Back To The Future: Photographer Irina Werning Transports Her Subjects To Their Own Pasts

Argentinian photogarpher Irina Werning has a fascinating project where subjects re-enact old photographs right down to the clothes, time of day and film type that was originally used. First picking up a camera in 2004, Werning's photography work has ranged from murder mystery stories in Buenos Aires to Israeli soldiers on summer vacation in Goa, India. Before she was a photographer, she was an assistant university professor with masters in history and economics. Perhaps it's her knowledge of history that inspired her ongoing "Back To The Future" project, acting as sort of Doc Brown to transport people to real moments from their past. It's interesting to see what time has done to the subjects themselves, seeing how they've both changed so much, but in many ways not changed at all.

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Nude Men Modeling Couture Hats By Guiliano Bekor

Watch out ladies who lunch, you might have some strong-armed competition at the millinery now. Simple, stunning, an amazing set shot by LA-based photographer Giuliano Bekor featuring models Carter C., Oren and Ryan L., Nick Lacy, and Cody Saintgnue.

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LOVE / LUST: Party Girl House of Holland Tights x Bombshell Wolford Tights

LOVE:

House of Holland Tights Collection by Pretty Polly - £12-£15, Houseofholland.co.uk

Superstar Black, £15; Sheer Super Suspender, £12; Superstar Gold, £15; Knee Star, £12

I'm not the hugest fan of House of Holland, but their tights collections have been so on par. You've got to appreciate that strategically placed star on the Superstar Black tights.

LUST:

Wolford Artiste Tights - $225.00, Wolford.com

UNBELIEVABLE tights, it appears they have real laces going through them which justifies the steep price tag (almost). Forever 21, please knock these off for $5!

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Beyonce's Controversial "Blackface" Photoshoot for L'Officiel

Pop diva Beyonce has been getting some flack this morning over a photoshoot for French fashion magazine L'Officiel Paris for which she is the March 2011 covergirl. Her face was stylistically darkened in a way that many viewers would call "blackface" while others are citing artistic expression. She and the magazine say that the styling (with outfits by her mother Tina Knowles) was an homage to Nigerian musician and human rights activist Fela Kuti for the "African queen-themed" issue.

It's not that odd that the singer would allow her face to be darkened for the sake of fashion, but is it ironic that she, as an African-American woman, would be so widely criticized? What do you think?

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Secret Design: Mini Feather Rings @ KV Etsy Store

Not everything makes the cut. Whether it doesn't fit a theme, is made in a limited run or simply thought up AFTER the official collection shoot, rogue pieces like these migrate over to the KidViskous Etsy store. It's an incubator of sorts where we test styles that later make it to our official collections, but mostly it's our "just for fun" and super clearance pieces where you can buy KidViskous for a serious steal. These pieces are rarely found anywhere else and aren't available for wholesale (unless there's some serious prodding). P.S. sorry about the chipped nail polish and dry cuticles. If anyone has any nail tips for someone who works with their hands a lot leave a comment!

Here's our latest secret listing, it's a mini version of our Collection 04 Feather Ring:

Mini Feather Rings - $18, by KidViskous

Comes in Black, Gold and Silver

Visit KidViskous.etsy.com for these and more :)

SALE - Black & Silver Mirrored 'Double Crossed' Rings

KidViskous 'Double Crossed' rings now ON SALE. Get them before they betray you.

Available in Black and Mirrored Silver

KidViskous.com

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Happy President's Day, Love Cindy Crawford

Supermodel Cindy Crawford poses as George Washington for the first issue of John F. Kennedy Jr.'s magazine George in 1995. A "politics-as-lifestyle" magazine, it was published until 2001, two years after Kennedy's tragic death in 1999.

Raquel Zimmerman Vogue Nippon

The 70s prevails, even in this fashion editorial inspired by classic screen legends Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire for Vogue Nippon. Model Raquel Zimmermann and choreographer Stephen Galloway make for a vibrant spread of flashing gowns from Marc Jacobs, YSL and Ferragamo. Photographed by Inez & Vinoodh with styling by George Cortina. In the styling, I don't see much relation to the original dancing duo besides the slick tuxedo and billowy hems, but a few smiles from Zimmermann and more demonstration of Galloway's dancing ability would've make Fred and Ginger proud.

