In Acknowledgment Of The Passing Of A Supermodel: Tatjana Patitz

Vouge Italia, February 2023

Tatjana Patitz.

An ode to Tatjana…in acknowledgement of an icon in fashion whose impact will endure to live on…

Tatjana Patitz (1966-2023) was a German model. And a Supermodel. It was during the 1980’s and 1990’s that her stardom would ascend and she would appear on the covers of fashions glossies. Born in Hamburg, West Germany and raised in Skanör, Sweden, Tatijana would become one of the top supermodels who ruled the runway in the 1990’s. The volume of photographic captures of Tatjana is vast. This tribute is a mere capsule of her gift to the world of fashion.

For one who fell in love with the art of fashion…and grew into womanhood following the rise of the Supermodel…the impact of life’s brevity has struck again with the loss of one of the greatest, Tatjana Patitz.

Again, a mere visual compilation of images in acknowledgement….

Tatjana Patitz…Covers of Fashion

 

Captured By Photographer Herb Ritz:

“My favorite face is probably Tatjana Patitz.  I think I’ve photographed her more than anybody, and to me more than any of the women she has the most unusual face:  Strong, oval, the almond eyes and those strong lips- and it’s her gaze, her inner self that always comes through so strongly” – Herb Ritz

Captured By Photographer Peter Lindbergh:

“I admire Tatjana because she always stays herself.  She’s very soft, but at the same time she’s very strong and knows how to stand up for what she thinks, and it’s always very enriching to be with her.  It’s impossible not to admire her and over the the years not to be just a little bit in love with her” – Peter Lindbergh

Peter Lindbergh, 1990 Vouge Italia

Captured By Photographer Patrick Demarchelier:

“It’s hard to get a bad picture of Tatijana.  She’s very photogenic, which is very rare and she looks different in every light” –Patrick Demarchelier

Tatjana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

Gracing The Glossies Of Fashion…Tatijana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

“She possessed an exoticism and broad emotional range that set her apart from her peers” –Nigel Barker “The most lasting images of her are when she was really looking like herself.”- Nigel Barker

Tatjana Patitz: Fashion Past & Fashion Forward

“Indeed, Patitz’s features almost confuse. Like Garbo  or the Mona Lisa, the inexplicable gifts of line and luminescence defy definition” – Harper’s Bazaar

Tatjana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

“Always the European symbol of chic….She was far less visible than her peers — more mysterious, more grown-up, more unattainable — and that had its own appeal.”- Anna Wintour, VOUGE

Tatjana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

“One of the original supermodels and a must in photographs and on the catwalk”.  Vogue, 2012, Grace Coddington

Tatjana Patitz

“At just shy of six feet tall, Teutonically self-composed, and dominating any room she cared to walk into [sic], Tatjana was the biggest beast in the seething jungle; Vogue amplified the comparison by fixating on her lynx-like eyes, impossibly blue and curved around the temples like a cat’s”. –  Vogue Model: The Faces of Fashion.

Tatjana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

Tatijana Patitz

“Patitz is greatly responsible for establishing the acceptance of statuesque and curvaceous beauty in an industry of extreme thinness” – Author Linda Sivertsen

Tatjana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

Tatijana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz. An Equestrian Love.

In acknowledgement of her love of horses….

“I have been riding since I was a small child. For me, it means freedom, connectedness, and dedication. Horses transform stress and worry for me. They are genuine and spiritual. They make me happy and relaxed, especially if I feel pressured or tense”. – Tatijana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

Tatjana Patitz

Perhaps one cannot fully acknowledge the impact of Tatjana in fashion without acknowledging the SUPERMODELS...

The proclamation of the Supermodel could be attributed to the glossy cover of British Vogue in January of 1990. An Era-defining cover at the start of a new decade, for certain….

