Blouson Noir

Look who's popped up in the Spring 2010 look book for new brand Blouson Noir.

Nice surprise, huh? The people behind Blouson Noir are Harper's Bazaar fashion editor Melanie Ward and Graham Tabor, former knit-wear consultant for Karl Lagerfeld's short lived New York collection. Maybe that's why they were able to land both Freja and Lily for this look book? For a collection that's only been around since May of 2009, that's a pretty impressive feat; but having a connection to the Kaiser certainly helps.

Regardless, it's always great to see top models working for younger, less well-known brands. After all, emerging talent is the future of the industry and it's often where you find the fresh, innovative, riskier ideas. Freja and Lily both look good and it's nice to see them both working in anticipation of the FW1011 season.

She's Back

It is so nice to see Freja modeling for Vogue Paris again. All I can say is it's about freaking time. The last time Freja showed up in VP was way back in April of 2008, and even then it was only in the supplement for a feature about "top models." If we're talking real editorial work, her last appearance was back in March of 2007. What took you so long Carine? Ugh, better late than never again I suppose. I just have a hard time comprehending how a model like Freja goes for nearly three years without showing up in VP, while other models at her level and caliber like Lara, Raquel and Natasha seemingly show up in every issue. Underrated I tell you, completely underrated. But then again, so many wonderful models are also underrated so it's not like I have anything to complain about. Anyway, here are only a few of Freja's shots so far but hopefully proper scans will surface soon.

Vogue-à-Porter
Vogue Paris February 2010
Ph: Inez and Vinoodh

All complaints aside, this year has already been really good to us fans. We've seen Freja work with Meisel twice in a row and now she's back shooting with Inez and Vinoodh in VP. Seems like all my whining about Freja only working with Karl and only doing androgynous editorials has finally paid off. Maybe someone in her camp reads this blog? (Ha. Fat chance.) Maybe just putting those thoughts out there in the universe was worth something? In either case, I'm going to take this opportunity to throw this out there: I'd love some front row tickets to NY fashion week. (If I say it enough, it's also bound to happen right?)

In all seriousness, I don't actually believe blogging about my apathy actually had anything to do with this sudden change in the tone of Freja's work. I believe Freja is smartly managed. Anyone with half a brain could see that she was getting way too pigeon-holed and limited in her work as a model. People were getting tired of the same old shtick, including long time, hard core fans like myself. It is good to have a niche within the industry, but you also want to strike that perfect balance between having a trademark style and being malleable to others' visions. Versatility and the element of surprise are also necessary keys to producing longevity and keeping those jobs (and that money) flowing in. And lest we forget, IMG is a huge company and we'd be very naive to think they didn't take a hit during the economic recession....everyone took hits. So I think they've been extra careful and calculating with their top money making girls like Daria, Lara and Freja. This could explain the changes we've seen in Freja lately, not just in her work but also in her persona off the runway. I don't know...

Also, Freja may appear laid back and slightly indifferent about being a model, but I really don't think she's that nonchalant about her career. I honestly believe you don't attain her level of success and recognition without really working hard, being smart, and wanting it. Basically what I'm trying to say is that she knows what she's doing and I hope...I think...this means 2010 will be another good year for her in terms of good work.

I'm rambling again about stuff I think I know about; but in actuality, I probably don't have a clue. I'm just happy Freja's back in VP and I hope it's not another three years before we see here in there again. She looks wonderful and strong in the editorial, matching Lara pose for pose and expression for expression, which is no easy feat. I wish she and Daria had some shots together but I'll take what I can get. Freja hasn't looked this fresh and rejuvenated in a long time and this gets me excited. It's such a nice thing to feel once again and hopefully it lasts.

Now onward to couture shows and the FW1011 season!

Image Credits: Scans by tFS member Laetitia

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

Meisel's Runway

Thanks to the hard work of tFS member Diciassette (17), we now have complete scans of the mega 80 page Vogue Italia editorial. If you want to see the whole thing, it's broken up into six parts: 1 2 3 4 5 6. For the sake of brevity and staying true to the topic on hand, below is just Freja's contribution.

Runway
Vogue Italia January 2010
Ph: Steven Meisel

Leave it to Meisel to push boundaries and get people talking. After all these years, he has still maintained his edge, freshness and knack for innovation. It's an amazing feat that demands respect regardless of whether or not you like his work. We also have to give huge credit to Franca Sozzani for consistently providing a place where Meisel is free to indulge his creative whims.

I think I'm a little overwhelmed at the sheer enormity of the editorial because I don't really know what to say. So many models, so many looks, so many great moments captured...or rather, constructed. I love the black and white backstage shot of Freja being assaulted by hair and makeup because it's so realistic. It would have fit right in with this old post I did about actual backstage moments from past fashion weeks. I also love the last two shots that show us all the people who worked on this editorial. Meisel blurred the line between reality and fantasy by constructing backstage situations that usually depend on spontaneity, but he brought us all definitively back down to earth by showing us his real staff behind the scenes.

