Fashion Dalliance: 2011

Let's start by clarifying a few things. I'm not a racist. I'm not an anti-semite. I'm not into junks and alcoholics. But I think the uproar about John Galliano's antics is blown totally out of proportion.

I was in Paris two weeks ago, and picked up 'Luxe & Co' by Dana Thomas (in French, a little stupid considering it was written in English and French isn't exactly my forte, but they didn't have the original and I wanted something to read on the way back). I haven't finished it, but it's quite the eye-opener. It provides insight in the workings and marketing of major luxury brands, focused mainly on the LVMH-concern. LVMH is the owner of Louis Vuitton, Céline, Fendi, Givenchy, ... Only yesterday, Bulgari was added to the list. LVMH is controlled by the French businessman Bernard Arnault. While proven extremely succesful, Arnault's business strategies are a little questionable, to say the least. Maybe not so much questionable as unethical? I won't go into details here, but I heartily recommend the book. What's the link with Galliano? Arnault also happens to control Christian Dior S.A., the company behind Christian Dior Couture. Galliano made a huge succes out of Dior the last 15 years, and now he's erased from the company as if they don't owe him anything. All over a fight and some drunk racist remarks. I'm everything but the expert, but I think the scandal reeks. Either LVMH has majorly overreacted, or they wanted him out anyway. Or they leaked it themselves. Considering his past, Arnault isn't the man to back away from low tactics.

Everyone who is someone in the world of fashion was so quick to condemn him, before anyone knew what had really happened. Read this Sleek Mag article: it tells quite a different side to the story, no? I think Galliano's degrading remark about Asians would be more damaging to the image of Dior than anti-semitism. After all, Asia is the most important market for luxury goods. I'd love to read a nuanced article on the past events, instead of hysteric remarks about Hitler-loving gays and how anti-semitism is the lowest form of racism. Seriously? Is no one reading Finkelstein anymore?

I'm not exactly sure about Joanna Newsom's genetics, but chances are she has some ancestors of pixie descent. Much has been written about the love/hate-quality she possesses. You don't just like Joanna Newsom - either you love what she does and how she does it, or you're absolutely respulsed by it. I for one am a devoted fan. She's unique, and what's more, she's original. Her lyrics make you marvel. They're challenging, archaic, thought-evoking. Watching Joanna perform compares to listening to fairytales right before someone tucks you in.

A few favorites:

Joanna used to be known for her distinctive flowery hippie-style (think Gunne Saks - people actually started referring to this kind of dress as a Joanna Newsom dress), but as she gained fame, her style began to evolve, much to my liking. I actually find myself jealous of her wardrobe. She isn't afraid to take risks, when it comes to musical or sartorial choices. Love it!