In June, we wrote about how British wunderkind Christopher Kane is collaborating with Beth Ditto on an outfit for October's Swarovski Fashion Rocks concert.
If you can't wait to see what vibrant outfit these two have cooked up, whet your appetite with the Autumn 2007 issue of Pop, which features a spread shot by Steven Klein of Ditto traipsing about in fashions both off-the-runway (Prada, Yves Saint Laurent) and made specially for the magazine (Gareth Pugh, Louis Vuitton, Proenza Schouler). Both humorous and poignant, the photos have that Paris, Texas vibe of wanderlust and adventure with the jet-set styles to match.
The accompanying article proclaims Beth Ditto is a "size hero," an icon both revered and criticized for representing an alternative to fashion's willowy norm. It also explores some of the underlying skepticism surrounding the singer's rise to fame and fashion notoriety.
Is the style world embracing Beth Ditto out of a genuine interest in her art and message or is it using her in a bid to establish itself as a tolerant community? Is all this hoopla over her image overshadowing what's important - her artistry and originality?
Discuss.
--NATALIE GUEVARA
Lounging around in a Prada top and skirt; bonnet by Yves Saint Laurent.
The wheels on the bus go... Beth modeling a dress by Julie Verhoeven for Mulberry; clutch by Louis Vuitton.
Dress made specially for POP by Hussein Chayalan.
Modeling a slashed dress made specially for POP by Gareth Pugh; shoes by Marc Jacobs.
Ripped to shreds; another shot of Gareth's Tim Burton-ish masterpiece.
Strolling along in a YSL coat; headscarf and bracelet both by Marc Jacobs; shoes by Repetto.
Clad in a top and skirt both made specially for POP by Proenza Schouler, Beth takes a glorious leap.
posted by jessica.
Sep 18, 2007 5:00PM
To answer your question, I think that yes, it is using her to "establish itself as a tolerant community".
It's evident that Beth Ditto is not the size of Sasha, Freja, Anja or Ali. But is promoting her size really what the industry wants? I know that none of those models I just mentioned are a healthy weight. But neither is Ms Ditto. I'm all for putting plus size models on the runway, because it's obvious that models aren't there because of their health. But that's as long as we're talking about appearance and not health. I don't agree with comments like about how she's a healthy weight and a 'size hero'. Because she isn't. She's just as unhealthy as the bone-thin girls walking the runways. I appreciate the fact that she's thumbing her nose at fashion world stereotypes, but that should be the reason why we admire her. For her creativity, her music, her rebellion. Her not-giving-a-damn attitude. Not because she is overweight.
On lighter note: I do love that firt picture. The colours and photography is amazing.