Art of Androgyny

Androgyny : (an.drodg.a-knee) -

simply means having the physical or natural characteristics

of both a male and a female.

(ALSO: the word androgyny is derived from the Greek words,

'andros' meaning man, and 'gyne' meaning woman.) WEBSTER

Fashion is all about form and how a vision is expressed from the artist's/designer's mind and translating it onto their canvas or in most cases their muse or model. In the real world there seems to be a pretty defined line between what is appropriate for the male and female sexes to wear and be 'expected' to wear to fit the social norms.

Over time this art form has been accepted more and more and well understood in the artistic community and those in the world of fashion. The appeal behind this interesting idea is based on the art of beauty and marketing. By using a form that can be viewed as both male and female it is more likely to be drawn to by more of those who see it other than eliminating the gender line. In 2010 and into 2011, two have taken the runway and ad campaign world by storm, House of Givenchy transsexual model, Lea T, and very pretty boy, Andrej Pejic.

Lea T was featured in Givenchy's FW10 ad campaign and has become a muse like for Riccardo Tisci the past few seasons. Andrej Pejic more recently walked in Jean Paul Gaultier's Couture show and in his Menswear FW11, (both in heels)! He also is in the SS11 Marc by Marc Jacobs & Jean Paul Gaultier SS11 ad campaigns.

Lea T in GIVENCHY's FW 10 ad campaign.

(L to R) Andrej Pejic finale-ing out the JPG FW 11 Menswear show with JPG himself - Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring 11.

(Top to bottom : Andrej appearing in JPG SS11 ad campaign, Andrej again in Marc by Marc Jacobs SS11 ad campaign.)

The androgynous look is so different and hard to forget that it has become iconic over time and has brought some models into the mainstream light and famous because of their intriguing and gender bending look. Such as Cole Mohr, who Marc Jacobs snagged to wear some dresses for his FW08 ad campaign or Agyness Deyn, who can pull off just about anything from a dress to a suit - even channel Michael Jackson in Harper's Bazaar's Sept 09 issue.

Cole Mohr in Marc by Marc Jacobs FW08 ad campaign in drag.

Agyness Deyn in Harper's Bazaar Sept. 09 tribute to the King of Pop in both masculine and feminine looks just like Michael Jackson himself who was a lover of the marching band/military jacket that has made its mark on Menswear and Womenswear over time.

Probably the most recognizable model who became a large influence on androgyny in the industry is Linda Evangelista, who is still modeling ever since she started in 1978. A favorite of the 1990's Chanel shows and campaigns of Karl Lagerfeld and even during his years at Chloe'. Evangelista brought her short hairstyle to womenswear and added a powerful and strong hold onto the top spot during her prime. She gave herself an edge with that bob and now it is all over the fashion world!

Linda Evangelista in 1990's Chloe and Chanel ad campaigns under while Chloe was still under the reign of KLag and Chanel was very on 90's trend electric and Cher Horowitz-like.

Is it too soon for a Michael Vick joke?! - A LOOK AT MENSWEAR FW11

MENSWEAR FALL 2011

"Ten Hut!"

"Let there be light?"

"Who Let the Dogs out?

Bruce Weber for YSL Menswear F11

Gaga for MUGLER Menswear F11

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

The collection was full of military trends with structure and fit, but also in color. Deep red, white, and black. Also ending with some nice suits, (not shown) which looked like they had actual tailoring done to them. Is Sarah Burton reworking the McQueen suit from 'boxy' to 'fitting'? Either way, a nice change that might do very well for the Menswear business of McQueen. The McQueen abstract textured prints are still working their way into Burton's so far collections, and I'm sure that is exciting to see for all of the followers of the McQueen brand name.

JIL SANDER

Am I going to have to wear color next Fall? I sure hope so if I could make the pops of color like the looks form this show did. Color blocking at its best. Very simple in fit and color with most all looks including black or white pants, but also a splash of a full-on Salmon suit. The textures of the simple shirts and jackets are a nice touch.
DOLCE & GABBANA

If you know me then you know I love it when fashion and American culture "Americana", pop culture or Iconic figures come together. Hi, Warhol. Bringing 'Coca-Cola' and MICKEY together with a twist to give a modern twist on the hipster American look is genius. The look is smart for style and the brand itself because it gives the look no age...it is relatable to all those who Dolce and Gabbana's market tends to relate to. Can you tell I want that 'Coca-Cola' sweater??

GIVENCHY

WOOF!

Is it too soon for a Michael Vick joke?? Okay...I'm kidding, but not really. Leather, lettermans, fur, plaid, knee-high-high-tops, and even a dog fight. The Letterman trend is here to stay. The look is very relaxed in fit, but full of attitude in the styling. The thing I love about Riccardo Tisci is that the extremities of his collections whether it is the use of color or an excessive amount of a print such as the FULL-ON leopard print (Spring 2011) or the rottweiler dog fight, it adds character and power. Isn't that what fashion is all about? -Having fun with your personal style?

Bruce Weber shot the Yves Saint Laurent Menswear F11 short film. I mean, what's better than watching a show...watching a short film with vision, a script, director of photography, and nude male models dancing to Marvin Gaye, of course!

Ain't Nothin' Like the Real Thing | Bruce Weber for YSL from VGL Men on Vimeo.