British Vogue 1990: “The Big Five” Supermodels

For those that recall the Era of the 90’s Supermodels and lived through that heightened time in fashion.. a brief recap of the time that will forever inspire me…

It was a moment in time when fashion was about fashion.  And the images of models wearing the styles of designers graced the covers of fashion’s glossies.   Fashion as an art form.  And the models that represented the changing styles and transformational chameleons the models became at the hands of makeup, hair and photographic artists that captured them. Supermodels.

Truth, I was one who purchased these glossies from the magazine stands since the mid 1980’s, a time in which the term “Supermodel” is said to have surfaced as models began to experience a level of celebrity.  But it was during the 1990’s that a group of five models rose to unprecedented superstardom through fashion’s glossies and its catwalks. The Supermodels emerged- “a select group of individual-looking, business-minded, high-profile fashion models”, often referred to as “The Big Five”:  Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, and Tatjana Patitz. The original Supermodels. Icons of the time. But as in the world of fashion, the world of the Supermodel would evolve again to include Claudia Schiffer (who is said to have replaced Patitz).  The arrival of Kate Moss would evolve to “The Big Six”. Many more models would also rise to Supermodel status. It was an Era, indeed…

And yes, I had curated a collection of covers and glossy prints of the Supermodels portrayed in the art of fashion’s branding and visual merchandising. I watched it all happen. And I became a woman along with the Supermodels. For in later years I realized that they were not much older than I. The time was quite magical. And unique. Watching the five women in print- chameleons by way of the designer, photographer and makeup/hair artists that positioned them for the glossy visuals and unleashed them onto the catwalks that would endure to impact and sell fashion. And inspire. It truly was an art. Fashion. Designers. Photography. Makeup artistry. Five women. And it was thrilling to visually flip through the different glossies each and every month. Which Supermodel graced the cover this month? And yes, during the 1990’s I often splurged on the glossies of European Vouges. I was smitten with the art of it all.

Alas, all things rise and fall.  And by the late 1990’s, the glossy covers of fashion would elevate Hollywood celebrities and Pop singers.  The iconic Era of the Supermodel, as it was once known, no longer had the limelight of fashion’s focus. Perhaps I hold a very passionate stance on what fashion once was: The designer and the model-and the photographer who captured it all…No other group of models have matched the influence and status as the original Supermodels. To acknowledge the impact the Supermodels had is to understand fashion in a poignant decade of time…

SUPERMODELS, 1990’S

SUPERMODELS COVERS, 1990’S

“White Cotton Shirts” By Peter Lindbergh for Vouge

Tatjana Patitz..later years

“I am proud of my wrinkles. I worked for each one and they belong to me. Growing older is beautiful. You become wiser and more mature. For me, giving away or changing that gift is not an option … Beauty means being a good person and being there for others. In my opinion, beauty is not only about looks, but everything that makes up a person” –Tatjana Patitz, 2019

Tatjana Patitz, Harpers Bazaar 1990

The legacy of a Supermodel. In images. A visual acknowledgement. A woman. A mother. Taken by breast cancer. She was 56.

-Kristin

Two “Revolutionary” Underlying Fashion Campaigns: Calvin Klein’s Enduring Appreciation Of The Woman

Calvin Klein Underwear: Evolving Appreciation Of Female Beauty/Kate Moss/1992 & Myla Dalbesio/2014

In appreciation of the beauty of the woman…

November 2014 has marked an apparent fashion “revolution”. A “revolution”, if you will, that I personally feel compelled to briefly comment upon. It was the launch of Calvin Klein’s newest lingerie campaign, “Calvin Klein Underwear”. Calvin Klein has once again created a stir in the world of fashion to which the world has since responded. The stir? The inclusion in the campaign of the beautiful model, Myla Dalbesio. Said to be a “Size 10”, Dalbesio stands out with distinction alongside the other campaign models (Lara Stone, Jourdan Dunn, Amanda Wellsh and Ji Hye Park). Alas, although not considered a “Plus Model”, Klein’s visual campaign with Dalbesio has verified that with Klein’s campaign she has successfully strutted past the industry standard of modeling body types. Thank you, Calvin.

