Rag Report: Making a 'Great Escape'

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

American-born model and actress Amber Valletta is causing quite a buzz in fashion publications this fall. 

First, she posed on the September cover of V Magazine. The next month, she modeled glitter and sequins in the Instyle editorial "Sparkle & Shine."

Amber Valletta in Elle Nov. 2009

This November, Valletta is the leading lady in the Elle shoot “The Great Escape” photographed by Michelangelo di Battista. In the shoot, Valletta plays the role of a stylish and independent woman on the move, alongside Michael Rady from the CW’s Melrose Place.

Amber Valletta and Michael Rady in Elle Nov. 2009

He poses as the sexy hitchhiker that Valletta picks up on her journey. Decked out in structured jackets, prints and layers of jewelry, Valletta’s looks are feminine and sassy.  

Our favorite shot features Valletta in a powder blue zippered jacket, printed silk shorts and a yellow bowler bag. The hazy background of the shot perfectly compliments the yellow and orange tones in the shorts and purse.

  

Amber Valletta in Elle Nov. 2009  

Undeniably, the models and clothes are gorgeous. But the best part of this shoot is the lighting. A soft glow of sunshine lingers on the edges of the photos giving them a sense of romance and effortless glamour.  

In this editorial, Elle sends a clear message:  finding ‘a great escape’ is exactly what every girl needs to be doing this fall.

- by Carine Umuhumuza 

Rag Report: Gone GaGa for the Lady

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

In V Magazine's Fall 2009 issue, chart-topping, Billboard-record-breaker-extraordinaire, Lady GaGa, gets “hood” with metallic makeup and a serious fake tan. 

Though it’s the first time that the GaGa has donned the cover of the oversized magazine (which is seriously the size of a totebag), it featured her in the previous issue. 

Clearly the magazine's a fan. 

When we heard about her upcoming cover, we expected a crazy outfit with a theme only she could pull off. Our verdict: Lady GaGa toned it down this time around.

 

V Magazine Fall 2009

In the last issue, her half-naked body and exposed breasts made appearances in about three pictures. On the cover though, Lady Gaga apparently just wants to look fierce. And with neon all over the place, she’s keeping it trendy.

The cover reads "It’s Lady Gaga’s World," and with the upcoming tour and re-release of her album, The Fame Monster, it just might be. She’s like this generation’s Madonna because she speaks with her clothes and has an original attitude toward fashion.

 

Rolling Stone June 2009

Of course, such fashion extravagance comes with many questions from fans, press, and onlookers alike. In a Rolling Stone interview she defended her infamous pantsless look, saying, “My grandmother is basically blind, but she can make out the lighter parts, like my skin and hair. She says, ‘I can see you, because you have no pants on.' So I'll continue to wear no pants so that my grandma can see me."

Evidently, this generation has a new pop and fashion icon, so we say: put Madonna to rest, hail Lady Gaga.

- by Elton Wong