Random Bits: Royal Wedding Edition

-I know this isn't Freja related, but damn! How beautiful was that dress? And how absolutely, stunningly, breathtakingly gorgeous did TRH Catherine look!? I'm not one to buy into wedding hype at all, but I couldn't help but to get swept away in the emotion and significance of it all. Yes, I got up early to watch. Yes, I teared up a bit (much to my surprise). Yes, I'm ready for a nap.


-More details about Freja's second consecutive Harry Winston campaign have surfaced. According to WWD:

"In May, Harry Winston is set to launch a new diamond, platinum and yellow gold collection, Lily Cluster, inspired by a Forties floral motif pulled from the company’s own archives. The news here: It’s the first time the company has offered designs in flaxen hues — aside from the occasional special request — since the Nineties...........The Lily Cluster ad campaign, shot by Patrick Demarchelier, will feature Freja Beha Erichsen."

You can see these new jewelry designs in the campaign shot I posted here.


-Freja will be part of the grand, multi-girl editorial for VP's August photographed by Inez and Vinoodh. The week long shoot is taking place in Los Angeles right now, and Inez and Vinoodh have been tumblr-ing candid shots of models all week long. However, the candid of Freja comes from another source (by way of 50mmf12l.tumblr.com):

So far the model lineup for this shoot includes: Lara Stone, Anja Rubik, Arizona Muse, Isabeli Fontana, and Raquel Zimmermann. So basically, all the big guns. If you'll recall, Freja was also included in the editorial for last year's August issue shot by David Sims. She also happened to land that cover. So maybe she'll get a cover shot once again? (Though I think it's high time for a cover to go to Raquel.) In any case, it seems like Alt isn't straying out of her comfort zone in terms of model choice. That's a good thing if your favorites happen to be her favorites. It's not such a good thing if you were hoping to see new and fresh faces (cough Aymeline cough) in the pages of VP.


Now off I go to find super HQ detail shots of that dress.....!

Vogue Brasil?

These days I find that I have less and less time to scour the internet for Freja news. Luckily all you wonderful and amazing fellow fans out there never miss a beat and I'm so thankful for that. Today's news comes thanks to long time reader (since nearly the beginning!!) Rian via Vogue Brasil's blog and Google translate:

"In passing through the room of our editorial director Daniela Falcão, gave some of the pages ready March issue of the magazine and praised a lot to cover with the top Freja Beha."

If the translation and my interpretive skills are to be trusted, then Freja will be on the cover of the March issue, with an editorial inside to boot. Can any Portuguese readers out there confirm for sure?

All of this seems very plausible since Freja was only in Brazil for the first time back in December shooting the Santa Lolla campaign. Coverage and news from back then made it seem like she had quite the busy schedule. And if I recall correctly, Brazil's fashion flock caused a bit of fanfare over her. Seeing that she is one of today's top models, it only makes sense that they would take full advantage of her first visit.

So the land of Giselle, Raquel and Isabeli welcomes Freja with open arms. Proof that you don't have to have sexy curves and a sashaying runway walk to gain admirers down there. :)

Byzantine

Just in case you forgot, Chanel's pre-fall show is happening this Tuesday, December 7th. And oh la la, the theme appears to be Byzantine. Guess that's explains why the show is being held in Paris this time around. As powerful as Karl may be, even he can't resurrect a bygone empire for a Chanel show. So don't blame the recession, don't blame an unsteady economy, don't blame consumer uncertainty; blame the Byzantine empire for not being around anymore to provide us with the locale to match the theme. ;)

I think the odds are pretty high that Freja will make it to Paris in time for the show. After donning a codpiece for Karl, he owes her at least that much. But Freja's apparently in China New York right now shooting something (any fans out there know what for sure?), so I guess that means she'll be traveling this weekend....hopefully. Fingers crossed. I don't know about you, but I definitely want to see what Karl puts her in after Pirelli.

