Kate Moss, Daria Werbowy & Lara stone cover the September issue of Vogue Paris
TFS

It is such a relief, after the American and British September covers, to see that at least some people still know what they are doing. Instead of going for an over-the-top cover Emmanuelle Alt has taken the most essential F/W basic – black – and put it in the hands of Mert & Marcus and modelled by Kate Moss, Daria Werbowy and Lara Stone. If this isn't a subtle and chic way of going grand for September I don't know what is.

I am very excited not only to see the 64 pages of the three girls' editorial inside but also to see more of the new artistic direction, which you know I am generally quite fussy about. I gather it will feature "a cleaner, airier design, with remodeled typography and the use of a craft-paper-like brown background — both of which hark back to its look in the Sixties and Seventies.". Sounds pretty good to me. So far I love the fact that all 3 covers are identical and the girls have simply been put in the gap. It makes a really fun gif!

What do you think of the Vogue Paris September covers?

Lady Gaga covers the September issue of American Vogue
TFS

I was so shocked when I saw the September cover of American Vogue this morning. At first, I thought it was just fan art – someone had photoshopped Lady Gaga's face, the September cover star, onto a dress and added some copy around it. After checking Vogue.com I realised I was in the wrong, this was the actual cover.
I don't know quite where to begin. Let's start with the only two good things about the cover, perhaps. It has a very contemporary feel that American Vogue has been missing for a while now. And the layout is a lot cleaner than it usually is, there is no feeling of clutter. But everything else is all over the place.
The Mert & Marcus cover image is so incredibly retouched I am still wondering whether any of the body we see belongs to Gaga or if they have just photoshopped her face onto it. The highlights and shading have been done in such an amateur way it's embarrassing. As is the crappy red waving banner on the Vogue title. Not only it doesn't make any sense aesthetically but the unnatural colour takes away from the effect that the purple gown should have instead.

What do you think of the cover?

First look: Chloë Sevigny for Miu Miu
Courtesy of Miu Miu

If the Mad Hatter from 'Alice in Wonderland' were a woman she would wear Miu Miu. That is the first thing that came to my mind when I saw Chloë Sevigny as the face of the FW12 campaign, shot by Mert & Marcus. There is so much quirk and cool in this picture – I love!

Fragrance campaign face-off: Kristen Stewart vs. Blake Lively
TFS

These two super anticipated campaigns are now out. I must say that I usually am never particularly keen on fragrance campaigns because there's always too much going on, they're too mainstream. However, this doesn't go for the Florabotanica (great name too) and Gucci Première campaigns.
I have thought from day one that Kristen Stewart is the most brilliant match for Balenciaga, by Steven Meisel. She looks cool and relaxed in Balenciaga clothes and gives everything her own spin. And I love her in the new perfume ad because not only the artwork is beautiful – they should make wallpaper – but I'm happy to see Kristen wearing the same Balenciaga SS08 dress from my favourite collection. It is, incidentally, the same look Jennifer Connelly wore 4 years ago on the campaign for the house.
Blake Lively has been making such perfect fashion choices over the last few days that I feel like it's the perfect time for this to come out. She always looks better when she channels a bit of old Hollywood glamour from the 50's – wavy blond hair, beauty spot, long-sleeved dresses with open back. All notes Gucci and Mert & Marcus struck for their Première ad. It's incredibly beautiful because it's simple.

Two of the best covers of the month, made in Korea
TFS

Sometimes I feel like we get the short end of the stick when it comes to fashion magazines in Europe. Some of the newer international titles of publications like Vogue, ELLE or W are doing such interesting things abroad with reprints – what I call editorial recycling – of stories from the European editions.
Korea is really teaching everyone a lesson or two about how to use a previously shot editorial and make the most out of it. Exhibit number 1 is the cover of Vogue Korea, where they've used the Inez & Vinoodh story from the June-July issue of French Vogue as their cover. I did love the original Vogue Paris front picture but this one is a really powerful opener as well!
Exhibit number two used the 'Mighty Aphrodite' shoot from the June issue of Vogue UK for the cover of W Korea. This shot of Kate Moss in Atelier Versace by Mert & Marcus is a great call! The colours and the dark and sexy vibe of the picture are a perfect fit for W.

