ALL THE RAGE: Pushing boundaries is not always innovative
By Tanya Banon
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Novelty is a rare commodity in the world of fashion, glamour and lifestyle. In a bid to stand out from the rest, those who are in business push the boundaries and create shock value in the name of creativity.
Eye-catching photoshoots have always been one of the easiest and quickest ways to be in the spotlight, garner publicity and display originality.
However, more often than not, these so called "innovative" shoots by celebrities sometimes create news for all the wrong reasons.
The Archaeological Survery of India filed a complaint against beauty queen Olivia Culpo
Two names that come to my mind immediately are pop divas Rihanna and Lady Gaga. Both women are notorious for their outrageous sartorial choices, acts of omission or commission and raunchy photo shoots.
Rihanna came under attack recently, when she wore an 'abaya' like hooded black jumpsuit against the backdrop of one of the largest mosques in Abu Dhabi. The raunchy pop star was asked to leave the place of worship as it was felt the shoot was at odds with the sanctity of the site.
The Daily Mail reported that the mosque released a statement to The National, a leading English language voice of the Middle-East, wherein it refered to an unnamed celebrity who came in for a private visit to the mosque and flouted visit regulations such as "taking inappropriate pictures and posing in ways that are improper."
Lady Gaga in her infamous meat dress
The 25-year-old singer posted the pictures on Instagram and was criticised by her own fans for the same. The Daily Mail sighted a comment on Instagram where a someone wrote: "Are these photos serious? I can't believe she is this wrapped up into her own 'looks' that she poses at a place like this, a place which represents the opposite of what she represents."
Yet another incident on similar lines took place on desi soil last month. Miss Universe 2012, Olivia Culpo, was pulled by the Archaeological Survery of India (ASI) authorities after she tried to encash the charm of the iconic Taj Mahal for a shoe brand by modeling against its back drop in a pair of high heels.
Her antics irked the ASI officials, who lodged a police complaint against Culpo as well as her agency, for violating product placement rules applicable to the heritage monument.
The 21-year-old, who if found guilty could face two years in prison along with a fine of $1,600, meanwhile, came on record stating that she never wanted to take part in the shoot.
Lady Gaga is another diva who creates constant furor with her dramatic choices. In 2009, the singer made her VMA debut drenched in blood. A year later she triggered the ire of PETA fans for appearing in a gory "meat dress."
Though she made a valiant attempt to defend her outfit saying that it was in protest against the military's so called "don't ask, don't tell" policy, the fact remains that it was in bad taste.
Agreed, there is such a thing as free will, but then, there is also what we call a code of conduct. Spoken or unspoken, written or unwritten there are things that one can get away with and things that you just can't.
The vote on this could go either way. Adhering to decorum may not be the best idea when it comes to creativity, but it's almost always the most suitable one.
Fendi goes trendy with Thierry Lasry
Italian fashion house Fendi will tap the talent of French designer Thierry Lasry to design its Spring/Summer 2015 capsule sunglass collection. Over the past couple of years, building on the concept of "futuristic vintage", Lasry has fused vintage inspirations with an updated, modern and avant gardist touch. He has created a signature look without the use of any visible logo, thereby maintaining the integrity for creativity for the first time.
Now this is called brand development in the modern sense. Supermodel Kate Moss was also recently spotted wearing a red Jacket by Fendi and carrying the brands luggage.
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After actor Katrina Kaif's incarnation as a Barbie doll last year, it's now the turn of Jennifer Lopez. Toy giant Mattel has launched a new JLo Barbie. However, unlike the Indian version, which garnered a lot of positive publicity, the new doll made in the likeness of the American entertainer has only drawn flack. The doll was criticised for its "distinct lack of curves" that Lopez is famous for. Both versions of the collector's doll sport outfits that the pop sensation has sported in the past.
Priced at $29.95 (approx Rs 1,871), one version has her in a Zuhair Murad gown that she wore on the red carpet and the other in a skin toned jumpsuit. The doll has been called "unbootilcious" as it doesn't highlight her famous derriere and is said to be very unlike Lopez.
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