I have a confession; I absolutely adore Bella Hadid. While “stan”-ning celebrities is nothing new for me (I got my start in web development from creating fan-sites), there is something special about her. Her smile is radiant, her words are poised and purposeful (I may have also given her brownie points for the ability make Abel happy). In the age where anyone with an Instagram account can become influential and a model, I think her “it” factor is to account for her substantial lead in the race of today’s models. Even though Gigi began her modeling career earlier and to mainstream media she is portrayed as the best of two, I love the mysterious there’s-something-I’m-not-telling-you vibe we seem to get from Bella. Gigi is very girl-next-door in appearance and her friendship with Taylor Swift (no shade, I love some T-Swift) solidifies that for me, which is cute but not my type.
Vogue’s digital cover which released this morning set my timeline ablaze. As it should’ve. The concept for the shoot is based around Audrey Hepburn’s character, Jo Stockton, in Funny Face. Hepburn is a staple for elegance and timeless beauty, in the movie and off-screen, so it felt very appropriate to have the modern glamour girl give tribute. Bella is pictured on the cover in a Givenchy long bustier gown, Koché ostrich feather hat and Panconesi Riviera modular earrings.
In addition to the main cover, Vogue debuted several video projects showcasing Bella in Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior and a number of other designers who rocked Paris Fashion Week 2019. True to the format of a “digital” magazine, there were no traditional images released from these shoots; rather this video project captures the beauty and true wear of the clothing. Perhaps I watch too much America’s Next Top Model but those motion pictures are never as glamorous behind the scenes and I can only imagine how fierce Hadid is to hit all those angles perfectly. My favorite is the top and bodysuit from Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga. I am in love with those sequin pants which are also the perfect pair of boots?? From a woman who thinks pants and shoes combinations are the epitome of tacky, these were executed very well. The clip attached below is a shortened clip to display only the Balenciaga look.
Vogue notes, “Ladylike polish is feeling fresh and relevant” and I couldn’t agree more. Our clothing will always send a message and we must decide how to portray it. Outside of photo shoots, Bella can be caught in outfits that flatter and always give off a refined beauty. No matter the occasion we can express individuality and style in a tasteful manner. Bella is becoming a commodity in the fashion world but before today I couldn’t think of a singular shoot that solidified her superiority; this is it. I envision the culture splitting two different ways; Kardashian/predominately Instagram trends is one avenue and this very well may be the other. A lane where women are beautified in a manner that exalts what is already there yet maybe underdeveloped, and brains are just as (if not more) important as beauty.
If you had any doubt of the success of PFW this year, you can look no further. While you take in the detail and sustainability, the newest rage for fashion houses to take on, take a deeper look at Bella herself. I can’t imagine you won’t be impressed.