Kate Moss covers British Vogue (again)
TFS

I don't know if there's a quota of covers that British Vogue needs to devote to Kate Moss. The model covers the June issue less than a year after her last cover for the mag back in August. It's funny because she seems to alternate a Vogue UK cover and a Vogue Paris one so I guess we'll wait for the latter in the next few months.

Apart from that, I am quite impressed with this. Just like I said last year this is one of the best covers we have seen from the mag (last month's Charlize Theron one was also brilliant). I love the colours, the fuzzy background, the gold font (very Vogue Paris) and the white Versace – perfect for the season. Someone on The Fashion Spot forums had the brilliant idea of comparing the Mert & Marcus cover photo to this one of David Beckham – it's undeniable he was the inspiration!

What do you think of the cover?

Keira cover face off: Interview Germany vs. Interview US
TFS

I used to find quite odd, even annoying, finding recycled covers or editorials on international editions of magazines. After reading a bit about it and trying to look at the covers with an open mind I actually realised that some of the new versions were a lot better than the originals.
It has happened again. For their May issue cover Interview Germany have borrowed the Mert & Marcus story from April's Interview US. I was a big fan of the original cover – especially of the cheeks – but I didn't love the colours.
I really like what the Germans have done for their cover – the post is a lot more relaxed, the detail of the cigarette and the trench coat with the collar up give it a sort of 'femme noire' vibe. And the layout is unexpected and super colourful, which contrasts with the black and white picture.

Natalia Vodianova covers the new Vogue Paris
TFS

I have realised today that as of the last few months it's only the covers of Vogue Paris that keep me excited every month. There have been fantastic moments such as the Adele one for the latest American Vogue or Kate Moss' double cover for W but there is always a certain element of surprise with Vogue Paris.
I hate the negative comments about how Emmanuelle Alt is not doing a good job as Editor-in-Chief because I feel like the magazine has become a lot more stable with her. I loved Carine's inner rebel but sometimes she did things just for the sake of it and they didn't necessarily make sense for the magazine.
The March cover can only be described as sweet & chic. NataliaVodianova looks stunning in the front picture by Mert & Marcus. And like in previous months it reminds me of past covers, it's almost like Emmanuelle is revisiting all their past hits.
The layout, which you know is always a bit worry of mine, is perfect this time. The headlines are intriguing, you want to know what's inside, and the white font works perfectly. But what really makes this cover, of course, it's the bubblegum pink header.

Adele covers the March issue of American Vogue
Vogue.com

Anna Wintour can see the future. How else would you explain the fact that Adele's first US Vogue cover was released early today, perfectly timed with the singer's utter success last night at the Grammys? Adele picked up five awards then: Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best Short Form Music.
The cover, shot by Mert & Marcus, looks quite a lot like a British Vogue one though it isn't nearly as bad as that one. I like the fact that it's a bigger body shot. And her face looks really beautiful but I find the pose and the hair too unnatural. Still, I love the fact that someone who is not a sample size can be the front of the biggest fashion magazine in the world.
The editorial inside, which you can see here, isn't very original (it's by Mert & Marcus) but it's truly beautiful. Speaking of which, I will post later today my favourite looks from the BAFTAs and the Grammys and I looks like Queen A is competing for a place. She looked incredible last night with a shorter hair do that really suited her and a sparkly black gown.

What do you think of the cover?

The SS'12 Campaigns are out – Here are my favourites so far
Courtesy of Prada

We are just about to break for the Christmas Holidays but fashion doesn't know about resting! The Spring/Summer 2012 campaigns are being released without a pause and I must say I am happy to see vibrant cheerful colours despite how much I love the winter.

So far I am impressed with most of the ads I have seen. Though I was particularly intrigued to see what Prada and Versace did for the new season. Prada's was in my top 5 of SS12 collections and I was dying to see it through the eyes of Steven Meisel, who has done such a brilliant job with carrying on with the 50's theme in a petrol station.

