To me, the (over) utilization of sexuality is much like contrast, saturation, composition, leading lines, etc. In creating an image of any kind (landscape, product, fashion, etc.) ONE element of it is its ability to ‘grab’ the viewer’s attention amongst the competition. ANOTHER element is its ability to ‘draw the eye’ of the viewer to where you want them to go. Just like using high saturation doesn’t necessarily make for a better image than a desaturated one can … but it can definitely ‘Make ya look” a bit quicker … so it is with sexuality in imagery.

It is in my opinion that the fashion industry is a game of ‘one upmanship’ in the ability to GRAB the viewer’s attention and has relied more heavily on the sexuality as it’s method of ‘grabbing’. And given that the root purpose of fashion is to sell products, I find that most fashion images do a poor job of drawing the viewers eye. They do however strive to generate an association of ‘sexiness’ or glamor or richness or coolness or some other form of associative emotion… so the viewer goes “Oooooh, I wanna be like that, so I gotta have Designer X.” by virtue of the ‘creativeness’ of the image as a whole. (This is a reflection of society being a ‘wanna-be’ society, in my opinion.)

ENORMOUS amounts of money suggests that “Sex Sells” and thus it ‘must’ be the way to go … and becomes somewhat self-fulfilling… continuing the one upmanship to perpetuity. For me, I find that the more ‘sexual’ a fashion image is … the more often I find it lacking in other elemental areas. I realize that the photographer may not be the one driving this… rather it might be the AD, or simply being driven by the desire to set themselves apart with even more ‘cutting edge’ … i.e.”Made ya look” can apply all along the food chain.

I realize that I’m an absolute ‘nobody’ when it comes to this, but I find that the (over) utilization of sexuality is proportionate to the (under) utilization of other ways to draw the viewer to where you want them to go … yet has an undeniable power in tapping in on some base emotions. For money, sex sells … as an indication of a photographic excellence, “skin to win” can be a bit of a (money making) cover up. There are plenty of non-sexual ways to create a powerful image that both grabs and leads … they just take more talent & effort to achieve. Sexuality is quicker and easier … and thus very profitable.

Just say it like it is … SEX SELLS … and it’s all about the MONEY. It’s not a reflection of today’s society to ‘justify’ the further utilization of sexuality, but rather a reflection of those who are chasing the money … the masses of society are just a captive audience that trail those who have monetary influence. If you have a market that wants to pay for sexuality and you want to produce sexuality to garner that money … that’s an individual (albeit many individuals) choice.

While the masses may have become ‘normalized’ and ‘desensitized’ to the sexuality … it’s a game of “Made ya look.” one upmanship that took them there. Then again, so is the used car salesman wearing the clown jacket and screaming about the “crazy” prices at their BIG SALE, or the impoverished images of devastation fund raisers use. People eventually grow weary of “looking” and finding little interest in what lies behind the ‘grab’ when it is a shallow grab. Thus, the cycle of needing a LOUDER grab seemingly self-perpetuates … until such time everyone is screaming, then someone will ‘whisper’.

“Made Ya Look”…Now What?

The Wall Street Journal will start to look more like its mainstream rival The New York Times on Dec. 4 when it puts out the first issue of WSJ., its weekend lifestyle magazine supplement, edited by Deborah Needleman.

WSJ. has covered the intersection of fashion and business since it launched two years ago. But the first issue of Needleman, the former chief editor of Domino who also heads up Off Duty, the Journal’s new weekend lifestyle section, broadens the fashion coverage to help deepen the magazine’s appeal with female readers and fashion advertisers.

“Part of what we’re doing is creating a woman-friendly place,” Needleman explained. “What I’m trying to do in every issue is a women’s fashion story and a men’s fashion story, and I want to try to do a couple’s fashion story. This reader is not buying fashion magazines. So I feel like there’s a real opportunity here.”

It could be a risky move, given the female Journal reader isn’t fashion-obsessed. And fashion advertisers already have a glut of glossies to run in. (credit: mediaweek.com)

Kim has teamed up with Mastercard to launch a new prepaid card for kids as young as thirteen, marketing the product as a better way to track your children’s spending. This is good news, because by the time these kids have learned that credit credits are not real money and can sustain a lifestyle they cannot afford, the economy will have stabilized enough that we can once again watch the fiery explosion that will be the impending credit meltdown. Seriously, when I have kids, they are going to learn the value of the dollar the hard way: I’m cutting them off at age 18 months. What? You think money just grows on trees?

But really, you can’t help but wonder… Is the alignment of card’s launch date with the opening of the new Dash Soho location really just a coincidence? Kim’s no dummy.

(Image credit: wwtdd.com)

The cartwheeling designer will have to pull out all the stops over the next two years, Steven Madden Ltd. recently stepped in and purchased a $48.8 million dollar loan owed by the designer which will need to be paid by August 20th, 2012.

If the loan is not covered Madden will then own Betsey and all the comes with the package including personal assets belonging to Betsey herself!!!

