Fashion smashion
Thu, 2008-10-23 10:20
#1
Fashion smashion
Thu, 2008-10-23 10:20
#2
Could anybody explain to me why this made the front page of the Toronto Star?
So a rich, overfed and narcissistic "Fashion" guru made an ass of herself. In other news the sky is blue, water is wet and oxygen is good for you. [img]rolleyes.gif" border="0[/img]
The fact that Miller endorses and allows this pageant of gluttony and misogyny to take place on public land is a disgrace.
[url=http://www.thestar.com/living/fashion/article/522861]Fashion Smashion and hosts who are smashed[/url]
Thu, 2008-10-23 10:23
#3
quote:
Originally posted by cornerstone:
[b]Could anybody explain to me why this made the front page of the Toronto Star?
[/b]
If you are surprised to encounter meaningless pap in the media, I don't know what to say to you [img]wink.gif" border="0[/img]
Thu, 2008-10-23 10:28
#4
quote:
Originally posted by cornerstone:
[b]
The fact that Miller endorses and allows this pageant of gluttony and misogyny to take place on public land is a disgrace.
[url=http://www.thestar.com/living/fashion/article/522861]Fashion Smashion and hosts who are smashed[/url][/b]
Well, all sorts of events are held on city property. it doesn't mean anyone is necessarily endorsing it.
Thu, 2008-10-23 10:54
#5
quote:
Originally posted by Star Spangled Canadian:
[b]Well, all sorts of events are held on city property. it doesn't mean anyone is necessarily endorsing it.[/b]
Let's go to the tape...
[url=http://watch.fashiontelevision.com/toronto-fashion-week/fall-winter-2008... Miller [/url]
Thu, 2008-10-23 11:13
#6
Overfed? She may not be as skinny as the teenaged models, but looks like a perfectly normal middle-aged woman to me. Indeed it was very silly and typical of the dumbing-down of so-called serious papers that such silly stories get so much play.
Lots of events are held on city properties. Sometimes the city can make money by renting space or premises.
What have you got against a bit of gluttony? Have you never attended an event sponsored by a firm, organisation or whatever where food and drink flowed freely? Hey, rabble is having a launch this evening and I guarantee people will happily eat and drink.
People say dumb things when they've had too much to drink? That is news?
I'm more opposed to the nutty anorexia promoted by the fashion industry (though I confess I DO love fine fabrics and beautiful clothes) than a bit of healthy gluttony. Prefer gluttony and lust to puritanism any day. Just don't drink and drive, and ... love safely, eh?
Thu, 2008-10-23 14:17
#7
Actually, many years ago when I was a regular attender at Labour and NDP functions, I never saw anyone get "over refreshed."
cough. sidelong glance.
quote:
I'm more opposed to the nutty anorexia promoted by the fashion industry (though I confess I DO love fine fabrics and beautiful clothes) than a bit of healthy gluttony. Prefer gluttony and lust to puritanism any day. Just don't drink and drive, and ... love safely, eh?
I used to think like that lagatta, until I realized it was the puritans that put all the fun in gluttony and lust.
For example, while it might be fun to mention that the tightness of that dress around Kay's thighs increases my blood pressure some, it would be even more fun if this was the feminist forum. [img]wink.gif" border="0[/img]
....if I wasn't such a chickenshit.... [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img]
Thu, 2008-10-23 14:36
#8
quote:
Originally posted by lagatta:
[b]Overfed? She may not be as skinny as the teenaged models, but looks like a perfectly normal middle-aged woman to me. Indeed it was very silly and typical of the dumbing-down of so-called serious papers that such silly stories get so much play.Lots of events are held on city properties. Sometimes the city can make money by renting space or premises.
What have you got against a bit of gluttony? Have you never attended an event sponsored by a firm, organisation or whatever where food and drink flowed freely? Hey, rabble is having a launch this evening and I guarantee people will happily eat and drink.
People say dumb things when they've had too much to drink? That is news?