Image Credits: chanel-news.com

Mythology

Big news of the day is the release of the annual Pirelli calendar in Moscow. With Karl at the helm, is it any surprise that Freja is included this year? You gotta love him for being so loyal.

Back when the news broke in April that Karl would be the photographer, I'll admit I was a bit skeptical about Freja's odds of being included. After all, the Pirelli Calendar is about sexy pin-ups with a high fashion twist. And no matter how versatile I think Freja is as a model, the last thing that people associate her with is sexy pin-up girl. But no matter now, since Karl has managed to pick a theme that allows him to integrate all his favorite models into the calendar: Greek and Roman mythology.

And no surprise here, Freja plays the male roles of Apollo, Pollux and Orpheus. So Karl has managed to both exceed and let down my expectations. Exceed in the sense of his unconventional casting choice of Freja (and even Iris) for this calendar; let down in the sense of his trite role assignment. Freja in a masculine role....wow, never saw that one coming (rolls eyes). At least there is some unexpected gender-bending going on with Abbey as Castor and Anja as Hermes. I like to see models taking on new roles and challenges, and at this point I feel like Freja (through no fault of her own) hasn't been given much opportunity to do so. C'est la vie I guess.

Regardless, I am excited to see what the final images will look like. The images that have been released so far are really beautiful. They're classical in all the right ways, and everyone looks gorgeous--real, physical embodiments of the gods they're asked to play. So I'm leaving myself open to the possibility that I'll be pleasantly surprised, and that roles won't matter in the face of beauty. Your thoughts on Freja and the calendar?

ETA: Here's the first image of Freja

Image Credits: pedestrian.tv

Going Commercial?

Here's something new and possibly commercial. Freja recently shot some sort of TV ad with fellow models Anne Vyalitsyna and Martha Streck. Both Martha and Anne exist more firmly in the commercial fashion sphere, so it will be exciting and interesting to see what kind of project could possibly have these three girls working together. Via Martha's Twitter:

One the one hand you have Freja: androgynous poster girl, high fashion doyenne and a Karl Lagerfeld fav. On the other you have Anne V: current girlfriend of Maroon 5's Adam Levine and frequent model for the utterly mass market Victoria's Secret catalog. Then you have Martha: not necessarily notable for anything in particular, but a model in Victoria's Secret catalogs and on Givenchy runways. The three together certainly make for strange bedfellows, but my interest is definitely peaked! Fingers crossed that it's something uber commercial just for fun of it and for the sake of seeing something different.

(Is that a flowery, feminine dress I see on Freja!? Whoa.)

Also, thank goodness Martha confirmed what a lot of us already knew; the frejabe twitter is complete bullshit and a fake. So report it as spam and maybe then we can get rid of it and its embarrassingly immature tweets.

Anyway, guesses as to what the ad could be for? What do you want it to be for? H&M? Gap? Cadbury candy? What else? And am I the only one dying to see Freja cheese out in some over-the-top holiday ad campaign? Just me? Oh, ok....

Image Credits: twitter.com/marthastreck

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

Covering the Possibility

Been thinking about this for a while now....do you think Freja will land on the cover of Vogue Paris any time soon? I keep going back and forth in my mind, making arguments that say "yes," then promptly defeating them with counter-arguments that say "no." So I thought I'd lay it out.

-Her first and only cover was nearly 5 years ago in November of 2005. Shot by Testino, it was a multi-girl cover also featuring Maria Carla, Natasha, Solange, Vlada and Tasha. Needless to say, a solo spot and proper cover is long overdue.

-The recent issue of Vogue Paris Collections was dedicated to her, resulting in a cover image composed literally of an army of Frejas.

