Rest In Peace

Corrine Day
Fashion photographer and iconic image maker
1965 - August 28, 2010

Freja by Corrine Day, Second Nature, Vogue UK November 2006

Image Credits: scans by tFS member truebluejen, corrineday.co.uk

Two for One

Two stories, two similar surface appeals, two different reactions....

Starting with the good. Vogue Paris + Mikael Jansson + old French horror story set in the Louvre = me taken totally by surprise

Neo Belphegor
Vogue Paris September 2010
Ph: Mikael Jansson
Styling: Anastasia Barbieri

Have to admit I wasn't too excited about this editorial when I first saw the preview snaps, but after seeing these images I've completely changed my mind. The patina of these shots are manipulated in just the right way that they add to the overall chill of the story. The dark aura and elements enhance the myth of the story and the feeling of dread you get from the potential threats lurking in the shadows. Freja is sinister, the panther is eerie, and if you look at the images in just the right way under just the right light, you'll get slight shivers up your spine.

Even though I'm already tired of the new model stereotype of Freja as the tough, dark, mysterious, cool girl (although I suppose it's better than being solely the androgynous girl), it plays well in this particular editorial. Freja makes for a great villain, and she's emoting well, especially in the shot where she's sitting down. Yes, the dangerous but glamorous femme fatale role is a bit trite, but when it's done well I don't mind seeing it again.

It's Freja's third time working with Jansson, but we have yet to see color work from the two of them. Luckily Freja has a face with angles and planes perfectly capable of expressing wide range and depth without the aid of the color spectrum. Just take a look at the history of their work together and you'll see (Pop Magazine part 1 and 2, Interview Magazine). So maybe all the b&w is deliberate...like a careful case study over time. I absolutely can't wait to see this in print, because 99.99% of the time editorials look better when they're in print and in your hands instead of on your computer screen.

Now another b&w editorial, but with a less positive outcome in my mind.

Uptown and Downtown
V Magazine #67 September 2010
Ph: Mario Testino
Styling: Sarajane Hoare
Other Models: Anna Selezneva, Carmen Kass, Sasha Pivovarova

Too bad Freja's first collaboration with Testino since early 2007 had to be this unremarkable story. Not a fan of the deer in headlights look, messy hair, and fur and feathers galore. I much prefer Sasha and Carmen's "uptown" shots, where the studio setting (although usually boring) provides a good contrast to the clothes, hair and makeup. Freja and Anna's "downtown" shots are too busy for me. Too much to look at, too much of it being pushed in my face, too much to distract me. What's the point? What's the purpose? What's the message? Why does Freja look so confused? How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? The world may never know....

Freja, I love you and your work, I really do. But I have to wonder....does modeling treat you badly? Are you unhappy with your job? Because why the hell can't we see you smiling and in something happy? If I only had your recent editorials to look at, I'd think the world was approaching its end or something. I know it's not your fault. You're doing the best with what you're given in the parameters you're allowed to work within. But I hope people give you chances to expand beyond and move away from this, just like they finally gave you chances to move away from all the androgyny. Until then, I'll just be happy that you're getting work with a wide range of photographers and people, but too bad you don't look more happy about it. :)

Image Credits: Scans via tFS member Carla-A, vmagazine.com

Poetics of Body

Not quite sure what to say about this. I actually haven't had much to say about a lot of things recently, which is pretty strange for me and this blog because I do love a good rambling. Readers who've been with me for a while can attest to that. Anyway, I guess I should first let the work speak for itself. As for what it says, that's open for interpretation.

Poetics of Body
Vogue Korea September 2010
Ph: Rafael Stahelin
Styling: Ye Young Kim

I do have to say one thing. With the title "Poetics of Body" you'd think they would put more effort into making Freja look poetical or lyrical instead of making her look like she was attacked by piles of black clothing. But maybe that's an issue of language, translation and semantics. Either way, I really would have liked to have seen more elegance and subtlety. Don't drum up my expectations with words, only to counter them with your images. I can't say I'm a big fan of this. It's not her best work, but it's not her worst work either. To my mind, it's really just....work.

