WEEK 11 Critical Approaches: Decolonizing Visual Culture
This is a photo of a woman with long curly hair. She is looking sideways. She has brown eyes and has tan skin, she is wearing a bit of makeup. She’s wearing a red suit a white shirt and a black belt with silver details.
The woman in the picture is Julia Roberts in the movie Pretty woman, during one of the movie scenes. I feel that she looks interested in something that she is seeing, she looks really young, like early 20s. The red color suits her really well and makes her look elegant and more mature as we see her in the beginning of the movie.
The picture looks old, it has a lot of grain. The image has lots of lines, especially the outfit, which makes her look more tall and lean, it stylizes her. The colors in the image are more dark in the background which makes you focus on Julia and her red suits, it's what captivates your attention.
In the image you see Julia looking sideways, she has a slight smile on her face and looks happy. It looks like she is standing and is inside because of the lightning and the floors. Her hair is loose and has slightly curves. She has her eyes lined and a bit of lipstick on her lips. The suit that she’s wearing is tailored and oversized by the way it fits her and looks on her.
Pretty Woman is a rom-com movie from 1990. The movie is about a young woman called Vivian who works as a prostitute in L.A. One day, she has a millionaire client, Edward and they end up falling in love. Throughout the movie we see all kinds of beautiful outfits that are ICONIC and every woman wishes to wear and have their Vivian moment but today I’ll be focusing on the outfit of the previous image.
Designer Marilyn Vance created all of the looks for Julia Roberts from scratch, commissioning designers to make custom styles and sourcing pieces from vintage dealers in both the US and the UK. The outfits capture the early 90's style perfectly we’re talking shoulder pads, cocktail dresses, polka dots, statement accessories and perms.
Let's talk about this beautiful red short suit, which was tailored made for Julia. The designer teams wide-leg shorts with a white blouse and a longline blazer, forming a warm terracotta co-ord that feels timely even now and chic.The red suit symbolized transformation, empowerment and a disregard for social norms.
When Vivian first appears in a red suit, it marks a major turning point in her character's story. Previously depicted as a vulnerable and financially challenged woman, the red suit now symbolizes her newfound confidence and strength. Bold colors and elegant designs reflect Vivian's growing confidence in the upscale world of Beverly Hills.
Despite society's expectations, choosing a short suit, especially a bright red one, challenges traditional notions of femininity and professionalism. In a film where Vivian is often judged based on her appearance and status as a prostitute, the red suit in this film is a blatant rejection of social norms and expectations. It's a statement that she refuses to conform to anyone's standards and that she will maintain her identity on her own terms. Throughout "Pretty Woman," Vivian undergoes a transformation not only in her outward appearance but also in her self-perception and aspirations. The red suit acts as a visual representation of this transformation, signaling her evolution from a marginalized outsider to a confident and respected individual. It symbolizes her journey towards self-discovery and empowerment.
For me this dress expresses such a powerful statement because it changes how clothes should look for women, despite the manly look, she looks feminine and as I already said she looks strong and confident. The color of the suit is a huge difference because red is a color that we associate as a sexy color. Every detail of the outfit makes it timeless and still fashionable, the hair, the belt, the makeup, etc. It’s so cool and fun to be able to wear something from the 90s and still make it fashionable. All the movie outfits are timeless and amazing. That's why I love fashion and good designs because no matter how many years have passed, if it is a good design it will be wearable and fashionable forever.
References:
https://www.facebook.com/peoplemag (2023). It’s the 33rd Anniversary of Pretty Woman! All of Julia Roberts’ Outfits from the Movie, Ranked. [online] Peoplemag. Available at: https://people.com/style/pretty-woman-julia-roberts-outfits-ranked/ [Accessed 18 Feb. 2024].
Grazia. (2023). Why Did We All Suddenly Start Dressing Like Julia Roberts In Pretty Woman? [online] Available at: https://graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/shopping/pretty-woman-clothes-julia-roberts/ [Accessed 18 Feb. 2024].
Visual Response
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In this image we can see 3 mannequins, all of them wearing blue and gray clothes. The one on the middle is holding a hat and the one on the right is holding a bag. The background is white with small black dots in a pattern.
This photo was taken by me in Paris, at Printemps, a french department store. You can see 3 mannequins wearing Chanel outfits from the Spring-Summer 2024 pre-collection. The clothes have lots of details from buttons with the iconic Chanel brand, to woven into fabric, and petal flowers made of fabric on a shirt. We can see mostly blue and gray colors. The middle mannequin is wearing blue wide leg jeans with details in the pockets, a belt with the Chanel logo and a blue shirt with little c´s woven into the fabric. The shirt, instead of having buttons, has a kind of chain in a C shape to close the shirt. It is also holding a blue hat that looks perfect for the beach or a sunny place to have the perfect tan without burning your face. The middle mannequin is also wearing golden jewelry with Chanel’s logo.
The one on the right is wearing a jeans skirt suit. The skirt has the same details as the wide-leg jeans and is wearing a jean jacket with similar details to them. The jackets buttons are silver and have the Chanels logo embroidered. It is also holding a small 22 chanel bag that is made out of jeans fabric as well and has a silver chain.
