Let's Talk Fashion

As I'm flipping through this month's Vogue with the gorgeous Carey Mulligan on the cover dressed to the nines in 20s couture, I stumbled upon an article on Casey Legler, an artist and ex-Olympic swimmer, who became the first woman to become a Ford Model in the men's division. If you also did a double take and had to re-read that, you're in good company. Yes, it is pretty groundbreaking that a woman could become a mens model, but in terms of being open-minded, this social statement is only open minded in a narrow definition of what is considered beautiful and fashionable. This might be a harsh comparison, but it's like they're Stockholm Syndroming us. They're giving us small emotional concessions, but but we're still locked up in the same old place. If you take away her shiny headline, she still has very classic model features--the 6'2" stature, those cheekbones, and, not to pull the race card, but she's white.

The article goes on to say that "fashion is now holding up its mirror to an obvious social reality: what you 'should' look like now means only what suits you best." Really? Not according to what you, Vogue, show your readers every month. The pages are filled with tall, thin, white women. Sprinkle in a couple of women of color here and there (wouldn't want to be too matchy-matchy) with the same rail thin figures, and you've got yourself a high-fashion magazine.

I really do think it's great that a strong, athletic, artistic woman can carve her own niche in the fashion world, but don't pat yourself on the back too much, fashion industry. There are modeling scouts in Sweden recruiting outside of anorexia clinics. One step forward, 18754435 steps back. But for now, we'll call this one a coup. Hats off, Casey Legler.

#sixseasonsandamovie

Usually by the sixth season of a TV show, the plot lines are getting tired, the character development has stagnated and critics are bemoaning "how the show used to be." Not Mad Men. The sixth season premiere is still as sharp as ever. Watching Mad Men is the television equivalent of taking English 701:Analyzing the collected works of T.S. Eliot. Just layers and layers of symbols and meaning. I've never felt very compelled to analyze my favorite shows to bits and pieces because part of me feels like it takes the fun out of it, but Mad Men deserves that kind of attention. Also, 90% of what I watch is sitcoms soooo not much room for T.S. Eliot comparisons there. Matthew Weiner, showrunner extraordinaire, clearly uses every moment of their painfully long hiatuses to map out the themes and how each character is affected.

Season six jumps in right where we left off at season five. The bulk of last season dealt with death culminating in the suicide of Lane Pryce (R.I.P.) and if the premiere is any indication, they will continue to explore those themes. Roger's mother dies, as does his shoe shiner. Don's doorman almost dies, and Betty seems like she wants to die from what seems like boredom and dissatisfaction in her cushy suburban life. Too macabre? Don't worry, there is one character who seems decently satisfied with her life. Peggy has taken on the role of Don Draper in Ted Chaough's agency where she is cracking the whip on her subordinates, using his writing techniques and just crushing it at work. No blatant infidelity to speak of or excessive drinking problem yet, but it's only the first episode. 

Special shout-out to the wardrobe department whose attention to detail is impeccable. Don, Roger, and Betty are all starting to feel their age between Megan wanting Don to smoke pot, people around Roger dropping like flies and Betty spending a day hanging out with young squatters despite them mocking her way of life. Their feet are firmly planted in the skinny tie/hair scarf and gloves side while the rest of the group seems to have moved on to the side burns and muted colors of the early 70s. 

I honestly can't say enough good things about this show and if I go on, it'll be like my Freshman English class where my feminist professor made us rip Mulan to shreds for misogynist undertones, effectively ruining one of my favorite Disney movies. 

Oh! One last shout out to Lindsey Weir who played another one of Don's conquests. It's been too long, girlfriend. Say hi to your baby bro aka Dr. Lance Sweets for me. When is Judd Apatow approaching Netflix for a revival and/or getting the Kickstarter campaign going? A girl can dream...