Wednesday 1 January 2014

Happy 2014!

It's that time of the year again, when we make new resolutions about all kinds of stuff. The wish list may be short or long but is it achievable? How many of last year's resolutions did we manage to fulfill? I always write them on the first page of my diary to make sure I go back to the list from time to time. 



Getty Images



It's all about making the most of life, like a good surfer, the main point is to keep the balance no matter how strong the wave is. Even if you find yourself landing flat on the shore or falling on the ocean without being able to breath, sooner or later the tide will change.

The fear of falling may be as overwhelming as the desire to be on top, but at the end of the day it doesn't really matter where you find yourself in; as Ernest Hemingway said "it is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end." 


Gemma Ward photographed by Corinne Day for Vogue UK, July 2006
Gemma Ward photographed by Corinne Day for Vogue UK, July 2006


This may seem like common sense but as David Bailey said on the presentation of his forthcoming exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, "common sense is not that common anymore." Today I've watched the Bling Ring directed by Sofia Coppola. She's remarkable when is comes to depicting the naivety of youth, it's all about having fun without malice or awareness of consequences.

This film, based on true events, reveals a dark corner of the fashion industry boosted by celebrity endorsements. This phenomenon has spiraled out of control to the point of becoming detrimental to an emerging generation who just wants to be rich and famous. The lack of common sense couldn't be any more evident.




   



But it's important to be aware that "fame or infamy are basic human reactions to desiring the simple thing we all want. To be told we are great, to be told we are needed and to be told we are loved." Nick Knight writes these words on the introduction to Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore! book.

But do we actually tell people they're great? Do we tell them they're needed? Do we tell them they're loved? Certainly not often enough. And the world definitely needs more love among individuals, communities and countries. When the Dalai Lama visited New York he remarked: "millions of people living together and there's so much loneliness." May we all be able to enjoy paddling through the waves with grace and love! Happy 2014! 



Kirsten Dunst for Prada ad campaign and Rihanna for Balmain ad campaign
Kirsten Dunst for Prada and Rihanna for Balmain (ad campaigns)



Other related blog posts:
Cannes Festival Style 2013
Happy 2013!
Looking Forward to Bailey's Stardust!