Joan Smalls Takes Paris, Lensed by Chrisean Rose for InStyle December 2022

Joan Smalls Takes Paris, Lensed by Chrisean Rose for InStyle December 2022 AOC Fashion

Seeing supermodel Joan Smalls wearing a Louis Vuitton coat with magnificent Bettina Vermillon boots, in a December 2021 InStyle Magazine fashion story headline that reads: Joan Smalls Turned the Streets of Paris into Her Personal Catwalk — well my heart literally tightened with emotion.

Sandy Armeni styles Smalls in images by Chrisean Rose {IG} / Makeup by Hila Karmand;hair by Hos

"It's where I broke through," says the Puerto Rican model, recalling the gig that launched her career: a place in Givenchy's spring 2010 haute couture show. "That was one of the most memorable moments I've ever experienced." It was an opportunity she had to fight for.

Paris is challenging and nurturing at the same time for all of us. Then we add on the reality of Joan Smalls being a person of color battling for more diversity in a fashion industry that wasn’t. However Paris has challenged me, it has challenged Joan Smalls even more so.

When I write that Paris understands certain people, Smalls articulates the feeling.

"Looking back, I appreciate what I have that much more because of what it took to get here," she says. "It wasn't handed to me easily. I had this hunger in me to achieve more and not just settle for what I was given."

In the days after the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 and the rise of BLM protests, Joan Smalls raised her voice loudly and in ways that resonated deeply. In February, 2021 Joan was joined by IMG and the Black Fashion Council to Launch #Change Fashion.

WWD explains the new organization, dedicated to encouraging companies to take responsibility for their impact on the world and provides concrete steps that will ensure the industry is working toward racial justice.

Signe Vilstrup Flashes Yujin Sim in 'Night Out' Glam for Vanity Fair Italia January 2022

Signe Vilstrup Flashes Yujin Sim in 'Night Out' Glam for Vanity Fair Italia January 2022 AOC Fashion

Model Yujin Sim is styled by Simone Guidarelli in ‘Night Out’, a hot mix of sensual artistry. Photographer Signe Vilstrup [IG] is behind the lens for Vanity Fair Italia January 2022./ Hair by Pedro Pianto; makeup by Claudia Marchetti

'Squid Game' Star Hoyeon Jung Covers Vogue Japan March by Harley Weir

Supernova Hoyeon Jung, Star of 'Squid Game' Covers Vogue US February 2022 by Harley Weir AOC Fashion

South Korean model turned actor Hoyeon Jung covers the March 2022 issue of Vogue Japan. In her role of north Korean defector in the Netflix hit ‘Squid Game’, the 27-year-old is part of an established cast of South Korean actors who comprise Netflix’s most-viewed series ever.

Louis Vuitton’s newest Global House Ambassador for fashion, watches and jewelry wears a Vuitton cape and dress on her Vogue cover, accented with Alexander McQueen earrings. Alex Harrington styles the fashion story [Vogue US February link interview link in English] ‘From Squid Game to Supernova: Inside the Whirlwind with Hoyeon Jung’ with gorgeous elegance from Acne Studios, Givenchy, Junya Watanabe, Loewe, Miu Miu, more Louis Vuutton, Prada, Stella McCartney, Vera Wang and more.

Harley Weir [IG] is behind the lens, shooting a new cover and at least one new editorial image / Hair by Holli Smith; makeup by Thomas de Kluyver for Gucci Beauty.

Vogue’s Monica Kim catches up with Hoyeon Jung at New York’s Soho Grand.

Note to AOC regular readers: As Vogue Global develops a shared content strategy [a policy we understand given Conde Nast recent financial losses in excess of $100 million annually] we want to give our high-level creatives an understanding of one Vogue issue to another edition. At the same time, we are respecting Google’s content redundancy SEO, policy so as to stay on the right side of the cyber law, so to speak.

In this case, the images that are showing are the ones published so far by Vogue Japan March 2022. AOC is not writing new commentary from the interview. We link back to AOC’s US Vogue February 2022, at the end of post, where there will be a duplication of three of these images but also multiple more not appearing in Vogue Japan so far images. Surely there’s a Google penalty in here somewhere, but then Google hasn’t faced these kinds of real-world financial content revenue challenges, so they can have all the rules they want. As a side note, Amazon has been deeply cutting into Google ad revenue.

If you are an AOC reader who speaks Japanese, this link takes you that the Global Vogue interview with Hoyeon Jung in Vogue Japan.

Original story on Vogue US February 2021

Supernova Hoyeon Jung, Star of 'Squid Game' Covers Vogue US February 2022 by Harley Weir AOC Fashion

China's Skiing Demon Eileen Gu Eyes Beijing 2022 Gold in Louis Vuitton Twist Bag Campaign

China's Skiing Demon Eileen Gu Eyes Beijing 2022 Gold in Louis Vuitton Twist Bag Campaign AOC Fashion

Louis Vuitton ambassador Eileen Gu has closed in on two key life goals at age 18.. The two-time freestyle world champion has always wanted to attend Stanford University — and she will be, as a legacy applicant. Second for Gu was to qualify for the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics, leaving Team USA to represent China.