-Not only does Freja have an editorial in the current June/July issue of Vogue Paris, she's also one of the five girls featured in a special supplementary DVD movie shot by the venerable Loic Prigent of "The Day Before" documentary series fame. Short preview clip is up at vogue.fr, and posted below for your quick viewing pleasure. Freja's bit begins at around 4:08, but the whole thing is an interesting watch:

(Translation of what Carine says thanks to tFS member French Cactus: I recently got interested in Freja. She is very aristocratic in her mannerisms, her poses, her walk. She is naturally elegant. She is very professional on the runway, yet she has a certain nonchalance. She has a certain something, she is extraordinary.)

-Freja is the face of Chanel, Max Mara and Balenciaga for the upcoming campaign season so she's sure to be one of the industry's most recognizable models in the coming months. What better way for a magazine to appear on trend than to feature an esteemed model who's career is going just as strong five years in as it was when it first started?

All these factors considered, you'd think she was being primed for a cover right? But maybe it's because of all these factors that Freja won't be getting a cover. Let me rephrase it this way. Are these things indicators that that cover is forthcoming? Or are they consolation prizes in lieu of one? Your guess is as good as mine.

Image Credits: models.com, scan by tFS member vogue28

The Possiblity of Pirelli

WWD broke the news early last month that Karl Lagerfeld was picked to shoot the next Pirelli Calendar.

A TIRE POWER: Karl Lagerfeld has been tapped to shoot the next Pirelli calendar. “I’ll do it in my studio in Paris. It’s too obvious to have a beach setting,” the designer said backstage at his signature show on Sunday. Shooting is to take place in April, and “all of the top girls” will be booked for the coveted calendar, which has been lensed by the likes of Patrick Demarchelier, Bruce Weber and Mario Testino since it was established in 1964.

Of course this news probably had Freja fans speculating, since we all know that Karl can't shoot anything without featuring her in some way (God love him for it). However, Pirelli isn't something you'd usually associate with Freja, who has a body and demeanor more suited for high fashion rather than a calendar known for sultry femininity and ample amounts of robust nudity.

With the calendar shoot taking place right now, casting bits have been leaking out over the internet. Models confirmed so far include Bianca Balti, Heidi Mount, Isabeli Fontana, Magdalena Frackowiak, and Natasha Poly. Fashionologie also tells us that Lara Stone is rumored to be booked as well. So with two of Karl's favs seemingly present and accounted for (Heidi and Lara), it remains to be seen whether Freja will also be included. After all, she is undoubtedly Karl's favorite female model to work with, so her omission would be unexpected and strange even if she is an unorthodox choice for Pirelli calendar pin-up girl.

I've read that Freja will be included, but nothing is ever 100%. As they say, pics or it didn't happen, right? :) I also want to tread lightly just in case. Anyway, I'm not sure how I feel about this, assuming that it's true. On the one hand, it's great because Freja continues to buck her androgynous stereotype and show her many facets as a model. On the other hand, I'm not sure if she's really the best fit for the type of femininity we've come to associate with Pirelli. And then you also have to worry that Karl will just put her in pants next to Baptiste like he did for the Chanel SS10 runway show. In case you're wondering, Freja doesn't look too shabby in a bikini so maybe I shouldn't feel so dubious about the whole thing:

Besides, Magdalena doesn't necessarily scream sultry, voluptuous calendar girl to me either. And who knows what concept Karl has in mind for the calendar, since the photographer is usually given complete creative control. He could take things in a different direction since he's doing a studio shoot instead of a location shoot like past years'. Regardless of what will or won't happen, it's something on the horizon to look out for. And if Freja is indeed shot for the Pirelli calendar, that's just one more tick off the amazing checklist that is her career. Seriously, is there anything that she hasn't done as a model? Maybe walk a VS show....but that's a whole different story.

Thoughts? Do you want to see Freja in the calendar, or is it too weird to even imagine?

On Repeat: Freja, Meisel, Vogue Italia

For the second month in a row, Freja is featured in the main story for Vogue Italia photographed by Steven Meisel. If you're keeping track, Freja and Meisel have now collaborated five times in as many months; four times for VI and one time for Vogue US. To go from zero to one hundred like this is simply mind-boggling if you've been following Freja since the early years. All the evidence points to the fact that she's now become a Meisel favorite, but I still can't help but to think "this will be the last time," every time I see them working together.