A spokeswoman for Calvin Klein commented to the New York Times that “The perfectly fit line was created to celebrate and cater to the needs of different women, and these images are intended to communicate that our new line is more inclusive and available in several silhouettes in an extensive range of sizes”. Although Klein has not referred to Dalbesio as a “Plus Size” model, in the vast world of social media, it was Elle Magazine who is credited in “tweeting” that Dalbesio was Calvin Klein’s “Plus-Size” model (which is typically size 12 and up). The “stir” that “size 10” would be considered plus size is perhaps in defense that “size 10” is more of a standard size in the world of reality for women today. That said, perhaps the image of Myla Dalbesio paired against the 1990’s campaign that seemed to launch Kate Moss into fashion stardom marks a striking visual difference. Appreciation of change, for certain.

Reflecting back to the early 1990’s, the campaign that sparked a revolution in fashion was Klein’s 1992 highly publicized underwear campaign with newcomer model, Kate Moss. I personally recall the impact of the images that splashed across the pages of fashion. Unexpected. Striking. Perhaps it was a “revolution” in fashion that became enduring and iconic. The reaction to the waif-like visual that Klein presented perhaps brought the spotlight once again on the heated topic of body types in the fashion industry. But perhaps an appreciation of the beauty of both campaigns, from the decade of the 1990’s to today is due. The world of fashion is always about the model. Fashion is often unexpected. Time changes fashion. Yet the beauty and the appreciation of the form and figure of the woman is always featured and highlighted. Credit to Calvin Klein in his visual appeal for the woman of many silhouettes…

“I love women. I’m trying to do beautiful things with them. I’m not trying to insult them. My life is not about that” – Calvin Klein

A Timeless Icon Of Style: Calvin Klein

“It was just the time. It was a swing from more buxom girls like Cindy Crawford and people were shocked to see what they called a ‘waif’.” -Kate Moss, on her weight

1990’s: Calvin Klein’s Underwear Campaign With Kate Moss

“I’m not the biggest girl on the market but I’m definitely bigger than all the girls (Calvin Klein) has ever worked with” – Myla Dalbesio Elle Interview

2014: Calvin Klein’s Underwear Campaign With Myla Dalbesio

Consider with appreciation these two undergarment campaigns of fashion impact, two decades apart, that Calvin Klein has brought forward. The appreciation of the differences of the strikingly slim figure of 1990’s Kate Moss and the curvy beauty in 2014 of Myla Dalbesio. The beauty of the woman’s figure is what deserves appreciation. In a world of fashion that continually dwells upon standards in which models must meet, the mere idea of a model that falls out of those parameters is wonderful. Beauty has a range that cannot be limited to size. Indeed, beauty is not defined by size but certainly comes from within and only adds to the outward beauty that one possesses. Either way, a nod to Calvin for his acknowledgment in visual appreciation. An enduring appreciation of fashion’s change, indeed. Onward to further awareness of beauty that knows no size within the world of fashion…

Kristin

PS: I personally live in a reality that fluctuates between a size 8 & size 10. My reality. Thus, my acknowledgment of sincere appreciation for fashion’s visual of change. From one who loves the world of fashion, my personal reality does not align to its standards. But again, beauty truly is not defined by size. Indeed, it is not…

The Artistry Of Makeup: The Dramatic & Intense, “Smoky” Eye Of “Kohl” Eyeliner

The Smoldering Appeal Of Kohl Eyeliner

The dramatic, “Smoky” eye. A halo of eyeliner, if you will, that encircles the eyes. The smooth, soft, creamy and blendable application of makeup that creates a statement, for certain. Eyeliners have quite the power to add drama to the eyes. A bold statement of impact can certainly be gained by the smoldering application of eyeliner. The power of the artistry of makeup, indeed. Ideal “Kohl” eyeliners are highly pigmented and are formulated with a smooth, gliding texture that adds drama to the eye in striking fashion…

