All posts tagged: fashion

Before Fierce: Remembering Fashion Illustrator Tony Viramontes

An Amazonian woman draped in exotic materials stands before him trying to change her pose as rapidly as the young artist finishes another drawing. His vibrant eyes move over the model capturing more than the newest fashion in which she is adorned; he is able to put on the page a bold and palpable as well. When Viramontes worked, he did so in a fervor. Frank Anthony Viramontes was born in Santa Monica, California to first generation Mexican parents. Having an artistic inclination at a young age, Tony drew everything from cheerleaders to matadors, finding himself enamored by their bright garments. His supportive parents would bring young Tony along to bullfights in nearby Tijuana where he developed an intense appreciation for elegant yet brash masculinity. The way in which Tony would work in fashion illustration throughout his career was reminiscent of the toreador’s movements that he studied as a boy. Seizing the aggressive and energetic styles of the 1980’s came naturally to him. With the slashing stroke of his charcoal pencil, he was able to …

Alex Brunet Girls of Paris

Girls, flowers, food and a few places in Paris by Alex Brunet

French-photographer Alex Brunet, long-time VAGA contributor, has been exploring different sides of photography for a while. Starting as a sports photographer and then landing glossy editorial pages for fashion magazines such as POP, Italian Vogue, TANK or Dossier Journal, among many others. Below is a selection of his personal work, part of an exhibition recently shown at Galerie Very Art Space, Paris. Where did you grow up? Alex: I grew up in a small city in the countryside called Chartres (1h 20min train ride, South Paris),  very quiet city. I was quite bored there when I was kid but now somehow I appreciate to come unwind and enjoy the silence there… What are your favorite places to eat in Paris? Alex: I love eating and food in general… I really appreciate Japanese or Italian food, If I have to pick a few I would recommend Sapporo for their Ramen, or Kunitoyara for Udons, for some great pizza and Italian food.. I would say Grazie in the 3rd of Paris. It’s difficult to choose only a few places …

Why Are You Looking at Me: Lucky Blue Smith in the Age of Instagram Celebrity

Three blond sisters. All homeschooled, all Morman, and all playing washed out surf rock together in the same band, The Atomics. Yet it’s the drummer, their brother Lucky, who has drawn the legions of fans; and although the band’s music has a snare-driven hypnotic quality meriting attention in its own right, it is Lucky’s celebrity as a model that has propelled the group into the public eye. At only sixteen, Lucky Blue Smith has walked for brands like Levi’s, Versace and Tom Ford and has his sights set on that elusive model/actor/musician combination best exemplified by the likes of Justin Bieber. Similar to Bieber, Lucky’s rise to fame has been with the help of legions of teenage girls, through the channels that celebrity 2.0 knows best; Instagram (1.4 million followers) and the flash-mob meet-and-greets that allow the young fans of young social media heartthrobs to meet their idols face-to-face. Unlike Bieber, the Smith family’s unusual background and modest lifestyle maintains an indie credibility that makes Lucky a rare specimen in the often homogeneous flow of internet celebrity: a weirdo …

The stories I didn’t tell you

“The stories I didn’t tell you” a men’s style editorial photographed by Jaesung Lee, stylist Caitlin Boelke, model Dustin   Mask stylist’s own, turtleneck sweater Raf Simons, draped sweater Yohji Yamamoto, pants Helmut Lang, shoes Gianna Barbato. Previous images: mask stylist’s own, shirt vintage Gianni Versace, pants Yohji Yamamoto, shoes Gianna Barbato   Mask stylist’s own, belts vintage, coat Maison Margiela   Lace stylist’s own, blazer Marc Jacobs Mask stylist’s own, Blazer Marc Jacobs, antique bustle, pants Helmut Lang, shoes Gianna Barbato Mask stylist’s own, shirt H&M, pants Helmut Lang