Maybe I just don't like to count my eggs before they hatch. Maybe I'm just too weary and overly cautious in my age. Or maybe I'm just a pessimist. I should probably just shut up and enjoy the ride, but knowing that Meisel can be very fickle in terms of models (Daria and Elise immediately come to mind) is holding me back from completely embracing the fact that Freja is now a Meisel girl. Is anyone else having the same problem? Or is it just me?

Anyway, there are other girls in the story, but each seems to have been shot individually. It's a great mix of old and new: Amber Valletta, Angela Lindvall and Joan Smalls, Gwen Loos. I'm also thrilled to see Geidre Dukauskaite, a previous Meisel fav, return to prominence!

Now that Freja has been in plenty of Meisel editorials, it still remains to be seen whether she'll be in a Meisel campaign. I don't mean to get too ahead of myself and entirely contradict what I just said above, but with editorials in back to back issues of VI, maybe it is more likely that she'll land in one of the campaigns he shoots. The question is, which one? And even if she doesn't, I'll be so happy with her campaign season as it stands: Chanel and Max Mara. Besides, I never like it when you see the same model in 10 campaigns. After all, variety is the spice of life, and there are too many other girls who I want to see have some taste of success.

Video Credit: vogue.it

Springtime Will Punch You in the Face

At least that's what comes to my mind when I see Freja's latest cover for the Spring 2010 issue of i-D Magazine. Nothing about this says "spring" to me except for the bright green background. Maybe that explains why it seems photoshopped in at the last minute. Quick! How do we make this look more spring-y? I know! Make the background green. Genius.

The cover was shot by Emma Summerton, who is a wonderful photographer. Therefore, I have a hard time believing that this was the best option for a cover shot out of all the images that she took. It doesn't really bear the distinctive and defining characteristics of her usual work. The hair is an overwhelming mop, the angle is distracting (making Freja look even thinner than she already is) and the styling is bland. Freja also looks rather menacing. I just don't believe in this image as a cover hailing the arrival of Spring. i-D covers are usually a complete hit or miss for me though. And compared to the last cover that Freja had, this one's shortcomings become even more obvious to me:

Then again, I'd be a very happy women if the words androgynous and/or boy and Freja never appeared in the same sentence ever again. At the very least I'm thrilled that Freja is working with Emma! Their first and only other collaboration yielded this lovely editorial with Lily. So hopefully the inside story will be a bit more inspired and polished in it's execution and aesthetic. One thing that I do kind of like about this cover is that it seems to capture the essence of who Freja appears to be off the runway. It seems like it could be a candid shot of her backstage during the shows; but ironically enough, that's also a reason why this cover doesn't work for me as a cover. It just seems amateurish. What do you think? Am I just too biased against anything androgynous when it comes to Freja, or do I have some legitimate concerns here?

And good god Freja...when was the last time you took a break from working? The rate at which you're putting out new work is alarmingly fast....not that I'm complaining. But still, I think my wallet and typing fingers could use a rest and I'm sure you could too.

Image Credits: ftape.com via tFS member Flashbang, scan by tfS member Diciassette (17)

Editorials Keep Pouring In

In addition to having editorials in the April issues of both Vogue UK and Vogue Germany, Freja also has another editorial in the upcoming April issue of W Magazine. It seems like "March Magazine Madness" isn't relegated to one month, and Freja's ubiquitous prominence in nearly all parts of the fashion world continues.

New York, New York 10021
Ph: Inez and Vinoodh
Styling: Alex White
Other Models: Raquel Zimmerman

We only have these small images with weird lines on them for now (part of W's "shop the issue" concept on their website), but I'll post better scans as soon as I can. From what I can see though, this editorial is glamorous, beautiful, and old school; and it gives us a good indication as to how people are conceiving of Freja's look now that androgyny is no longer her only calling card.

