Rag Report: Highlight the World With Vibrant Colors

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

The grey Syracuse days are complemented by dark jackets, winter accessories, and chunky snow boots. However, after flipping through the March issue of Elle, the editorial, shot by Terry Tsiolis and styled by Lester Garcia, was dedicated solely to bright colors. Not only did it brighten my day (both literally and metaphorically) but also gave me something to look forward to.

The photos portray a sense of edginess and rebellion. In this photo, the model not only wears a Versace silk jacket and skirt, but also a fierce expression. She bites her lip, and her eyebrows, full and bold, frame her intense gaze. Her short hair is freely styled and sends out a bold statement. Around her wrist she wears a chunky Mary Katrantzou crystal bracelet that reflects light and adds more color to her outfit.

This next photo has a more mellow tone to it. The model is in a peculiar pose that resembles something a child would do. Her gaze is subdued and her hair is spiked. The deep royal blue Prada stretch jacket and forest greed Prada cotton skirt provide a rich contrast that gives the outfit a sophisticated look. Her Prada wedged heels give the outfit a playful feel that mimics the pose.

In this photo, we see a combination of vibrant colors from head to toe. The model is wearing a magenta viscose-blend bodysuit by Max Mara with green Rochas silk shorts and highlighter yellow Christian Louboutin sandals. Her expression seems to dare readers to judge her. The color is then picked up by her contrasting yellow and magenta eye make-up.

After seeing this spread, I found the ability to keep trudging through the grey winter. This spring we can all look forward to vibrant pops of color.

-Brittany Fowler

Rag Report: Lagerfeld's lucite and lace

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

In this month’s ELLE, cover model Jennifer Lopez was head to toe in leather and chains, while a few pages later, Karl Lagerfeld was dreaming of an otherworldly girl in delicate lace.

The model, Olga, was Lagerfeld’s muse for Fendi’s spring collection.  We thought this editorial had some pros and cons.  The main pro was, of course, that this collection was designed by fashion god, Karl Lagerfeld. The con is that the model’s face was a bit lifeless in a few of the shots.  But we’ll talk about that in a minute. Let’s start with this shot of Olga in navy.

An ELLE Feb. 2010 editorial by Karl Lagerfeld

We love the tulle wrap sandals and the embroidered lace. It all ties together nicely — pardon the pun.  What we don’t like about this shot is the model’s checked-out facial expression.  It almost looks like she was about to pose and then heard someone behind the photographer call her name.  

She could use a pint of blood as well. And we don’t mean that sexy, Twilight sort of pale. Anyway, the other thing that makes this photo pretty nice is all of the blue.  It brings out the blue in her eyes, whereas they appear to be Lucite in other photos.  

ELLE Feb. 2010

Surely, the photographer was aiming for this bright white to artistically contrast against the black background. We think this looks a little too much like the negative rather than the developed photo. This shot also brings out her lack of eyebrows and hair color.  The blouse and skirt aren’t our favorite pairing either. 

To end on a high note, however, we think the model looks alive in this photo:

 

ELLE Feb. 2010

Her eyes are still transparent, but the hot pink lipstick surprisingly brightens up her face.  The dress is great as well, especially since it doesn’t look like it was made only for a model to wear.

- by Rosalind Dean 

Rag Report: Sunny, with a chance of wool

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

In the December issue of Elle, seasons collide as model Kate Somers frolics on the beach in winter sweaters, hats, and gloves. Bikini-clad beach goers relax in the sun, while Somers sweats it out in wool under the summer sun.  

This editorial, shot by Horst Diekgerdes, was hit-and-miss for us. Some looks were right on trend, like this outfit featuring a statement chain necklace worn atop a sweater with bold shoulders. The look featured minimal, delicate makeup, which highlights Somers’ gorgeous freckles and red hair.  

Kate Somers in the Dec. 2009 issue of Elle.

Another hit was the oversize Missoni cowl-neck sweater dress and fingerless gloves. The Acne cashmere leggings create a slim leg with the voluminous top.  

Cashmere under the sun is...hot.

But not every photo featured such chic ensembles. The first look in the editorial was a disaster. It presents Somers in a giant Salvatore Ferragamo knit dress with a full wool skirt. Though layering is in style, this much volume overwhelms Somers’ tiny frame, and she gets lost in the clothes. The outfit is paired with a short top hat, and what looks like shredded toilet paper wrapped around her ankle.  

All we have to say is: WHAT?!

We love the combination of winter wools and summer sun. While the shoot may have been uncomfortable for Somers, the juxtaposition overall creates some beautiful images.

- by Allison Mariotti