So I watched the Fashion Police comment on the outfits at the Grammys the other night. As a reminder, it is Joan Rivers, her daughter, some guy, and a third guy who was evidently a special guest.
I don’t know much about fashion, but I assume there is some theory behind it. However, I couldn’t confirm this by watching the Fashion Police. Basically, the program consisted of the commentators picking items from each celeb’s outfit and saying that they liked it or that they didn’t. If there were an obvious insult to be made, they usually would make it. This was punctuated by Joan saying things like, “This is the Grammys,” or, “This outfit is a Grammys outfit.”
What were completely lacking were statement about why an outfit didn’t work, why this should or should not go with that, etc. In other words, there was no theory of fashion being applied in order to analyze the wardrobes.
So I must ask: This isn’t the height of fashion criticism, is it? Are there places I can look to see what competent fashion criticism is? Help!
If you mean, fashion advice for the average person, try the What Not to Wear websites (american and brit versions). There is a lot of information on fit and shape that is very good basic advice.
This doesn’t translate over to high couture. Remember, when you see awards shows, those women (and some men) did not just go look in their closets to see what looked suitable. Dressing for these events is a project, with professionals adivsing on every detail.
That means that even the “bad” looks were put together by someone who is a professional in the industry. If they don’t know better, seems kind of hopeless for us, doesn’t it. Or, to look at it another way, maybe you can just trust your own taste.
Personally, I’m tired of the naked look. I long for the classically glamorous dresses. I want them to take my breath away.
I’ve come to think of this show (besides that the idea has worn thin by now) as more a way of validating to the audience that “not, it isn’t just you, that outfit WAS horrible”. Besides, it provides an excuse for “safe” celebrity-heckling (since they’re dissing their outfits, not their morals or talent), and nothing pleases the masses more than seeing the greats be fallible.
Sorry about that–I was hoping for a rather than a I apologize for any offense.
I had some inkling to that effect. It seems like there should be more substance to the criticism than what one personally did or didn’t find pleasing. It kind of reminds me of Steve Martin’s piece from Cruel Shoes, “Review of Winslow Homer Show at L.A. County Art Museum,” which is just a page of the book scrawled with graffitti like “Homer sucks!”
Though, if it is just a way for the hoi polloi to bash the famous, then the show is spot on.
No offense taken – I was just disappointed. (“The high-water pants have got to go! Lose the suspenders! All that outfit needs is a beanie with a rotor!” etc.) I think I’d give wonderful advice, and am distraught that my career as a fashion commentator is over before it began.
Responding to your “That was a Grammy outfit” statement, some groups and some events have completely different “rules of fashion engagement” than the more formal outings, like the Academy Awards or even a very formal dinner. Rockers are expected to be on the edge (or over it, for many) and therefore, wild and racey outfits are encouraged. But you have to follow a more conservative trend for the formal stuff. Some people don’t see the difference between the two, some don’t care. And I think some wear crappy outfits just to get the airtime from Joan Rivers & Co. I agree with whoever said they were looking for a more grand look in fashion. It’s a pendulum. Sooner or later, it’s going to swing back.
