaking. Statistically, Abercrombie reported a loss of $15.6 million in 2013, or 20 cents a share, compared with a yearearlier profit of $84 million, or $1.02 a share. One considers how much of that $15.6 million loss was due to surplus stock that was deemed unprofitable, and therefore purposely incinerated with flames of prejudice and philistinism.
Yet the term “authentic” has endured for the brand since 1892, apparently. This slogan offers a seminostalgic flair for the yesteryear foundations of U.S. culture, reminiscent of July 4th
celebrations that asks us to appreciate American independence. Though it is an irony, is it not, to consider that the War of Independence that America engaged in to relieve them of transatlantic authority resulted in thousands being injured and impoverished; if Abercrombie and Fitch had existed in 1780, they would not have supported the men who helped make America the nation it is today (indeed, the one they so proudly associate themselves with).
The reality is: Abercrombie and Fitch believe that only those with class and elegance would purchase their clothing. But in reality, their appalling prejudice demonstrates that they are not
all that they seem. One individual did something incredibly mischievous, but brilliant, in response to this.YouTube filmmaker Greg Karber scavenged a Los Angeles Goodwill store for Abercrombie and Fitch clothing, proceeding to then hand them out to homeless people on Skid Row, notorious for the impoverished and destitute. He then called on his viewers to do the same through social media using the hashtag #FitchTheHomeless. As a matter of fact, the label has received a lot of negative press regarding this issue. Online magazine ‘Elite Daily’commented: “it seems like the world is finally figuring out that the glamorous ideals of A&F were really implemented by some of the most hideous personalities known to man. It’s people who dedicate their lives to helping those in need who should be endorsed and idolized, not those who don’t value compassion and generosity.” I couldn’t agree more with this. In a sick and twisted way, a malicious personality surfaces behind that sickly sweet Californian smile their too-thin model wears in their website photographs. One that is backward and indisposed with sadistic policies unbeknown to their adolescent shoppers. Let’s pray that they won’t inherit these like-minded classist beliefs.
Here it is then.
Abercrombie and Fitch: the ‘Pride and Prejudice’ retail giant
Abercrombie and Fitch: “Authentic American clothing since 1892”. Yet my scepticism challenges this particular adjective. The only “authentic” character that could legitimately pride themselves on this label is the heartthrob Channing Tatum of American chick flicks; the athletic privateschool type whom the shy female dotes on and admires his burliness from a distance in his tootight ‘A&F’ tshirt bursting with a pubescent muscular frame. In other words, the only type that can pull off Abercrombie and Fitch is an American highschool television cliché that doesn’t exist in real life. Authentic? I think not.
But my argument for Abercrombie’s lack of authenticity digs a little deeper than a frivolous sneer at their fan base. I’m not even referring to the scandal that emerged last year about the label refusing to manufacture extralarge sizes of their clothing, which merely foregrounds a selfimportant Abercrombie grandiose that only thin is beautiful enough (indeed, apparently you don’t wear the brand, the brand wears you). What I am referring to is something,perhaps, far darker. Even darker than their nightclublike interiors that bombard you with pumping subwoofer bass music and agonizingly oversculpted hunky sales assistants. In 2011, it was found that Abercrombie and Fitch send all their faulty stock to be destroyed by incineration. The CEO, Mike Jeffries, insists that this is for a justifiable cause. According to an online business journal: “any clothing that has any type of blemish, including things such as a stitch missing or a frayed fabric, gets sent back to the company for immediate disposal.” Furthermore, any seasonal stock rejected in the last survivals of their clearance sales is also promptly returned for incineration, rather than donated to charity shops or homeless shelters, which is the more logical solution.
The brand validates this cause: “Abercrombie and Fitch doesn’t want to create the image that just anybody, poor people, can wear their clothing. Only people of a certain stature are able to purchase and wear the company name.” Initially, this quote from Jeffries implies a man of conceit and ostentation (incidentally, two traits I tend to associate with the Hollywood prep character referred to earlier). But on second reflection, it actually demonstrates a truly disgraceful and backward attitude in a twentyfirst century world that still harbours very real and relevant global issues like homelessness.
Jeffries is ultimately a powerful and wealthy individual who is in a position to help but actively chooses not to. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, over ten thousand people were left homeless. Even in a so-called modernised Western society, this clothing giant would turn their backs on them almost literally speaking. Statistically, Abercrombie reported a loss of $15.6 million in 2013, or 20 cents a share, compared with a yearearlier profit of $84 million, or $1.02 a share. One considers how much of that $15.6 million loss was due to surplus stock that was deemed unprofitable, and therefore purposely incinerated with flames of prejudice and philistinism.