I'm more opposed to the nutty anorexia promoted by the fashion industry (though I confess I DO love fine fabrics and beautiful clothes) than a bit of healthy gluttony. Prefer gluttony and lust to puritanism any day. Just don't drink and drive, and ... love safely, eh?[/b]
Overfed as a metaphor not an observation. As in Fat Cat. Pick up this months Adbusters.
Thu, 2008-10-23 14:41
#9
remind
quote:
Originally posted by cornerstone:
[b]overfed [/b]
[img]eek.gif" border="0[/img] [img]eek.gif" border="0[/img] Unfuckingbelievable! [img]rolleyes.gif" border="0[/img]
Thu, 2008-10-23 15:19
#10
Catchfire
I thought cs was referring to the decadent diet of the upper classes rather than referring to her size or appearance. 'Overfed' appeared along side 'rich' and 'narcissistic', so perhaps we should keep it in context.
Thu, 2008-10-23 15:37
#11
remind
quote:
Originally posted by Catchfire:
[b]I thought cs was referring to the decadent diet of the upper classes rather than referring to her size or appearance. 'Overfed' appeared along side 'rich' and 'narcissistic', so perhaps we should keep it in context.[/b]
What decadent diet would that be?
Moreover, IMV, if that were the case then "overfed" would become redundant, as rich and narcissistic would have covered it.
However, I will await cornerstone's explaination of what was meant.
Thu, 2008-10-23 16:48
#12
As I said before, overfed as in Fat Cat, over consuming or materialistic. Just look at the cover of this month's Adbusters. A society based on want.
With hundreds of thousands of Canadians loosing their jobs and more living just a paycheque away from penury, this celebration of gaudy gluttony is being held on public land with the city's and Mayor's blessing and fawning praise.
Where is OCAP when you nee them!!!
Thu, 2008-10-23 16:50
#13
Food has become a fetish item to the upper classes while the cost to feed the average world citizen has doubled or more.
As an aside, more than a few months ago my ex partner insisted we go to Whole Foods to by some chicken for a dinner party. In this temple of excess I marvelled at $20 Mozzarella that was flown in daily from Italy and a man ahead of us at the check out who bought over $500 worth of "organic" bottled water.
$500 is more than my entire monthly food budget.
So F**k the rich!
[ 23 October 2008: Message edited by: cornerstone ]
[ 23 October 2008: Message edited by: cornerstone ]
Thu, 2008-10-23 17:08
#14
remind
Okay, thank you cornerstone, for clearing the "over-fed" statement up.
Thu, 2008-10-23 17:16
#15
"Nothing is too good for the working class".
Hmm, I object more to mozzarella being flown in from Italy than the cost of fine cheeses. (Organic water is silly). And I'm sure I don't spend $500 a month on food. It is important to get away from factory-crap chemical-laden "foods", and as with all "early adopters", it will take people with a surplus of cash to begin a market for them. I certainly want organic cheeses etc accessible to all.
I do find "overfed" an unfortunate term to use against a woman, when there is so much pressure (in particular in the fashion industry) for us to be rail-thin.
I wouldn't waste my time or money reading Adbusters. Now THAT is one petit-bourgeois rag. Bluidy moralistic, too.
Yep, like Tommy, I must confess I've oberved very similar carryings-on at union and associative events.
Thu, 2008-10-23 17:25
#16
Someone got drunk at Fashion Week? I'm shocked! [img]eek.gif" border="0[/img]
I doubt there's all that much gluttony, however. You can't be a glutton and fit into those clothes.
Thu, 2008-10-23 17:26
#17
quote:
As an aside, more than a few months ago my ex partner insisted we go to Whole Foods to by some chicken for a dinner party. In this temple of excess I marvelled at $20 Mozzarella that was flown in daily from Italy and a man ahead of us at the check out who bought over $500 worth of "organic" bottled water.$500 is more than my entire monthly food budget.
So F**k the rich!
I share you're disdain for conspicous consumption, but I am conflicted by the joy of seeing rich fools separated from their money.
Thu, 2008-10-23 18:03
#18
lagatta and Tommy you should go to farm organization conventions because no one ever drinks at those [img]rolleyes.gif" border="0[/img]
It upsets me when serious media report this kind of intellectual pablum. Like there is not a few other stories that could have been more important.
