Rag Report: Brocade, Embroidery, and Chiffon: Oh my!

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

Turkey is the perfect background for Marie Claire’s October issue spread “Turkish Delight.” Model Barbara di Creddo shows off rich brocade jackets, flowing chiffon dresses, embroidery and sequins in front of an opulent Turkish palace.

Photographer Koray Birand captures this brocade Balmain blazer against a beautiful blue Turkish sky at the Çiragan Kempinski Palace. Di Creddo’s pose fits; she seems regal, like a noble woman outside of her palace.

The decorative wrought iron in the background of this photo adds to the grandiose, over the top feel of this spread. The column behind di Creddo elongates her body and its light color makes the black embroidered Dries Van Noten pants stand out.

While a moss-green dress might otherwise blend in, on the steps of the Turkish palace this Dior chiffon dress is luxurious. The architecture and the red flowers are powerful complements.

The images combine luxury and extravagance with its clothing and scenery. Instead of being gaudy, this juxtaposition works. The model looks more like royalty; the clothing looks more detailed. It also makes Turkey look like a wonderful place to travel to!

-Jessica Dysart

Rag Report: NYLON's tough love in Paris

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

February, the month of dear, romantic Valentine’s Day, is typically when all women’s magazines feature the word “love” on their covers and five-page spreads of red and pink clothing. 

NYLON’s Feb. 2010 issue called “Love Hurts” takes this common theme and gives it a twist. The editorial “Paris, Je T’aime” photographed by Marvin Scott Jarrett features models Barbara Di Creddo and Wanessa Milhomem in Paris, the city of love and lights. However, this editorial highlights European street style, not cutesy little dresses and strappy stilettos to wear on your Valentine’s Day date.  

 

NYLON's words to love by

The opening, messily written, statement on the first page of the spread, “it’s easy to fall in love in the city of light – especially with the clothes,” is the perfect introduction to the following five pages of slouchy and stylish European grunge.

 

NYLON Feb. 2010

The models are dressed in everything from H&M to Chanel amidst the Eiffel Tower and Paris’s street corners. The tough styles illustrate grunge, layering and carelessness, with undertones of sultry feminism. Stylist Santa Bevacqua successfully pairs motorcycle boots, leather, and chains with red lipstick, fishnet and chiffon.

 

Tough love in NYLON

The styling captures the essence of Parisian style: stylishly aware and coherent but concerned with comfort and an appeal of ease. Garrett seizes precisely candid moments that further emphasize the editorial’s idea of the Parisian ambler. The models are layered in garments that are practical and wearable, rather than looks straight off the runway.  

NYLON Feb. 2010

This NYLON editorial captures a romantic aura that plays on the love and lust ideals of the February month. Whether the irresistible ardor is due to the shoot’s location or because of the hidden sensuality amongst all of the layers of clothes on the models, it is highly successful and aesthetically brilliant. We love it!  

- by Danielle Haygood