Makeup Of Intensity: “Kohl” Eyeliner

Of interest, in makeup, the term “Kohl” references only the effect of makeup color and application. Interestingly, “Kohl” is actually defined as “an ancient eye cosmetic, traditionally made by grinding galena (lead sulfide) and other ingredients”. More of a grayish-black, the true “Kohl” has since earned the visual of dark, deep makeup appeal. Of course, history states that the ancient Egyptians highly regarded beauty and cosmetics, believing they had magical powers. Regardless of gender or status, they would line their eyes with a black galena, kohl , that was “placed in small containers and applied with a wooden stick, creating an almond-shaped eye“. Of interest, applying a layer of this mineral, “Kohl”, was also said to be done to protect themselves from the harsh sun rays as well as in hopes to strengthen the eyes. Yet perhaps an even greater belief was that the ring of black which encircled the eyes would prevent being cursed by the “Evil Eye”. Of note, the almond-shaped eye is said to have resembled the falcon eye of the Egyptian God Horus. Makeup of exalted status, indeed. For certain, the iconic Cleopatra knew the power…

Hollywood Classic’s: Cleopatra & The Iconic Dramatic Eye

Alas, to truly appreciate the impact of the bold eye, perhaps there is no other Hollywood classic film that lined the eye so dramatically than the 1963 epic drama film “Cleopatra” starring the stunning Elizabeth Taylor. Perhaps a stronger eye was gained following Cecile B. Demille’s earlier version in 1934 of Cleopatra, which starred Claudette Colbert. Demille’s version has been described as a “Modernistic 1930’s costume spectacle that reshapes the Cleopatra Story”. With the 1963 rendition, perhaps in addition to another costume spectacle which further embellished the Cleopatra story, the dramatic eye was iconically captured on the reels of film that would reshape the appeal of bold eye makeup for the decades that followed. The focus on the dramatic eye would continue to offer timeless appeal…

“Inky” & “Creamy” Appeal: Dramatic Khol Eyeliner

Dramatic Appeal Of smooth Application: Kohl Eyeliner

Kohl Eyeliner: Timeless Appeal Of Eye Defining Style

Intense, Dark Appeal: Kohl Eyeliner

Enduring Appeal: The Intense, “Smoky” Kohl Eyeliner

Timeless Application: Kohl Eyeliner

Drama & Sultry Appeal: Kohl Eyeliner

Smooth, Blendable Style Of Smoky Appeal: Kohl Eyeliner

Consider the eye intensity of “Kohl” eyeliners. Of course, the highest quality eyeliners will provide the best impact. Choices certainly abound within the world of cosmetics. (My personal favorite? Chanel). Yet can this look be achieved with the application of deep hued eyeshadow? Certainly. Softer, muted appeal versus a deeper impact. Choices. But as for eyeliners, whether saturated with the deepest black or more softer shades of black or brown, the power of the “Kohl” eyeliner deserves focus and appreciation. Whether one chooses a subtle appeal or a statement in makeup that verges on sultry appeal, the effect is striking. An intense, stunning and dark appeal that dramatically emphasizes the eyes, for certain. As they say, “The eyes have it”. Indeed, they do…

Kristin

“The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy”
-Yves Saint-Laurent

A Fashion Classic: The Sleek & Timeless Black Bathing Suit

Timeless In Basic Black: The Black Swimsuit

The simple and classic black bathing suit presents a timeless sleek silhouette that is both slenderizing in form and sleek in style. Perhaps akin to another constant, the “Little Black Dress”, the black swimsuit provides a constant in terms of flattering and classic appeal. For certain, Summer itself beckons us to flock to the beaches and poolside surrounds to soak in the joys of refreshment from the Summer heat. Thus, the delight of Summer paired with a visual appreciation of the classic black swimsuit. Although there are many forms and styles, I urge the consideration to all those beckoned to the water’s edge to at least consider the mere simplicity and classic form of the one piece suit of black. Timeless.