Thu, 2008-10-23 18:15
#19
Well, Newspapers have to pay the bills. People eat this kind of thing up. Many envy Kay's success, and like to engage in schandenfrauda.
Others might like to use it to score sociopolitical points. [img]wink.gif" border="0[/img]
Gotta go, TMZ is on......
[img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img]
Thu, 2008-10-23 18:21
#20
I can't imagine a more empty, meaningless way to spend one's career energy. In the big scheme of things, who gives a shit what people wear?
Thu, 2008-10-23 18:32
#21
I do. You are lying through your teeth if what people wear does not affect your snap judgement on them. That is just as true for boho artists, working-class "mates" (as they say in Australia) as for la haute.
Moreover, I love beautiful fabrics, designs and clothes. If you look through history books, old photos or those of countries whose cultures interest you, what people are wearing is one of the most arresting things.
There are people in very poor parts of the world who care very much how they look. Like mums in Citй Soleil (Port-au-Prince) who make sure their kids are in immaculate white shirts or dresses. Like ladies in South Asian slums in jewel-coloured saris. And there are many examples closer to home.
That said, the dumbing down and "lifestylisation" of so-called quality newspapers is a distressing phenom, and shows to what extent the much vaunted editorial independence has become an utter sham. Not just in English: there are "vivre" sections in Le Devoir and Le Monde.
Thu, 2008-10-23 18:51
#22
quote:
Originally posted by lagatta:
[b]You are lying through your teeth if what people wear does not affect your snap judgement on them. [/b]
Well, obviously, it goes without saying that every visible thing about a person affects my "snap judgement" but I still think it's a frivolous, trivial industry utterly without merit. Women wearing high heels is ludicrous, to throw out one example. I'm as impressed by somebody's clothes as I am by the make of car he/she drives, which is to say, not at all.
Thu, 2008-10-23 19:08
#23
RevolutionPlease
quote:
Originally posted by G. Pie:
[b]Well, obviously, it goes without saying that every visible thing about a person affects my "snap judgement" but I still think it's a frivolous, trivial industry utterly without merit. Women wearing high heels is ludicrous, to throw out one example. I'm as impressed by somebody's clothes as I am by the make of car he/she drives, which is to say, not at all.[/b]
Cosign. And those snap visual judgements aren't very judicial by me. Those that overdo their appearance, underdo their character.
Thu, 2008-10-23 19:15
#24
Oh, I agree with that. But that's another clothing-and-accessories based judgement.
Thu, 2008-10-23 20:04
#25
quote:
Originally posted by G. Pie:
[b]I can't imagine a more empty, meaningless way to spend one's career energy. In the big scheme of things, who gives a shit what people wear?[/b]
The fashion industry would fall under the gamut of arts and culture that most progressive people were claiming to support just a couple of weeks ago, no?
Thu, 2008-10-23 22:38
#26
RevolutionPlease
quote:
Originally posted by lagatta:
[b]Oh, I agree with that. But that's another clothing-and-accessories based judgement.[/b]
lagatta, I agree society is so intertwined to fashion and appearance. Since you're closer to it, are there explanations why? I know it should be obvious but I hate it and refuse to acknowledge it sometimes.
Alot of competition to look better than the next person.
Bah! If it were only so easy.
[ 23 October 2008: Message edited by: RevolutionPlease ]
Thu, 2008-10-23 22:41
#27
RevolutionPlease
quote:
Originally posted by A_J:
[b]
The fashion industry would fall under the gamut of arts and culture that most progressive people were claiming to support just a couple of weeks ago, no?[/b]
Yes they would.
Your point is?
We're supposed to be on a leash like Harperites?
Fri, 2008-10-24 04:56
#28
I guess fashion it a decorative or applied art (think of architecture, or vehicle design). Usually design retrospectives are found in museums of applied or decorative arts, sometimes in historical museums (such as our nice little McCord museum here).