In these images for Louis Vuitton, Eileen Gu is styled by Victoria Sekrier in images by Carlijn Jacobs. Creative direction by Charles Levai and Kevin Tekinel./ Hair by Olivier Schawalder; makeup by Min Kim

In 2019, the U.S.-born Gu announced she would switch national affiliations and compete for China in 2022. Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal probed the topic of whether Eileen Gu has given up her American citizenship, so represent China. The situation for Gu is largely similar to Naomi Osaka’s, who did give up her American citizenship to represent Japan at the 2021 Summer Olympics. Gu deflects any questions on her actual citizenship status, writes WSJ.  Osaka did give up her American passport.

“This was an incredibly tough decision for me to make,” Gu wrote in an Instagram post at the time. She said she hoped her move would help “inspire millions of young people where my mom was born,” especially young girls. Through skiing, she added, she wanted to “unite people, promote common understanding, create communication, and forge friendships between nations.”

Gu is such a high-flying IMG ace, that her background puts her at the top of marketing opportunities in the world’s two largest economies. And she could help China whip the US in the upcoming medal count.

Julia Hafstrom Explores Fashion and Occult in Vogue Poland by Hill & Aubrey

Model Julia Hafstrom covers the January/February 2022 issue of Vogue Poland. Ina Lekiewicz, editor-in-chief, ponders the synergy of fashion and astrology including cyclicality, looking into the future, fascination with ritual and beauty of symbols.

The cover story Magia | Kosmos takes a deep dive into magic and cosmic phenomena. In the UK's most western corner, the Hill & Aubrey [IG] photographer duo capture the dark intrigue rich with symbolism of an old farmhouse, with Hafstrom styled by Ali & Aniko. / Hair by Yumi Nakada-Dingle; makeup by Athena Paginton

Alexandra Leese Captures Jan Baiboon, Kayako Higuchi for Document Journal Winter 2021/Resort 2022

Alexandra Leese Captures Jan Baiboon, Kayako Higuchi for Document Journal Winter 2021/Resort 2022 AOC Fashion

Document Journal has launched its Winter 2021/Resort 2022: New Ways of Seeing issue. Document explores “the possibilities and complexities of radical creativity in an age of rapid technological progress. Could artificial intelligence change how we make, possess, and experience works of art? Is creativity innate and singular, or is it best generated in community with others? What is the place of human emotion in an age governed by reason?”

Models Jan Baiboon and Kayako Higuchi visualize a fashion story styled by Camille Bidault Waddington in images by Alexandra Leese [IG]. / Makeup by Stephanie Kunz; hair by Ramona Eschbach

Signe Veiteberg's Mushroom Promise in Vogue Poland January 2022, by Agnieszka Kulesza & Lukasz Pik

Signe Veiteberg's Mushroom Promise in Vogue Poland January 2022, by Agnieszka Kulesza & Lukasz Pik AOC Fashion

The January 2022 issue of Vogue Poland spins sustainability with a more 60’s/70’s, transformative perspective, by delving into intriguing magical and cosmic phenomena.

In this fashion story photographer duo Agnieszka Kulesza & Łukasz Pik [IG] captured the fashion industry’s fascination with mushrooms — led by Stella McCartney, but with plenty of new players. Fashion editor Kamila Wagner explains why mushrooms can help save the world from an ecological disaster and model Signe Veiteberg is the mushroom mother, source of all nourishment and the ‘skin’ of our living earth. / Hair by Emil Zed; makeup by Marianna Yurkiewicz

AOC has translated everything we can so far at Vogue Poland and don’t believe that the clothes themselves are sustainable or made of mushrooms. That technology is advancing rapidly but is not yet ready for prime time.

It’s undeniable, though, that mushrooms are having a cultural moment in every aspect including as a replacement for meat. Put AOC in that camp. Mushrooms are fundamental to the organic construction of our earth.

'Bold and Graphic' Resort Fashion with Elizabeth Lake, Wayne Booth for SCMP Style

Elizabeth Lake, Wayne Booth in 'Bold and Graphic' for SCMP Style December 2021 AOC Fashion

Models Wayne Booth and Elizabeth Lake wear ‘Bold and Graphic’ 2022 Resort looks styled by Brit Cato. Photographer Luke Dickey is behind the lens for SCMP Style Magazine December 2021./ Makeup by Andrew Colvin; hair by Kazuto Shimomura

Fan Bingbing by Leslie Zhang in Vogue Singapore as 'The 355' Debuts January 7, 2022

Fan Bingbing by Leslie Zhang in Vogue Singapore as 'The 355' Debuts January 7, 2022 AOC Fashion

Fan Bingbing greets 2022 with two digital covers in Vogue Singapore’s January - February 2022 issue devoted to the concept of grace. Coke Ho styles the actor/fashion icon and Chinese superstar, who is lensed by Singapore-based photographer Leslie Zhang [IG]. Sandhya Mahadevan interviews Fan Bingbing in advance of her 2022 film ‘The 355’.

