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

Jewel Juice: Think outside the chain (stores)

Jewel Juice is your main squeeze for all things accessories.

Roses are red, violets are blue, shoot down the cliché — with cupids’s arrow — and find something new. It’s that time again when we watch men young and old scramble to find overpriced, unoriginal, diamond-clad baubles to prove their love. Wretch. 

This year, if your man is still hoping to fill that little box, direct him toward something out of the ordinary. A personal piece is always more appreciated...and often less expensive. Here are a few of our favorites:

Fetty of Brooklyn

Fetty of Brooklyn's "garage-glam"

 

Rising rocker and lead singer of Semi Precious Weapons, Justin Tranter’s name is also breaking molds in the jewelry biz. Labeled “garage-glam,” Fetty's work is, ironically enough, home to a variety of heart-based jewels at three price points: urban, boutique and royalty. 

However, with names like “Shot Through the Heart,” “Butcher’s Wife” and “Love Bites,” these pieces require your significant other has more than good taste (a sense of humor) before you buy this edgy V-day present (available in necklaces and earrings). 

 

Skeleton Keys

Erica Weiner and Tiffany and Co. skeleton keys

Skeleton keys are all the rage right now, and what better time to give away “the key to your heart” than Valentine’s Day? Since these vintage-inspired jewels are everywhere from Tiffany and Co. to the local flea market, we suggest taking two things into account before you purchase: price and personality.  

Original works

Reiterating an original idea, look to local and emerging designers to fuel your love fire? Etsy.com, for example, offers an array of uncommon handcrafted jewels at prices you can’t beat.

Steampunk ring

The Steampunk vintage ring combines an eye-catching industrial aesthetic with an uncommon locket-like functionality.

hand-cut and hammered copper

Similarly, this hammered copper bangle set is a simple wrist reminder of your love. It comes in a trio, and is hand cut, formed, soldered and hammered.

A warm touch of amber

Last, but not least, offer up some ear candy with a pair of danglers such the Warm My Heart earrings. Made of Czech glass, the amber glow radiates a natural warmth all its own.

- by Sarah Zimmerman