Madden already holds the license to produce accessories under the Betsey Johnson and Betseyville names, so some are suggesting it’s in his best interests to keep the brand alive. I’m sure we’re going to see a bigger play on Betsey’s part to hold onto her company by increasing market share and reminding girls just how fun it is to be a Betsey girl.

I doubt a perfume can get more French than 1000 by Jean Patou. A decidedly floral chypre that isn’t afraid to smell perfumy and dress up. While this Patou is actually younger than me, it could have easily been released a decade or two earlier with some other iconic Patou scents.

It opens with greens and aldehydes that set the tone and expectations. When you smell aldehydes it often brings an imagery of tailored outfits and perfect hair. Some find them dated, but eventually we learn to appreciate their sunny quality and the way they uplift heavy floral notes and take them beyond a cottage garden. In the case of 1000, the aldehyde keep the green and almost camphor-like opening from becoming too bitter or medicinal. Instead, it’s elegant and sophisticated, making the transition into the floral heart a very interesting one.

I smell roses and a gorgeous more leathery than fruity osmanthus (yes, I’m on a serious osmanthus kick lately). The best part, though, is the subtly animalic base. It’s sexy this confident, worldly way. 1000 is not about showing skin or taking cues from the Kardashians, the woman wearing it will never give paparazzi the money shot. Instead, she gives them a half smile, readjusts the black sunglasses and disappears from their sight.

I want to be that woman.

1000 by Jean Patou ($190, 2.5oz EDP or $275, 0.5oz extrait de parfum) is available in very limited distribution. Here in the states it can be found at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, including online. I have older bottles of the parfum and the EDT, and I’m not sure if and how they’ve changed the formula in the last decade.

Photo of Gitta Schilling in a Jean Patou dress by F.C. Gundlach, 1962 from myvintagevogue.com

Copyright ©2006-2010 Gaia Fishler, The Non-Blonde. Content poaching is both illegal and ugly.

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LINK LOVE:Foot Notes: Fall Boots at Hu’s Shoes

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Fall styles have hit the shelves making us yearn for a wardrobe update. This season, instead of blowing that cash on a few new dresses, you can make your funds do double duty by bidding on VIP shopping sprees at upscale charity auction site charitybuzz.com. You get the chance to shop with A-list designers, while nonprofit organizations use the money to support important causes around the globe. Here are just a few of the incredible shopping experiences currently up for auction:

What’s more fun than shopping at Cynthia Rowley‘s West Village store? Shopping with Cynthia Rowley herself, and 50 of your closest friends! She’ll bring the champagne and the styling tips, you pick out the $400 dress of your choice. Bid now to get a head start on your fall wardrobe (she’ll make the whole store 20% off for the party!) and raise funds for the Southampton Animal Shelter. Bidding is open through August 18 at: http://www.charitybuzz.com/categories/3/catalog_items/203542

If the return of American prep on the runways has got you dying for some “Take Ivy” type duds, you can bid on a private $500 shopping spree at the beautiful Ralph Lauren Southampton store to benefit the Southampton Animal Shelter. http://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/203548.

Or, learn American style pointers from Tommy Hilfiger himself as you meet him and take a tour of the Tommy Hilfiger archives (25 years worth!) and spend $2000 at the flagship store on 5th Avenue. Proceeds benefit RUSH Philanthropic. http://www.charitybuzz.com/categories/3/catalog_items/209119

Cyndi Lauper and Betsey Johnson will meet one fan at a Betsey Johnson shop for a personal styling session plus $500 shopping spree to benefit True Colors (http://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/212533). While Diane Von Furstenberg is giving back this season by auctioning a $1000 shopping spree at any DVF boutique worldwide (http://www.charitybuzz.com/categories/3/catalog_items/203545). What better way to refresh your dress collection than to give back to charity at the same time?

LINK LOVE:Cynthia Rowley Auctions Private Shopping Party for Charity

Leave it to eccentric style icon Daphne Guinness to tell it like it is. Earlier this week, we reminded you of Cher Horowitz’s unforgettable quote in Clueless about the state of fashion among teenage boys in the 90’s.

“It looks like they just fell out of bed and put on some baggy pants and take their greasy hair — ew — and cover it up with a backwards cap and like, we’re expected to swoon?”

We felt Cher’s pain, and apparently Daphne does, too. While at a fashion event in Mayfair, Guinness opened up about her disappointment in the way people today dress. Remember, this is coming from a woman who wears Rick Owens to work out.

“You can tell the state of civilization by the way people dress. If the people who fought two World Wars came back to 2010 and saw all of us running around in tracksuits, what would they think? It is just being sloppy. And it is not about the money, it is a mindset.”

And on the way people treat their bodies:

“I have nothing against people who are round. I am far too thin, for example. I’d really love to put on a few pounds. But I certainly think some people look tremendously unhealthy — and quite unhappy actually.”

So to review — if Guinness were to add on to our list of trends we miss, dressing up would be number one. Note to self — throw out all sweatpants. It’s a small price to pay to heed a genius’ advice.

