US Vogue
May 2009
"India We Are"
I'm not usually a fan of those Vogue-typical eds that see the models in exotic locations, flouncing on the side of rickshaws or playing chess on the dusty streets with locals in a condescending and frankly irritating way.
This is also partly because I rarely find that the styling is enticing enough to make up for the unoriginal concept and location which are usually used as a backdrop to hammer home a tribal print or "neo explorer" trends.
Combine this with my distaste towards US Vogue and heck, I guess I better eat my own hat, because I rather like the May issue's "India We Are" story and Lakshmi Menon is completely stunning dancing on a hazy beach, increasing our thirst for the summer. Yes, I spy an ethnic print or two, but is it the fact that for once Vogue has selected a model to suit the location (Lakshmi after all lives in Goa) rather than plumping for Sasha or Lily that removes the previously patronising undertone? Whatever the formula, this time it works.
It's beautiful. I'm sure that if it was Lily in these pictures, we'd be feeling very differently...
ReplyDeleteI love these pictures so much <3
ReplyDeletehere here.
ReplyDeletevery sharpley observed, you're so right!
take care.
I completely agree. US Vogue is never as good as British Vogue or any of the other issues around the world--but this shoot looks quite lovely. Love the model & the location <3
ReplyDeletei completely agree with you, and that third shot is amazing .
ReplyDeletealso, i love the white one-piece bathing suit . it looks amazing on her !
xx
vogue wouldn't be vogue without its atypical patronising ethnic editorial. But you are so right, this ed is different, most probably because of lakshmi. That image of her in the swimming costume is awe-inspiring, she is truly stunning and an excellent choice for this ed. I thought it was well styled (ie, not over the top with crazed local jackets, boots sourced from a flea market, leis and headresses etc etc) and beautifully shot. Quietly majestic, just like lakshmi.
ReplyDeleteexcited to hear you're going to do the tag!
XXX
Love the editorial! She looks so naturally pretty!
ReplyDeletesoo weird i was JUST getting my hair cut and flipping through this mag and told my friend richard that those few pages really stood out! love the white dress and sneaks.
ReplyDeletemeg
I agree with everything here. Although the may issue of US Vogue looks like it could be a good one.
ReplyDeleteAnd I know what you mean about pixie/mischa but it is so odd to see them and notice they are real people not just images in magazines.
And next stop Marc Jacobs haha. Kind of a big step up in my heart from Matthew.
Amazing.
ReplyDeletexx.
Yes, I absolutely LOVE that the model suits the location.
ReplyDeletelakshmi is so captivating!
ReplyDeletei am blown away every time i see her.
that white one piece is too amazing for words.
Hahah I couldn't agree more.
ReplyDeleteAnd wow, those anntian pieces are great!
x!
Yeah, a while back there was a british vogue one in peru with Daria and Lily which was actually quite good, but that clip in antm before panel with Tyra and like, impoverished kids. So depressing. Bet she doesn't give a fuck...
ReplyDeleteYou're right, I've always felt that the editorials with foreign models in ethnic locations between the locals were a bit off.
ReplyDeleteAnd Lakshmi is so beautiful!
I think the fact that the model isn't posing with the usual blank face gives it a special touch. Me like!
ReplyDeleteLakshmi is amazing!
ReplyDeletelove that girl!
well spotted! i think these photos managed to do exactly what you said... capture the exoticism of india without seeming patronising. very lovely... i remember how the magazine wasn't quite so succesful with this either last year of the year before... when they had the model wear gorgeous expensive things and walk through what appeared to be a visibly impoverished neighbourhood. THAT was pure smugness... or ignorance.
ReplyDeleteYour description made us laugh out loud...it's sooo true!!! Btw we love Lakshmi too ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://delikaterayne.blogspot.com/