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"There are no ugly women in the world, just lazy ones" -Coco Chanel I have to add, or too busy ones. But she has a point though... When you want to get you message out there, but you've run out of paper... Finally, someone found paper... Yes, please! (Found these great photos in an old folder on my computer. I don't know the source, but some things needs to be shared regardless.) "Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." -Albert Einstein Everything visual we're exposed to through the different channels of media, has been optimized to send a message. In this particular case I'm addressing overly retouched photography. The first of the two top images portrays an idealistic version of an especially curvy lady. At the risk of sounding blunt! This shape seems rather artificial altogether and has most definitely been altered. This is a very good example of the "purification" of the human body that has become quite common in western society. The second image shows Crystal Renn (With the help of some direct overhead-lighting) using her curves and texture to create an exaggeration of the reality. Obviously these two photos are two extremes and complete opposites, and highlight the difference between art and commercial photography. The business side of fashion and media in general, present images in a way they think we'll buy what they're selling. It seems they assume we only idolize or desire people who are perfectly shaped and flawless. So flawless even Miss World needs a little digital work done. (Picture to the left: Indian model, actress, and Miss World 1994, Aishwarya Rai for L'oreal). (Although, if they didn't sell us an unattainable ideal, we might feel content with ourselves and wouldn't have to buy a lot of products. Buuut this is getting a little "conspirational", so back to the point). Retouch in it self is a way of improving artwork and edit details. But adjusting color and upping the contrast, maybe remove a misplaced pimple, an unfortunate shadow, or clutter in the background is one thing. Removing pores, scars, cellulite, dark circles, or change perception of limbs and shape, is changing the appearance to such a degree that it becomes a "cartoonish" version of it's original form. That said, I believe that it's not the retouching that is the "enemy", it's giving people a wrong sense of normality and reality. It affects how we perceive ourselves and judge others. The consequence of getting accustomed to the fake may be the expectation of perfection, and that anything less would be recognized as faulty (That seems a little silly, doesn't it?). In reality about 98-99% of women (and some men) have cellulite, and 100% of humanity have pores. For the sake of a healthy body image in a time where fashion and makeup is used as a "body armor" rather then the creative toy it is, and so many get but-jobs and Botox. We should perhaps strive towards accepting appearance for what it is, as just appearance. As far as commercials go, most of us can tell that skin without texture isn't just makeup, and it would be a far more believable mascara commercial without fake lashes. It's a little bit insulting "they" think we're that easily fooled. Also, it would be nice if our models could be left looking human and not like dolls, unless explicitly intended to. Wouldn't it be preferable to keep the features expressing personality intact? Especially when paying extra for a famous face... (Just saying!).
Brittany Murphy end up looking like someone else. Removing her under-eyelid, natural lines and shading makes her look blend. The same goes for Cameron Diaz. They even managed to make her look less toned, like that was a bad thing. Result: Personality is photoshopped away. Beyonce looks like a Barbie Doll, and not like a live person. Especially since her skin looks like it's made of plastic. Penelope Cruz, looks far better in the un-retouched image. Her expression is sweeter and her hair doesn't look like she used three cans of hairspray on it. Eva Longoria is also a bit unrecognizable. I found that when overly retouched, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Eva Longoria look almost identical in some photos. Three different women with three different body shapes, but the retouchers manage to reshape their figure to the same medium-sized hourglass. And these ones are just crazy! “There are no bad pictures; that's just how your face looks sometimes.” ― Abraham Lincoln All the photos of the (too beautiful to actually need to be retouched) people in this post are random pictures from Tumbler or borrowed from Google. Mostly unknown source, except for Aishwarya Rai for L'oreal, Crystal Renn in Harper’s Bazaar Australia May 2009, Halle Berry in FHM November 2003, Filippa Hamilton for Ralph Lauren, Adam Noah Levine and random models in Vogue and Eva Mendez on the cover of Cosmopolitan.) I love it when a "personality" shines through and stand out from the crowd- It's an injection of color on a gray day. They get your attention by looking a bit different, like wearing dramatic prints, a fairy costume, or an authentic vintage outfit. They are creative people who know who they are, and not afraid to show it. Let's face it, everyone looking and dressing the same, it's boring (With the exception of uniforms, which are awesome and it's uniformity serves a purpose), and it's the people who are brave enough to step out of the box and take some chances, that will stand out. Some people are too scared of drawing attention to themselves, don't know what to wear, who to be, and look to others. They choose one of the available trends acceptable to their community and just embrace being "blend". The first step towards joining "the expressive", is asking yourself some basic questions, such as what colors you like, are you edgy or ladylike? Maybe deep down you always wanted to be a redhead? Finding something or someone that inspires you is a good way to start discovering yourself. Style has no size or a preference for appearance, anyone can be awesome. It's more a matter of combining your taste with what flatters your natural look, and creating your own personal twist on the style you feel drawn to. If you want to express yourself, you need to think for yourself. Showing your inside on the outside is an underestimated idea. It is how we signalize others about who we are, and a good way of figuring out who you have the most in common with (in terms of what your interested in). Plus, it's really fun to be creative! But, there is no harm in not wanting to be different (and there aren't 7 billion different style's out there. So, you know...) The point is to express yourself, and dare to be who you want to be. People should accept you the way you are, anyway. Keeping an open mind and respecting others is the only trend you should feel inclined to follow. The rest of the time, create your own fashion and let your freak flag fly (or not). It's up to you. Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn. Aaaaaw! V Magazine loves us just the way we are. Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Bjørk, Amber Rose, Dita Von Teese, Katy Perry, and Rihanna are famous for being true to their own style. (All the photos in this post are random pictures from Tumbler or borrowed from Google. Unknown source. The bottom image is from V magazine, and some of the other is from "Siralexanderthegreat" on instagram.) It is a common saying that "Beauty comes from the inside" (Some would say" That's what unattractive people say to feel better about themselves"). Well, I think beauty really does come from the inside and that it shines trough in the way people behave, move, express themselves, or dress (You are the one deciding what to wear most of the time, so one could argue that personal style comes from the inside). Most people (without severe issues) find that a fun, empathic, wise, strong or brave personality makes a person more attractive. A mean, lazy or selfish person (et cetera) on the other hand can be as good looking as anyone, but they won't have that little extra something about them. A little je ne sais quoi gets you a long way. Having a good time can be very charismatic, just look at these lovely ladies having a good time. You don't have to strike a pose or a duck-face to look great. I rest my case. Smile. |
ETHICAL AND PERSONALIZED STYLE, FOR A "GOOD FOR YOU" WARDROBE.Idealist style is a website and "slow blog" dedicated to ethical fashion and personalized style, including tips on how to find your very own "slow fashion" style by using color analysis, the body types system, and other slow fashion tips.» Archives
January 2020
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