vogue australia via wwd.com
Vogue Australia has just unveiled its 50th anniversary edition at a launch party in Sydney. And what a commemorative edition. The cover, make that covers – there are four - depict Australian actor Cate Blanchett, although not photographed, as is the norm with fashion publications. In a bold move by Vogue Australia, all four covers are hand-drawn by UK-based illustrator David Downton, who is well-known for his celebrity portraits - which have included Blanchett in the role of Elizabeth I - and whose fashion clients include UK Harpers Bazaar, Chanel and Harrods. Although heavily supported by art directors in the early 20th century, fashion illustration was eventually overshadowed by photography. In spite of the emergence of influential illustrators in recent decades, including the late Andy Warhol and Antonio Lopez, Ruben Toledo and latterly, LA-based newcomer Danny Roberts, fashion magazines have been reluctant to fully re-embrace illustration. The record 360-page edition, on sale August 5th, also features a 28-page editorial shot by Greg Kadel, starring Catherine McNeil and Abbey Lee Kershaw. Another story, modelled by Karlie Kloss, showcases 10 swimsuits created for the issue by Chanel, Dolce e Gabbana, Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano for Christian Dior, Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein, Frida Giannini for Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Bally, Burberry and Max Mara.
11 comments:
Interesting idea! Looking forward to seeing what the illustrations will look like.
We heard it here first- thanks Patty!
oh wow! cant wait to see more...
Hopefully this will make a move towards bringing back illustration to fashion.
Seeing as swimwear is one of the things that the australian fashion industry does so well, in terms of both design and export, dont you think its a slap in the face to commission a whole load of overseas designers to showcase their swimwear in the AUSTRALIAN vogue 50 year issue? So out of touch.
I agree with you. Aus Vogue is soo out of touch and that's why as far as fashion recognition goes it rates below Greek,Korean and even the Russian editions...but it is on par with Vogue India. (and can be as gaudy as Russian and Greek Vogues).
But I ask why didnt they use Australian Photographers???
Hi Patty,
Apparently the whole issue is running late in order to get photos from the launch party into the September issue.
Last Anon. When you sight the issue you'll see that all stories except the Greg Kadel series of McNeil + Kershaw are photographed by Australian (based) photographers. What's the point of your rant about the magazine's status and who are you to talk about 'fashion recognition' anyway?
Last Anon to new Anon. I meant why didnt Aus Vogue use Australian Photogs for the lead story. The point of my 'rant' is expressing not just my opinion but the opinion of many that Australian Vogue IS sub standard. The styling,clothes,art direction and comentary are all just too tacky/tired and it never works.
Sorry, but it is a fact that Aus Vogue doesnt rate as a fashion book on an international level.The only good stories are bought from Conde Nast. Who am I? Well when ever I look at an artists book with tears from Aus Vogue it immediately signals that the artist is on a level that he or she cant do any better(unless it is a brand new photog)....and we advise to take them out (even the brand new photogs) as it is not a good look and NO ONE CARES about Aus Vogue! Thats NYC darling, the real world...where are you and who ARE you? Bondi-Paddington?
I'll agree that anything creative is most often dumbed down to a "commercial" level in Australia. It creates a perpetual cycle and I really don't know why Australia is touted as a liberal country when it's really not very. Generally, Australia has a BIG problem with cultural identity and it affects anything creative from really flying. Sad but true, if you wanna really be appreciated, don't stick around - go international.
Anon, who doesn't know what a comma is. It may be that NO ONE CARES about Aust Vogue but you obviously do or you wouldn't be bothering to comment. You must have quite specific agenda or you wouldn't care. It may be a mag that's out of touch and sub standard to you but are you actually its market? There are good stories that are photographed for it, there are weaker shoots, there are good and bad lifts. So what, it's subjective.
You ask why wasn't this issues cover photographed by an Australian photographer but then suggest that artists remove this magazines tears from their portfolios for their own sake, how is this constructive? Do you think the title should try to compete on an international stage or just give up? It has a heritage that may have been lost to an extent but Australian Vogue must have meant something to some notable individuals: Inez and Vinoodh, Helmut Newton, Norman Parkinson, Irving Penn, David Bailey, Guy Bourdin, Patrick Demarchelier have all shot for it and it doesn't seem to have done any of them any harm.
You live in New York 'the real world'. God I hate that weak, elitist attitude. Revolting, tired, cheap, tasteless things can be created anywhere be it NYC, Australia or elsewhere. Perhaps you're responsible for something less than perfect yourself.
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