More photos after the jump:

Banksy Is Dead: Banksy Hits LA For His Oscar Nomination - UPDATED

One of Banksy's most recent pieces

In anticipation for the Academy Awards on Feb 27th, cloak and dagger British graffiti artist Banksy has returned to Los Angeles with new work. The quasi-Banksy documentary "Exit Through The Giftshop" was nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature with Banksy as director. I say quasi because the documentary is mostly about Thierry Guetta, the man also known as graffiti artist Mr. Brainwash. I haven't seen the film until recently and what I take away from it is that Mr. Brainwash is nothing more than a plagiarizing megalomaniac. The only controversy in his work is if Guetta knew what he was doing, or if he was just self-delusional. Banksy along with comrade in arts Shepard Fairey reluctantly and practically out of pity helped Guetta with his debut art show that ended up grossing one million dollars in sales in it's first week. Suffice to say, Guetta was a genius for finagling his way so quickly into the realm of graffiti art royalty. Banksy made it clear in the film he was not pleased, and the film might have been purposed to expose Mr. Brainwash for who he is and how easily art can corrupted into a wildly profitable money making scheme. Let the film be a warning to any Mr. Brainwash art buyer.

 Guetta/Mr. Brainwash at his solo exhibit in NYC, Feb 2010

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You've Got Final Pick: Derek Lam For eBay's Top 10 Dresses So Far

In a world where highly respected designers collaborate with just about anyone without getting flack (hello, Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's, really??), its no surprise that shirt dress champion Derek Lam would collaborate with the top place to get designer fashion on the cheap, eBay. Ok, it's a little surprising considering eBay could technically be a competitor for designers, but Lam introduced an interesting element to the collab.

The designer presented 16 different styles that eBay users can then vote on their favorites. The top 5 designs will make up the final collection. When you vote, you also enter a chance to win the whole collection when it goes on sale, although you won't know what you'll get until voting is closed. There's a moving clip of each dress where the model spins around to show the movement and full view of the dress, plus Lam cites the inspiration and purpose behind the styles in accompanying videos. Not every day the designer himself can explain a collection piece by piece to the general public. A moment off-topic: with the moving listings for each dress, it makes you hyper aware just how YOUNG the model is. You can't tell in the video after the jump with the quick cuts and layering effects, but models are so awkward!

The collection as a whole is simple, classic and will wear well through many summer seasons. I particularly like the styles with the peplum or gathered backs since it creates an elegant cinched shape to the body. Oh hell, I have no ass, and it makes my ass look bigger, so I love anything that does that! There isn't anything groundbreaking or particularly unique in the designs, but the eBay audience wouldn't respond to anything more daring. It's an interesting study on consumer behavior that makes it fun for the buyer and provides valuable information for Lam and his company. No note on if the dresses will be auctioned or not, but even if the listed prices are the starting bids, it's a significant difference from Lam's usual $1,000+ price tag. The collection will be available to purchase in May.

Click through to view the fashion film and the Top 10 styles (so far)...

Vanessa Hudgens Does Bianca Jagger for InStyle March 2011

I'm no fan of Vanessa Hudgens. But I love that she is dressed as (or more importantly her stylists dressed her as) model, socialite and activist Bianca Jagger. For those of you who don't know Bianca, she was the first wife of Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger (i.e. one of the most beautiful men of the last 100 years), which helped bring her to an iconic status in the 70s Studio 54, Andy Warhol hard-partying era.

InStyle's March 2011 issue has a beautiful fashion spread with the starlet dressed in some of Jagger's more noteable styles, particularly wide-legged pantsuits and drapey dresses. Certainly helps the looks are broken down by designer, although it's a shame 70s top designer Halston, that Jagger often wore at the time, was not included. Halston has recently re-emerged after the documentary UltraSuede was released to much fanfare last year. I've spent quite a few occasions with the film's eccentric director Whitney Sudler-Smith (who was once in the 80s hardcore punk band Minor Threat), and his dedication to the 54 lifestyle is almost too apparent in his own. 

As far as originality, it's a pretty cut-and-paste homage to Jagger, but how can you improve on perfection? Jagger had her own unique mix of disco glam and tomboy, even wearing a blazer to her wedding. Sadly, dressing the very petite Hudgens in styles that were made for the tall, lanky 70s icon looks pretty awkward, particularly the pant suits. It's just not the same effect, not even close. Although I don't think Hudgens has yet earned the right to be compared to someone like Jagger just yet, I enjoy that it's a reminder of how amazing the original is.

