Fairy Tale Fashion Shoot Retrospective: Annie Leibovitz & Grace Coddington's Wizard Of Oz

I have a very busy week this week so if I end up missing a bit of news, don't worry, it's only temporary! In the meantime, here's something I've had in my archive files for ages and never posted, but seeing as MGM's The Wizard Of Oz is having it's 75th anniversary is this year, and so much is happening on the Oz theme, I didn't think people would mind a little retro post.

It's a Twister

(with Actress Alba Clemente as Auntie Em and her husband,
Painter Francesco Clemente, as Uncle Henry)

"I love our December issues. We always mark the holidays with a fantastic, and fantastical, fashion portfolio; and this year Creative Director Grace Coddington has conspired with Annie Leibovitz to produce a stunningly dramatic spin on the Wizard of Oz. The project began in the summer, when Grace was captivated by the idea of a very specific look -- in her words, "Bonpoint for grown-ups" -- on the lovely Kiera Knightley. Grace got going, as tends to: instructing our top designers to make sweet Empire dresses that transitioned from nursery to cocktail; persuading artists such as Jasper Johns and Chuck Close to take part in the photographic pantomime."
- Anna Wintour's Letter from the Editor, December 2005 

Munchkinland
(with Artist Kara Walker as Glinda the Good Witch
& the Penn State Marching Band)

Here, photographed by the always amazing Annie Leibovitz, is Keira Knightley in the role of Dorothy in various iconic scenes from The Wizard of Oz for December 2005 issue of Vogue Magazine.

If I Only Had a Brain
(with Painter Brice Marden as the Scarecrow)

Oil Me, Please

(with Painter John Currin as the Tin Man)

Oh, My!
(with Sculptor Jasper Johns as the Cowardly Lion)

I had collected them all to post together at some point, as most blogs and articles didn't seem to have the whole collection, but "news of the moment" just keeps happening with fairy tales these days (yay!) and I never got around to it.

Emerald City

(The Lion, Dorothy, The Tin Man, and The Scarecrow)

The Wonderful Things He Does
(with Painter and Photographer Chuck Close as the Wizard)

I wish I had some interview notes from Ms. Knightley or Ms. Leibovitz on the shoot, but in the absence of that, I've included a very short (and sadly low quality) video below, but I've also researched a little and included the supporting cast names and where they hail from to give you an idea of how wonderful a shoot this really is.

I'll Get You My Pretty

(with Artist Jeff Koons as the Winged Monkey)

Ding Dong!

(with Artist Kiki Smith as The Wicked Witch of the West)

It's nice to have it up for this year, though I think.

Troubles Melt Like Lemon Drops

(Dorothy, Auntie Em, Uncle Henry)

Here's the quick behind-the-scene video:

From one blog entry (of many!) devoted to the amazing fashion shoot, this writer encapsulated what it was about this shoot that was so incredible at the time. It's not just the styling but just how many artists were involved (emphasis in bold is mine):

The Annie Leibovitz treatment of the L. Frank Baum novel turned film has never been so in vogue as when it appeared in the December 2005 issue of “Vogue.” This portfolio rocked the world and especially the “Art World.” Leibovitz is famous for her photo spreads and celebrity portraits but it is rare to almost non-existent for “A-List” artistic luminaries to be featured as stars in such a mass media venue. All the stops were pulled out for this one as Annie; such a prolific and passionate professional scores big.

Hope you enjoyed the little look back to 2005.  (I have to say, the white rose pattern on the white dress in the twister photos is just stunning.)

What are your favorite reinterpretations of Oz?

Note: the photo above was for the cover. As lovely as freesias are, I only wish it had been shot in one of California's famous poppy fields during spring to make the entire shoot perfect.

"Maleficent" Limited Edition Collection by Hot Topic & Disney - Online Pre-sale Starts TOMORROW (get it while it's hot)

SPECIAL ONLINE PRE-SALE BEGINS TOMORROW!
APRIL 15, 2014 AT HOTTOPIC.COM
(Not in stores until May 13th)

You have to admit - the match is pretty much perfect: Disney + Hot Topic for Maleficent? Total WIN. Hot Topic has a tradition of helping us show our darker side (without freaking out the neighborhood) and this collection does that, with an extra edge. Tell me you can't see a young, modern Maleficent wearing these...