I knew the Versace, shot by Mert & Marcus and styled by Joe McKenna, was going to be one of the best ones. The house has been getting so much press over the last few months and it's finally going back to Paris for Couture to show their new Versace Atelier collection. So, of course, they had to go for Giselle Bündchen! I love the LA feel of the shoot, the colours and the sort of vintage Italiana vibe.

Click below on read more to see more!

Kate Moss channels David Bowie for Vogue Paris
TFS

It's funny that after talking about how let down I was by the latest Vogue Italia cover my favourite magazine, Vogue Paris, would release the front of their December/January issue.

Kate Moss, shot by what looks like Mert & Marcus, covers the latest issue channeling a bit of good old David Bowie from the Ziggy Stardust times with the orange hair –mullet included.

The whole pose, which I find a little odd, reminds me of that weird salute Tulisa does on the X Factor but also of the iconic Mert & Marcus cover picture for Industrie issue 3.

Even though I am not crazy about the punk vibe of the picture I can appreciate that Emmanuelle keeps trying to do something different on the cover. It's great to have Kate Moss closing the year –a year that, despite what many may say, has been great for Vogue Paris. Emmanuelle is definitely working on an aesthetic and style of her own.

I am surprised to find out there was no guest editor this time around, as it's usual every year for the last issue –guess the whole Tom Ford debacle made them weary about these collaborations.

What do you think?

Models.com

Yes, it is that time of the year again. LOVE magazine, after a little delay, will hit newstands next week on August 1st and they have released the second of their three covers for their 'Supernatural' issue.

We saw the first cover quite a while ago. It featured Nyasha Matonhodze wearing a crow head piece and crying black tears. I wasn't too keen on the cover then and even though it's still not working for me now I understand how it fits within the gothic-meets-romantic aesthetic of the new issue.

This second instalment of cover releases, also shot by Mert & Marcus, features Elle Fanning in a white lace number. I absolutely love it. It might be because, as I said before, I start to get the 'supernatural' theme or it might be because Elle makes anything look cool. I wasn't sure about the font change at the beginning but I have now decided I love it. It gives the magazine a more artistic and high-end feel. And I love how they've put the rest of text to the right, to make it different from what they usually do.

Let's hope they have saves the best for last and this is just an oeurs d'oeuvres!

I'm not usually the biggest fan of V magazine's content. I find the people they choose for their covers and how they're shot interesting but it's not a mag I normally buy. However, after having a look at some of the content from the new f/w11 issue I will probably buy this one. Penélope Cruz, shot by Mert & Marcus, covers the issue with quite a fun concept. A hologram panel that covers Pe's face makes her open and close her eyes and mouth as you tilt the magazine. Two of the stories inside —Anja Rubik by Hedi Slimane and 'Baby Love' by Josh Olins and Jay Massacret— are NOT to be missed! There is even an editorial featuring Paris Hilton, which, believe it or not, is kind of fascinating! The only bit of the magazine that I don't get is the relation between the theme, 'The transformation issue', and the stories inside... I guess I'll just have to wait and see what else is inside, no?

TFS

[TFS]

You might remember how a couple of weeks I blogged about Vogue India's recycling of the American Vogue cover with Rihanna. I talked about how much more I liked the recycled version. Well, here is another example of that.

For its July issue, Vogue Korea has borrowed Vogue Paris' cover story from June/July. This time, rather than recycling the cover picture of Isabeli Fontana in the purple dress they have taken one from the inside shoot and turned that into the cover. I must admit I love how it works! The colours make it feel a lot more summery and I love the different font, a lot funkier that most Vogues use.

What do you think of it?

The new issue of Industrie is finally coming out next week. After their very much talked about last two covers I was excited to see something new, yet again.

The famous duo of photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, who have shot endless Vogue Paris, W and Love covers and editorials and campaigns for just about everyone important have now moved to the other side of the camera for Industrie. I really love the cover shot. It's simple and there's something slightly humorous about it. I also love the fact that their matching anchor tattoos are in it because they also share it with Kate Moss, who they've shot once and once again for years.

I can't wait to have the new issue in my hands to see the rest!