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Get In The Mood: Valentine's Day Inspiration

I've been super busy the past week as the mild-mannered Assistant Editor for Yahoo! Music, so I haven't been able to update much since it's been Grammys week. But I don't want to leave you hanging on this of all days for love. Love of music, love of fashion, love of chaos, Valentine's doesn't have to be about the love between people. Indulge your fantasies today.

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FLAUNT Magazine Celebrates G-Star Store Opening

Last week I attended a pretty casual event a few blocks from the beach, which is a total rarity for me. FLAUNT celebrated the latest addition to the completely revamped Santa Monica Place mall (a mall that boasts Louis Vuitton and Tiffany's among others), the G-Star store. Although I'm neither much a fan of the denim oasis that is G-Star, nor of malls, I am however a Flaunt alumna. I had the privilege of working and writing for them while studying for my degree a few years ago. I still have my recorded interview with Josh Brolin about the Oscar buzz that surrounded his role in No Country For Old Men in 2007. The last question I asked in the interview is if he had any advice for men and boys who want impressive mustaches like his own. He. Was. Not. Amused. Mustaches were a hot topic 2007, it's only natural I ask! Maybe one day after career suicide I'll upload the clip...

I ran into some fellow Flaunt alumni and met some new ones. Unfortunately it seems that everyone I worked with are no longer at Flaunt. Just thinking back on the lavish Flaunt Christmas party that I literally had to flee from (from my own fault alone) I honestly don't know if I would've been able to last either. The crowd was a mix of westside fashionistas, eastside hipsters, dudes in denim tuxedos, FIDM students and the usual open bar grazers.

What brought G-Star and Flaunt together that night was the collaboration between the label and Flaunt friend/contributing photographer Anton Corbijn, who shot the Spring/Summer 2011 campaign. Famous faces include Liv Tyler and Gemma Arterton along with an unusual model choice--the stony-faced Norwegian Grandmaster chess champion, Magnus Carlsen. People chatted, drank, danced and very much in Flaunt style, hotboxed the dressing room to which the employees seemed to shrug off. Truly a proper christening.

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How To Make a Fashion Video: Missoni Spring 2011 by Juergen Teller

With fashion videos still fairly new to the industry, I've noticed there is a pretty cut and dry formula to them:

1. Lots of movement. Show what the runway or static images can't show.

2. Mirrored frames. This is a favorite effect of almost all fashion videos.

3. Some kind of electronic or industrial soundtrack. Neutral, easy to create and loop.

Missoni's Spring 2011 campaign video exemplifies the fashion video formula to a T. The clip features members of the Missoni family and friends (including Leighton Meester). Not the most impressive video, but it's the first time I'm actually liking the techno-tribal prints they designed.

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Should the New YSL Belle D'Opium Ad Be Banned in the UK?

The latest in fashion ad to be put on the chopping block in the UK is Yves Saint Laurent's commercial for their new Belle D'Opium fragrance. Featuring the stunning French actress Melanie Thierry, she dances writhingly in a temple dressed in Grecian garb. The ad is a direct reference to the Oracle of Delphi where in priestesses were believed to be violently possessed by the god Apollo. They would essentially go mad and give prophesies in gibberish that needed to be translated by priests. Reference: that cool scene in 300 where the girl was shot underwater to look like she was having a celestial freak-out. THAT scene would make an incredible YSL ad. There is some interesting debate that the trances, which many priestesses were believed to regularly die from, was caused by evidence of poisonous natural gases that emmitted from the Oracle's site.

What the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is concerned about is “Belle running her finger down her inner arm could be seen to simulate the injection of opiates into the body… the ad concluded with her body seizing upwards while lying on the floor, an action we considered could be seen to simulate the effect of drugs on the body.”

Have they never seen an episode of CSI? I understand that the fragrance's name has "opium" in it--what heroin is made from--and the arm gesture is awkwardly apparent, like throwing up a baseball signal during a ballet, but overall the ad is pretty innocuous. Even a bit boring. A small gesture that could signify heroin use is the least of the ASA’s worries, and the writhing on the floor part is just what the priestesses at Delphi did. I almost have to knock YSL in being too literal in their reference to the Oracle. Maybe the ASA should be more concerned with the terrifying possibility of being possessed or the daily fear of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home rather than a perfume ad encouraging drug use.

Do you think YSL's Belle D'Opium commerical should be banned?

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