It's been a busy start to 2010 and the momentum doesn't seem to be slowing down. I may sound like a broken record but I am still incredulous to the magnified amount of work Daria has been doing especially when compared to the same time last year. Daria's latest efforts are in the February 2010 issue of Vogue Paris in Vogue-à-Porter a grand scale editorial lensed by Inez and Vinoodh.
Vogue-à-Porter
Vogue Paris February 2010
Daria by Inez and Vinoodh
Vogue-à-Porter
Vogue Paris February 2010
Daria by Inez and Vinoodh
It is a beautifully shot series and the colours and setting are resplendent. Though the Daria + Inez and Vinoodh formula has become tired as of late I think that this editorial has redeemed the pair - at least for now. The sheer length alone (62 pages!) of this editorial showcases why Inez and Vinoodh are in such high demand at the moment. Though Vogue-a-Porter is divided in three parts I find that it has a certain flow from page to page, each story relates despite being placed in such different settings. In Daria's case the Moroccan desert provides a beautiful backdrop to springs latest looks.
That's not to say that this editorial is without its faults. Though I'd love to just simply appreciate the beautiful colours and styling the use of the male in this editorial still perplexes me. On one hand it is interesting to see the differing dynamics between the pair and it prompts the viewer to question the relations between the two. Yet I think that the use of the male still accedes to fashions use of people as props. Its happened before and I don't expect this tired idea will retire anytime soon. However, looking at it more closely prompts some more questions ... there is a playful struggle between the two with the man holding Daria back, standing protectively at her side and as an ominous figure in the background. This isn't really congruent with Daria's carefree poses and appearance which makes the narrative even more interesting. Is the male there to symbolize an overprotective figure or just in there to showcase Prada's latest offerings? I don't know, its just something to dwell upon ... The editorial is divided into three parts and I think that Freja, Lara and Dree's part is the best at showcasing how models can interact within an exotic locale without looking like complete foreigners but Daria's part does its job at providing the mystery.
This is Daria's fifth Vogue Paris cover and the third in the past year! As someone said on tFS, Daria seems to be making up for all ofthe covers she should have had in the past. It's also another effort from the never ending collaborations with Inez and Vinoodh. I wouldn't want to complain of such an impressive editorial as this but we've all seen how one shot with Norman Jean Roy in the February issue of Vogue US produced such a refreshing image. Daria has almost solely worked with Inez van Lamsweeerde and Vinoodh Matadin in the past year with a few appearances by Mario Testino and Mert and Marcus. And although they can be credited with some of her best works they can only produce so much ... I think that Inez and Vinoodh have a singular view of Daria. Even if they place her in different clothes and settings the results are always too similar. I can't help but think back to 2007 when Daria was working with countless different photographers like Paolo Roversi, Peter Lindbergh and Bruce Weber and they all produced varied impressive takes of one woman. Hopefully 2010 will be a more diverse year ... maybe even Steven Meisel will work with Daria again. He worked with Freja so now it seems that anything is possible!
sources: angelscans at theFashionSpot
I think the fella is supposed to be like a spiritual guide of some kind or maybe just a tour guide. Who knows. Don't like his pointy hood. It's weird. I am not enamored with this ed. I think the creative team are aiming for something and missing. I am partial to the last image with windswept dress and she has one leg on tippy toes. Check out the leg action. Someone's been working out. She does give good face. Cannot even deny. Regardless of the nonsense she's put through. Nice summing up, Tinsley :) Here's seriously hoping Klein and Daria working together again. Cause that would be spectacular.
ReplyDeletethe old man can represent many things but i love the comic aspect of the ed.
ReplyDeletefashion week is around the corner, do you think she'll make a surprise return...hopefully to Versace.
Addyads - Your take is interesting! I can see him being a guide of sorts but its unbeknownst to me whether he is supposed to be a positive or negative appearance. Its also interesting to note that in the first image the man appears from a distance, and in every picture until the last one he is within a meter of Daria. Then in that last picture (which by the way is great - she really outdoes herself in that pose) he is a distant figure again. Kind of like Daria is breaking away from the guide. I don't know ... perhaps its best to just leave it at that!
ReplyDeleteThe possibility of a Klein shooting is exciting. He is known for his darker stuff and his W portfolios of celebrities can be quite provocative although I find it is quite repetitive at times ... it would be great to see what he would do with Daria!
Anonymous - Yes, to each his/her own! I love it when an editorial is left open for interpretation. As for runway I would be quick to say that she won't appear (at least not thirty runways in a season) but after her surprise appearances at Balmain and Versace I think anything is possible! Nonetheless, I'm quite excited for fashion week :)