Finally, the one on the left is wearing the classic Chanel bouclé suit, which has pastel gray and pink tones. It has silver buttons and the shirt is gray and has fabric flowers as buttons and it’s also wearing a long chain necklace. The shorts also have two silver bottoms and have a pearl kind of belt that is really delicate and chic.
I think that these three outfits scream Chanel, you can identify it really easily. The outfits look really chic, feminine and stylish. All of them look really good together and make it an aura, like a dynamic trio. All of the details in the clothes and the silver chains make the outfits look more colorful and look more formal. I love how Chanel is also designing casual and more day to day clothing like the jeans and the jeans set.
This outfits are from, the CHANEL Spring-Summer 2024 pre-collection embodied by actress and House ambassador Rebecca Marderpays tribute to the Nouvelle Vague, its colors, its refinement and sensuality. Strolling in the streets of Paris, the actress is photographed by Malick Bodian.
This season, Virginie Viard brought the sunny seaside to the Grand Palais, where she presented a collection that was inspired by a beautiful modernist villa that belonged to friends of Coco Chanel.Presenting raffia bags, flip flops, swimsuits, robes, top-to-toe denim and plenty of prints, it was a casual, relaxed and carefree collection that embodied the spirit of a seaside holiday (Amy de Klerk, 2023).
“This collection is an ode to liberty and to movement, and tells a story that has its origins in the gardens of the villa Noailles,” Viard said of Chanel SS24. “Facing south, the villa's volumes and outdoor spaces – from its cubist chequered garden to its sunken flower beds – light up the SS24 collection with an intense vitality,” the show notes read. “The exhilaration of light and colour, the profusion of geometric patterns, the play of contrasting asymmetries, patchworks, lines, checks and stripes give rhythm to a collection that sets out its own idea of elegance and insouciance.” Prints featured throughout the collection, while silhouettes were easy and breezy, heels were flat and everything was styled with a relaxed attitude. “Sophistication and informality, the tweed throughout the collection, sportswear and lace: I tried to bring one thing and its opposite together in the coolest way possible,” Viard explained. “And the gardens and swimming pool of the villa Noailles, that exceptional setting, lend themselves to that rather well.”
This outfits are my favorite of the pre collection because they are casual but they maintain the classy style from Chanel. The pastel palette and the details on the fabric are amazing.
References:
Amy de Klerk (2023). The Fashion Week Cheat Sheet: Chanel SS24. [online] Harper’s BAZAAR. Available at: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/shows-trends/a45440364/chanel-spring-summer-2024/ [Accessed 4 Feb. 2024].
Visual Response
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In this picture you can just see the legs of a person standing, holding a bag with black and white fabric that has letters on it, it also has a golden D at the center and a strap with the same design as the bag, and wearing wide blue pants. It looks like they're walking in a city and probably it's a woman because it’s wearing high heels. The background is blurry and looks like concrete, like she is standing on a street.
This is an image of a saddle bag. The whole photo is focusing on it. You can say that as a background there’s a woman on the streets holding “THE BAG”.
This saddle bag has the typical D01 Jacquard Fabric Black and Grey Dior Fabric, and has gold details on the strap and also the gold D in the bag.
The saddle bag is one of the most popular bags right now, even after 25 years of coming out.
The Saddle bag was created by the creative director John Galliano in 1999. It is shaped like the side of a horse saddle and features a swinging, gilded ‘D’ charm that resembles a stirrup, it is a tribute to the equestrian universe. There is a conspiracy that Galliano was inspired by Helmut Newton’s “Saddle I, Paris” (1976)– a racy black-and-white photograph of a model posed on her hands and knees with a horse saddle harnessed over her back.
In 2018 Maria Grazia the actual creative director of Dior brought back the saddle bag, with a few updates and is now the most bought bag from the brand.
The saddle bag is a classic and timeless accessory that continues to evolve over time. Originally inspired by equestrian equipment, specifically saddle bags used to carry supplies while riding, saddle bags have become a must-have item that is both stylish and functional. The following is an analysis of the saddle bag:
Saddle bags are typically curved, similar to a saddle, with a flap closure that mimics the shape of a saddle flap. This design is both beautiful and functional, providing ample storage space while maintaining a streamlined silhouette. They are usually made from high-quality materials such as leather, suede, or canvas. These materials not only give the bag durability but also give it a luxurious look. Material selection can vary by brand and style, and some saddle bags have intricate details or embellishments.
One of the key features of a saddle bag is its versatility. It transitions easily from day to night and pairs well with both casual and formal outfits. The adjustable shoulder strap allows for hands-free carrying, perfect for everyday use or when traveling. Saddlebags often offer a roomy main compartment as well as additional pockets for organization. A flap closure keeps your belongings secure, while interior pockets provide easy access to essentials like keys, phone, and wallet. Some saddlebags also come with external pockets for added convenience.
