Fashionation - Hot Editorials From The World's Best Fashion Magazines!

Save a fortune on magazines - Subscribe to Fashionation for free

Aliens and life from outer space have long been the stuff of Hollywood films and science conventions, however Tim Walker’s creative concept for Vogue UK aptly titled “The Lady who fell to earth” is intergalactic chic! Taking the traditional spacecraft saucer shape and borrowing heavily from a macabre Tim Burton-esque vibe, this shoot showcases the ladylike style embodied by this otherworldly creature. With sets and props as equally important as the clothing, the overall composition is beautifully executed and captures the imagination. Many of the current silhouettes are strong, bold and of galactic proportions, relying heavily on fabric textures and key accessories that have a futuristic, inter-planetary feel. - Kate Vandermeer.

Many artists are inspired by movement, but none more so than the amazing 80’s sculptor, Maria Blaisse. An iconic and revolutionary artist, Maria created intricate, spherical foam forms that sculptured the body creating unique shapes. Fashion, nature and art merge together in Maria’s world to form exaggerated proportions, bold shapes and directional images. 

Inspired by studying dancers movements, her work was legendary and so were her collaborations with Issey Miyake. Dazed and Confused were also inspired by her work with stylist Karen Langley commissioning set designer Gary Card to re-create some of Maria’s key pieces to mix back into the shoot captured by Jason Kibbler. Gary was mindful of using Maria’s aesthetic without been too “literal” with his creations. The spike dress took Gary 20 hours to construct in order to pay a respectful homage to Maria’s work. -  Kate Vandermeer

Science & Technology within fashion innovation has become the new black. Once upon a time, scientific advancement meant crease free fabrics and unusual surface textures, but now it’s all about Science as a muse. Chemicals, Metals, Industrial finishes, Acidic vs. Alkaline and the good ‘ol periodic table are all having fashion “moments”. Vogue China have picked up on this and dedicated a whole story to it in their August issue. Shot by Greg Kadel and featuring Eniko Mihalik, “Scientific Glamour” is a tribute to the power and inspiration of Science within the fashion industry.

 
Set against a futuristic building (not unlike that of the Bilbao in Spain) Eniko poses against the reflective surfaces of the building using light, shadow and shape to create the final images. Each piece selected by stylist Brian Molloy employs some sort of scientific textural quality whether it be a simplistic looking floral skirt coated to appear like plastic or an architectural paneled dress in light reflecting sequins. If you mix equal parts fashion with liquid science, the results are positively explosive! - Kate Vandermeer

Often a jewelry editorial page can take one of two obvious routes. 1. Jewelry artfully styled on a white backdrop with some arty collage backdrop. 2. Close up of model posing with jewelry. Fortunately for Fashionation fans, Flair Magazine have raised the bar and made this jewelry editorial shoot shine by choosing unusual jewelry instead of typical designer statement jewels and some phenomenal photography/art direction, not to mention the superior make-up artistry which just begs your attention.

Photographer Alix Malka enables model Lydia Hearst to truly metamorphosis into each shot from biker chic with skull ring peeping from her lips to showing her playful side with the green eyed envy staring at the viewer through an ornate zippered necklace. The shots are extreme close ups allowing the image and jewelry to share the spotlight but in equal proportion, which is no easy task. The eyes are played up in each shot with careful lighting, makeup and props drawing attention to each of the jewellery pieces. I particularly like the bejewelled rainbow mask image with Gucci dog tag hiding the unmasked eye; perhaps inspired by Phantom of the Opera and Ziggy Stardust. It’s a stunning shot that deserves to be an album cover or luxury label campaign. Bravo! - Kate Vandermeer

I have a serious case of “skin-envy”.  Being a pale red haired lady, I have longed to be able to wear bright coloured all over print outfits offset by divine dark skin. But alas, this shall not be.  An example of my skin-envy is featured in the latest issue of Oyster Magazine.  “Nu Clean” is shot by Milos Mali and showcases how technicolour, neon pop, ornate brocade and rainbow hip hop fusion can blend together successfully when worn by the gorgeous Kuei and Akeer.

With outstanding styling by Paul Bui, the inspiration seems a mix of M.I.A and Santogold with Boy George circa 1980! Whilst the girls pose in a decidedly egalitarian approach to the styling, labels like Josh Goot, Tina Kalivas, Zimmermann, Firetrap and Adidas mix with Jimmy Choo, Burberry, Gucci and Marni to form the kaleidoscope of colour and texture.

Milos has used a super kitsch, eye candy approach to this shoot featured in and around a grimy suburbia house with a “fashionista squatter” feel to it.  Boring, everyday “chores” are given a new lease on life with this duo; cooking eggs in the make do kitchen, knitting on the retro couch, playing on the bed with the carnival won oversized teddy bear and hitting that piñata off the clothes line in the backyard! - Kate Vandermeer

V Magazine’s first ever Swimsuit issue is the fashionista’s high gloss, couture style version of a playboy porno mag. With Mario Testino behind the lens and six of the sexiest and most recognisable supermodels of today, the results were never going to disappoint.