Image Credits: wmagazine

Dominance

If you've been keeping track, Freja's opened and/or closed 13 shows so far this season. She's coming awfully close to her SS07 season's career best of opening and/or closing for 17 different shows. This dominance on the runway is completely amazing and more than a little mind boggling. It's not like Freja's the new "it" girl. This is her 11th season now, which is ancient in modeling time. And it's not like she's still walking 5 shows a day. Her opening and closing rate is even more impressive when you consider the relatively small number of shows she's done, as compared to a girl like Jac who's done a lot more. I can't even begin to come up with a reason for all of this, so all I'm going to say is wow.....just wow.

This dominance isn't just limited to the runway though. It's extends into magazines as well. Freja's final "March Magazine Madness" editorial count comes to 6 and 1 cover. It's 8 and 2 covers if you count the seasonal editions of Purple and Numero Homme. Think about how ridiculous those numbers are for one month's worth of magazines! Freja has literally been bursting off the pages of all the major pubs: Vogue US, Vogue Italia, Vogue UK, Vogue Nippon, Vogue China, and W Magazine. The only major one that's missing from that list is Vogue Paris, but she had that covered in February. And the work just keeps coming with an upcoming editorial in the April 2010 issue of Vogue UK. Amazing, and tiring. Hopefully this all translates into some good campaigns for the FW1011 season.

After coming out of nowhere with 5 campaigns during the FW0910 season, Freja only scored Chanel during the SS10 season. Ha...listen to me. Only Chanel? Having a Chanel campaign would be any model's dream, and I talk like Freja had to settle for it. I shouldn't be so greedy and obnoxious sounding. Anyway, having lots of runway and print work is good, but campaigns are what matter in terms of model money and status. So I really hope that all of Freja's hard work during the past few months is not all for naught, and that she is well rewarded. Frankly speaking, I would be thrilled if she only booked Chanel again, because holding that campaign 3 seasons in a row (5 times total) is unheard of. Come on Karl, don't let me down now! I know I like to give you shit, but it's all in the name of love. I know you've been Freja's biggest supporter throughout her career so please don't stop now.

But of course, I can't help but to hope for some other campaign. Something new. Something unexpected. Something wonderful. And I think it could be possible now that Meisel is photographing Freja. I want to throw out some brand names, but I'm going to restrain myself because it's way too early to be speculating about campaigns and I don't want to jinx anything....although it's not like I have that kind of power. Anyway, if you're willing to take the risk, I'd love to hear your campaign wishes for Freja. ;) And we only have two days left to see if Freja can break her own record of openings/closings, so savor the moments because FW will be over before you know it!

The News We've All Been Waiting For!

We were anticipating it, expecting it, demanding it. And now it's here and it's true. Freja has the March 2010 cover of Vogue Italia shot by Steven Meisel!

"We welcome spring through the intense gaze of Freja Beha Erichsen, the 22-year old Danish top model, clad in a white lace dress by Dolce e Gabbana. Behind the camera the skillful eye of fashion photographer Steven Meisel. This is the cover look for the new issue of Vogue, at your newsstand on 3 March. The magazine, with its photo shoots, interviews and cult features, will tell us about the month of March, dictating the latest trends in fashion and beauty but also in art and music. Always focusing on events and celebrities. "

For Freja fans who've been with her for years (like myself) , this is the news we've always hoped for but never thought to be in the realm of possibility. In fact, hearing it now still seems a little surreal. Like a fuzzy dream that leaves remnants in your memory after you wake up. But this IS real.

How very fitting that we end the last day of Milan Fashion Week with this news. During one of her best runway seasons ever, we get the proverbial cherry on top; icing on the cake; having our cake and eating it too. Truly, truly unbelievable in the best possible way. I feel like words just aren't adequate enough to express how happy I am for this. I guess it just feels nice to have all the time and effort we've put in over the years as fans finally pay off to the fullest.