Although fashion trends are constantly changing, the saddle bag remains a timeless accessory that will never go out of style. Its classic design and lasting appeal make it a favorite among fashion lovers and designers alike. Whether in traditional leather or in an embellished, modern version, the saddle bag remains a popular accessory in the fashion world. Beyond its fashion appeal, the saddle bag carries cultural significance, symbolizing elegance, sophistication, and adventure. Its association with equestrianism evokes a sense of heritage and tradition, adding to its allure and appeal.
References:
Image1: Berthelot, E. B. (n.d.). Where to buy a Dior Saddle bag. Harper Bazaar. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/a42118540/dior-saddle-bag/
Amy de Klerk (2022). The History of the Hero: The Dior Saddle bag. [online] Harper’s BAZAAR. Available at: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/a42118540/dior-saddle-bag/ [Accessed 19 Feb. 2024].
Visual Response
WEEK 14
In this image you can see a woman wearing a nude large dress with drawings and phrases on it. The woman is blonde and is wearing her hair up, she is also wearing makeup and is holding her arms. She is wearing earrings and some bracelets and rings. The picture is full of light and the room behind her is all white which makes a really peaceful aura. You can see a white and gray chair from the left side of the image and on the opposite side you can see a staircase.
This picture was taken at the sewing room of Dior. The girl in the picture is the beautiful Chiara Ferragni the italian it-girl, which was fitting her bridal looks for her wedding with the italian musician Fedez back in 2018. In the photo we can see her posing, looking at the camera and has her face a bit tilted. She is serious and is wearing a full on make up with her blonde hair up. She’s wearing gold medium hoops, and two bracelets in her left hand, and we can also assume she's wearing her engagement ring. The dress she’s wearing was exclusively designed by her and of course the creative director of Dior Maria Grazia Chiuri. This dress was specifically made for the reception at her wedding. The dress is full of delicate embroideries that represent the love story and important things of her relationship with Fedez and what has been part of their history together. The dress was hand-made by the Dior Couture house, they did everything by hand and Chiara helped pick the fabric and colors that were used for it. Chiara commented, "I wanted it to be simple but timeless, and romantic and feminine at the same time. I was extremely excited. It’s a very special moment, and each time I went in for a fitting it felt special because there had been changes. I cried like a small child."
The picture is full of light and has light and nude tones overall. It is focused on Chiara and by the solid white background it makes her the center of attention. The lines in the image are marking her silhouette perfectly and the lines of the dress makes it seem bigger and puffier. You can see lots of dimensions in this image.
This has been one of the prettiest dresses that I’ve ever seen. I love how it represents Chiara and her whole love story with Fedez, it is a very romantic dress. The tull looks amazing and I also feel that the dress represents Dior as well. The details in the dress are amazing and also knowing what was behind the making of the dress is full art. everything was made by hand so it makes you appreciate it more. I feel that because of those details and what it takes to male a dress like this I love fashion. This dress was a masterpiece full of meaning and lots of work.
Visual Response:
References:
The editorial team (2018). Chiara Ferragni’s second Dior Haute Couture wedding dress. [online] Vogue France. Available at: https://www.vogue.fr/wedding/inspiration/diaporama/chiara-ferragni-second-wedding-party-dress-dior-haute-couture-maria-grazia-chiuri/52588 [Accessed 19 Feb. 2024].
Goldberg, C. (2018). Exclusive: Inside the Dior Atelier for the Making of Chiara Ferragni’s 3 Wedding Dresses. [online] Harper’s BAZAAR. Available at: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/wedding/bridal-fashion/a22984730/chiara-ferragni-dior-wedding-dresses-behind-the-scenes/ [Accessed 19 Feb. 2024].
WEEK 15
In this picture you can see a woman wearing glasses, holding a phone, wearing an animal coat and a camel shirt.
This is a picture of Hailey Bieber, by the way the picture was taken we can assume it is a mirror pic. Hailey Bieber is the it girl of our decade, she is a trend setter. Everyone loves her style, vibe and her new brand rhode.
Rhode is a skin treatment brand, the most popular item of her brand is the peptide lip treatment and the color lip tints. In this image you can see that her iphone case has a lip holder and of course is a rhode lip tint. This case is a new invention and I know that every girl or lip balm lover is going to want to have it. It hasn’t been out for sale yet, but I feel that it’s one of the most intelligent marketing campaigns.
In the picture you can see Hailey in her mob era, wearing an animal coat, with full glam on, wearing red frame sunglasses. She has her hair up and is wearing a camel top. She looks like a boss and it’s posing for the picture. The most notable tones of the image are brown colors and the picture is centered. You can see the lines of the lightning and the lightning is white and vibrant. As I already said this is a simple marketing campaign but is really strategic. They didn't have to do a huge campaign for this product because from every picture that Hailey took of herself, you could see the case. She is the girl of the moment, of course this is going to be the next trend.
For me I think it is such a smart idea for this product. Nowadays for going out you just need two things, your phone and your gloss, okay maybe three counting your house keys. So to be able to combine them, it just makes it a genius invention. I love how marketing campaigns have been changing and that the most effectives are usually when you see someone cool wearing/using it, of course you’ll buy it just to look like her/him. I think that this product will be huge and everyone will buy it, also girls that don’t even have the gloss, will want to buy the case and then the glosses because the case only fits Rhode glosses.
Visual Response:
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