Book Review - Natural Fashion

Natural Fashion: Tribal Decoration from Africa by Hans Silvester is going to be the fashion photography book of 2010. His photos are of the Surma and Mursi tribes in East Africa. These nomadic tribes travel vast distances and bring minimal materials with them on their journeys. For this reason, most of their fashions are taken on the go, directly from nature. Primarily, Silvester's photography book begins with a short description of the tribes. This introduction describes this nomadic nature among other reasons for their natural dress and how it is developed. Silvester demonstrates their face and body painting techniques and states that, without mirrors, their painting takes on natural lines and purposefully lacks precision. No two lines are the same and none of the faces painted are created to be alike. 

What makes this book worthwhile is that it demonstrates great individuality and inspiration. As stated earlier, none of the faces look a like. Materials and body paints are completely different though they are all taken from the same natural forest. The way these people adorn their bodies demonstrates a vast imagination and the materials are used to both imitate and stray from the natural world. This books presents this region of Africa as the complete opposite of the heart of darkness. The uniqueness and originality of these portrayals make the Surma and Mursi tribes one of the most interesting photography subjects of this coming year. A fantastic book, you can see more of Silvester's work by clicking here. 

*****Five Stars

All-American Beauty: Karlie Kloss

Booked as a Calvin Klein exclusive at the age of 15 was a pretty big start for the now 17 year old American born model Karlie Kloss. She was scouted by Jeff and Mary Clarke at Mother Management at a charity fashion show in her hometown of Saint Loius Missouri, the home of fellow model Katie Fogarty at Next. Her first real break was when she was featured in the August 2008 issue of Teen Vogue photographed by Arthur Elgort. I don't think that any one, including herself would have imagined where her career is now.

She was just awarded the title of, as I like to call it; "The Vogue Girl." Being featured in the most international Vogue spreads for 2009. She beat out other top models such as Lara Stone and Raquel Zimmermann. Shooting with some of the most coveted fashion photographers like David Sims and Raymond Meier. Not to mention being featured on the cover of Vogue Italia for the October 2009 issue. Karlie has plenty of campaigns up her belt as well. From Chloe to Pringle of Scotland, to Marc Jacobs Lola Perfume, she has done it all. Not to mention being called a "fresh face" by Vogue Magazine in September of 2009 with quotes from Steven Meisel and Arthur Elgort. With too many editorials to type or count, this American stunner is one face that wont be fading for quite some time.

Photo Credit-Modelinia and New York Magazine

The Comback Kid: Iris Strubegger

Iris Strubegger is no newcomer to the modeling world. After signing with Elite in 2002, she walked the spring Calvin Klein collection. She then became the face of Armani Collezioni and shot editorials for ID and The Face. In 2003, she suddenly quit to pursue schooling. Though she didn't return to the spot light until 2007, it seems to be a pretty good decision considering she is one of the most talked about models today.

She is now signed with Supreme Management in New York and Women Models in Paris. Her comeback began in 2007 when she was featured in an editorial in Pop Magazine. Her return to the runway wasn't bad either, opening the Dries Van Noten show in Paris and the pre-fall Valentio Show in New York. Not bad huh? With all of the buzz Steven Meisel hopped on the Iris train and requested her for the cover of Italian Vogue with Linda Evangelista and Karen Elson. Coming back five years later wasn't that bad of a decision after all....

Photo Credit- New York Magazine

Music Spotlight: The xx

photo credit-Owen Richards

The xx's creative use of synths and drum machines create a sound unlike any other. Listeners are even given a tale of the ups and downs in a relationship as they hear Oliver Sim (singer/bassist) and Romy Madley Croft (guitarist/singer) trade off lyrics. Even covers of Aaliyah's "Hot Like Fire" and Womack's "Teardrops," are said to be "amazing." However, with the band's smooth and sultry sound, it is not a suprise that it has been gaining so many fans.

The xx consists of three 20-year-olds (Jamie Smith, Romy Madley Croft, and Oliver Sim) from West London. The band began with the friendship of Croft and Sim. By the age of 16, the two started a band with two other students (Jaime Smith and Baria Qureshi) at Elliot School, which is known of producing bands, such as Hot Chip and Burial. Due to the exhaustion of one of it's members, the band currently only consists of three members.

The new three-piece band has been making headway in the U.K. The band is even placed at number 6 in the 2009 NME "The Future 50" list. However, they recently have been gaining a new audience in the United States. Their music has been featured on several popular U.S. television shows, such as Lie to Me, Mercy, and 90210.

Earlier this year, the band released it's debut album XX, which can be bought here. If you would like to see tour dates of The Xx, then visit either their myspace or official website. Last, here is a video of their single "Basic Space.

