Rag Report: Sparkling Enchantment

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

In this month’s Vogue, readers are exposed to precious metals, like gold, stitched into fabrics creating a fairytale essence. Bruce Weber photographs model Karen Elson in a spread titled “The Enchanted Garden.” The looks are magical and as delicate as the nature that surrounds them.

In the first photo, Elson wears a Tom Ford metal-and-silk jacket layered over an Oscar de la Renta lace-trimmed silk blouse. Her tousled red curls illuminate in the sunlight and mimic the precious metals in her jacket. She has plump deep berry lips and holds an intense gaze. Her features are soft, and therefore give the photograph a whimsical tone.

The next photo features Elson in a Tao Comme des Garçons cotton jacket and matching dress. The white cotton and floral stitching give her an angelic look. The baby lamb makes her appear pure and innocent. Once again, her radiant locks reflect the sunlight and form a halo of light around her head. The background is blurred so she is the focal point of the photograph.

Elson blends into the trees with a Valentino embroidered tulle dress in her next photo. Unlike the previous two photos, her face is in the shadows, making the dress the center of attention. The gold threads sparkle in the sunlight and instantly catch the eye. This photo is intriguing because Elson’s arms blend in with the trees. Her lean body is elongated as she offers a dream catcher above her head.

This spread offers a sense of magic, innocence and purity. The fabrics sparkle and shine like the sun that reflects them. Nature sets a peaceful mood and creates a relaxing atmosphere. A walk in the Enchanted Garden seems to be the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

-Brittany Fowler

Rag Report: Let’s hear it for the Boy!

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

In this month’s GQ, model Jon Kortajarena heats up in this four-page spread that has him standing out in the sultry streets of Madrid. Photographer Nathaniel Goldberg captures the Spanish model in effortless sophistication and class that have women swooning.

In the first image, Kortajarena is the epitome of a bad boy. He focuses all his attention on his companion. The angles shot of his face makes Kortajarena look sexy and dangerous. Even though he is facing away from the camera, his body posture shows of the clothing perfectly. His Simon Spurr suit with a J.Crew shirt and Louis Vuitton loafers has Kortajarena dripping in style.

Kortajarena really shines in his navy blue Burberry London corduroy suit. Although the background is busy, our eyes go directly to Kortajarena. He is cool, calm and collected in this image. Goldberg manages to capture Kortajarena’s intensity even though he is wearing Randolph Engineering sunglasses.

The last images make me want to take the first red eye to Spain! Kortajarena and his beautiful companion are laid back enjoying a brunch. Even though the image is black and white, the viewer is immediately drawn to Kortajarena and his smile. He confidently dons Ralph Lauren suit and shirt with Tom Ford glasses.

Goldberg captures Kortajarena’s masculinity with an ease that has us eagerly flipping through this spread.

-Ivie Igbeare