Without further ado, here's the collection and official press release (please click on images, including theLook book spreads, to see them full size):

HOT TOPIC INTRODUCES FASHION COLLECTION INSPIRED BY DISNEY’S “MALEFICENT” 

Hot Topic has unveiled a limited-edition collection of apparel inspired by Disney’s “Maleficent.” The collection will be available exclusively at Hot Topic stores and online starting in May, with a pre-sale beginning on HOTTOPIC.COM April 15.  

The “Maleficent” fashion collection is inspired by the feature film, which is the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic “Sleeping Beauty.” The film, in theaters on May 30, reveals the events that hardened Maleficent’s heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora, only to later realize that the child may hold the key to peace in the land. The collection is dark and mysterious like Maleficent herself.  

“There is so much we instantly loved about ‘Maleficent’ – the complex story behind this beloved villain, the breathtaking scenery and the striking costumes,” said Cindy Levitt, SVP, Merchandising and Marketing at Hot Topic. “We just knew we had to design a dark and edgy collection – because it’s exactly the kind of fashion our customers love.”  

The “Maleficent” fashion collection includes nine pieces. Seven are black, designed in striking fashion silhouettes, and feature distinctive details, including faux leather accents, lace trim, skull hardware and a Maleficent charm. The collection also includes two Aurora-inspired pieces.

                      

 Corset Hi-lo dress: $ 52.50 

                      

 Hi-lo Waistcoat: $44.50 

 High-Collar Dress: $54.50

(Note: Collar can be worn up or down.)

 Button-Front Coat Dress: $54.50 

(Note: wear as a dress or Summer coat)

 Corset Top: $46.50 

(Note: Zippered front)

 Asymmetrical Crow Feather Top: $32.50 

                     

 Wing Hooded Cape: $49.50 

                     
                            Pink Aurora Lace Top: $29.50        White Aurora Bell-Sleeved Dress: $49.50

In addition to this fashion collection, Hot Topic will offer a wide range of new and classic Maleficent apparel and accessories, including tees, dresses, jewelry and more. 

And now that you've seen the lovely official pics, here are some of mine (please excuse the lack of pro-quality!):

       

 

I asked specifically and yes, any leather details are faux leather and the collection overall is eco-friendly as best the designers and marketing team could confirm; none of Maleficent's creature friends, (or foes), were harmed in the making of this collection, to the best of their knowledge. That equals an extra thumbs up from me and should earn some fae approval as well.

I have an on-the-spot-with-camera-phone video interview that SVP of Merchandising and Marketing, Cindy Levitt, kindly granted me to share with you, however, I'm having serious upload difficulties at present! In the interest of timeliness for the pre-sale, I'm going to work on that later tonight (hopefully) and set this post live without it for now. (Wish me luck!)

After the official interview about the collection (and once we both relaxed with the camera off), we got to talking about different fairy tales, their allure and staying power, even as we grow older, and why such old stories still seem important. This was probably one of the best things about the preview for me. My impression was that talking this way about fairy tales, backed up the mentality the designers used to approach the Maleficent fashion designs. Essentially, they aimed to tap into that feeling and power that the character of Maleficent evokes and people are so drawn to, and still make it relevant to their customers today. It looks to me like they succeeded. It's one of the reasons I'm so happy to take time to share the collection with you, as it truly is a manifestation of people thinking about how fairy tales affect people, then designing something to add to the experience in their daily lives (that people will be more than happy to pay for). 

My sincere thanks to Ms. Levitt, Dara Meas and the team at Hot Topic and Disney for inviting me to the preview. I'm looking forward to seeing where this new way of working takes the Hot Topic/Disney collaboration!

"Maleficent" Limited Edition Collection from Hot Topic & Disney, Special OUAB Preview!

Tomorrow is the online pre-sale launch of the limited edition Maleficent collection from Disney and Hot Topic. Two things surprised me: how gorgeous it looked with elegant lines and serious attention to all the small details (it's really made made) and yet it was still relatively affordable!

