Steven Meisel is at it again

I really REALLY love the new Vogue Italia cover for their September 2012 issue. It is just perfect and with the perfect amount of tongue-in-cheek title "Multi Faceted Women". Carolyn Murphy has my sanity on her shoulders because if her editorial is bad, then, well, I don't think I'll be here for that.

Youth in revolt once more

Spring 2013 is only two weeks away, which is a timely reminder of the Menswear Spring 2013 shows that happened in June. My favourite was from my homeslice, Raf Simons. Forever concerned with youth culture, he took a step back and married this with what he's learnt as a designer, starting out in his eponymous label in 1995. This "looking back" provided all the necessary nostalgia of a Simons collection - shorts, a staple of his were shown once again, but this time with slits on the side that showed more leg than ever before. Not for the faint of heart. His most powerful ideas came in his interplay with art, with artist Brian Calvin provided prints that Simons used to emblazon on smocks, t-shirts, and dip dyed sweaters. A succession of printed floral-backed coats, some drawn by Simons himself, rounded out an introverted and nostalgic look into why he is one of the most memorable designers of the 21st Century.

As pure as anything

i-D magazine will forever be one of my favourite magazines ever. Even with my recent spell into not buying magazines too frequently, i-D (provided I get the cover I want, lookin' at you Arizona) is always on my radar. This editorial, aptly titled Pure, reminds me of why I love their content. It's not overstated, it's not contrived, it is what it is.

Beauty Goals at Alexander McQueen Spring 2010

While many remember Alexander McQueen's Spring 2010 show, Platos Atlantis, as the show where some models refused to walk in those huge Armadillo shoes, I remember it for the minimal beauty plastered on the faces on those who did chose to walk. Bare faces tied in with the subaquatic theme, with whited out eyebrows and lips creating an otherworldly and warped show. The elaborate hair, created by Guido Palau, felt very sci-fi, as did the prosthetic make up around the models' eyes and noses. McQueen also embraced the new, with a video of Raquel Zimmermann by Nick Knight heralding the beginning of the show, and the models every move being videoed for the world to see. Was he making a statement about where fashion was going? Was he suggesting that designers should embrace this new change in technology? I guess we'll never know.

Liu Wen, Sui He & Ming Xi by Daniel Jackson for Vogue China May 2012

Dancing in the Soul, Daniel Jackson photographs top Chinese Models Liu Wen, Sui He, and Ming Xi in an emotive and moving editorial alongside ballet dancer Justin Peck. Wearing clothes that look as light as air, Liu, Sui and Ming move with a sensual and balletic grace, with red lips and bare faces by Yadim and styling by Tiina Laakkonen.

More stills after the jump

Editorial: Slave

I always love going through the Vogue Paris archive on thefashionspot because when I find gems like this editorial for it's September 2001 issue, it reminds me so much of why I love fashion much. Angela Lindvall  looks incredible in this editorial photographed by Bert Stern and styled by Anastasia Barbieri, with a hint of innocence in her baby doll eyes.

More shots after the jump

Daphne Groeneveld and her two April Vogue covers

Daphne Groeneveld has always been one of my favourite new models, ever since her Vogue Paris cover with Tom Ford. For April, Daphne graces not only the cover of Vogue Russia, but also Vogue Korea. Snaps for Daphne y'all.

Film: The Kids Are All Right

I've always loved American Suburban Dramas. It first started with American Beauty, a movie that moves me now as it did when I first watched it nearly 10 years ago for the first time. It starred Annette Bening in one of her most coveted roles, as the mother whose control only thinly masked a veil of self-doubt and sadness. Annette reprises this role of controlling mother, to acclaim, in one of 2010's best pictures, and arguably one of the best pictures of the decade, The Kids Are All Right. She plays Nic, a wine-loving mother who lives in California with her wife, Jules and her two children, Joni and Laser. Their life seems like a perfect snapshot of American Suburbia, but all changes when the Laser and Joni bring their sperm donor into their lives. What differentiates this film from others and what makes me fall in love every time I watch is not only the beautifully crafted framing in every shot, or the wholesome love that emanates from the family, but is something much more real and tangible. Cholodenko creates a real sense of family, with an excellent script and amazing acting by all of the cast - notably Josh Hutcherson (Laser) who perfectly plays the role of a teenage boy struggling to find a masculine balance in his life. I feel myself becoming increasingly lost in their lives, and I'm just fine with that.

More stills after the jump

Jessica Clarke can serve up Emma Stone realness any day she wants

Jessica Clarke, one of my favourite models from New Zealand embodies elegance for the November issue of Amica for 2011 photographed by Derek Kettela She stars in some of the standout fall looks, like Givenchy, Stella McCartney and Valentino. Seductive make up and beautiful hair by Owen Ghould and Valery Gherman complete the elegant look.

Salasai at NZFW

I know i'm late but I've got no followers so I think no one will really notice. Salasai was on my top three list of best shows - I thought the exposition of androgyny played well into the aesthetic Salasai has become well known for. Kirsha also showed her mastery in her innate ability to use modern and industrial fabrics which showed itself in tartan ponchos and maxi's, print on print suits and drop crotch pants - a staple for any Salasai wearer. I thought the menswear was incredible - navy shorts were matched with check shirts with navy sleeves, while more delicate looks included short sheer shirts and tartan pants. The knitwear was amazing as well; an ode to cashmere in all in luxe glory. It was perfect mix of romantic gothicism and punk edginess, with the softness still present. It made me, or anyone for that matter, wanna be a Salasai boy or girl.

Girls dressed as boys

Girls dressed as boys get me every single time. I think it's that perfect mix of feminine and masculine, with just a hint of sexy. Boys dressed as girls, not so much. Just to show how perfect it works, here are some shots from LOVE issue Four featuring Dree Hemingway, Hannah Holman and Veruschka von Lehndorff in very masculine looking clothing

I always love a good stripe

Reasons why I love stripes:

• They are so chic and effortless
• Paired well, they can be a multi-seasonal garment
• It's a new season trend, especially the pyjama stripe

Top to Bottom: Junya Watanabe ss11, Celine Resort 2012, Comme des Garcons striped Play jersey

Hi

I think it's a little endearing of me in making this blog