Rag Report: Wearing the Rain

Rag Report dives under the covers of fashion publications to rant or rave about all the glossy goodness.

NYLON’s April 2010 issue features an editorial dedicated to spring showers and pretty colors. Titled “We Can Stand The Rain,” the photos include vinyl, plastic, and patent leather clothes in bright shades to lighten up those gray days. Photographed by Pamela Hanson and styled by Michelle Reneau, the models Anastasia Bonderenko and Cat Edwards sport Marc by Marc Jacobs dresses, Zac Posen trench coats, Lacoste bikini tops, and Moschino Cheap and Chic umbrellas.

Hanson captures scenes that represent the cheerful and sweet-smelling aspect of April showers by objectifying water droplets against a white background for the setting of her shoot. The models seem to be having an amazing time as they splash through puddles of water, making the raincoats, rain boots and plastic dresses nearly irresistible.

Bright colors are a main theme throughout this editorial. Most of the photos emphasize bright pinks, blues, yellows, oranges, and purples; however, this photo is more pastel-based than the rest of the photos and sticks out to me as more beautiful and elegant. The pairing of the frilled polka-dotted umbrella with the patterned Zac Posen dress and Jimmy Choo heels creates a very feminine and mature image that is superior to the more carefree images that are prominent in the rest of the shoot. Putting the heels in the context of a rain-inspired editorial makes them a bizarre but beautiful addition.

The patterns and embellishments on the pieces in this photo are once again combined with mastermind skill. The Prada top, made up of clear beading and jewels, parallels the mystical atmosphere that the raindrops create. The pink details in the umbrella, bow, and bag add to the feminine quality of the photo as well. They contrast well with the yellow bikini and the colorful pants.

All in all, “We Can Stand The Rain” is a successful collection of pages filled with images that inspire fun and cheeriness amongst the most dreary days of spring.

- Danielle Haygood