Editorial Comparisons

What's Glam Now
Harper's Bazaar November 2009
Ph: Karl Lagerfeld

If I'm going to be honest, I feel quite apathetic towards this editorial. I don't think it's horrible, but I don't think it's that great either. It just kind of exists, so I don't really know what to say about it. Freja looks good (although it's pretty hard to make her look bad) but I hate that they've airbrushed her face so that it's nearly unrecognizable in the 5th picture. I think this was shot in Venice, probably at the same time the Chanel Cruise show was going on back in July. (Edit: my bad, it was shot in Monaco. Thanks anonymous commenter!)

The sparse backdrop, singular focus on clothes and use of full designer looks did make me pay more attention to the fashion being highlighted. In fact, I even started to recall other editorials featuring the same or similar looks. (Note: All the following editorial and scanning credits can be found in the image file name.)

Louis Vuitton

I love seeing how the same pieces can end up looking so different from editorial to editorial. Fashion is really about transformation. Models have to transform and so do the clothes. So if you think about it, photographers and stylists are just the manipulators of external factors.

Fendi

I also love doing these comparisons because it puts things into perspective. For example, I think this editorial's shortfalls become more evident when you see it next to others.

Dolce and Gabbana

The setting is incongruous with the concept, which is itself underdeveloped in my opinion. Just because you shoot in Monaco doesn't automatically mean it will be glamorous.

Givenchy

I would almost rather have seen this shot in a studio. At least then all the empty space would make more sense. The setting already looks fake in some shots anyway.

Giorgio Armani

I think Freja is a competent poser, but we all know it's never really been her strong suit. Perhaps I'm just having a Karolin moment, but I really think she puts everyone else to shame.

Marc Jacobs

It's the subtle details like her hands that make me stop in my tracks. Attention to detail like that comes with an innate sense that's really difficult to teach.

Chanel

It's ok Freja. I love you for so many other reasons that more than make up for your posing. Plus I'm sure it was hard to do a good job with Baptiste awkwardly holding you. And really, who wouldn't look just ok compared to this?

Thank you for indulging my Karo obsession. Moving along now...Freja also has an editorial in the October issue of Numero. You can see the full thing here.

I haven't been able to get my hands on this issue yet, but it's a must buy in my opinion. In addition to Freja's editorial, two of my other favorite models have editorials. So with Freja, Karmen and Karolin, this issue is like a dream line up for me. Numero has always been amazing in this aspect. Each issue is jam packed with editorials featuring girls at all levels--from ones just starting out to established veterans--so you're guaranteed to find at least one ed that's to your liking.

Image Credits: My scans, frockwriter, scans by tFS members AngelLover, Diciassette (17), Luxx, achAT, Melange and helligirl.

With a Bang, Not a Whimper

And here I thought yesterday was going to be an easy, quiet day for Freja. Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. Freja decided to start off this SS10 season with a resounding bang, walking for Rag & Bone, opening the Arise: African Promise Collective show (strangely enough) and opening Erin Wasson's RVCA show. Only her first day and she already has three shows and two opening slots under her belt? This season is certainly getting off on the right foot.

@ :30, :40 and 1:35

@ :30 and 1:25

Her walk seems little different to me, mostly in the arms. It's subtle, but better. Anyway, can we use yesterday as a good indicator of things to come for the rest of the month? Will the pace of Freja's show season match the explosive pace of her recent editorial work? What other surprises are in store for us? The frenzy of fashion month is back full force and I'm totally on the edge of my seat and completely caught up in the whirlwind, despite my best efforts to maintain some semblance of a normal life. Sigh. I love it though!

I'm also happy to see some of my other favorite girls doing well so far. Karolin Wolter closed Rag & Bone, and Karmen Pedaru was at Preen along with Sara Blomqvist.

I'm kind of curious. Who are some of your other favorite models? Any newbies you think I should check out? Who are you excited to see walk? Speaking of newbies, I think Julija Step is definitely one to watch. She walked Rag & Bone and she's been showing up a lot of other shows. If IMG plays the right cards, I see major stuff for this classically gorgeous girl.

Image Credits: coutorture.com

Stuck at 9

Models.com updated their Top 50 Rankings on Thursday. Freja is tied at number 9 with Eniko. Catherine, MCB, Coco, Anna J, Stam, Agyness, Lily, Anja, Lara, Sasha, Poly, and Raquel round out the rest of the top girls. Freja has been stuck at this position for a while now. I thought she'd move up considering the fabulous campaign season she's been having, but I guess magazine covers count for more than I thought. And Freja hasn't had a major one in a while now.

Yes, she's on the cover of Purple, but when was the last time we saw her face grace the cover of one of the four major Vogues? Maybe Vogue UK will hear my cries. They actually give her consistent editorial work and they don't shy away from putting models on their covers. Come on Alexandra Shulman!

Anyway, show cards are coming out now. If you haven't seen Supreme's excellent package, check it out here. I'm living for Karolin at the moment, and I'm totally impressed by Hanne's card. IMG's will probably come out this upcoming week, but they usually use editorial outtakes for their cards. Nothing too exciting. At least it reminds us that fashion month is just around the corner!

For your time, Karo and Hanne emoting in various states of undress:

Image Credits: models.com