Yet the term “authentic” has endured for the brand since 1892, apparently. This slogan offers a seminostalgic flair for the yesteryear foundations of U.S. culture, reminiscent of July 4th
celebrations that asks us to appreciate American independence. Though it is an irony, is it not, to consider that the War of Independence that America engaged in to relieve them of transatlantic authority resulted in thousands being injured and impoverished; if Abercrombie and Fitch had existed in 1780, they would not have supported the men who helped make America the nation it is today (indeed, the one they so proudly associate themselves with).
The reality is: Abercrombie and Fitch believe that only those with class and elegance would purchase their clothing. But in reality, their appalling prejudice demonstrates that they are not
all that they seem. One individual did something incredibly mischievous, but brilliant, in response to this.YouTube filmmaker Greg Karber scavenged a Los Angeles Goodwill store for Abercrombie and Fitch clothing, proceeding to then hand them out to homeless people on Skid Row, notorious for the impoverished and destitute. He then called on his viewers to do the same through social media using the hashtag #FitchTheHomeless. As a matter of fact, the label has received a lot of negative press regarding this issue. Online magazine ‘Elite Daily’commented: “it seems like the world is finally figuring out that the glamorous ideals of A&F were really implemented by some of the most hideous personalities known to man. It’s people who dedicate their lives to helping those in need who should be endorsed and idolized, not those who don’t value compassion and generosity.” I couldn’t agree more with this. In a sick and twisted way, a malicious personality surfaces behind that sickly sweet Californian smile their too-thin model wears in their website photographs. One that is backward and indisposed with sadistic policies unbeknown to their adolescent shoppers. Let’s pray that they won’t inherit these like-minded classist beliefs.
Tuesday, 25 February 2014
Obey Stussy
Karen also wears vintage Dior slightly tinted glasses; a quirky 90s throwback. Her beanie is an Obey classic. Her socks are also Huf plantlife at £13.99, an exclusive edition from their collaboration with Thrasher magazine.
Friday, 21 February 2014
Missguided's Monochrome
Here on the right is an image of the gorgeous Karlie Kloss rocking the monochrome in retro black cut-offs and plain white long sleeved top. Simplicity, simplicity! No need to overdo it on bulky accessories. Here is my amateur interpretation-- although the hairstyle was inadvertently copied this time! These would also work with Astrix boots in keeping with black and white colours, and could also dress it up for evening time - see Chunky Leather Heights post for more details.
Thursday, 13 February 2014
Sports, Illustrated.
I know again these are Topshop labels but it just goes to show that the brand is versatile, as this look is quite different from the tartan 'do before. The baseball t-shirt is from a concession called Project Social at Topshop, but it's a bit pricey at £25. I just cut up some old tights to make the long socks- the only downfall is you need to hoist them up quite a lot. I just teamed it up with Topshop faux leather jacket with a fur collar which I'm absolutely in love with. Oh, and standard white chuck taylor converse and a messy side plait.
Wednesday, 12 February 2014
Everyday Display
I like using this soft brown eyeshadow as it complements the ombre tones in my hair.
This is my simple everyday look using Bobbi Brown metallic brown eyeshadow (£17). I also use this on my brows with a thin brush. I use La Prarie foundation (ridiculously overpriced - this was a gift!) and Mac studio sculpt foundation at a more reasonable £25. I've used a Guerlain bronzer as well and Maxfactor mascara.
Tuesday, 11 February 2014
Topshop meets Nike... love at first sight.
Sensuous Son of Low
The son of low generation of air jordans: an androgynous trainer that I like to make girly with frilly Topshop socks (around £3.50). Click here for more info on Green Glow air-jordans. Retailed at around £115, I feel blessed to have got an employee discount from a friend who works at Niketown.
HOTD (Hair of the Day)
A quickie snapshot of how I styled my hair for the previous tartan oufit. No unnecessary products, no muss- just a sleek side ponytail with gold hoops.
Tartan Chic!
OOTD
This is an example of the kind of oufit I would wear with the Astrix boots (see previous post). Topshop have had a real fascination with tartan prints at the moment and this one is from last year. It was around £38 but unfortunately it's not on their website anymore. The Bohoo crop top was only £6 and a really cute 90s throwback addition to this school girl inspired ensemble.
Monday, 10 February 2014
Chunky Leather Heights
Astrix Platform Boots - £42 at Topshop - Click the link!
1) the chunky platform means you've got added height more or less effortlessly. 2) you can dress up an outfit e.g. these jogger trousers - without too much effort. See below for them on the Topshop website.
As a student, yes, £42 might be a little extravagant (although there is a 10% discount). Luckily I got these with a bigger discount- having purchased them when I worked for Topshop. But they're durable and comfy so a good investment!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)