Blogger Spotlight: SaraInks

A 17 –year-old fashion blogger may be a dime-a-dozen in this day and age, but Sara from sarainks brings something a little extra to the popular cyber world of fashion bogging. Her blog features her own creations: ink drawings, fashion illustrations, and crafty DIYs. Her fresh sense of humor, and mind-blowing artistic talent are enough to have any blog junkie drooling. With a Seventeen Magazine internship already under her belt, this girl definitely has a bright future ahead of her. The Fashion Press had the chance to talk to Sara about her experiences, her talent, and what she eventually hopes to do.

TFP: When and why did you start your blog?

S: Freshman year, my former best friend told me she made a fashion blog so I wasn't allowed to make a blog. I really didn't even know what a blog was but once I figured out a free way to post my artwork and spread the inspiration, I decided to hell with it, I'm making a blog.

TFP: Have you had any formal drawing/art training?

S: I've taken all the fashion and art classes my school has to offer, but none for fashion illustration. I'm not really allowed to turn in stuff I would post on my blog for graded assignments so I just practice my stylized illustration at home.

TFP: What inspires you?

S: People- in magazines, in books, in movies, people that I meet. That and all the time I spend sitting in front of the computer looking at fashion blogs and Style.com. I got an eye-twitch once from using doing that for so long. How embarrassing...

TFP: What template do you do your artwork on?

S: I either sketch with an ink pen, fill it in with watercolor and scan it, or draw on Adobe Illustrator. I would like a tablet for Hanukkah. Actually, the whole Adobe Creative Suite would be nice; I use my schools program every day for 50 minutes because that’s how long the class period is.

TFP: What opportunities have you had within the industry?

S: To make a long story short, I got myself an internship with Seventeen Magazine this past summer (proof you can do anything you want if your ambitious enough!) and lived in NYC. It was truly one of the most valuable experiences I have ever had. I learned at ton working in the office, on photo shoots, marketing appointments, assisting stylists and befriending different editors. Doing the internship really sold the idea of working in the industry for me. As long as I'm working in fashion and doing something creative, I'll be happy. Doing illustration would just be my top choice. Right now I'm working on some custom-made stationary for the fashion assistant at Seventeen, Jasmine. Hopefully that will help kick start some more jobs.

Photo Credit: sarainks

diy- the triangle stamp shirt

step 1: get a white plain t-shirt and put hard plastic or cardboard up the middle ( so it won't leak to the other side)

step 2: get a sponge and cut it into a triangle shape

step 3: get black fabric or permanent paint dip the sponge in it and place on shirt.

step 4: repeat pattern till done, wait a day till it's dry, then wash!

Worn Journal

When Serah-Marie McMahon began her studies at Concordia University she also began Worn Journal, a fashion journal which focuses on a love for fashion rather than for the trends and the runways. This month she sent us a copy which we most gladly accepted. Worn Journal has been running the Canadian indie fashion market for quite some time and has even spread world wide. Now in it's 9th issue, Worn has created a stable base of followers and continues to present fashion as an art form which everyone can enjoy. Known for it's similarity to the now-gone yet infamous magazine Sassy, Worn includes fashion book reviews, designer interviews, and fashion inspiration. A cool and Canadian magazine, click here to find out more. 

The It Girl: Constance Jablonski

Constance Jablonski began modeling in 2006 when she entered the French Model Elite Look contest where she signed with Elite Models. Her modeling career did not begin until September of 2008 when she walked for BCBG, Dries Van Noten, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, Nina Ricci, and many others. After a successful first season on the catwalk she booked the cover for Italian Amica and a spread in Vogue Italia shot by Steven Meisel. She also was featured in the campaigns of Donna Karan and D&G.

Though it may seem like 2008 was a great year for Constance, 2009 was her year. It began with booking editorials in W, Russian Vogue, Paris Vogue, V Magazine, and a cover of the May issue of RUSSH Magazine. What made her stand out from the rest of the newcomers was her record number of shows for this season, 72! She even beat out models like Eniko Mihalik and Karlie Kloss for the top spot. She is currently signed with the Marilyn Agency in New York alongside fresh face Lindsey Wixson. With this stellar start and an upcoming editorial in Japanese Vogue, this newcomer is far from new.

photo credits- Jak and Jil and New York Magazine

Diego Dolcini

Diego Dolcini, a shoe designer born in Naples, creates masterpieces. After first studying architecture at the Milan Polytechnic and Fine Arts in Bologna, he was awarded a scholarship to study fashion design at the Domus Academy in Milan. Since then he has designed accessories for the runway shows of Emilio Pucci and Bulfari, collaborated with Tom Ford as the Creative Director of Men's and Women's shoes, and since 2004 has been working with Dolce&Gabbana furthering the progress of their line. 

When asked about the inspiration for his creations he states " theatre, cinema, and the shapes and lines of architecture and design." His shoes certainly are greatly influenced from his education in both architecture and fine arts. They are beautiful and with unusual shapes they are unique from anything seen before. To see more of this artists work simply click here. 

photo credit - Diego Dolcini