Unlike The Vampire Diaries, or The Princess Diaries, or even The Secret Diary of A Call Girl...well, maybe a little like that, New York Magazine's Model Diaries is not a fiction but a true anthropological documentation the likes of which David Attenborough could be proud. This is some of the finest Model Diary-keeping I've seen simply for the amount of wild and fascinating information it packs in about the invasive species (non-indigenous) of male model that makes New York its home for this week of migration known as Fashion. From just this video surveillance we can learn:
The most important thing to an It Boy? Beer. Preferably in bottles. Is able to hide said bottles in convenient locations backstage.
Small species of dogs, which may cohabitate with species of It Boys, are unwelcome additions.
Preferred food of the It Boy? Meatballs. Expertise in eating? None.
Make-up hurts.
The main daily activity of the male model is To Wait. This is not to be confused with a waiting job, i.e. the diner profession they held before evolving in natural rank to their It Boy status.
Male models do ride the subway and are in fact easily entranced by those attempting to sell them...what may be glossy Korean porn mags. More documentation on this matter is needed.
The preferred pastime of the It Boy, when not forced To Wait, is to fake lyrics to songs with lyrics about the location in which they currently preside. Also table tennis.
Cole Mohr shows up everywhere.
The It Boy has no idea what publication they are being filmed for. Ever.
If I have learned anything about boys in my short years on this planet (and I have not), it's that they are intensely visual creatures who find little guilt in cutting ties and moving on if they feel bored. Ah, so was the case for Burberry model George Barnett, who felt the cold wind of Twitterbreak-up (tell me I'm the first person to type that) Sunday morning, when it was discovered that Jeremy Young (right) had picked anew for his straight-guy-pretending-to-be-in-a-same-sex-relationship holiday card:
@jeremyoung: Happy valentines day everyone.. This year my valentines is cole mohr!
Brr... that's all I'm saying. Maybe you were just too nice George? Cole Mohr is, after all, Fashion's resident bad boy, if we're allowed to use terminology from the 1950's. What makes him such, I have no idea -- I'd call him more like Fashion's cousin who won't take off his sunglasses at Grandma's Thanksgiving.
Most people seem to love him or loathe him, but he's a good model. Forbes ranked him number 10 in their Top Male Model list, and with his wide set mouth and skinny, tattooed frame the Texas-born wild child is probably one of the more recognizable in the game, from New York Magazine's Model Diaries to Marc Jacobs 2008 campaign (the one where he posed in the dress) to our behind-the-scenes video with him last winter, and he's made his name obviously standing out physically in an industry filled with way too many mindless beefcakes.
But Jeremy, truly, why so quick to jump around? Also, whatever happened to Lenz von Johnson, who used to kiss your hand under that old potted palm tree (no actually though, take a look at the candid shot)? Clearly Young is a fickle hearted limey, and we'll have to just wait and see...
Happy Post-Valentine's everyone. Eat some chocolate.
Today we're peaking backstage at the Salvatore Farragamo FW show in Milan, which is not a terrible amount to peak at, unless you find something intrinsically fascinating about the nouveau-leisure class of structurally gifted twentysomethings, spirited away from the school-boy toiling in their Nowhere, Europe hometowns and into leather rotating chairs where they recline with half a dozen clips in their hair while underpaid interns apply their base and count their eye-lashes. So maybe it is kind of interesting if you think about it?
There is however, a brief clip with Mathias Lauridsen, the It Boys of It Boys, trying out his interview skills. Perhaps testing for a potential fall-back career? Not that he needs it. If you're not in the know, Lauridsen is the shit. Basically, if men's fashion was a high school from the '90s, he'd be Freddie Prince Jr. in every movie. Also watch for a blink-and-you-miss-it shot of Jeremy Young, whose Bromance we featured earlier this week, and who totally reads our posts. I won't lie. I'm a little embarrassed about that.
Most importantly though, Massimiliano Giornetti, head designer for Ferragamo Italy talks about some of his inspiration for this line, which seems to be coming from a better place than last year's Fall/Winter collection based on Danish artist Vilhelm Hammershøi's drab interior paintings. This year is going to be all about The New Gentleman. Throw out your Mr. Darcy's and your Lord Orville's, because this is apparently the South American Gentleman's year. A manlier, tougher inspiration from below the equator. Apparently. Except still all I see are skinny white boys, but whatever. This look is all about being heavy footed, shown by the video's soundtrack of literal horse clomping as the models circle the runway ring like trotting Euro-ponies. The boot is the key for next Fall -- either leather or lace-up, it's got to be loud and it's got to make an impression.
Pro-Keds just released this hot new video of cute hipsters running all over Brooklyn in their Spring 2010 sneakers. Check it out and then head to Pro Ked's website for more info. We just can't wait for the weather to start warming up so we can sport some short shorts with these sneaks.
