Balmain's Spring Ad Campaign: Girls Will Be Boys

via fashionista.com

Let's talk about this ad.

via fashionista.com

And that one.

To the naked eye, these images may appear to be classic "girls just wanna have fun" photos featuring the hottest models in the industry stuffing their faces and still looking like goddesses. To the knowledgable eye, this is a Balmain Ad Campaign featuring five stunning Victoria's Secret Angels: Adriana Lima, Crista Cober, Isabeli Fontana, Joan Smalls, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley taking on role model status.

Last week, I spoke about Alexander Wang's new denim campaign. I was flabbergasted (to say the least) at the blatant sexual image of Anna Ewers. This week, I found an ad that does "thought-provoking" the right way. As much as I love Wang, if this were a style contest, Balmain wore it better. Not only does this Balmain campaign promote an image of diversity (an important facet for designer, Olivier Rousteing), but it defies gender roles by placing women in a typically masculine setting doing typically masculine activities such as playing video games and eating fast food. Of course, these women are dressed a lot more scantily than your average male in his sweatpants in front of the TV, but in case you hadn't noticed, that is only the case for the first image, and even then, they look like sexy superheroes. In the second, they're wearing bold colour blocked dresses and jumpsuits, while enjoying a feast of burgers and fries. That is definitely NOT an image you see every day. Just when you thought the industry wanted us all to be skin thin, we find an ad such as this one telling skinny girls to EAT and not just a salad, but the fattest food around.

If this ad does not send a positive message, I don't know what does. While the Wang image resonated because of its sexually provocative nature, this one makes us think about the industry in a new light by painting an unconventional picture of models that subverts expectations. Rousteing takes the androgyny trend to a new level by having his models dressed in sexy and feminine gear, while engaging in stereotypically masculine endeavours. Essentially, according to this designer, girls can be boys without actually dressing like them. They can play Nintendo and eat fast food like the boys, but they should not lose their sensuality in the process.

Message received.

XOXO,

Bella

QUIZ TIME: Which Young, Flourishing Fashion Model Are You?

We all know about the Supers: Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, and Cindy Crawford. If you don't, I urge to check out Models.com immediately as you lower your head in embarrassment. Today, we've got a new batch of ladies everyone's talking about and I'm about to tell you which one is your soul sister. But wait. First you have to take this quiz. Find out if you're a Cara, a Karlie, a Joan, or a Soo Joo.

1. Pick your favourite fashion brand.
a) DKNY
b) Oscar de la Renta
c) Missoni
d) Chanel

2. Which of these words describes you best?
a) Goofy
b) Friendly
c) Fierce
d) Non-Conformist

3. What's your best physical feature?
a) Your eyebrows
b) Your swan neck
c) Your lips
d) Your cheekbones

4. What's your motto?
a) Life's a playground. Don't take it too seriously.
b) Don't worry. Have a cookie.
c) Beauty is about diversity.
d) Uniqueness is the emblem of success.

5. Time to make a change. What do you do to your hair?
a) Dye it dirty blond
b) Chop it all off
c) Change my hair? NEVER.
d) Bleach it

6. What's your spirit animal?
a) A bunny
b) A puppy
c) A lion
d) An iguana

7. What's your favourite fashion trend?
a) Sneakers
b) Minimalism
d) HATS
e) Grunge

MOSTLY A's: You Are CARA DELEVINGNE

via www.theformulablog.com

You love to have a good time no matter the place and people are attracted to your youthful spirit. Some say you're a bit wild, but you just like to live life to its fullest. Every day is a party and you're ready to celebrate the good times. Come on.

MOSTLY B's: You Are KARLIE KLOSS

via www.thewallpapers.org

Everybody loves you because you're the sweetest person they know. You're a major philanthropist and live to help others reach their full potential. People are addicted to your laid back personality and nonchalance, but let that not be mistaken for laziness because you are anything but.

MOSTLY C's: You Are JOAN SMALLS

via www.thecoup.eu

You're a strong woman with solid values that guide you through your decisions. With fierce determination, you know how to get what you want. Your attitude and presence may be intimidating, but it makes you a better person and someone that others look up to.

MOSTLY D'S: You Are SOO JOO PARK

via www.lifeandtimes.com

You live to be different and play with the various assets of your personality. People consider you to be unique and envy your propensity to take a risk and set yourself apart from the crowd. You're the girl that stands out in a crowd and that no one can miss because of your infectious personality and killer style.