These days, models seem to have disposable careers, which is sad. Often girls are big for only one or two seasons. It's no longer the age of the supermodel, where girls are groomed for success. These days, they are here one moment and gone the next. I am aware that I have a responsibility within the industry, and I often like the idea of using somewhat older models within the campaigns. The Nina Ricci silhouette suits lots of body shapes, and I like to work with a lot of stretch fabrics which work with the body.
I hold a great affection for photography couple Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. Besides the fact that their both incredibly friendly every time I've seen them at the shows, their work continues to be amongst the most thought-provoking and memorable images in magzines today.
To celebrate their life's work, the pair are launching a new book, 'Pretty Much Everything', which is set for release this month and will chart their work for publications like French Vogue and V as well as their collaborations with houses like Lanvin and Balenciaga. For a whopping $700 you can get 666 of their favourite photographs. Recently the couple sat down with style.com to talk about everything from what it's like working with Lady Gaga and why they refuse to work with models under 18 years old.
The whole market is so competitive now — a girl can go one season and you might never hear from her again. Or she can do two or three, but then behind her shoulder is another 16-year-old that’s going to take her place if she doesn’t really get it. That's the big thing, because British girls aren’t so brave. I think they're spoiled and their education maybe isn’t that good. Modeling's difficult, and British girls often give up if they have a boyfriend, or they didn’t do that well in a casting or a shoot; they often say the traveling's too hard, and they'd rather go to the festivals in the summer than actually go to New York for the shows. And they don’t have that self-discipline that Brazilian or Eastern European girls have — they really want it. And most of them are sending money back home for a reason. They come from poor backgrounds. English girls are particularly spoiled. They haven't got any guts. That's my biggest challenge, I have to make them all have guts. A bit of true grit is needed.
You've all heard about the subtly sexualised images of 10 year-old Thylane Loubry Blondeau in the current issue of Vogue Paris. The images have caused an outcry, particularly in America, with many criticising the magazine for what they think is an obvious sexualisation of a child. The Parisian press, on the other hand, don't seem to understand what the hoopla is all about brushing it off as another example of American sensitivity.
Whatever side of the fence you sit on, it's important to discuss the issue. After all, isn't this just a step further from the ongoing trend favouring pre-pubescent teens in the fashion industry? For years campaigns and magazine covers have been full of young underdeveloped girls in sexualised poses so was it not inevitable that we would end up here?
Do I like the fact that people have huge arguments over my size and whether it’s OK? No matter what size I am, it’s OK because I’m fine. Health is the most important thing. So I think that sometimes when there’s this kind of bashing - this ‘Is she a plus-size model?’ - I mean, I didn’t make that the technical term...If anything, people get angry at me for using a term like plus-size, but I didn’t invent the system. Actually, I’m thankful that there is a place where size 8s all the way up to 20s can go and still model and can experience how wonderful this job is without the pressure.
If you're wondering, unlike many of her model counterparts, Lara Stone has no itch to become an actress. She told WWD, "I never gave it that much thought to pursue acting or anything." That said, she admitted that she'd make an exception for one extra-special role. Stone said: "I would definitely be a Bond girl if they asked me. For sure - I would make a great evil Bond girl!"
Natasha Poly is officially off the market. The 25-year-old Russian model married Dutch businessman Peter Bakker over the weekend, during three days of festivities in St Tropez. Poly chose long-sleeved Givenchy for the nuptials. (Vogua Italia has a more detailed shot of the gown here.) After nabbing ad campaigns for Gucci, Jil Sander and Missoni - plus many more - we're sure she had more than her share of choices for bridal wear.
[My sister] Charlotte actually suggested I have it done. My brother and my Dad always used to shave their hair, and I remember thinking 'Why can't I do the same?' It's kind of ironic that it was my sister's idea, but I would give her total credit for it. The style's becoming more normal though - I see quite a few girls with similar hair now.
Alessandra Ambrosio went effortlessly chic at Coachella this weekend, with fiance Jaime Mazur on her arm. The Victoria's Secret model hit the festival in a belted and buttoned cream sundress by Rebecca Taylor.