[Industrie]

Inspired LOVE

For the last few weeks there has been such a buzz about LOVE's fifth issue, which came out this week. They slowly built up the hype by releasing one by one each of their now trademark multiple covers. The first, with Kate Moss tenderly kissing Lea T. in the mouth, set the tone for the rest. Funnily enough 'The Androgyny Issue' suits Justin Bieber's controversial cover like a glove as a title. Not quite the other three, but let's not get into the semantics. This is also LOVE's biggest issue yet. Which, in the case of the magazine, makes it comparable to a coffee table book. Once submerged in the issue you'll be amazed by the quality of the quantity. However, there are two editorials that I particularly liked. The first is 'Razz Matazz', shot by Mert & Marcus (my favourite photogs of the moment) and styled by Editor-in-Chief Katie Grand. I love the kind of retro look of part of the shoot, which works so wonderfully with M&M's plastic colours and intense tweaking. The styling and combination of colours are simply genius, as could be expected from Grand.

The second shoot, 'Gloss!', was shot by Sølve Sundsbø and styled by Victoria Young. There is a very plastic feel to these images too. I am not the first one to think of Barbie, with her shiny plastic skin, perfect tan and red lips. Alessandra Ambrosio looks absolutely astonishing in the bold SS11 hues. I especially love her in the two-piece Versace. This shoot made me think of the one she did for Vogue Nippon a while ago styled by Anna dello Russo. She just looks incredible in anything.
I have also been keenly following theLovemagazine twitter page lately and I am in awe of the great publicity campaign they've put together. It's simply inevitable to have seen their covers plastered in any corner of London and, let's face it, when you see LOVE written so big, you feel it.

I'm off.

[Pictures: TFS, TheLoveMagazine twitter]

Spread the LOVE

LOVE's fifth issue is finally hitting newstands on February 7th and they have just released the first of their already traditional several (collector's) covers. For their 'Androgyny issue' they have featured world icon Kate Moss locking lips with Lea T, the famous transgender model. I absolutely love how real and intimate the moment of the kiss feels. It has to be my favourite LOVE cover yet and I can't get over the fact that Mert & Marcus (my favourite photographers atm) shot it. You might remember Lea T from Givenchy's last season ads and, of course, from Vogue Paris. I can't wait to see the rest of the covers and to have a chance to flick through it! Katie has done it again.

I'm off.

[Picture: thelovemagazine.co.uk]

The year of M&M

It is that week of the year when the Internet is bombarded with all the new advertorial campaigns for next season. I normally try to have a quick look to see who's doing what but I don't like looking at the whole series of adverts because I love the feeling of opening a magazine and seeing big and glossy an image I haven't seen before. For SS11 is not the models, celebrities or themes which have caught my attention but a particular photography duo. Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott have shot some of the most important brands in their very particular way. This got me thinking about some of the things I have read about them and what I remember they have done in the past. Looking closer at photography credits of my little archive I have realised I have been attracted once and again to their work without even noticing. I love the plasticity of the colours as much as Steven Klein's and how exquisite all their (over)tweaking is. From their SS11 ads I would choose Loewe's as my favourite. Mariacarla Boscono and Andrés Velencoso look phenomenal in the Andalusian house, which serves as the set.

After shooting campaigns for Louis Vuitton, Roberto Cavalli, Missoni, Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Bulgari, Gucci and editorial spreads for Vogue, W, and Pop they have become one of the most sought-after photographers in the industry. Some of my favourite work from them includes all their Vogue Paris covers and stories, their work for Interview magazine, their LOVE covers and also their Miu Miu adverts.

I'm off.

[Pictures: TFS]

The excitement continues

I feel over indulged with two Tom Ford updates on the same week! It has now been announced that Mr. Ford has guest edited the December/January issue of Vogue Paris. He has been photographed by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggot next to Daphne Groeneveld in a very innovative cover composition. It makes me ever so happy that they're keeping the writing on the covers to a minimum and that the font is red as if they wanted to make a glamourous Christmassy front. It works extremely well! The magazine will be on sale on November 30th and inside we'll be able to enjoy some of Ford's SS11 pieces on iconic women like Lauren Hutton photographed by the designer after his New York show as well as some personal shots of Ford at his New Mexico ranch by Terry Richardson. I can't think of a better way of getting into a fashionable Christmas mood!

I'm off.

[Pictures: TFS, WWD.com]