Inspired By: Vintage Fashion Ads

If you are like us, there are large piles of old fashion magazines occupying much space in your apartment. One of the reasons that we can’t bear to part with magazines that are (sometimes) decades old is the ads. Beyond being able to see models-of-the-moment in their prime, we love to look back at labels that are no longer on the scene (Claude Montana), or have been taken over by new designers (Thierry Mugler). Here, a few vintage ads that we have come across lately. Our favorites being the DVF ad with both Iman and Gia(!!!) and the CK One image featuring the lovely model-turned designer Lois Samuels (that’s her on the far left).

The Industry: Jamie Summers for Lurve Issue #5

 

Living in “the country” isn’t really our cup of tea, but we seriously love the idea of  editorials shot in the middle of nowhere. The new issue of Lurve features a story with model Jamie Summers (IMG London) shot by Fabien Kruszelnicki and styled by Nell Kalonji. Looks include pieces by Jean-Paul Gaultier, Carven and Meadham Kirchhoff.  Needless to say, we hope to see much more of Jamie at the collections next month.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Model Moment: Joan Smalls Interview

 

Like most fashion obsessives, we can’t say no to an opportunity to hear a model talk. We are always struck by the way their personalities can be completely opposite of the image that they present in print editorial and in person on the runway. A friend who is aware of our obsession with Joan Smalls sent us this clip of an interview that she did for FashionTV backstage at the D&G SS11 show. We are even more enamored with her after seeing how giggly she is and the humility she shows towards those who have given her the chance to rise to the top in this business. Joan Smalls. Talking. Yes, please…

 

The Industry: Model Moment: Ajak Deng

One of our favorite models on the scene at the moment is Sudanese native Ajak Deng. Deng made her runway debut at the SS10 Michael Angel presentation and began closing major shows (like Lanvin) soon after. One of her idols is another Black Market fave, and fellow Sudanese model Alek Wek, and we would love to see an editorial featuring both of them. Deng walked in several top tier shows last month and below are some of our favorite looks. Also, check out a brief little clip by Modelina featuring Deng. We hope there is a major cover on her horizon very soon.

Paco Rabanne SS12

Jean Paul Gaultier SS12

Vivienne Westwood SS12

Mary Katrantzou SS12

Erdem SS12

Photos: Style.com

Beauty News: Coty Teams Up with Elite Model Management to Create Fragrances

Coty Teams Up with Elite Model Management to Create Fragrances

We cannot imagine what a fragrance inspired by models would smell like but if it was up to us there would be a faint aroma of cigarette smoke, Diet Coke, hairspray and leather. Somehow we’re pretty sure those won’t be the notes for the upcoming collaboration between Coty and Elite Model Management. The two are teaming up to create four signature scents that will capture the essence of  the glamorous world of modeling. The scents are slated to launch in January.

“Based on our strong licensing partnerships, our unrivaled fragrance expertise, and the global reach of the Elite Models brand, we see an opportunity to broaden the scope of our business portfolio and team up with a brand that is on the cutting edge of the fashion business,” Coty Beauty Renato Semerari said.

To coincide with the launch, Coty and Elite will launch an international marketing push which will include an Elite Model Look Contest.

 

 

 

The Industry: Model Moment: Bethann Hardison

 

As far as we are concerned, Bethann Hardison is a stone cold goddess. She started her career as an edgy, tombyish model and became a fashion industry icon as a model manager and a champion for raising the profile of black models. This is a cool little clip that we found of an interview of her for IMW-TV (she is interviewed by Abe Gurko), where she talks about her modeling career working for designers like Claude Montana and Issey Miyake, her transition into managing other models and her documentary Invisible Beauty, which explores the lack of diversity on the runways and in editorials of the world’s top fashion magazines. It’s a great piece and our only complaint is that Ms. Hardison hasn’t launched her own fashion glossy.

The Industry: Fatima Siad by Itaysha Jordan

One of our favorite sites, www.fashiongonerogue.com, ran these images of model Fatima Siad for Arise Magazine. Shot by insanely talented photographer Itaysha Jordan, these are among the most gorgeous beauty images that we’ve seen in some time. Yes, Fatima was the model from ANTM who didn’t have her passport docs in order, but that’s all water under the bridge when you see how glorious she looks in this story. You should stop what you’re doing right now and look at more of Itaysha’s work at www.itayshajordan.com

Photos: Itaysha Jordan for Arise Magazine

Model Moment: Katoucha Niane 1960-2008

We talk about how much we love certain models all the time on The Black Market, but there are a scarce few that we were as obsessed with as Guinean/French model Katoucha Niane. One of THE supermodels of the 80′s, Niane was muse to Yves Saint Laurent and had one of the most breathtakingly gorgeous faces (and bodies) to ever grace a runway or magazine. Her shocking death in 2008 by accidental drowning was deeply heartbreaking to those who followed her career. Here are some of our favorite images of her as well as a silent video tribute to her.

 

 

 

The Industry: Yves Saint Laurent On His Love of Black Models

We love, love our cadre of fashionphile friends! One of them just sent us this amazing little video clip of Yves Saint Laurent, talking about his affinity for black models. We had to share it.  As you most likely already know, YSL was the first of the major couturiers to have black models walk in his shows and presentations. The legacy that Saint Laurent leaves behind is long and deep, but it is in this area that has cemented his place in our hearts.

The Industry: Nyasha Matonhodze for Love Magazine #16

When we were 16, we were knee-deep in the trials and tribulations of American high school life: friend/frenemy drama, making fun of prom and  crushing on a new boy every other week. For model Nyasha Matonhodze, her sweet 16th year has been decidedly more glamorous.  The teen newcomer has just landed the cover of Love Magazine’s #16 issue in the exact sort of dark, gothic fashion imagery that we love. The Zimbabwean model made her runway debut at the Louis Gray SS10 show and can be now be seen in the FW11 Louis Vuitton ad campaign. We are obsessed with her gorgeous skin and cannot wait to see more of her on the runways come September.