By: Fatmé Fahda – Spring 2015 Almost SEVENTY years since the founding of Dior’s label, we finally get to witness a black model as the face of the label. And they chose none other than the “Fashion Icon of The … Continue reading
By: Fatmé Fahda – Spring 2015 Fashion royalty isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Middle Eastern women. There are a lot of misconceptions in Western cultures about them and their lifestyles, as seen in the … Continue reading
Phloretin CF by SkinCeuticals
1. Phloretin CF by SkinCeuticals
Clear skin is a necessity for any red carpet or public appearance. Phloretin CF is an antioxidant serum for the face, used once per day on freshly clean skin. Over time, the antioxidant serum fades wrinkles and clears the skin of impurities.
(photo via Amazon)
2. Gentle Toning Lotion by Dior
Dior’s Gentle Toning Lotion is a soothing and efficient toner. Though toners are also makeup removers, they help ensure that the face is clean.
3. Quicksand by Hanz de Fuko
This new product by California based Hanz De Fuko is revolutionarily combining a dry shampoo and paste into one product leaving the hands soft and hair firmly in place. The paste has high hold and leaves a matte effect.
(image via DNA Dr. Brandt)
4. Triple Peptide Eye Cream by DNA (Do Not Age) by Dr. Brandt
Anti-ageing products are for consumers of all ages, either as preventative measure for healthy skin, or as a corrective plan. Triple Peptide Eye Cream by DNA by Dr. Brandt firms and nourishes the fine skin surrounding the eyes. This cream is perfect for the morning after a night out, or just as part of a daily routine.
(photo via Boots UK)
5. Re-Plumping Concentrate Lip and Contour Shaper by YSL ‘Top Secrets’ Collection
This daily lip moisturiser by YSL is perfect for every guy’s pocket. The effect is immediately noticeable, with light flavor and matte finish.
By William Dorn
Spring 2015
by Stephanie Christofferson
Dior’s latest Miss Dior commercial writes a revision of the fairytale wedding, casting Natalie Portman in the role of runaway bride. Apologizing to her father and rejecting her groom, Portman runs off into the sunset, stripping off her handmade couture gown (Dior, of course) to reveal a tight black minidress beneath it. A blatant rejection of the patriarchy, the ad calls into question the institution of marriage as well as the feminine role implicated in it. The ad is set to Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart,” a clear feminist reference to the sexual freedom and social revolution characteristic of the 1960’s.
Natalie Portman wearing the Dior couture bridal gown (which took 600 hours to create) before fleeing the altar in the latest Miss Dior ad
But just as Dior rejects contemporary gender constructs, it perpetuates them. After all, this ad is for a perfume; perfumes are inherently tied to sex and sexuality, often marketed to depict the wearer as an object of lust. The fact that this particular ad breaks the syntax does not disrupt the entire structure, but paints Dior as modern and empowering. In the end of the commercial, Portman flies off in a helicopter with a hot new copilot. She may have rejected the traditional marriage on land below her, but she does not fly away into the sunset alone.
Miss Dior ditches her groom for a sexy copilot
Is Dior starting a modern feminist revolution that rejects the contemporary institution of marriage? Maybe. More likely, the brand is capitalizing on a current trend of independence, power, individuality and redefinition found throughout popular culture. To underscore this trend, contrast the Dior ad (for women’s perfume) with the latest Chanel ad (for Bleu De Chanel, a men’s cologne) – which shows a man rejecting various forms of celebrity and female attention with the tagline “you are finally becoming who you are.”
Like the Miss Dior ad, the Bleu De Chanel commercial is set to a 1960s soundtrack (this time, a symbol of anti-stereotypical male power and sexuality – Jimi Hendrix). Also like the Dior ad, there are sexual undertones woven throughout. Both ads have found a way to break the syntax without really destroying it, presenting consumers with the feeling of rebellion without the true social consequences. Leave the man at the altar, but find another one; flee the hordes of desperate women, but chase the elusive beauty. It’s not rejection – it’s choice. For Dior, a brand founded on a true celebration of the female figure and female sexuality in the “new look,” the move to keep up with modern incarnations of the empowered woman is a smart one.
Paris Haute Couture just wrapped up this week and through it we were transported to the other worlds that these luxury brands have created for themselves. From the clothing, to the sets, to the exclusivity of the shows, these brands are … Continue reading
I really love looking at fashion advertisements. Being able to see the clothes, accessories, shoes, etc in a different light and full of life is fun. The models always seem to intrigue me with their poses too. They can look … Continue reading