Now that people have finally moved away from pigeonholing her with the androgyny shtick, we've seemed to move into a newly dominant "too cool for school" characterization that also does no justice to Freja's full capabilities and talents as a model. But c'est la vie in the modeling world. Part of being successful is occupying a role and niche in the market. You do your character and you do it well. But to a fan like me, this gets old pretty quickly. Seeing the same thing over and over again doesn't inspire me. It doesn't enrage me. It just makes me feel apathy, which is a far more dangerous thing to feel when it comes to your favorite model. I mean, I can't be the only one dying to see Freja in full haute couture acting super delicate and feminine in a field of daisies, right? Or am I? Maybe I am.....

As with most things in life, we go through stages of ups and down, likes and dislikes. Regardless of what you might think of me since I do run this blog dedicated to her, I don't always like everything that Freja does and I don't worship the ground she walks on. I write about her because I find her and her work interesting and intellectually intriguing; although I will admit that her second "career rejuvenation" has made those things seem less so to me. How ironic that the more work I have to look at, the less I find myself inspired to say something about it. A lot of the intrigue and mystery that I was so drawn to two years ago when I started this blog is being eaten up and replaced by her ubiquity and extreme success. I'm happy for her of course (!!) but it's a bittersweet feeling that I'm not quite sure how to express without alienating some of you, so sorry about that.

I guess I'm going through one of those dips instead of hitting one of those high crests. Saw previews of both the upcoming Vogue Paris and V Magazine edits and I'm not too impressed with either. But maybe HQ images will change that. So until then, I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter. Maybe some other long term fans who feel differently? Or the same? Is it inevitable to fall into some sort of apathy after literally years of following someone's work? Hopefully the SS11 shows around the corner are just the thing to get me excited again.

Image Credits: cheny1117 @ sfileydy.com

Hexa by Kuho - Behind the Scenes

Thanks to a lovely (but anonymous) commenter in this post, I was directed to these behind the scene videos of the preparations leading up to the F/W 10.11 Hexa by Kuho show held back in February. I don't know how you guys find this stuff, but I'm sure glad that you do and that you're kind enough to share! I've said it before and I'll say it again, this blog would be nothing without you readers. :)

Kuho is a well known designer in Korea. Last season marked his debut show in America and Freja had the honors of closing said show (no surprise there as Koreans really seem to be turning out to be her biggest fans). Since these clips are subtitled in Korean, my guess is that they're part of a documentary released over there. I think there might be a few Korean readers out there....if so, do any of you know where this is from? Or what it's for? EDIT: It's a behind the scenes feature that came on a supplement DVD with this month's Korean Harper Bazaar.

This second part is very interesting because you can see Freja all throughout looking as if she's about to pass out. She's doubled over a lot of the time, surrounded by people who are fanning her. Since I don't speak a lick of Korean I have no idea what's really going on, but it's obvious she wasn't feeling well before the show.

If you can remember all the way back to February, you'll recall that Freja did not walk in Rag & Bone, which was very unusual since she's usually a regular and David and Marcus are fans. She also showed up on the model board for Yigal Azrouel, yet she did not walk that show either. Both shows were held on that first Friday of NYFW, a day Freja missed completely. But she showed up on Saturday at Alexander Wang. So.....what happened in between the Hexa show that Wednesday and the Alex Wang show that Saturday?

Models are just regular people, albeit very tall, very beautiful, very slender people. They have off days, they get bitchy, they get impatient, and they get sick. I think this is just a case of the common cold. It seems like Freja got sick, took a few days off (which would explain her absence at certain shows), and then came back to have her best runway season in a long time. So now we have some kind of idea of what happened back in February. Although 6 months later, it really doesn't matter, does it? I guess this means that all of you who were freaking out over Freja losing favor with the Rag & Bone boys can rest easy now. ;)

Anyway, thank you anonymous commenter for the lead, and to youtube user dmdkd10 for uploading the videos!

