Friday, March 5, 2010

A Change in Perception

Something hit me yesterday when I noticed that Freja didn't re-book Rick Owens or Gareth Pugh this season. There's a change a foot and I think it's in the way people are perceiving her look. I get an overall sense that she's being styled more femininely this season when compared to the past 2-3 seasons. Does anyone else feel it too? And her first time appearance at shows like Anna Sui and Oscar de la Renta, and re-appearance at shows like Carolina Herrera seem to confirm my suspicions. Couple this with her absence at two of the most tough and androgynous shows and the notion is nearly inarguable. All of this is too much for coincidence.

Needless to say, I'm thrilled because I've talked about wanting this femininity to return numerous times. People forget that when Freja started out she wasn't all tough, broody and dressed in head to toe black. She was playful, full of levity and rocking some of the best feminine looks on the catwalks. It's nice to see that the industry is finally rediscovering this side of her after a few seasons of relegating her to the de rigueur androgynous model role.

But I have to wonder what caused this change in perception? It couldn't just be the hair, right? I refuse to believe that something as important as a model's image hinges on something as fleeting as the length of her hair. (Hmmm....but this is fashion after all--an industry based entirely on outward appearance.) Perhaps it's partly attributable to Meisel? When I think back to Freja's career over the past few seasons, these are the only two differences I detect that make this season different from the other ones. Anyway, just something interesting that I wanted to point out. Thoughts? Agree? Disagree?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I find it extremely puzzling too, especially since she opened Rick Owens last season. It sounds almost too superficial to say this but if I had to pick something, I'd attribute it to her hair.

Unknown said...

I feel suprised too when not seeing her in rick owens and Gareth Pugh.But I think she is maturer than before as she already worked for 5 years, so she is able to handle different styles, it's glad to see that.last but not least, in the interview by Spur, Freja said she is not girlish, but she is more than that, it shows she really grows up and is a true model.

SF said...

freja is loosing her edge and i don't mind one bit.after 2 years of badassery i'll take vintage freja any day. :)

Anonymous said...

hmm..i don't mind too as long as she still working and can be seen on the runaways for more seasons to come.

pam said...

or maybe they've been reading your blog. lol..

Yuri said...

wow, this is such an interesting insight...i wish that models were able to show different aspects of themselves simultaneously. meaning, they could be feminine one moment, and then completely rock loose shirt, trousers, etc. I think Freja can do both so well, it's a shame to only focus on one! :)

xoxo, rose.
ChaiLoveVintage

anoush said...

that makes her so very special as a model: her ability to change into different looks so convincingly. looks like someone's becoming a real supermodel? i'd love to see her rocking the catwalk 10 years from now just like kate and naomi sans the drama! soo i'm always happy for all the different opportunities she's getting... even though i've got to admit that a part of me... probably the girly "i've got a major not so secret crush on her" -part, drools and swoons for that badass- the world is mine tonight so i'll pierce my nipples and chop my hair off- attitude! ha ;) jeez i feel so embarassing right now. lol

Anonymous said...

I think a lot of it was initial bias about the fact she's openly gay, so kept getting the androgynous roles. I think now the gossip has calmed down people have finally begun to look past her sexuality.