How Not To Model, 60s style: Part I
A while back I wrote about modelling in the post-Edwardian era, and just how far the concept of modelling had to develop. Let’s fast forward, say about 50 years. How much changed has changed in the world of modelling? Well, having spent a while today flicking through some late 50s/early 60s magazines, I can answer that conundrum for you- not a whole lot.
Yes, the actual photography and lighting in photos were better. The locations were more glamorous. (As in, there actually WERE locations. Sometimes. If you were lucky.) But the models’ poses and expressions?
Still bizarre in many cases. Let’s consider the image above at the top of this post. Now, do we think the model needs a couple of paracetamol, or is she just trying to remember some fairly crucial (like how to breathe in and out)?
And then there’s the same old ambiguous “emoting”. Just what is the model below trying to express in each frame?
“Well, I do declare!”
And there’s the “are we having fun yet?” attempts of this model to pretend we’re all having a high ol’ time:
“I feel PREEEEEEEETTTY, oh, so pretty… I feel pretty and witty and BRIIIIGHT….”
“I feel charming, oh so charming, it’s alarming how charming I FEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEL……”
And I realise the styling doesn’t help here, but this?
Words fail me. Almost. But not quite. I think we’ll caption this one “The blood-sucking Vampire Queen of the Damned wears Prada.”
Look out for Part II tomorrow….
(Does anyone else think that fashion is currently having a major early 1960s moment? Those sculptural shapes! Lots of volume, or ease depending on how you view things. The high waist or dropped waist. Those strong graphic prints (how I love those strong graphic prints!) Could it be the influence of Mad Men… ?)
