Price Upon Request

While looking through high fashion magazine such as Vogue & Elle, I admire the products in the shopping features that are so carefully laid out and sometimes coloured theme. But what always seem to concern the most is when some of the products featured have "price upon quest". I went on International Herald Tribute a couple of days ago and to my surprise was an article about products that have price upon request. For instance, I read that in the November issue of Harper's Bazaar on page 302, there was a model walking the street of New York wearing a Balmain Minidress which costs $19,000 (£11,657) and a pair of platform heels from Versace's fall runway, and was listed as available on "upon request", which probably means that the shoes must cost a lot more than the dress and would give readers a heart attack.

Harper's Bazaar isn't the only magazine that has featured this Elle and Vogue have done this too. And if you are thinking of getting a hold of the products, well they are actually not available to purchase. The purpose of the "price upon request" is to credit designs even though they were never produced. But to be honest, is there any point showcasing a products that can even be purchased? Does that really make sense? I mean the whole point of magazines is to show the latest trends, and readers to go out and get the latest designer clothing off the catwalk but doesn't stop me from looking good.


Check out the article to on the link below to find out more.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/06/style/06price.php?page=1

Italian Vogue: Black Issue

When I read in Pride Magazine, that Italian Vogue will be doing an all black July issue I was over the moon. I was ecstatic that finally a magazine is dedicating a whole issue on black models. When the issue finally came out, I rushed over to the Borders in Shaftesbury Avenue only to find out that they only had 150 copies and they were sold out during the weekend. I checked the other Borders in Oxford Street and they sold 400 copies in two days! I panicked and called the Borders near my house and prayed that they still had copies. Luckily, they only had two issues left and I got one and was extremely happy. I quickly opened up the pages and was happy to see people of my own kind. They even used America’s Next Top Model Toccara Jones which put a smile on my face because she is so beautiful. Each of the pictures taken was done by Steven Meisel which filled over 100 pages of the magazine. Along with models, it also covered people in the entertainment industry and society. The Editor of Italian Vogue decided to do a black issue because of the success of Barack Obama in the US. I thank her so much for doing an issue like this because there aren’t enough black models in the fashion industry and it shouldn’t matter what colour or size you are, the whole purpose of modeling to show off what you are wearing and the person modeling it shouldn’t be critized. This issue broke the barriers of fashion and these are the changes that are needed to change the world of fashion.

High Fashion Magazines- Just A Fantasy?

Haute Couture. Fashion Week. Valentino. Prada. These are the terms found in high fashion magazines. These magazines showcase designer clothing from runway shows onto the pages of magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. There is the glitz and glamour of various parties held around the world with celebrities and models gallivanting around designers, hoping that they will be invited or featured in their next show. The expensive clothing and accessories are so gorgeous but with the sky high prices, readers can’t afford the products featured feel envious, making them feel like their life isn’t complete without having the latest it bag in their closet. The world of fashion creates an illusion of fantasy with airbrushed models with perfect skin and body flaunting the latest designs for the seasons in the countless adverts which dominate the magazine.



I enjoy reading Elle and Vogue for the images, but sometimes I feel as if, why can’t the fashion world just be real. I do love fashion, don’t get me wrong but if there was a sense of reality through those expensive clothing and models, then maybe people will take fashion more seriously. I mean isn’t fashion all about style and not how much you spend on clothing? It would be nice to have a plus size model in Vogue or a black model gracing the cover of Elle. I have also noticed that they don’t feature make-up for darker women. These magazines need to target all different types of women, all shapes and sizes and colour as well as budget. The only people that can afford the products featured in these magazines are the rich and famous. Fashion affects everything in this society, especially issues such as anorexia to the environment. There needs to be change and I’m definitely ready to make this happen. My ultimate dream is to have my very own fashion magazine that will change the world forever.