Lady Gaga featured her remix from her upcoming album 'Born This Way' for the Thierry Mugler Menswear F11 & Nicola Formichetti's first Menswear show ever.

The short film was released the day after the show on the Mugler website.

The video is an artistic dark dream...full of raw and natural anatomical theme, oh yeah, and head to toe tattoos.

MUGLER Fall/Winter 2011-12 from DEPESHA on Vimeo.

ALL photos from GQ.com

UPDATED on JANUARY 28, 2011.

- PLEASE TELL ME KARL DIDN'T PAY FOR THIS...

BAPTISTE GIABICONI'S NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR HIS SONG 'SHOWTIME' (=/)

Kristen Stewart. Proenza SS11 Technicolor Dream in Feb 2011's VOGUE

KRISTEN STEWART covers VOGUE's FEBRUARY 2011

in SS11 PROENZA SCHOULER.

The editorial, shot by Mario Testino, is also complete with all looks from the SS11 Collection and even features the Proenza boys, Jack and Lazaro themselves.

Kristen has attitude that makes the Proenza tom-boy-naughty-'schoul' girl gone surfer

a reality with this spread.

When I first saw the cover leak, I thought, if she's wearing Proenza...will they be featured?? -because I was reminded of Kate Bosworth's February 2008 cover and spread where they were also featured with the cover girl. Bosworth has become a Proenza house name.

-We can only help for the same for 'KStew' (a quote I thought I would never see...(on VOGUE.com when referring to Stewart).

The editorial also covers Stewart talking about Twilight, 'RPatz', her upcoming role as a teenage lap-dancer, and even Jenny Lewis.

VOGUE | VOGUE.com

MINIMALISM x OVER THE TOP. GOLDEN GLOBES 2011.

THE GOLDEN GLOBES 2011

MINIMALISM VS. OVER THE TOP

OLIVIA WILDE in MARCHESA. -Marchesa is one of those houses that has that star-studded effect on those who the dress chooses. This happened. Olivia Wilde is already beautiful, and when I saw her in this, I knew it was going to trump every dress I saw after. It looked as if she was levitating down the carpet and it reminds of a star-filled sky.

(-plus I love a Prom/ball sized tulle-d bottom.)

ANNE HATHAWAY in ARMANI PRIVE'. -Anne Hathaway has become a style icon when it comes to her glam appearances at Award shows and her simplistic everyday style. This Armani look complimented both of those sides. From neck to toe covered in rosy champagne beads, she looks has that over-the-top Old Hollywood look.

The open back is my favorite, and the fit is so flattering on her that it looks effortless.

EMMA STONE in CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION. -From a deep red head with a humor and look like no other to a tan blonde red carpet bombshell. The peachy minimal short-sleeve look is PERFECT. The fit is perfect, the color is perfect,...even the hair is perfect. Emma Stone has made her mark as a beautiful young woman.

LEIGHTON MEESTER in BURBERRY. -Classic. Immediately I'm drawn to the shoulders, waist, and slit at the knee. Best known for taking chances with her look, she made a great choice with a classic pattern that fits her without a flaw.

JANUARY JONES in VERSACE. -As the new SS11 Versace campaign spokesmodel, and always looking stunning while doing it, why would she not choose Versace? Full of sex appeal and on trend red, January knows how to stand out without going too far. Channeling Jayne Mansfield, she looks breath-taking and is continuing to prove herself as a red carpet headliner.

MICHELLE WILLIAMS in VALENTINO. -Michelle's look was a favorite of mine. Not necessarily by itself, but on her because it is very much like her style which the Fashion world has come to love. Channeling Mia Farrow in 'Gatsby', the head to toe daises and frill would be perfect for a modern Daisy Buchanan. She even said it was not especially made for her, but with all of the details and adjustments made it might has well been.

HALLE BERRY in NINA RICCI. -I love looks with any sheer black involved and the double slit in front revealing her legs adds to the "it" factor. Halle Berry looks ageless in this and she turned a black dress into a BLACK DRESS that has to be watched.

It fits her perfectly and shows just enough skin.

As much I love watching the red carpet and award shows for the looks throughout...I still get sort of weirded out when I see my favorite grungy male actors who usually have amazing sex-hair get all dressed up.

Kabuki Blackface for V Magazine and SS11 Punk Trend. O.K. by Me!

NICKI MINAJ covers V's January 2011 'Discovery Issue'

and her spread features pieces from the Spring 2011

Collections of Versace, Balmain, and Givenchy.

Being a HUGE BlackFace supporter myself, I could not help

but to post this. In FULL ON KABUKI make-up, she does her part to keep the artistic

black & white/Kabuki performer face alive. Thank You Nicki.

VMAGAZINE.com

ROONEY MARA covers W's February 2011 'Movie Issue' where stars of 2010 such as Natalie Portman, James Franco (!!!), & Mila Kunis are also interviewed inside. Mara is transformed into her highly anticipated and 2011 American portrayal of 'THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO's', 'Lisbeth Salander'. Styled out in Spring 11 Burberry and SS11 Punk trend style & also with an incognito black bob, Mara is playing up the punk very well.

ALL HAIL STEFANO!

WMagazine.com