Toddlers and Tiaras

This spread caused quite a stir when it was published in January of 2011. For a country still haunted by photographs of Jon Benet Ramsey, these images created a knee jerk reaction of revulsion. But this editorial has a self awareness not seen in Toddlers and Tiaras. It exaggerates what is already present in media and advertising to the point where one has to confront it head on. Its publication began a national conversation on age, beauty, and sex that more subversive advertising failed to ignite.

Cadeaux by Sharif Hamza for Vogue Paris

Girls who Fall and Can't Get Back Up

I find I have absolute empathy with the girls featured in this editorial by Alessi Bolzoni for Grey #6. As a 25 year old young woman (girl?), I feel as if I am constantly on the verge of an accident. The small travails of daily life, as insignificant as slipping on the stairwell or spilling the contents of my purse, at times seem insurmontable. The larger questions of life, career, and love just make me want to collapse and be dragged through it all by someone who knows the way. 

Alessi Bolzoni for Grey #6

via FGR

When Pin-Ups went Bombshell

There was a point in the 1950s when the girls went from pin-ups to bombshells. Perhaps it was the publication of the Kinsey reports, when sex went from a cultural pariah to the topic of dinner conversations across the country. Maybe it was the advent of Rock n'Roll and that infamous hip shake of one Sir Elvis Presley. Or maybe it was the perfect storm of the bullet bra, peroxide bleach, wiggle dresses, and cat eye makeup that came together into one killer combination. But let's give credit where credit is due,  to the ladies who defined the bombshell look. Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russel, Jayne Mansfield, we salute you.

Inspiration by Way of Tokyo

Why go another day without a headdress made from soda can? Or an orange fro? Or purple shag pants? Or Chanel nail jewels? The list goes on....

All images by Tokyo Fashion