And while I can appreciate where they're going with things, much in the same way I view a Couture show, more and more I find them vulgar, out of touch and repugnant. And now I feel they are ignorant as well.
I know this is an "aspirational" magazine for most and the way things are written and what are featured are selected as such but when I read the articles I am, at best, amused and, at worst, sickened.
Recently there was the feature story on Kate Hudson. In the article the sycophantic suck-up writing the piece made a point of praising her "tiny" jeans and gas-guzzling Escalade driving. This just seems so ridiculous given today's issues of anorexia and the conservation green movement.
But I find Anna Wintour and André Leon Talley the worst. Their manners and writing expose them as the most vain, self-centered and self-important people I've ever seen. While I'm sure they hold sway in the fashion publishing arena, outside of that they should really keep their traps shut.
Talley I merely find to be a one dimensional caricature with his know-it-all pomposity but Wintour has truly outed her ignorance in February's Editor's letter. In it she chides Hillary Clinton for refusing to "appear" in the mag (and probably to styled in some ridiculous designer fashions) and that she is pushing back feminism because the country is ready for a woman Senator/President who dresses femininely and Hillary shouldn't dress as conservatively (a.k.a. masculine) as she does.
Is she kidding me?
The US, on many levels, is anything but progressive and open minded. Has she even been to a "middle" state? I'm sure there are fashion-forward, progressive folks there but many are not.
And politicians certainly are not or feel they can not be. Sadly we're barely ready for some of these candidates much less a campaigning woman in flow-y pants. Maybe if Hillary is elected she will "loosen up". And I'm sure Anna Wintour and the fashion mags and industry are dieing to get their mitts on her and turn her into a billboard and vehicle to sell more stuff. But they have to remember, these are politicians not starlets. They have jobs and degrees and represent bible-quoting constituents.
This is D.C. not LA.
Anna, you may have your little fiefdom, but Hillary Clinton owes you nothing and probably cares even less about your opinion on how she should dress. And this is politics, as in the real meaning of the word, not office politics about who was caught wearing last season's whatever. So leave the assessment of what you think this country is ready for to the experts. Because, clearly you are out of your depth.
Go back to your sandbox.
Photo source: NY Magazine & Getty Images
5 comments:
wow, hear hear!
this is why I love the Manolo so much: he has unquestionably good taste in everything yet he's always gracious and doesn't look down on the poor girls who must wear the shoes fashioned from the discarded samples of interior finish materials and model building supplies.
I'm going to have to agree with you regarding Madame Wintour.
I do not know why it is that female politicians have their hair and outfits critiqued and their male counterparts simply don't. I don't understand if it is the fact that most men in the field are limited to a particular "uniform" and it is the media's way of commenting on how women are translating the uniform. Given all of the options that women have in professional dress, I suppose it is one way of the media focusing on personal style rather than issues at hand to capture the general attention of the public. Seriously, would Anna Wintour be happier if Mrs. Clinton showed up in Nebraska wearing June Cleaver's ensemble? How would it be viewed if she debated in a sheath and pillbox hat a la Jackie O?
Ms. Wintour doesn't understand the fact that in DC, as a woman playing into the Old Boys' Club, you have to play hardball. Your clothing has to be tailored and serious and nondescript enough for it NOT to be mentioned. In DC, your agenda matters above all (or ideally, it should.)
I love DC, I love politics, and I love fashion. The US is not ready for Elle Woods, no matter how much Hollywood would like us to believe.
Hey,
I've been reading your blog for a few months now- and enjoying every minute of it. I don't even have anything to add to this new entry either,except: YES! I couldn't agree more and I'm so glad someone took the time to write about this. Vogue is becoming less and less in my eyes(which I'm sure they could care less about ;).
Keep on blogging- you are an inspiration - and not just on the shoe front! :)
Jenny - You are so right about Manolo. I love him too!
Daniela - I'm all for feminism and wearing what you want but you also have to be strategic sometimes.
Cinderella - Welcome! Thank you for the lovely comments!
Luv
Poochie
@ daniela
Oh men are not off limits. Have you ever read Robin Givhan's column in the Washington Post? That woman won a Pulitzer probably because she talks about politicians', including men's, wardrobes.
Post a Comment