I believe it was Project Runway host/scholar Heidi Klum who was once quoted as saying, "In fashion, one day you're in and the next...you're out." Well, apparently at Fashion Week you can be in, OUT, and then back in again. So was the case for lovely, lovely Burberry Prorsum chap, Jeremy Young, who, I must admit, I am a great big fan of (he's sort of an older, sharper version of Narnia's Skander Keynes, but with razorbladed cheekbones).
Following the typical backstage model interviews, which can be quick and cute or border on draining and indulgent (I am looking at you Cole Mohr), I came across this quick-bit-documentary on Burberry's 2010-11 show, and couldn't help but fall a little bit in love with the idea of Jeremy Young and George Barnett as a couple. Hey! What can I say? I hardly ever see cute couples around my age unless your last names are Groff and Creel. Plus, isn't it kind of adorable the way Jeremy's face lights up as George interjects to tell the camera he think of him often whenever trying on a new designer piece.
Alas, this was a runway Romeo and Juliet not meant to swear by the inconstant moon, because my Twitter detective skills picked this conversation up:
And there you go. George Barnett's twitter (does it exist? I couldn't find one that looked credible) did not leave a comment, so I suppose his whispered words of fancy could be construed anyway you like. It was quite the flattery for just a friend. Jeremy, you might want to reconsider your tweeted stance on the subject.
Normally I love these ethereal little music videos designers will create for their latest line. They're airy and obscure with the faintest wind of a bubblegum pop hum in the background. Like the Virgin Suicides with the prettiest boys Europe can deliver! My all time favorite is Thom Browne's 2007 Spring Collection, part Decemberists music video, part golden yesteryear with finely dressed boys shearing sheep, picking cotton and then laying their friend down in a watery coffin for his funeral. Ironically enough, the perished model was played by Randy Johnston, who actually did pass away last October -- his death was originally believed to be a suicide until reports of an overdose came through -- tragic either way.
The point is, this one above, staring Luke Worall, Kelly Osbourne's toy poodle -- I mean fiance -- is just, well...silly. I can't watch it with a serious face, the way our British Boy Dejour, who's made quite a name for himself dating The Bat Eater's Daughter, stands sulking with his Cousin It hair swaying in the breeze. I keep waiting for that Derek Zoolander voice to come on, "Long...is the essence of Hair...and Hair...is the essence...of Beauty."
In other male-models-who-score-more-important-people-to-get-in-the news, Ash Stymest is at it again. The constantly photographed tattooed twink, whose gender-bending Dazed and Confused photo shoot is plastered across my bedroom wall, is supposedly straight but seems to have a penchant for kissing boys at parties. A Katy Perry song in the works? His latest is Bret Lloyd who just recently shot him for, his favorite I suppose, Dazed and Confused. Talk about putting your mouth where your money comes from. But more power to him.
My BFF tells me she doesn't bring to me to NYC model parties because they're oh so boring, but this looks anything but. Keep going Ash, and you can make our Out 100 next year.
Is Tom Ford returning to women's wear? If so, will it affect his stellar men's wear? If so, an injunction might be in order...[Reuters]
Justin Timberlake is opening his first William Rast store in...a mall. [WWD]
Vladimir Roitfeld (yes, of Carine) models in the new Rock & Republic campaign. Talk about a dynasty in the making. [Design Scene]
And so it's passed that French lawmakers have drafted legislation stating that any publication or advertiser that uses a retouched fashion photo must attach a disclaimer or else risk getting fined. [Gawker]
The Cut serves up the best and worst of September fashion mags. [The Cut]
Anna Wintour will be on David Letterman on Monday, August 24th. Repeat: Anna Wintour will be on David Letterman on Monday, August 24th. [Late Night Lineups]
Peter Lindbhergh, the photographer behind that French ELLE shoot of actresses sans photoshopping, has done it again with some of the world's most known super models. Is a revolution brewing? [Fashionologie]
A dead body was found on the roof of the building that houses Opening Ceremony in NYC. What some people will do for fashion...[Gawker]
Frank Muytjens of J.Crew discusses the brands latest Levis Vintage collaboration and menswear in general. [The Moment]
According to the NY Times, men are opting for retro hairstyles from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Ya don't say! [NY Times]
Calvin Klein is looking for a few good European men. The iconic underwear label is holding an international model search across nine countries, looking for the best of the bulges to represent each nation. [WWD] via [The Cut]
Apparently Posh spice isn't doing so hot in her role as judge on American Idol. She's been described as "icy and wooden," which just can't compare to Paula's "loopy and frightening." [Radar]
Oh, the pressures of being a hand model. Moisturizers! Gloves! 14-hour shoots! [CNN]
Jesus Luz, ever the go-getter, wants to do more than modeling, so he's branching out into..D.J.-ing. Such high ambitions that boy. [NYP]
The ladies over at NYMag try to walk in the season's highest heel...[The Cut]
Wal-Mart is apparently eyeing NYC again for a new store. An angry mod is already forming, complete with pitchforks and torches. [Crain's]
Gay men love fashion, and fashion loves gay men. Is it something in our jeans? Celebrating this long tradition, Truman Says exists to offer advice, tips, and the occasional catty observation on celebrity style coups and faux pas.
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