Press Bits

Just a few recent mentions of Freja that I've rounded up:

-Fashionista doesn't like the current i-D covers featuring Lady Gaga, Kate and Naomi, but they do seem to like Freja. For once I find myself agreeing with them. I think we all would "take Freja over these any day" as well.

-Just last month, NY Mag's The Cut declared Freja the model of the Summer. It seems like their love affair continues as they wonder if the Fall season will fall to Freja as well. They point out that her momentum is going strong into the new season.

-Adding yet another positive firsthand account to the very long and practically flawless list, photographer Andreas Laszlo Konrath had good things to say about Freja when he shot her for New York Magazine's Fall Fashion portfolio. Catching her backstage at Jil Sander and Lanvin, here is part of what Konrath replied when asked about his favorite subjects:

"As for models, Karlie Kloss was the most lovely girl — really amazing. Freja Behar [sic] and Abbey Lee were also very cool and gave me a lot of their time at various shows."

You can browse images from the fashion portfolio here, and if you look through it you'll notice the sheer number of subjects and models Konrath shot throughout the course of the FW1011 shows. So to have Freja (along with Karlie and Abbey) stick out in his mind just reaffirms what we already know, and what we've heard time and time again from other backstage photographers, fans, and people who have had real life encounters with Freja. That she's one of the most affable, courteous, laid back, charismatic, alluring, agreeable, and down to earth models out there working today. Five years going through the ups and downs of the modeling world hasn't given her a big head, a nasty attitude or a sense of entitlement. That, probably above all else, is what makes me proud to be a fan.

-Lastly, no doubt you've been hearing and reading all about the planned events for Fashion's Night Out. The event is being held on September 10th in conjunction with the start of NYFW, and it will also span internationally with stores in countless other countries joining in the festivities with shopping events, concerts, meet and greets, etc. Having browsed through the events happening in NY, I think our best bet for a potential Freja sighting will happen the night before the big event, fittingly enough. Freja has always been one to avoid the spotlight and red carpet events, so I actually don't know if she's taking part in FNO at all. But if she is, I think there is a good chance we could see her at the Chanel dinner hosted by Karl, feting the re-opening of the Soho Chanel boutique.

She's one of the current faces of the brand, and she was just seen traveling with Karl in St. Tropez, complete with a classic Chanel 2.55 flap bag dangling from her shoulder. So I guess we'll see come September 9th....then again, if we don't see Freja at all I won't be surprised. I mean, every season I still hold my breath out of anxious anticipation until I see her on her first catwalk. Anyone else do this too? Just me? Oh...ok. :)

Image Credits: nymag.com

Korea Gets It Right

Let's face it. If we could have our way Freja would be on the cover of every magazine in every country, every month. She came close to something like that in August with her three covers, two of them for major market editions of Vogue, but September is turning out pretty well too...especially if you live in Korea.

I know from past comments left on this blog that Freja has a pretty big fan base in Korea, so good job guys. Way to have her on the September covers of two of your country's magazines. September issues are always a big deal, so I suppose its a coup (and honor) to be on two of them in the same market.

As for the covers themselves, I think Allure made a great choice to reprint a shot from Freja's Vogue UK editorial shot by Josh Olins. It's a story that I've come to appreciate more after I learned about it's inspirations. And seeing it in the actual magazine is amazing as well.

My initial impressions about Vogue Korea are less than stellar. It's a striking image for a cover to be sure, but like someone on tFS pointed out, Freja really does look like an "angry mushroom." But maybe this is an instance where the visual appeal of the cover model is sacrificed for the visual impact of the whole cover image; because graphically, that is a cover that would definitely make me stop in my tracks.

One thing I can say for sure is that Freja continues to show her range and versatility, all while maintaining the essence of what makes her unique and identifiable to her fans. It's a fine balance to be able to strike so well. Going from soft, delicate and gentle, to menacing, forceful and strong. Only a few models can do it so well, and we should all be proud that Freja is one of them.

Image Credits: book.interpark.com via tFS member SheilaM, libro.co.kr via tFS member P i e t r i n n

Is the "Freja" the new "Rachel"?