Fan Bingbing’s Musings on Grace and Beauty

“Grace to me, is having both beauty and elegance—always strive to do the right thing, be refined and well-educated, and have self-respect. Then you will embody grace from the inside out."

”Every woman wants to be more beautiful, but I believe beauty is not only on the outside—it shows through every aspect of a person. Beauty is having ideals in life, determination, and confidence.”

Naomi Osaka Pulls Out of WTA Semi-Final After Body Gets 'Shock' Over Playing Tennis

Australian Open champion, and women’s sports’ highest-paid athlete ever Naomi Osaka pulled out of the Melbourne WTA tournament, considered a run-up to the Open starting January 17 in Melbourne. The Japanese tennis superstar, with a difficult year behind her, entered the semi-finals looking like her mojo was coming back. Osaka left the US Open last September and took four months off from the game of tennis.

“Sad to withdraw due to injury from my match today, my body got a shock from playing back-to-back intense matches after the break I took,” Osaka said on Twitter. “I’ll try to rest up and I’ll see you soon!”

Osaka’s statement continued:

“I had a lot of fun playing here in Melbourne. Unfortunately, I have an abdominal injury which I need to rest and prepare for the Australian Open.”

Related: Naomi Osaka becomes highest-paid female athlete in history after earning $37 million last year CNN

How Naomi Osaka Became Everyone’s Favorite Spokesmodel New York Times

Read all the details about Naomi’s return to tennis.

Karen Elson's Spring Fashion Lamp 'Brighter Future' for Harper's Bazaar UK February 2021

Karen Elson's Spring Fashion Lamp 'Brighter Future' for Harper's Bazaar UK February 2021 AOC Fashion

Very independent supermodel Karen Elson covers the February 2021 issue of Harper’s Bazaar UK. Photographer Erik Madigan Heck [IG] packs up his equipment and heads to Oxfordshire with stylist Leith Clark, a long-time friend of Elson’s. Clark chooses a wide range of dramatic fashion from Alberta Ferretti, Dior, Ermanno Scervino, Etro, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo and more/ Hair by Hiroshi Matsushita; makeup by Andrew Gallimore

Lydia Slater conducts the interview of words spun around the spring 2022 fashion fest: Karen Elson on a brighter future.

"It felt like falling headfirst back into British life," the red-headed model activist says. "There was a house with a moat around it, built in the 1700s, there was a graveyard from the 1500s. Even the cold, the rain – give it to me! I’ve had more cups of tea this week than I ever have. And with the hair and the make-up and the beautiful location, there was a sort of wildness about it.”

Gucci [Water] Tiger Collection Welcomes Lunar New Year on February 1, 2022

Gucci [Water] Tiger Collection Welcomes Lunar New Year on February 1, 2022 AOC Fashion

Luxury brands including Gucci, Nike, Prada and more are launching special collections to honor and celebrate the Lunar New Year arriving on February 1, 2022.

Gucci Tiger Collection

The Gucci Collection leaves no doubt that soon we will herald the Year of the Tiger, with an 80-piece collection. Creative director Alessandro Michele is giving new life to a 1960s archival design of a tiger print by Vittorio Accornero, the artist and illustrator behind the House’s signature Flora design.

Christopher Simmonds worked on art direction for the campaign. The Gucci Tiger collection can be viewed at Gucci.com. As with its recent The North Face collab, all packaging in this collection is eco-friendly.

Gucci Supports Lion’s Share Fund

In February 2020, Gucci joined The Lion’s Share Fund, a unique initiative raising much-needed funds to protect endangered species and their natural habitats.

A third-party animal welfare organization, @americanhumane, monitored the set on which animals were present in photographing Gucci’s Year of the Tiger campaign. The organization verified that no animals were harmed in creating this visually-exciting campaign

Chinese Zodiac Tiger Traits

The third animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac and calendar, the Tiger is known as the king of all members of the animal kingdom in China. If you were born in 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, or 2010 — or are a baby in the making — you are a Tiger.

The Tiger represents strength, courage and the power to rid the world of evil. This year’s tiger specifically is called a Water Tiger, which inspires a strong sense of self-esteem and desire to acquire knowledge .

Gucci Tiger Pop-Ups

Retailer Holt Renfrew Yorkdale and Holt Renfrew Vancouver will host dedicated Pop-Up experiences in Canada that feature the Gucci Tiger collection, while stores in New York Wooster, Chicago Michigan Ave, Las Vegas Forum Shops, Santa Clara Valley Fair, and Manhasset boutiques will also feature Pop-In creativity to bring the Gucci Tiger into closets across North America.