The Classic Black Swimsuit

Of course, with an appreciation of history, a brief look back at American swimwear over the decades…
Long before the bikini, the bathing suit would begin to evolve and transform its original layers of coverage to the sleek suits of modern day. As with any garment of style, the swimsuit would continually transform to meet the changing trends of the world of fashion in decades that would follow. A continuing evolution of style, indeed.

History links the appeal of oceanside and seaside beach recreation during the 1800’s for the rise of the swimsuit. A new outdoor pastime of frolicking in and alongside the water’s edge provided a need for a fashionable garment with a new purpose and function: The bathing suit. Given the fact that the first swimsuits consisted of bloomers and black stockings that concealed the woman’s figure, a gradual evolution of changes would certainly begin over time to bring forth the suits of stylish minimalism.

By the end of the 19th century, swimming had become an inter-collegiate and Olympic sport that resulted in a new defining era for the swimsuit. A rise in interest in recreational sports paired with the international influence of “daringly cut French swimsuits” are credited with providing a longstanding impact on the world of women’s swimwear. Alas, the French have always inspired American fashion! A new “daring” era in swimwear for women had begun. In fact, in 1910 the legendary swimwear company, Jantzen, introduced new swimsuits that featured the “Rib stitch” consisting of a rubber-like material that retained its shape when wet or dry, minimizing water soaking into the fabric. Revolutionary, indeed! The evolution of the sport suit had begun and the one piece suit would become the accepted swimsuit for women. A standard, perhaps.

Vintage Appeal: The Timeless Black Swimsuit In Fashion’s past

Vintage Fashion & Iconic Images: The Black Swimsuit

Iconic Images Of Fashion’s Enduring Black Swimsuit

The 1930’s provided swimwear with a “new look” for the body that was functional, sleek and streamlined in design, improving the appearance of the female figure with form and function. The evolution of the suit would continue and in 1934 the swim suit hugged the body and was constructed to allow should straps to be lowered for “tanning”. Imagine the changes time would bring! By mid-decade, “Molded-Fit” swimsuits that uplifted and formed to the body were introduced, featuring what is referred to as the “Nude Look”. Time had certainly changed the fashionable swimsuit. Swim ahead to the 1960’s, which was the decade that truly showcased the body, and another revolution in swimwear had begun: the introduction of Spandex fiber which made it ideal for keeping the shape and molding of the body. Of note is the longstanding impact of the 1964 swimsuit by Cole of California, the “Scandal Suit”, consisting of a black leotard with large portions of side, front or midsection fabric removed and replaced by a wide-mesh elastic net. The “Peek-a-Boo” fever would popularize the decade and variations of fishnet infused swimsuits would ensue within the world of fashion.

“Vintage” Cole: The “Scandal” 1964 Black Swim Suit

Alas, past the 1960’s, many revisions, variations and designs paired with the influence of fashion’s trends that would follow throughout the decades and future decades to come. For certain, today’s swimsuits hug the body, providing not only a molded fit but a fashionable statement of bold style. And of the bikini which took America by storm? Perhaps the topic itself deserves its own focus. A “Scandal” in and of itself, perhaps. Variations of styling paired with less and less fabric, indeed. Fashion changes.

Sleek & Slenderizing: The Enduring Appeal of The Black Swimsuit

Variations Of Style: The Enduring Appeal Of The Basic Black Swimsuit

Versatile In Basic Black: The Classic Swimsuit

Fashion’s Images Of An Enduring Basic: The Black Swimsuit

Variations of Style: The Flattering Black Swimsuit

Fashion’s Changing Interpretations Of Timeless Appeal: The Black Swimsuit

Christy Turlington & Linda Evangelista: An Iconic Duo In The Timeless Black Swimsuit