Thanks to tFS member slow_hands for breaking the news!!!! Now we celebrate! :)

Freja by Meisel for US Vogue

Yes, you read that right. Pigs are flying, hell has frozen over, the fat lady has sung; employ whatever other cliche you can muster up to describe the situation because it's happening. Freja is in the March 2010 issue of American Vogue, shot by Steven Meisel. It's a studio shoot also featuring Lara, Liya, Karlie, Mirte and Rianne. (What a cast!) The biggest surprise of fashion week (for me) isn't happening at all on the runways, but in the pages of magazines.

I guess it was a matter of time before this happened though. We had inklings that more could come when Freja worked with Meisel twice in a row for Vogue Italia at the beginning of the year. And some of us knew an upcoming collaboration was imminent. Thanks to the excellent sleuthing by commentator Amber in the comments section of this old post, we saw this tweet nearly a week ago from a "model mole."

I didn't want to believe it at first because anyone can say anything on the internet. But they were spot on about the March collaboration. About the zero beef? Well, I don't know if I buy that part yet. But that's all water under the bridge now.

Maybe this editorial is the stepping stone to an only-girl editorial? A vogue Italia cover? A Meisel lensed ad campaign? The possibilities seem endless now, don't they?

Bits and Bytes

Just some news and upcoming things to be aware of:

-In case you forgot, the Chanel Haute Couture show is set for this Tuesday, January 26th.

-Freja's made it onto her first cover of the year. Nevermind that it's shot by Karl, features three other models (Heidi, Abbey Lee, Baptiste), and is for Numero Homme. A cover is still a cover.

-Look for a new editorial shot by Terry Richardson in the upcoming March issue of Vogue Nippon. A preview can be seen here, and below thanks to tFS member s'gnac.

-Speaking of upcoming work, don't forget that we have the Spur story and the Purple editorial to look forward to. Not to mention that New York fashion week begins in a matter of days.

Busy busy! As happy as I am for all this new work, I sure hope Freja isn't overworking herself to exhaustion. Remember to take care of yourself girl.

Image Credits: journaux.fr, snap by tFS member s'gnac

Slowly Revealed

Here's another peek at Freja's upcoming "Purple Naked" editorial.

The body as it was meant to be seen. The body as instrument. The body as object. The body as livelihood. The body as art. The body as fashion. The body as titillation. The body as expression. The body as identity. So many possibilities all depending on our own different interpretations. I can't wait for the final product, if only to experience the wide gamut of reactions it's sure to elicit from myself and from others.

Image Credits: purple-diary.com

Naked Purple

We have something to look forward to in the new year. It looks like Freja has done one of the infamous "Purple Naked" editorials for Purple Magazine shot by Inez and Vinoodh.

"Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin photographed 22-year old Danish model Freja Beha Erichsen, whose unabashed androgyny is living proof that you can be one of the most important models in current fashion without having to hide your tattoos or your sexuality, and without having to conform to a stereotypically female look--just like the tattoo on her right arm: 'Serendipity is Life.'"

Other notable models who have participated in this regular feature include Angela Lindvall, Lara Stone and most recently, Dree Hemingway. All were shot by Inez and Vinoodh in the same black and white, stripped down, nothing left to the imagination style and I can imagine that the same will be true for Freja.

These editorials are always so gorgeous to me because they show the pureness and rawness of the human form without pretense or judgment; just the body in all it's unabashed, natural glory. And because our society is so prudish, it's rare that we get the chance to see images like this and to appreciate the wonders of one of the most beautiful and complex forms on earth. (Side Note: I still can't understand why people were so mad about Janet Jackson's nipplegate during the Super Bowl a few years back. For crying out loud, it was just a boob and we all have them to varying degrees of size. Get over it people. Frankly, I think the world would be a much happier and better place if we all saw a little more boob-age on a daily basis.)