Apparently Freja's current hairstyle is all the rage. Dubbed "The Freja" by The Irish Times, it's gaining notoriety in the UK as well:

"The haircut of the season is undoubtedly the Freja, after model du jour Freja Beha Erichsen. The fresh-faced Dane sums up the mood of the season with her choppy, laissez-faire, shoulder-length style, which is given definition and volume with layers and texture, and cut using a sharp-edged razor. It suits pretty much any face shape and doesn't take much upkeep."

I also got a tip recently from one of you lovely readers informing me about a piece in Grazia (not online unfortunately) also touting the "Freja" as the next big thing in hair care. (Thanks Natalie!)

Since when did her hair become a thing? I always just thought it was messy and disheveled because she was growing it out and couldn't be bothered to deal with it. It fits her casual, effortless, just throw on some jeans and a t-shirt look very well. So it's really hilarious to me that it's now apparently become a style that other people strive for. I mean, just go to sleep, wake up and voila! Oh the irony. Maybe "The Freja" is the next "The Rachel." Yes? Yes? Regardless of my condescension, this is just another example of how notable and recognizable Freja is becoming, perhaps even outside fashion circles. Cult personality model indeed.

On a somewhat related note in speaking of things I find hilarious, I'm sure you've all seen the recent pictures of Baptiste in short booty shorts out and about with Karl in St. Tropez. Well, Freja was with them too, but she opted for Balmain jeans. I guess there's only room for one pair of booty shorts in St. Tropez...

Even though there's really nothing notable about these pics, I'm just happy that Freja's still in Karl's good graces. We haven't seen any work from the two of them in a while. Instead Karl's been working a lot with Natasha, and it had me slightly worried. I know not everyone likes Karl, his photography, and the work he does with Chanel, but he's been a constant supporter of Freja and her career, even during 2008 when things weren't going quite as well. It's just nice to be able to rely on certain things and relationships when everything else in the world seems so tenuous and uncertain. (Hello upcoming mid-term elections, high unemployment rates, and the possibility of another recession.) So I hope this means we'll be seeing a new editorial or collaboration soon!

Image Credits: afashiontale.dk, hola.com, zimbio.com

Floating

You can add another one to the list! Freja stars in the Moncler Gamme Bleu F/W 10.11 ad campaign photographed by Steven Meisel, bringing her campaign count for the season to six.

Not only does Freja "float" through life; she also floats through the all white background of this campaign wearing all white clothing. Literal interpretation of her tattoo perhaps? ;) It just seems a bit comical to me to have her look as if she's floating along, and it also reminds me of an old movie quote (bonus points if you can guess what movie):

A: I can't believe you have that picture on your wall.
B: You like Chagall?
A: I do. It feels like how being in love should be. Floating through a dark blue sky.
B: With a goat playing the violin.
A: Yes - happiness isn't happiness without a violin-playing goat.

So I suppose that happiness isn't happiness unless you're pristinely floating in some indeterminate location wearing Moncler....at least that's what they would have you believe if they want you to buy the clothes.

To be honest, I'm still pretty overloaded from this season and I don't really know what to say anymore. I feel like I just keep on repeating myself and rehashing old ideas. Is it coming across that way? The only thing I really notice about this campaign is how much Freja's face stands out in comparison to the all white backdrop. It really pops, but it also looks a little awkward and I think that's due to her sprawled positions. When you lie down, flail your arms, or do something other than stand up straight, gravity does strange things to your face.

Anyway, this campaign is a nice surprise and I'm thrilled that Freja is still working with Meisel. He has a tendency to forget about girls after brief periods of fascination with them. She's going into the S/S 11 season strong, so I hope this means we can expect a good showing. I always get nervous for the S/S cycles because Freja usually doesn't do quite as well as she does during the F/W cycles. Need I remind you of S/S 08 and S/S 09? Let's just keep our fingers crossed that my paranoia has no grounds for existence here.

Image Credits: moncler.com via tFS members testinofan and s'ngac

Fashion Weeks

It's been very quiet lately, but that's definitely not unusual for the month of August. Nearly everyone is on vacation, resting up for the hectic month of September when models begin to descend en mass upon the cities of New York, London, Milan and Paris for the Spring/Summer 2011 runway season.