Waist Defining & Flattering: The Classic Black Swimsuit

Variations Of Great Style: The Basic Black Swimsuit

Chanel Boutique/Michigan Avenue Chicago 2012

At the forefront of modern, contemporary fashion, the classic black swimsuit is a constant. Although the suit itself has endured revisions that are constantly in a state of change to fashion’s and styles of passing eras, the timeless and classic swim suit prevails to endure by the shore or pool. Whether a waist defining one-piece swimsuit that offers coverage or a suited appeal with cut-outs of trending style, whether a bikini with string straps, a strapless bandeau or halter top or low scooped designs with slim straps, the options of the stylish swimsuit certainly offers variations of silhouettes and shapes. And in black? A versatile, flattering staple that every woman should have in her wardrobe. Whether seaside, oceanside or poolside, consider the black swimsuit. Investing in a swimsuit of basic black delight will endure to thrive as a garment that is stylishly ready and will present a striking, flattering and sleek silhouette at water’s edge. Although trends come and go, the classic black swimsuit is always in style. A fashion classic that is sleek and timeless, indeed…

Kristin

Myself, Circa 1990, In My Perennial Favorite: A Black Swimsuit

The Return To The Cover: “Iconic Supermodels” Gracing “Harper’s Bazaar”

A Return To The Cover Of Harper’s Bazaar: Linda Evangelista & Christy Turlington/ 1992 & 2013

A return to the cover. Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington. Recalling the iconic covers of 1992. 21 years ago. Iconic style repeats with Iconic Models. Iconic “Supermodels”. Certainly, when the iconic images of Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington grace a magazine cover, it perhaps lends itself to a “sense of occasion”. A celebration of the very art form that returned them to the cover: The Art of the Model…

1992’s Harper’s Bazaar had at its helm a force in fashion, legendary Editor in Chief, Liz Tilbris. With the goal of promoting modern elegance, Linda Evangelista would grace the cover of Tilbris’s first issue, the 1992 September issue, with her distinctive, short bobbed hair style. Modern elegance paired with minimalism in design, indeed. Christy Turlington would grace the cover of the 1992 October issue. Beginning with Evangelista’s cover, one can certainly not give credit to this iconic cover without the mention of photographer Patrick Demarchelier paired with the vision Tilbris had. Evangelista alluded elegance paired with a stark, clean background. Turlington’s issue followed. Profound style. Understated simplicity. And of this profound style? Models. Models of iconic status, for certain.

Fashion Force: Liz Tiberis (1947-1999), Editor In Chief, HARPER’S BAZAAR (1992-1999)

Perhaps the 1992 issues vividly harken back the era of the “Supermodel”. Alas, I recall the days well. I lived them. Indeed, my age goes before me. I share the age they each have earned. The reign of the “Supermodels”. The age of the “Supermodel” heyday. And it was wonderful. The glory days of when models continually “took” the cover of the fashion magazines. All of them. And then it changed. The era of models on the covers of the glossy fashion magazines are said to have come to an end when Anna Wintour claimed Vouge as Editor in Chief. Alas, the world of Hollywood and “pop stars” were permitted to take over the “runway” of the world of fashion and become the faces that relentlessly seemed to be given the cover. Seemingly month after month and year after year. Yes, passionate am I about the return of models to the world of fashion and its glossies…

