Carolina Herrera SS 2023 Campaign Rocks Loudly for Creative, Progressive Women
/One of the most tactically brilliant spring-summer 2023 ad campaigns we’ve seen so far is the pairing of photographer Elizaveta Porodina [IG] and actor, singer, songwriter Dove Cameron for Carolina Herrera [IG]./ Makeup by David Koppelaar; hair by Olivier Schawalder
AOC says “brilliant” because not only are we looking at the visually-compelling photography of the uber-talented Porodina. The entire campaign executed under the creative vision of Carolina Herrera’s Creative Director Wes Gordon is accompanied by an informative interview with the creatives, published in ELLE magazine.
Not a Canned Press Release
The campaign is accompanied by a discussion of the trained clinical psychologist gone rogue photographer’s style and how Dove Cameron first “fell in love” with Wes Gordom when he asked her to be his date to the 2021 CDFAs.
The ELLE story, birthed in Paris in October 2022, is even filled with information about Elizabeth’s unique camera techniques, which AOC has backed since her first entrance into the fashion photography scene.
Read MoreMassimo Dutti Limited Edition Collection of Chic, Elevated Basics Is Worth a Look
/The Case for Elevated Basics
The fashion trends term describing the Spring 2023 Massimo Dutti Limited Edition collection is ‘elevated basics’. Every fashion-aware person self-defines their own vision of ‘elevated basics’, but Massimo Dutti’s 2023 vision is one of sophisticated, chic simplicity and clarity.
The new campaign highlights models Ella Mccutcheon, Imaan Hammam, Tara Halliwell and Yilan Hua in images by Ezra Petronio [IG].
The vision is not a boring one, but more of a timeless, body-aware, polished, sensual approach in black and cream.
Skirts are longer for seekers of elevated basics, silhouettes are fluid. AOC asks if the long column of a dress is a modern woman’s caftan.
Note that caftans are showing up in men’s collections also, but the narrow, sleeveless column dress remains a typically female choice, except in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Read MoreLouis Vuitton Men Taigarama Bags Summer 2023 Campaign Lensed by Tom Johnson
/Louis Vuitton Men releases the Taigarama Summer 2023 Campaign with models Akito Mizutani, Choi Mabior, Limamu Mbaye and Lucas El Bali styled by Pau Avia.
Tom Johnson [IG] photographs the campaign, with art direction by Lucie Matussiere./ Hair by Christian Eberhard; makeup by Christine Corbel
Read MoreIs SHEIN the Biggest Polluter In Fashion? Stats Are Damning and Astonishing!
/Almost like a fashion space rocket, China-based Shein [pronounced she-in, not shine] now owns almost a third (28 per cent) of America’s fast fashion market.
Few sustainability warriors saw it coming. And for all the convos about young people being passionate eco-conscious caretakers of our planet, at least in America, they have given a big hug to Shein.
In 2021, the Shein app became the most downloaded with over 17.5 million downloads across the Google Play and Apple stores.
Read MorePat and Anna Cleveland Make Fashion Bliss in Harper's Bazaar Spain April 2023
/In the Harper’s Bazaar Spain April 2023 fashion story ‘Romper Barreras’ [‘Breaking Barriers’], Pat Cleveland and Anna Cleveland are styled by Inmaculada Jiménez in images by Vladimir Martí [IG] for ‘The Picasso’ issue.
A Model Icon’s Life Turned Inside Out in March 2019
In Spring 2019, legendary AfricanAmerican model Pat Cleveland was diagnosed with colon cancer. The then 68-year-old model icon rushed to the American Hospital in Paris, after walking the Tommy Hilfiger and Zendaya show in very early March.
Resulting from the emergency surgery in Paris on March 23, Cleveland’s colon cancer was detected. Anna Cleveland, Pat’s daughter, who is also a model and performer, was living in Paris and able to care for her mother during the crisis.
4 Years Later, Pat Cleveland Is Thriving
In a miracle of miracles moment, Pat Cleveland is thriving four years out from her life-threatening medical event.
Colorectal cancer disproportionately affects the Black community, where the rates are the highest of any racial/ethnic group in the US. African Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups.
Read MoreCarolina Herrera Blush Fragrance and Karlie Kloss Celebrate Feminine Empowerment
/AOC has studied and promoted Karlie Kloss from her first steps into New York fashion world, because it was clear that she is a woman of principle and also a progressive activist at heart.
The folks at Carolina Herrera, now part of the Barcelona-based Puig Group of brands, were also drawn to Karlie, and not only because of her 6’2” stature and athletic/professional dancer training.
Karlie Kloss is the epitome of the classic Good Girl, updated for the 21st century. In fashion marketing, we toss around the term ‘boss lady’ with ease. Karlie Kloss helps define what a boss lady IS.
Read More'The New Supers' Paloma, Jill, and Precious by Inez & Vinoodh for British Vogue April 2023
/Models Paloma Elsesser, Jill Kortleve and Precious Lee are British Vogue’s April 2023 cover stars. EIC Edward Enninful makes the point in his editor’s letter that it’s very rare when three models come together in a special kind of energy.
Gabriella Karefa-Johnson styles the sensual fashion bonfire lensed by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin [IG].
Thirty years ago Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista were a trinity. Edward’s argument is that now Paloma, Jill and Precious share their stature.
With a shared mission born from friendship, and squarely plugged into the more revolutionary energy of the current zeitgeist, this month’s cover crowns the rise of three extraordinary models.
AOC is not prepared to comment on the observations of Edward, and other writers as well, about the recent autumn/winter 2023 fashion shows:
Read MoreAfter returning from the recent autumn/winter 2023 fashion shows, and seeing countless catwalks where diversity of beauty, and of bodies, had taken several steps back, I couldn’t be happier to take this moment to celebrate this trio.