And maybe since the nudity is always so unashamed and proud in this Purple feature, it kind of becomes de-sexualized to my eyes and instead transforms into a work of pure art. Does that make sense? I don't know...that could just be my way of viewing things like this. I'm pretty sure my perception is slightly skewed because I don't even bat an eye anymore when I see nudity in fashion photography. Often times it's one of the last things I'll notice because I'm too busy paying attention to all the other elements like the model, the poses, the perspective, etc... You know you're abnormal when Lara Stone looks stranger clothed than nude.

Anyway, this Purple Naked editorial is interesting news. I'm excited to see Freja get more work of course, but I'm also kind of afraid of the reaction this will elicit from all the fans. I just think this could be more fuel for the fangirl fire in a bad way, but I know I'm speaking too soon because we haven't even seen the final product yet. I will say that I'm disappointed this editorial will focus once again on Freja's androgyny. That's such an old meme. But perhaps at this point it's what she's known for and her trademark, so I should just get over it and accept the fact that it will be impossible for people to separate the two. At least she's consistently getting work right?

Though, I ask you this: Is it better to be famous for one thing to the point where it becomes a handicap, even though you owe your longevity to it? Or is it better to be malleable even if it means you'll fade away? I don't think it has to be either or and I'm just waiting for someone else to think the same way.

This is getting insanely long so I'll leave you with two more things to mull over. We'll undoubtedly see a full frontal nudity shot, so does this mean we'll finally get to see what the infamous 15th tattoo looks like? And this is the closest that we've ever gotten to official confirmation about Freja's sexuality so I wonder, why now? Why in this way? Oh Freja. Just when I think I have you all figured out, you go and do something to show me that the only thing I know for sure is that I know nothing at all.

Image Credits: purple-diary.com

Spur

Whew! Just wrapped my last booking of the year...Freja Beha Erichsen for Spur ...coming sometime in Spring 2010. I must be mum and not preview too may of the choice looks (it was a personal style story) or unveil too many of of Freja's disclosures before the story runs but suffice it to say it was a lovely sitting with the coolest girl around. A fast shoot in a real location instead of another sterile studio...a ruthlessly efficient team tracking the strict briefs from the Tokyo office ... mid-70's rock n roll vibrating from the speakers...you have to love a calm, laid back gig like this. Now if only fashion could be like that EVERY day.

Thanks to the The Imagist, we have info on some upcoming work. Personal style story eh? Should be interesting to see how that works out considering that Freja's style as we know it is pretty basic and black. But you know how they always like to gussie things up for features like this. So maybe we'll see more designer labels? Perhaps some Yohji, Junya, and Comme des Garcons? That would be fitting considering the publication's country of origin.

Speaking of, any readers out there from Japan? If so, wanna send me a copy when this comes out? I'll be eternally grateful. Onegai shimasu? I'm actually being kind of serious here because I have no idea where or even if Spur is sold near me.

Anyway, I'm excited to see how this story turns out. And it's always nice to hear news that reinforces the perception we have of Freja as cool, laid back and easy to work with. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say anything bad about this girl. Have you?

And before I forget, happy holidays everyone! I'm officially on vacation until 2010, but will try to update as much as I can provided that there's news for me to update on. After all, fashion and Freja need vacations too. :)

Image Credits: theimagist

Chanel in China

Mark your calendars! There is lots of Chanel related news that Freja fans should be aware of. A new Chanel boutique is opening up in Shanghai, China on November 25th (maybe someone will get their hands on 31 Rue Cambon), and Karl is putting on a Paris-Shanghai fashion show on December 3rd to coincide. According to the show's website, www.chanel-paris-shanghai.com, Karl will debut a short online movie just before the presentation of the collection, much like he did for the Paris-Moscow collection last year. Actual video of the runway show will be put up online December 4th.

Until then, you can find lots of pre-release media and news on the website. There is a "Diary of the Collection" section, which features short videos documenting the creation of the collection from its inception to its finish. There are only two (out of a total of ten) episodes up right now. Neither contains any terribly exciting material, but it's still interesting to see Karl sketching and to get glimpses of the creative processes that go into creating a Chanel collection.