As for Freja, I'm delightfully surprised at how much she's featured here. She looks like...well...like she usually looks backstage. But that's good because it's what we should expect from an editorial called "Runway" where the models are essentially playing themselves. You even have her requisite smoking picture, but sadly no middle fingers. Nothing too special, yet very special at the same time because it's Meisel we're talking about. This isn't like the last editorial where she took her own picture. He's actually working with Freja now. And like all of you are thinking, and like I've said before, I hope he photographs her for an ad campaign or solo edit so that we can see what magic he'll really draw out from her.

Even if this doesn't happen, I hope they at least continue to work together for these huge, multi-girl editorials because it's something new and different for Freja. (As much as I'm grateful for all the work he gives her, there's no Karl in sight!) For this to happen at this stage in her career is pretty amazing and can only increase her fashion currency even more. And frankly, it's the thing I've been hoping for--the thing that might possibly reignite that feeling of excitement that I lost towards the latter half of last year. So even if Freja kind of gets lost in the model shuffle, at least she'll be a part of the relevant conversation.

Image Credits: Scans by tFS member Diciassette (17)

More Fans

We have another Freja fan to add to the list. Irish photographer Boo George, who recently shot Freja for Twin Magazine, joins the likes of Stella, Alex and the boys of Rag & Bone in proclaiming his fondness for our favorite androgynous ingenue.

Q: Who are your favourite models?
A: Freja Beha Erichesen, Hannah Holman, Eliza Cummings.

I really don't know why I'm keeping track of stuff like this. In the grand scheme of things it seems kind of trivial and petty, no? But I guess I just find it interesting to see who's a fan of whom within the industry. I also feel like my own fandom is validated when I hear about these actual fashion insiders who are fans--makes me feel like less of a weirdo for having this blog and writing endlessly about someone I don't know. (Although, writing it out like that just now brought the weirdness back.)

Anyway, it's always nice to hear about new fans because it really reinforces all the good things we've heard about Freja over the years; how she's nice, professional, easy to work with and just an all around cool girl. If she were a huge bitch I don't think she'd be around as long as she has been, with the fan base she does have both within and outside of the industry. In all my years of following her career I have not once heard anything bad about her. We're talking countless encounter stories from fans, first hand accounts backstage, casual run-ins, published experiences, etc... And lest you think I'm uber biased, it's not like I have blinders on or anything; I always make it a point to take in the bad with the good. What I'm trying to say is that this is just another reason why Freja has me hooked. Nice people can finish first.

Tailor Made

Perhaps these temporary Chanel tattoos are just another reason why Karl can't seem to get enough of Freja these days. In addition to being one of his muses, perhaps she was the inspiration for these showing up on the runway? Who knows? At least we know that tattoos aren't a hindrance for Freja. Instead they seem to be her boon.

Either way, Freja is totally on point right now, and in fact was years ahead of the fashion game with her tattoos. Of course, her's aren't trends to be here one day, gone the next. They're always visible and very permanent. The temporary kind showed up not only at Chanel, but also at Rodarte and Jean Paul Gaultier this past runway season, making them a verifiable trend. So tattoos seems to be having their fashion moment right now. So much so that even us "masses" (i.e those who can afford to buy anything by Chanel) can indulge any inking desires we may have. Lucky for Freja and lucky for tattoo lovers out there like myself.

Meisel Once More

So remember what I said in the last paragraph of this post? Well, this is once instance where I'm absolutely, positively thrilled to be proven wrong. Freja is once again one of the girls featured in Steven Meisel's latest editorial for Vogue Italia. If you're keeping score, that's now two times in a row that they've worked together.

We only have previews so far like the picture above, and it's unclear whether or not this editorial was shot in an unique way like the last editorial where the girls shot themselves. Even if that's the case, Meisel is still working with Freja now and I'm still shocked. How do you suddenly go from one extreme to the other like this? Although, since he did go from working with Elise and Daria a lot to not working with them at all now, it's possible that the opposite could happen like it seems to be happening with Freja. If any one has any insider insight into this and is willing to share, my e-mail's to the right. ;)

Nevertheless, I'm still a little skeptical since both editorials have featured large, multi-girl casts. Until Meisel photographs Freja for something like an ad campaign, the VI cover or a solo-girl editorial, I'll have a hard time believing that he's actually changed his mind about Freja. Does he read tFS's "Most Viewed Models" thread or something? Is her fame too much to ignore that he caved to the pressures? I doubt that because he's such a big name and legend in fashion that I don't see him bending to anyone else's whims. There must be some explanation for this right? Or maybe I should just stop wondering why and just be happy for the who, what, where and when.

Image Credits: scan by tFS member BLACKLAB