The images posted here are a "pre-preview" of the collection which I will be sharing all of the lovely images from later today.

I've been given the opportunity to let my readers know early so you guys can get in and order before they sell out (because they almost certainly well, and with the buzz it's generating, if any of the collection make it to stores, they won't be there long).

HOT TOPIC INTRODUCES FASHION COLLECTION INSPIRED BY DISNEY’S “MALEFICENT” 

Hot Topic has unveiled a limited-edition collection of apparel inspired by Disney’s “Maleficent.” The collection will be available exclusively at Hot Topic stores and online starting in May, with a pre-sale beginning on HOTTOPIC.COM April 15.  

The “Maleficent” fashion collection is inspired by the feature film, which is the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic “Sleeping Beauty.” The film, in theaters on May 30, reveals the events that hardened Maleficent’s heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora, only to later realize that the child may hold the key to peace in the land. The collection is dark and mysterious like Maleficent herself. 

You remember I had an interview with the design team on Friday (and showed you the horns they gave me afterward)? I'll be posting that video later today so you can hear us chat about the collection and a little about fairy tales too.

Stay tuned folks: I'll be posting a lot of eye candy in just a few hours...

Shh! It's A Maleficent Collection Sneak Peek! (OUAB Gets A Hot Topic/Disney Collaboration Preview)

Yes, I have new horns!*

They are from the lovely people at Hot Topic who I had the privilege of spending time with today (Friday, April 11), previewing their new, limited edition, fashion collection collaboration with Disney, inspired by, you guessed it, Maleficent.

Once Upon A Blog was also invited to interview the design team and so, amid props from the movie (that Disney wouldn't let me photograph for all the usual legal reasons, although I am allowed to describe them... so more on those later), I got to talk fairy tales with people who have designed a modern fashion collection that aims to exude an aura of fairy tales with teeth. Boy did they succeed!

The collection is seriously gorgeous - lots of black on black textures with elegant lines and a dark-magic edge, inspired by Maleficent's costumes and props. (There are a couple of light and pretty Aurora-inspired pieces too.) I can't wait to show you - and I will very soon!

I was able to interview one of the design team (using a camera phone) and will be bringing you that video soon, along with lots of lovely collection pics. I got to talk Sleeping Beauty, the popularity of conflicted fairy tale characters and, of course, the upcoming movie, with the Hot Topic team and will share that with you too. (It's been an exciting day!)

I also get to share with you the exclusive online pre-order date, (APRIL 15!! - Mark your calendars!), which happens about three weeks before it goes into stores, and I'm so very glad I can because, honestly, once images start getting around, I don't think there will be much of the limited edition collection left for the stores.

More on this really soon but I just couldn't wait to share a teensy bit. In the meantime, some of the new Maleficent accessories, along with their in-store classic Maleficent casual wear can be found HERE.

Stay tuned!

*Note: I have not been paid for this endorsement. The horns were given to invited guests as a thank you for taking time to consider helping promote the collection on their own terms and came with the press release kit we received on entering. They also had strawberries, other yummy-looking fruit and iced lemon water but pictures of those aren't nearly as exciting.

Fashion: Kate Upton's Modern Beauty Likes Her Beast

Clearly inspired by Cocteau (and Gans' latest offering), model Kate Upton (most recently known for her gravity-defying -literally- Sports Illustrated shoot), models a modern, and much more covered up, Beauty for the 2014 CR (Carine Roitfeld) Fashion Book.

What is with the corset business here? It just looks a little thrown together and has nothing approaching the level of art or storytelling out of a fairy tale themed Vogue shoot or the dark fairy tales shot by Tim Walker or Paolo Roversi. (Just my opinion.)

Apparently the groundbreaking thing here (apart from the amount of clothes she has on) is that this Beauty ends up liking her Beast in this 'photo story.'

While it doesn't feel particularly different or inspired to me I can't find other fashion shoots that have such a close concept to Cocteau's film either (the closest being the Drew Barrymore Vogue shoot from 2005, shot by Annie Leibovitz, which I prefer by a long shot), so perhaps I'm just spoiled by the many art, story, theater (and also cosplay) offerings, inspired by the same. I don't know. I see a lot of missed opportunities here, but then I'm not trying to sell clothes either.