Episode 1

Episode 2


And a possible look from the show

It remains to be seen whether Freja will be participating in any of the events related to this collection's release. She sat out the Paris-Moscow show, which made sense because Karl went with a mostly Russian/Eastern European cast of models. But will he choose to go with an all Asian cast for this show? Possibly, as Asian models like Liu Wen (walking the Victoria's Secret show this year) and Tao Okamoto are very popular right now. And if Karl decides to use only Asian models, will he limit that even further and only use Chinese models? If so, then that means Tao is out.

Perhaps it was easier to cast the Paris-Moscow show base on models' ethnicity, since Eastern European models have been dominating the runways for a few years now. The same can't be said for Asian models, so we might be seeing all the Chanel regulars walking this show instead. And since Karl hasn't been able to do anything lately without Freja by his side, all those Chinese Freja fans might have reason to get very excited.

If Freja does walk this show, I hope she's not paired off with Baptiste like she was during the Chanel SS10 show. It would be nice to see her in regular runway looks instead of androgynous ones that also double as social commentary. Anyway, we still have a few weeks to go before the show, so don't get too excited yet. We don't know if Freja is confirmed so I guess we'll just have to be extra vigilant for any more news.

Image Credits: screen capped by me from chanel-paris-shanghai.com

Campaign Predictions

Each day more and more campaign news for the upcoming season leaks. And each day I get more and more disappointed. Aside from a few gems like Vanessa Hegelmaier and Kelsey van Mook for DKNY, Ginta Lanpina for Derek Lam, and Jacquelyn Jablonski and Valerija Kelava for Celine, the forecast does not look good if you're model obsessed like I am. Most campaigns are going to celebrities (Madonna), pseudo-celebrities using their last names to cash in on the accomplishments of their relatives (Dree Hemingway, Georgia May Jagger), and the older generation of models (Natalia Vodianova, Claudia Schiffer, Carmen Kass).

As much as the fashion industry prides itself on being a predictor of future trends and styles, it ironically lags behind in adjusting to events that take place in the real world. And so I believe the industry is finally feeling the full impact of the economic recession that started over a year ago, and campaign casting for the upcoming season especially reflects this. Few brands are willing to take risks with lesser known models. And almost all brands are going with familiar and conventionally beautiful faces. So where does that leave Freja? I'm afraid the answer to that question doesn't sound good, as models at her level are seemingly being left out of the shuffle for the most part.

So far she only has Chanel, but it seems to be a supporting role. And I don't think she's likely to repeat any of her other campaigns from last season. Gucci was already shot in Miami (possibly while Freja was still in Argentina) by Mert & Marcus and they don't usually work with Freja. In fact, they've only worked with her once back in 2005 at the beginning of her career. And like Inez and Vinoodh, they make a habit out of using their favorite girls in their campaigns which means Freja is out. Word is that newcomer Jacquelyn Jablonski landed the Gap campaign, which is great news for the New Jersey native, but not great news if you were hoping for Freja to repeat.

We probably won't know who landed Pollini and J Brand until those ads come out, but Pollini didn't even put on a runway show this season so I won't be surprised if they forgo a campaign altogether. But even if they do have a campaign, judging by their history, they would most likely go with a new model as they are not apt to repeat faces.

Not to be pessimistic, but the outlook is pretty bleak. What other campaigns do you think Freja could possibly score, if any? On a positive note, each season she does seem to surprise us by appearing in unexpected campaigns at the last minute. Last season it was Pollini and J Brand. The season before that things looked hopeless but then she showed up in Karl Lagerfeld and Roberto Cavalli. Maybe this season it will be Akris? A brand whose runway show she's opened and closed many times. Or maybe Chloe will bring her back just like Gucci did last season? What do you think? Your guess is as good as mine. At this point, all we can do is sit back and wait.