Stephen Gan (editor in chief of V Magazine) said, “Mario Testino and I started talking about doing a swimsuit issue about this time last year. We aimed for something like a cool fashion insider’s answer to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues.  We chose the sexiest bodies in the world and those that had a special connection to the Testino world.”

Claudia, Kate, Gisele, Naomi, Eva and Daria grace the collectable, colourful covers and a hot cast of stunning boys and girls (Isabeli Fontana, Doutzen Kroes, Raquel Zimmermann, Carmen Kass, Frankie Ryder, Edita Vikeviciute with Noah, Josh and Charles) support the “supers” featuring the latest poolside looks.

As you would expect from a swimsuit shoot, there is the essential shots of “girl slung across the motorbike”, “wet white tee-shirt” and even a “cheeky coke bottle protruding from a ever so tiny pair of men’s swimming trunks”. However, with Testino you know nothing is ever straight forward. 

There’s always a slightly off kilter approach that leaves the voyeur in awe and admiration of the image rather than feeling the shots are cringe worthy.

Now in its 10th year, V Magazine continues to hold reign as a cutting edge, important fashion and style influence bible launching many modelling, photography and designers careers. -  Kate Vandermeer

Fashion is having quite the schizophrenic moment. On one hand, we have a dark, gothic, hard-edged, futuristic silhouette with plenty of attitude and on the other we have a delicate, floral, ladylike aesthetic that seems worlds apart. 

Vogue Australia has shot a beautiful series of images that pay homage to the Lady who lunches with a regal couture edge titled “Flora Plan”.

Shot by Troyt Coburn, model Valerija Erokhina channels the wasp waisted silhouette of the 40s with a decidedly modern approach by simply adding accessories that contrasts in both texture and color.

Each outfit is carefully selected to allow for maximum impact with embellishment, layers of chiffon, tweed, silk, lace and bold “establishment jewels”.

Our favorite image however, is the lightness and movement created with the flower petals. The perforated patterns on the dress stand out against the softness of the flowers which reminds us of the new Gucci ad for their perfume “Flora” where Abbey Lee glides through a field of flowers in a hypnotic dream like sequence sending petals into a joyful dance.  – Kate Vandermeer

The global warrior trend has been done to death in editorials and given license to purge from the indigenous people of far-flung lands. This shoot however, by Josh Olins for Dazed and Confused’s April issue strikes just the right note of borrowing inspiration from a strong trend and yet making it modern, fresh and stylish. 

Nicola Formichetti’s superb styling uses traditional dress and then takes it to the next level with clever layering, artful adornment and an opulent eye.

The contrast with the model of choice however is what really makes this shoot shine.  Casting Lakshmi was a bold and clever move that has allowed Josh Olins to play up her dramatic features with brightly colored backdrops that assist in framing the images.  – Kate
Vandermeer

Like a modern day Diana Ross dressed in cult edge couture, this shoot by Rui Faria for Volt Magazine titled "Eclipse", is a study in monochromatic, slick styling. Fusing extravagant, over the top hair creations with bold, sharp fashion, stylist Cynthia Lawerence-John compliments Faria's vision perfectly.

Using proportions that contradict each other to stimulate the viewer's sense of focus, the accessories assist in keeping the look clean with dramatic angular shapes, rather than layered and busy.  Each shot is cropped to show detail and ensure the attention is not diverted from the strong styling. - Kate Vandermeer

 You would think with a model like Ana Claudia, that the eye would be drawn to her stunning, angular features, however in this shoot by Mariano Vivanco set in Sao Paulo in Brazil, the viewer finds their focus is directed to the beautiful toy boys sharing the set. 

Their angelic features and Adonis bodies dominate the lens in a series of 80’s era Versace inspired images. 

Adorned by MGMT masquerade style accessories, they boys cavort alongside Ana Claudia in highly erotically charged shoot styled by Nicola Formichetti. -  Kate Vandermeer

If I were caught in a bubble, I would definitely want to be caught with Natalia Vodianova channelling Milla Jovovich in the Fifth Element. The uncanny resemblance to Leeloo is updated only by the location and candy infused colours by photographer Craig McDean. 

Using a large waterpark to advantage, McDean has created a sensory pleasure with the varying perspectives of the turn pipes. The styling is little girl lost fused with Alice in Wonderland elements like larger than life bows, platform Mary Janes and tunic dresses complete with petticoats peeping out.   This shoot showcases the new palette for spring in a whimsical yet futuristic fashion; dusty pinks, frosted whites and sky blues are anchored by the intensity of royalty style reds offset by black details. -  Kate Vandermeer

Shot by Nick Knight, this Avant Garde tribute to decadence and artistry within fashion by Vogue UK is inspiring and a great homage to the talented individuals that transcend mere clothing! 

As you would expect to see, the names are iconic and offer flights of fantasy and unique perspectives on what constitutes their creations; Galliano, Viktor & Rolf, Alexander McQueen, Comme Des Garcon, Hussein Chalayan, Dior, Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake, Gareth Pugh and Thierry Mugler.  These creative visionaries have documented moments in time like modern artists or architects. 

Their ability to transform mere cloth into garments was titled “Fantastic Fashion Fantasy” and this captures the mood perfectly. -  Kate Vandermeer