Panthers in Crime

Now, normally Numéro bores me just a tiny parsec, just because I feel like they don't really try new things or step outside the box very much (like that whole Freja with cameras shot by Karl spread, what in Chalayan was that?!) but I'm really drawn into (haha, get it?) their September issue. It has Sasha P. on the cover, as a slightly cracked-out version of Jessica Rabbit, shot by Camilla Akrans. The cover, with Sasha's gaunt face and piercing eyes peeking out from impeccable red waves, and her skeletal figure swathed in an embellished Dior dress, is striking and a great subversion of the universally attractive sexpot Ms. Rabbit. Especially seeing as how Sasha's beauty is, so, uh, debated. The rest of the editorial isn't as special, but it's still pretty and luxurious, et cetera. I also really enjoy Karl's shoot featuring strong, black, couture pieces reminiscent of super heroes. It's powerful and crisp, and although it's not that unique, I really like the images. Now go forth, children, and imbibe!


Photo cred: TFS

Nobody Ain't Laughin' Now

So, yes, I know that Coachella was a month ago, but I recently (as in a half-hour ago) stumbled across these photos of the concert on Style.com. They're shot by scene photographer Jeremy Kost, and Style.com even had the gall to put them on the website in Polaroid format. This set makes me sick in a strange, wonderful way. Some of them are actually interesting, with soft, beautiful lighting and a cool balance of spontaniety and vanity. However, most are either just trite and Myspace profile pic-worthy, or careless and pointless.
There's just something so bizarre about Vogue's website, which normally features Tory Burch bags and red carpet pictures of Reese Witherspoon, try to hard to cozy up to the hipster crowd. I know that Vogue and its cohorts have extended the olive branch of photo shoots and kiss-ass blurbs to certain select scenesters, specifically the MisShapes, but it's never been extreme before. I can't help but think this was more of a decision on the W side of things, rather than Vogue's choice. However, Vogue and its mainstream agenda must have had some influence, seeing as how shots of random concert-goers, obscure celebrities, and musicians are peppered with appearances by Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. Intriguing...

Somehow You've Red-Rovered the Gestapo Circling My Heart

"Revelation," an editorial in this month's W, shot by Mario Sorrenti and styled by Alex White, hauntingly displays poppy, body-conscious, vivid clothes in a creepy, horror movie way. The combination of shiny lipstick red Lanvin pumps and electric blue Donna Karan bodysuits with shadows and cracked floors is startling. It's like The Grudge, Barney's-style.
See more at style.com.

Final Fantasy

Marc Jacobs-designed clothes that are full of ruffles and whimsy are the perfect accompaniment to Willy Vanderperre's new ed in the New York Times style magazine.

Capturing Moods

W, March 2007...good stuff...

"Ile de la Mode," featuring Sasha Pivovarova shot by Michael Thompson. I love the cripness, coldness, and elegance in these photos that one doesn't normally associate with the beach. It's decadent and whimsical in a whole new way. See the rest here.


"Welcome to My Life," shot by Mert and Marcus, with Snejana Onopka, Denisa Dvorakova, Kinée Diouf, and Coco Rocha. It's creepy, it's perverted, it's swanky, it's stylized, it's amazing. See the rest here.

I'm Rich, Like a Hot Noise

I actually love the way Testino, by way of French Vogue, has shot this bizarre mix of socialites, fashion people, royals, actors and under-the-radar rich kids. It's soft and romantic in a glamorous way, which kind of makes me ignore that fact that most of these people are completely undeserving of their fame and money. And that fact just makes it even more fabulous.
Note: The page featuring Paris Hilton has been consciously excluded from I&S. Yes sir.
Source: TFS

Behind the Sun

The rest of the Jil Sander SS07 campaign that I love so much. Featuring Johanna Jonsson, Johanna Stickland, and Clement Chabernaud as shot by Willy Vanderperre. Stark and modern, yet there's something very illuminating about them. Love it.

Violently Happy

Loch Raven

Mariacarla's back in black. W February 2007, shot by Jeurgen Teller. Scans from TFS.