“The generation that followed the supermodels shield away from that sort of fabulosity and scrutiny” Wintour is documented as having stated. “For models to have the same social and commercial clout as Hollywood stars, they will have to want to live that sort of ‘fishbowl’ existence; they will have to be up for living a glamourous and public existence”. Wintour would also state: “The public interest in models these last few years has not been as it was during the early 90’s when Naomi (Campbell) and Linda (Evangelista) caused so much excitement. And until models become celebrities again in their own right, I can’t see them selling as well on magazine covers as actresses”. Oh, here I go. My own personal editorial that I now feel I must share. Decades later. Compelled to expound. I have always disagreed. Fashion is about the model. Modeling is an art form. Hollywood’s craft is acting. Model’s are visual artists. How is it that actresses are models and must now face the pressures of presenting model-like appearances? Can it be that “Star Power” has replaced the most basic visual form of fashion? Yes, I am passionate. This is a topic that has been swirling within me for years. Post the disappearance of the models from the glossy covers, I had turned away from the newsstands. Alas, when models were replaced with Hollywood to spike newsstand sales I had personally revolted by not purchasing or subscribing to the glossy magazines I had once eagerly awaited. Eagerly awaited when once fashion magazines were pure fashion. Am I part of a rare breed that does not swirl around the world of Hollywood or rising pop stars? For certain, I appreciate the artistry and craft of actresses and musicians. However, it is their replacement of fashion’s models that I am in disagreement of. Of course, there have been an occasional cover returned to the model over the years. That I cannot refute. I am also realistic in the fact models can not always grace the covers and the spotlight rightly can shine on iconic individuals within our evolving and changing world. But, as a whole, where, oh where, did fashion for fashion’s purpose and function go? The art of the model?

And of the return? The “Art of the Model” returned iconically, on the covers of two of this year’s Harper’s Bazaar. Credit is bestowed to Glenda Bailey, the current Editor in Chief and the fashion force behind one of the leading American fashion magazines, for the vision to return these two icons to its glossy cover. In fact, I “tip my hat” to the Bazaar covers, as they are artistically the best in my opinion. That said, Bailey writes in her “Editors Letter” in this month’s issue: “While fashion is famously looking for what’s next, Bazaar also places a premium on celebrating what has come before“. I cannot help but link the cover image of Linda Evangelista to these words of celebrating what has come before. Timeless. Bailey also adds: “There is one thing I never tire of, and that’s celebrating women who live life to the fullest. I can’t think of anything more inspiring. So I’m thrilled with the array of stylish, accomplished ladies gracing the pages of Bazaar’s October issue”. Certainly, Evangelista included. And in the earlier Summer issue, Turlington. Thank you for the iconic return, Harper’s Bazaar!

Glenda Bailey, Editor In Chief/HARPER’sBAZAAR (May 2001-Present)

A Return To The Cover: Linda Evanglista, Harper’s Bazaar October 2013/Liner

The art of modeling has certainly been perfected through the career’s of Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington. Timeless. Admittedly my favorite models (that will continually appear throughout my posts on fashion) these two icons have lived lives that are real, can be considered fabulous and for certain, have lived lives with a public existence. Although this is not a discussion of the personal lives of these two iconic models, who enduringly possess the art of the model at its best form of non-verbal communication, I am compelled to point out that what they represent to fashion is fashion at its best. Their return to the cover is verification of the goal that the shortened gift of life and vision that Liz Tilberis reinstated so vividly: A return to elegance. A return to grace. “Grace” is termed as “Seemingly effortless beauty or charm of movement, form or proportion” and “a characteristic or quality pleasing for its charm or refinement”. Grace. Both of these iconic models possess grace. And elegance. Poise, elegance, style and grace. Both models and both mothers. Both still “Super”. In this October’s issue, the article “Linda Forever” references the “S-word”. Evangelista’s response? “I don’t even know what that means anymore. Is that era over? Who is a Supermodel now? Is everyone? Is no one?” and she adds “You can call me whatever you want to call me. All I know is this: I’m still here”. Indeed. And delighted are those of us who appreciate her art, and the art that Christy Turlington possess. Enduring.