Want to make it clear that I'm not defending the fashion industry or any other capitalist industry. It does fulfil needs (we can't walk around nekked in these parts, and human beings have decorated their bodies and clothes ever since they have been human beings). But, like the auto industry or the fast food industry, it fulfils these needs - whether practical or aesthetic, in a twisted way, seeking greatest profit and also perpetrating and creating ruling ideologies. Why else would it be so difficult for the average person, especially the average woman of over 35 or so to find attractive, comfortable clothing that fits?
Contrast that with the tradition of (men's, usually) tailoring, which starts out from our "vile bodies" and cleverly disguises crookedness, a little pot, and all manner of other sins.
Likewise, we need food, shelter, transport etc.
But at its best, style can contribute to the charm of a persona, and detract the eye from the imperfections of all bodies and the inevitable ravages of time.
I doubt very much most people, if they could afford it, would prefer a plastic suit from WalMarde to something carefully cut to suit their bodies, in an attractive and comfortable fabric with a good "feel", and beautiful colours.
Fri, 2008-10-24 05:27
#29
I can appreciate people who dress as an art form but my problem is the vast amount of money people will spend to be in "style," dictated by corporate fashion houses.
I work outside and usually wear wool socks, jeans, cotton and polar fleece shirts, a down vest and Gore-Tex raincoat. These are all fabulously comfortable and suited to the work. And I consciously pick out colourful combinations that are fun for me to wear, so I'm not immune to the joy in putting outfits together. I just resent the ridiculousness of it at some levels. I see a lot of people wearing expensive and obviously uncomfortable clothes and they look absurd.
Food is an okay analogy. Cooking and presenting food well is an art form and a valuable skill. But I still detest restaurants that serve food that says "Hey, look at me," rather than stimulate appetite.
I guess the common theme that rankles is the emphasis on how we look to other people. I just think there's more meaningful ways to have an impact on the world.
And I do, hypocritically, make exceptions. The owner of the fabulous East Indian restaurant that I used to go to when I lived in that part of town wore absolutely gorgeous silk saris with complicated and intricate patterns woven into the cloth. Now that [i]was[/i] art. The latest from Prada is most definitely not.
Fri, 2008-10-24 06:49
#30
quote:
Originally posted by cornerstone:
[b]
As an aside, more than a few months ago my ex partner insisted we go to Whole Foods to by some chicken for a dinner party. In this temple of excess I marvelled at $20 Mozzarella that was flown in daily from Italy and a man ahead of us at the check out who bought over $500 worth of "organic" bottled water.$500 is more than my entire monthly food budget.
So F**k the rich!
[/b]
Actually, I have to admit to absolutely loving Whole Foods as well as Trader Joe's, which I'm not sure exists in Canada. It's not jsut about "rich" people indulging in gluttony. It's about eating food that actually is real food not loaded with chemicals, hormones and who the hell knows what else. I don't like the idea of flying in cheeses from Italy and the attached carbon footprint and especially when good cheeses are so often available locally. But I'd still much rather pay more money to eat good, delicious and healthy foods, whether cheese or fruits/vegetables/meat, etc. and have that money go to independent farmers than to go to some chain grocery store and buy overly processed bullshit manufactured by huge corporations.
Fri, 2008-10-24 07:12
#31
The reason mozzarella cheese would be flown in from Italy is that real mozzarella can't be made in Canada, as far as I know - it is made from the milk of bufala - water buffalo cows. No relation to the North American bison, also known as buffalo.
I can't afford that (and the carbon footprint is dreadful) but I can't eat cow milk mozzarella either, so I'm glad alternatives are available now (for me, goat's milk mozzarella). Some of us simply have to spend more on food due to allergies and other concerns - and my income is very modest indeed.
I was going to comment to Tommy that unfortunately, conspicuous food consumption rarely trickles down the way say, clothing consumption does. Just back from a bazaar at an upscale parish... Lots of savvy buyers picking up beautiful clothese for a song. Almost unworn of course.