Being very short on time today, I'm just going to put this out there for you to see now, enjoy the fact that Cocteau's Beauty is having a 'revival inspiration season', and get back to my regularly scheduled news tomorrow.

Lily Cole Dances The Red Shoes at 2013 London Fashion Week

"She danced, and she was forced to dance through the gloomy night. The shoes the the carried her over stack and stone; she was torn till she bled; she danced over the heath till she came to a little house. Here, she knew, dwelt the executioner, and she tapped with her fingers at the window, and said "Come out! Come out! I can not come in, for I am forced to dance! "

I know!

How unexpected but oh-so-appropriate too.

From London Fashion Week via XPOSEentertainment:

(Super model) Lily Cole opened Vivienne Westwood's latest show with an interpretive dance yesterday.
The fashion designer showed off her Spring/Summer 14 Red Label line at London Fashion Week and as has become the norm for her, it had a strong environmental message.
Lily's movements were inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale The Red Shoes and she wore a dramatic Grecian gown as she moved her body in a pool of red light.

From the Daily Mail:

Dame Westwood has always used her runway to promote her social and political ideals, and having worked with the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), Sunday was another opportunity to provoke change through fashion.And with Lily Cole, the designer has a good ally, who this year directed her first short film with Sky Rainforest rescue to inspire people to protect the environment and tackle climate change.Together at London Fashion Week, the two brought their message to light, with Lily proving again that she is more than just a model.

Although the connection of supporting "climate refugees" and the message of stopping the amount of waste of resources might be a little difficult for some people to see, there's no doubt it got people thinking.

Lily Cole was a natural ally for Ms. Westwood's "Climate Change" agenda, having been outspokenly eco-conscious for some time.

From Ecouterre back in 2011:

British model-actress Lily Cole thinks that the term “sustainable fashion” is oxymoronic, but only in the sense of “fashion” meaning trends. And it’s not a problem that’s unique to the clothing industry, either, she explains to The Guardian on Monday. “I mean, the fact that there’s already a second iPad out now is ‘fashion’, in a similar way,” she says. “I don’t think this is fashion’s fault. It’s a broader issue to do with the capitalism, and an economy which needs us to keep buying, and creating this superfluous kind of waste.”

I would have to say I had never connected Andersen's Red shoes directly with wasting eco-resources but it makes sense. Having had this brought to my attention, I now feel as if my brain was missing the obvious "next step" of HCA's warnings against materialism. The greed - and consequences - of wanting a thing at the cost of everything (and everyone) else, is pretty clear in his story. Your actions, while immediately hurting some and eventually hurting others, do, ultimately come back to you as well. The proverb, "you reap what you sow" (a concept Andersen would have known well, being Christian-minded) holds true.

Lily takes a bow in red shoes

It's interesting to see one of the world's leading designers have such "eco-consciousness". Fashion is said to be frivolous but really clothing (and how we choose to wear what we do) is much more than that. It's image, armor and expression and, being aware of what we consume (which applies directly to clothes and fashion) says a lot about how we consider our place in the world.

Nicely done Ms. Westwood and Ms. Cole. I have a feeling that although Andersen would have been surprised at the interpretation/use of his story, he would have been humbled as well - and possibly have applauded quite loudly too. :)

Note: I have seen small excerpts of Ms. Cole's interpretive dance on YouTube but nothing very substantial. There are video links (supposedly) embedded in the Daily Mail article (excerpt above) but I couldn't get them to play.

On a related note (with regard to working against the destructive tendencies of materialism, as illustrated in HCA's Red Shoes and helping each other be better) Lily Cole is one of those unique celebrities who's very interested and active in promoting the best of the world and of humanity, both in looking after the planet and in looking after each other. Her new altruistic social network IMPOSSIBLE (a play on I'm Possible) is an intriguing new program and attempt at encouraging a "gift culture", leaving money out of it altogether (even her developers and company people are working on this as their "gift" to the world, without monetary compensation). If you're interested in finding out more about her initiative you can see a video explaining it HERE (it's long but very interesting) and the newly launched app is HERE.