Iconic Supermodel: Linda Evanglista /September 1992 & October 2013

“Supermodel” Linda Evangelista/ October 2013 Harper’s Bazaar

Iconic Supermodel: Christy Turlington,October 1992 & June/July 2013

“Supermodel” Christy Turlington/ June/July 2013 Harper’s Bazaar

A “Model” (from Middle French “Modele” is “a person employed to promote display or advertise commercial products (notably fashion clothing) or to serve as a visual object for people who are creating works of art”. Works of art. That is, in essence, what models are to the world of fashion. Skilled in the art of persuasion. As it is said, communication is the art of persuasion. If fashion modeling is non-verbal communication, then the model is certainly skilled in the art of persuasion. And it is an art. For certain, beyond the 1990’s and the influence of the “Supermodel”, the appreciation of the “Model” is at hand. The art of the model and the grace that they present within their own world of fashion. True fashion endures! Timeless elegance at any age. Twenty plus years later and these icons still possess it. Fashion repeats. Elegance, grace and poise endures…

Consider with appreciation the art of the model. One could continue to expound on the art of modeling and of the gift of these two inconic Supermodels (I must note that there are many “Supermodels” that deserve the same attention). Perhaps I am nostalgic for the energy of the era of the “Supermodel” of the 90’s and the age of the model leading up that era? For certain. Yet I am also simply presenting a repeat performance that was gifted to us from Harper’s Bazaar. Timeless elegance and style endures. Validation that beauty is ageless and that the world of true fashion endures. Perhaps their return can even be viewed as a defiance to the very notion of aging. Yet even with age, the qualities that each of these women possess will endure. Models and Fashion. A perfect union of a memorable and visual craft. A worthy appreciation of the return to the cover, indeed…

Kristin

“Elegance is not about being noticed, its about being remembered”- H. Akande

“Elegance is an attitude”- Longines

Mirrored Reflections: The Mirror And Its Muse

Mirrored Reflections Of Style

The mirror. Oh, the image that looks back upon us as we gaze upon its reflective surface! Of course, the timeless and vain quote “Mirror, Mirror, here I stand. Who is the fairest in the land?” (Wilhelm Karl Grimm, Grimm’s Fairy Tales) perhaps seems to echo in our minds when we consider the focus upon the reflection in the mirror. For certain, as an object that reflects light and images, mirrors are used not only in decoration and interior design, but first and foremost, to reflect oneself. Personal admiration, perhaps, or confirmation of grooming for appearances sake. Of interest, it is said that life is a “Reflection Of Intent”. Intent is described as having a purpose, goal, objective, object, desire, ambition. Interesting…

To appreciate the mirror and those that linger in its reflection, a tribute with images of beauty. The mirror and its muse. Unique images of individual beauty. Timeless reflections in the mirror…

Vintage Reflections In Fashion’s Archives

Vintage Reflections Of Elegance…

The Image In The Mirror…

Mirrored Reflections Of Beauty (Kate Moss/American Vouge/Paris Ritz

The Mirror And Its Muse

Reflected Visions Of Mirrored Display

The Timeless Allure Of The Mirror: Reflections

Iconic Supermodel, Christy Turlington

And what does the mirror hold for us as the years march on? Perhaps the fulfilled goal of a life well lived that reflects back to us. A reflection that we have been bestowed with, either way. Alas, although we may not see the reflection of an image that earns a photo shoot on a glossy page of a fashion magazine, the image that reflects back at us is unique to each of us. Whether it is the reflection of you in the prime of your life or the evidence of years that adorns your face, it is the acceptance of the face before you that provides contentment in who you are. And of the fine lines that we earn with the passing of years? Lines of wisdom and grace. Age is beauty. Beauty, they say, is in the eyes of the beholder. That said, find the beauty within your reflection. Behold yourself as a gift. A unique gift. Distinctive beauty only you uniquely possess. Remember the quote that “Beauty is being the best possible version of yourself, inside and out”. Life is beautiful. And of life? We only have once to live it. Intent. Live a beautiful life and the inner beauty within you becomes evident outwardly to all. Reflections that the world sees. Purely ours alone.

And of the reflection of yourself in the mirror? Beautiful you, indeed…

Kristin

Elle 1952, Model, Marie-Helene Arnaud

“Every man carries with him through life a mirror, as unique and impossible to get rid of as his shadow.” -W.H. Auden, The Dyer’s Hand

“The mirror is not you. The mirror is you looking at yourself”- George Balanchine