An Ode To Anna Wintour: It's Time To Give Credit Where Credit Is Due

It was one thing for wannabe fashion critics to comment on fashion from their laptops (fashion's equivalent of armchair quarterbacking), but the day real-life New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn borrowed a page from their playbook, something shifted in the world of fashion.  As you may recall, Horyn was prevented from attending Marc Jacobs Fall 2008 collection thanks to a bout of flu but weighed in nonetheless without ever leaving the comfort of her home thanks to Style.com. Jacobs even took the time to post a comment on Horyn's blog in response to her post (his is number 30). Horyn's move (whether she was aware of it or not at the time) signaled to every would-be fashion critic with access to an internet connection and a blogging platform that physical presence in the front row of a fashion show although undoubtedly useful (not to mention a great deal of fun), was not absolutely necessary and could be dispensed with when required. Further validation came recently when Lanvin's hugely influential creative director and darling of the fashion press, Alber Elbaz, declared to French fashion magazine l'Officiel that as far as he was concerned, the real fashion critics are bloggers. (September 2008, pp. 214-216).

Lest we forget, we all have none other than American Vogue's Anna Wintour to thank for this. The launch of Style.com and the rapidity with which a frustrated fashion follower in Nunivik can log on and find out what the Milan shows have in store for her Spring/Summer 2009 wardrobe within a few hours of the label's fashion show, has had a seismic effect on fashion. Her move was as gutsy as it was innovative - the easy access to high quality images of fashion has meant that copycats and counterfeiters also have an easier time pilfering precious intellectual property. On the whole however, I personally believe her initiative has increased the popularity and enjoyment of fashion by permitting virtually anyone, anywhere unprecedented access and therefore has been good for the industry. It has also allowed armchair fashion commentary by passionate followers of fashion that much easier and for this, I am immensely grateful. Thank you Anna. We owe you one!

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

"Don't mention it."

Comments

[Make Do Style]

She's a doll. I love her and yes style.com has been the breakthrough for dashion blogging.