Archive for July, 2009

PHOTO POP QUIZ

Friday, July 31st, 2009

We always love to see fashions of the distant past making a revival in contemporary design, especially when we get to learn fun new words such as Pannier or Jerkin. One accessory we especially love spotting on the runways and in the editorial pages of fashion magazines is the Ruff, a ruffled collar attachment originally popularized in Europe in the mid-fifteenth century. Most recently revived by Gareth Pugh in his S/S 2009 collection, he almost convinced us to try the style out for ourselves!

We found a few images in the Art + Commerce Image Archive of some contemporary interpretations of the Ruff, can you name the photographer based on the stylistic rendering of the old European accessory?

1. Hedi Slimane
2. Ellen von Unwerth
3. Sølve Sundsbø

Commute-a-scout

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Ah, the subway… it’s a love hate relationship. On one hand we avoid the car traffic and skip all the red lights, on the other hand, there always seems to be someone spilling over into our seat, talking too loud, or (gasp!) using nail clippers in public.

Re:Quest Models seems to make great use of the MTA by scouting its greatest finds in the outer boroughs. With models from all five boroughs on its roster, Yuri from Pelham Bay is no exception to the beauty they have found throughout this great city. And while we don’t have confirmation on exactly how he was discovered, we enjoy the idea that it may have happened during a long commute on the Bronx local. After all he is a sure stand-out on the 6 train, in that “from the block” J Lo kind of way…

HEDI, MEET PAOLO

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

We love working in the fashion industry for so many reasons. One day we can be walking down the street writing a casual e-mail to a coworker from our blackberry, the next day we are approving a male model’s travel expenses for a trip to Paris that will change the course of his career. Moments like these remind us of why we love the fast pace of this industry.

When we met Paolo two weeks ago, a small voice inside of us said, “this boy is special.” As our casting wheels began turning, we could think of only one name: Hedi Slimane. Within a few days of having met Paolo, we saw him off on a trip to Paris for a special booking with the talented photographer. And just to prove how fast things happen in this industry, the images recently appeared on Hedi’s Fashion Diary as proof of their initial and fabulous collaboration. Judging by his online presence, Hedi appreciates the fast pace as much as we do.


Toma / REALWAY VS. RUNWAY

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

Toma has been on our casting radar for about a year now. Ever since she arrived on the scene last summer, we thought she had a great fresh face and we were curious to see where her career would go. It turns out we were not the only ones to fall for her, judging by the exclusive she booked for the Jil Sander runway this past season. It is always great to watch a new face transform under the guidance of great masters and visionaries.

Take a look at the photo we snapped of her today and the look she carried during her Jil Sander exclusive. Personally, we can’t wait to see how she will carry the dramatic flare of darker colors. What do you think will be her best look?

NICK KNIGHT AND SHOWSTUDIO

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

We were so excited when we heard the news that Art + Commerce is now representing British photographer Nick Knight and his pioneering fashion film company SHOWstudio, we could hardly wait to hop on the computer and blog about it immediately!

We are longtime fans of SHOWstudio and the work they produce, and we can’t wait to share upcoming projects and online video events with you! In addition to their groundbreaking films and collaborative projects, SHOWstudio recently opened a Shop too.

Check out this promotional video featuring some highlights of SHOWstudio’s recent film projects.

QUIZ ANSWERS

Monday, July 27th, 2009

Welcome back readers and quiz-takers! We hope you enjoyed the equestrian images from Friday’s Photo Pop Quiz. It’s time to reveal the answers:

A. Ellen von Unwerth
B. Nathaniel Goldberg
C. Arthur Elgort
D. Steven Meisel

PHOTO POP QUIZ

Friday, July 24th, 2009

We were recently reminiscing about some of the most challenging props we have contended with on photo shoots. Thinking back on ordering accessories like custom-designed parachutes or one hundred Pugs, or the time we hired Olympic archers and motorcycle stuntmen, we sometimes feel as if we’ve seen it all. The imaginations of photographers are limitless, and we expect nothing less than ambitious prop requests next season.

Horses never cease to add an air of majesty and timelessness to a photograph, and we think it’s worth all the trouble of managing these creatures on set. Throughout the history of fashion, photographers have often used horses as a visual means to deliver fashion to the public, and the photographers below are no exception.

Can you match the photographers’ names with the images?

1. Nathaniel Goldberg
2. Steven Meisel
3. Ellen von Unwerth
4. Arthur Elgort

REL-ISH IN HER BEAUTY

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

One thing we love about conducting Go-sees is the opportunity to chat and meet great new models. This week we got to meet Rel Dade with Marilyn Models. The newcomer is stirring up a great buzz among casting directors across the board. For her recent runway debut, Rel booked an exclusive for Valentino Couture, and in the editorial department she is already shooting for Numéro and Interview magazines. Rel is a Dallas girl, and we love to promote good ol’ American beauty. Go get ‘em, cowgirl!

Proenza edits

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

There are some magazines that are delivered to our office like clockwork and there are others that are a bit like fashion itself; elusive, exclusive and unavailable to the masses.

For us, A Magazine can be categorized in the elusive, exclusive genre. If you can’t seem to get your hands on a copy of the latest issue, it can thankfully be found on their web site. Each month the magazine welcomes a different designer/curator as guest editor. To date, the collaborator’s list includes: Maison Martin Margiela, Yohji Yamamoto, Haider Ackermann, Jun Takahashi Undercover, Martine Sitbon, Veronique Branquinho, Kris van Assche, Riccardo Tisci and this month, Proenza Schouler. We must say, we are impressed!

Below is a snippet of Sølve Sundsbø photographs from the newest issue with styling by Katie Grand. These young models certainly know how to work the Proenza look!

Karmen Pedaru / REALWAY VS. RUNWAY

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

Karmen Pedaru has been on the modeling scene for several seasons now. Her beauty reminds us of feminine power, although she still feels approachable and easy to chat with. We love the classic symmetry of her face, but her ability to change looks is most impressive as she skillfully transforms with every outfit she puts on. What is your favorite Karmen Pedaru look?