SOURCE

LINK LOVE:Daphne Guinness Would Like To Rid The World Of Sweatpants

Daphne Guinness isn’t impressed by the state of modern dress, believing the public don’t make enough effort to attire their selves properly.

“You can tell the state of civilisation by the way people dress,” said Guinness. “If the people who fought two World Wars came back to 2010 and saw all of us running around in tracksuits, what would they think? It is just about being sloppy. And it is not about the money – it is a mindset.”

The 42- year-old heiress also admitted to being “too thin”.

“I’d love to put on a few pounds,” she told the Daily Mail. “But I certainly think some people look tremendously unhealthy – and quite unhappy actually. I have nothing against people who are round.”

(Vogue U.K.)

LINK LOVE:Daphne Guinness Talks Fashion

My faves this week? Kimora and Selita are WORKING it! Even actress Kenya Moore is giving the new chicks in the game a run for their money. She doesn’t even look like she aged a day! I smell an anti-age regimen post from Danielle coming on. And don’t be surprised if you see yours truly on the 5:00 news for sneaker jacking Dwayne Wade’s Nike’s.
Who worked it for you?
~Vuitton

LINK LOVE:Week in Chic: Selita Ebanks, Kimora Lee Simmons, Amber Rose, and more!

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The folks at Keds must be pretty busy lately. After launching an awesome fall line for Gap, they’ve gone and collaborated with artist Jenny Holzer on these super cool Champion Sneakers ($90) now available on Bloomingdales.com. Proceeds from the shoe go straight to the Whitney Museum of American Art, as we told you last month – so you get an affordable piece of art, and the money goes back where it belongs. That’ll put a skip in your step.

LINK LOVE:Get Some Wearable Art–Jenny Holzer for Keds Line Available Starting Today

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What originally started out in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia by DJ’s Skeme Richards and Cash Money as an all 45 party spinning rare and not so rare funk, soul, afrobeat, reggae, breaks and other funky gems to a crowd of people that enjoy nothing more than shaking their groove thangs and getting sweaty on the floor has now turned into a traveling movement with with parties happening in New York, Los Angeles, Seattle and Switzerland. In 2010 Hot Peas and Butta see’s a change in the DJ roster with bringing DJ Amir of the legendary digging duo, Kon & Amir and pairing him up with Mr. Fantastic himself, Skeme Richards. Both DJ’s bring a certain uniqueness when spinning records from their extensive collection that keeps dancefloors packed to even the trendiest of music lovers.

Music is not all that Hot Peas and Butta is made up of, the amazing visuals shown on the projectors is what makes this sure shot something special. Various footage from Skeme Richards’ personal VHS collection of rare commercials, tv shows, movie trailers, 70’s cartoons, and concert footage is handpicked and put together for each party to add that extra flair which brings the complete Hot Peas package together.

It only makes sense Hot Peas and Butta are about to drop their first 45….7.27.2010 it goes into stores! Skeme Richards x Big Pimp Jones x Recordbreakin Records, filled with goodies by Elroy Jenkins..really? You need this in your life! NYC release party and special Born Day Event for Junior from Recordbreakin’ Sunday July 25th with special guest Supreme La Rock! Amala, put this in your diary when you move to NYC later this month!!! 

Hot Peas & Butta: Understanding the Process–Don’t Blink from Lance Pilgrim on Vimeo.

* If you got the funk make sure you don’t miss Skeme’s interview with Funkshone in Issue 2 Hell Yeah-out now!

LINK LOVE:Hot Peas and Butta release 45

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LINK LOVE:lookbook love: H&M autumn/winter 2010-11

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With the recent release of our Pop Art themed issue and launch party, we can’t get enough of anything Warhol or Factory related….To be released later this year, look what we spotted tonight by one of our favourite new school pop artists running tings, Mr Shep Fairey.

18 x 24?  Screen Print, Signed and Numbered Edition of 450.  $65

Photography by Billy Name / Kymara Artistic Management

This poster is from a painting I did of Nico from the Velvet Underground. The painting was based on a photo by Billy Name who worked with Warhol in the Factory. For anyone who does not know, Warhol managed the Velvet Underground, got them their record deal, and designed their first record cover with the banana (which could originally be peeled). Warhol also suggested that Nico, a german fashion model and singer, be in the group. I love her vocals on songs like “Femme Fatale” and “I’ll be Your Mirror”, but apparently Lou Reed did not like her much and kicked her out of the group.  She kept recording and made solo records until the early 80’s.  Iggy Pop had some vague sexual encounters with Nico in the late 60’s, and John Cale from the Velvet Underground produced the first (Iggy and the)Stooges album. Considering I got into Warhol, VU, and The Stooges separately, it is fascinating how connected they are.  Billy Name gets some of the money on this Nico poster.
-Shepard

Release Date: 6/10/10

LINK LOVE:Shepard Fairey does Nico…

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Check out Money Laundry here!

Thanks Coco Perez!