Fri, 2008-10-24 10:54
#32
M. Spector
quote:
Originally posted by lagatta:
[b]The reason mozzarella cheese would be flown in from Italy is that real mozzarella can't be made in Canada, as far as I know...[/b]
[url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070613.wlbuffalo061... in Duncan, B.C.[/url]
Fri, 2008-10-24 16:16
#33
quote:
Originally posted by lagatta:
[b]
I was going to comment to Tommy that unfortunately, conspicuous food consumption rarely trickles down the way say, clothing consumption does. Just back from a bazaar at an upscale parish... Lots of savvy buyers picking up beautiful clothese for a song. Almost unworn of course.[/b]
I think the less income one has, the more apt one is to opt for quantity over quality in food and other products. There's probably a hard wired, but faulty logic at work here. It's probably why we have the irony of poorer people being more prone to obesity than wealthy people.
Fashion may be a different case. Second hand and liquidation places can provide high quality clothing for those who are willing to devote the time to searching.
I pick up my work clothes at stores like that. However, I usually end up coming home with a few shirts that on second thought, are too good to wear for work. One in particular I really like is a khaki dress shirt by Tip Top tailors. I suspect-- or would like to believe-- that it was made from the same pattern as fatigue shirts supplied to the Canadian Forces in WWII. From old pictures, it sure looks like it, anyway.
Selection for men in such stores tends to be limited compared to selection for women. I think it's because guys wear stuff out, while women tend to get tired of clothes before they are worn out. If I get a quality item like that shirt, I figure it's because the guy died and his widow donated them.
I tend to think there are extremes in the fashion industry that happily breech the wall of tact and revel in conspicuous consumption. The abomination of Marlen Cowpland's infamous Diamond Nipple Catsuit springs to memory.
But fashion can also be fun.
Remember, latex is biodegradable, and comes from a renewable resource the encourages reforestation. And stilletto heels increase the hieght of the wearer, which gives her the ability to partake in the same, slightly cleaner air afforded to men who heretofore had the privelege access to slightly cleaner air.
Fight the patriarchy!
[img]wink.gif" border="0[/img]
[ 24 October 2008: Message edited by: Tommy_Paine ]
Fri, 2008-10-24 17:36
#34
It would take me frigging stilts to gain access to cleaner air!
Seriously though, that is a problem for people using wheelchairs who live in polluted environments. They are much more affected by exhaust fumes.
I can certainly understand why people with very limited income opt for quantity. I know that I put on weight when I'm really poor - I think the fear of hunger is a very deep one, although we are aware of the diseases cost by OVERFEEDING on crap foods.
I had luck finding beautiful shirts, trousers and jackets (such as tweed jackets) for an ex of mine, as he was very slim and not very tall, and the only time men give away their clothing other than expiring or the clothing being in tatters is if they put on a significant amount of weight. I have NO luck sourcing decent clothing for a friend's beau in Cuba who takes a size 36 in slacks.
The shoppers are different too. I have a cousin who is a senior civil servant in Ottawa. She and hubbie own a beemer. Yet she is a church bazaar and garage sale addict, and finds lovely things. And in Outremont yesterday, a lot of the women were obviously neighbourhood ladies.
Most of the men at thrift shops and bazaars look like either recent immigrants/refugees or semi-derelicts...
Fri, 2008-10-24 19:27
#35
quote:
It would take me frigging stilts to gain access to cleaner air!
Oh. Rest assured, there are shoes like that. Ballet shoes, they are called. Only they are not for ballet.
Garrage sale afficianados tend to be people who like to bargain. I'm sure you've seen people hagling over a dime at a garage sale. It's not the item they are after, just the hagle.
Here in London, different thrift stores have different male shoppers, I find. Value Village has a lot of working guys, like myself. Talize seems to attract the recent immigrants, while Good Will seems to attract the semi derelict. I think it has more to do with store location than anything else.
What I find amazing, at Value Village in particular, is that there's a market for both men and women's used underwear and shoes.
I can think of scenarios why the same reasons I wouldn't wear used underwear would apply to used pants, but somehow it doesn't revolt me in the same manner. I guess I trust the previous owner to have worn underwear.
Shoes? I'd never put my feet in someone else's shoes.
Except, of course, metaphorically.