To get you excited (and prepared), you can browse the schedule for New York here. Those are just the designers showing at the tents (at Lincoln Center!!). Lots of designers are showing off-site so don't fret if you don't see Alexander, Marc, Jack or Lazaro on the list. Here's hoping Freja continues on with her amazing streak from last season. Any shows you're particularly excited to see her walk? Hoping to see her walk? Will be shocked if she walks? I'm excited for Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs and Narciso Rodriquez. I just love Alex always, and Marc and Narciso are the only two shows that Freja has never missed walking for since her debut. Talk about amazing streaks....those two can't end!

Even though it's been a quiet August, there's always a fashion week going on somewhere in the world. And this time it's happening in Freja's home country. Copenhagen Fashion Week starts today and lasts until Sunday. Freja won't be walking, but that's no excuse to miss out if you love fashion and models. After all, it's where Freja got her start before landing internationally on the Prada runway. And it's where we'll most likely see new talent trying to make their marks before the September shows begin. Caroline Brasch Nielsen had a good debut last season at CPH before breaking out in Paris, and subsequently making it on to many top ten newcomer lists. If you're a model watcher than I would definitely keep your eyes peeled. Those Danes are always quite lovely and perfectly in line with the modeling zeitgeist.

Maybe August won't be so quiet after all. :)

New Image Roundup

One of the aspects of Freja's modeling that keeps me enthralled is her malleability. Whatever the aesthetic, whatever the concept, whatever the project, she always manages to fit the look. It's a quality that all the top models have, and I think it's something that is both inherent and earned through time, perseverance and dedication to craft.

This past week gave us three new sets of images that could not be more different in terms of tone, atmosphere, rhythm and styling. Once you see them all, side by side, there's no denying that the model who ties them together is talented and nearly effortless in the ease with which she adapts to her surroundings. Even if you don't like Freja (but why would you be reading this blog if that were the case?), you cannot deny that she's extremely good at her job. After writing about her and analyzing her for as long as I have, the fact that she still manages to surprise me is a very rare and special thing indeed.

-Mo & Co Edition 10
Parisian brand based in China? Anyone know more about the company? Anyway, here we find the sleek, modern warrior version of Freja complete with bright light weapon. Get in her way and she will destroy you.

-Dossier by Cass Bird
Freja will supposedly be on the cover of bi-annual publication Dossier, photographed by Cass Bird. Cass photographed the lovely Daria spread for the Spring 2010 issue, and if Freja's is anything like that then I know all the fans will be thrilled. Here we have the au natural, mother earth version of Freja. She's a vegan, loves horses, wears hemp clothing and possibly lives in a commune...or somewhere in Brooklyn.

-MaxMara Eyewear
This is still my least favorite campaign of the season....possibly even of Freja's entire career, but these eyewear shots are much better than the clothing shots. This is glamazon Freja. She's the woman who can afford Balenciaga and thinks recessions only apply to hairlines.

All joking aside, these three sets display the versatility that we as fans have lately come to enjoy....and I hope will continue to enjoy for a long time to come.

Lastly, big thank you to Betty at models.com for the shout out. She's been a big supporter of this blog, linking me a few times already, and I truly appreciate the acknowledgment. I don't really advertise this place that much because I figure if anyone is really interested in Freja, they'll find it sooner or later. And I'm not really into self promotion, and this blog isn't my job....it's honestly just a labor of love. Plus there are so many other great blogs out there that I feel honored to have any attention bestowed onto this one when the only worthy thing I've done is pick a model to write about who has an unparalleled, successful career. So thanks again, and thanks to all of you for being such great readers, supporters and contributors. I guess I'm just really lucky that Freja decided to work a lot all of a sudden! :) If she ever stops.......well, I don't want to even think about that!

Image Credits: gagameister.blogbus.com via tFS member francyayo, cassbird.tumblr.com, maxmara.com via tFS member Carla-A