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I may have left the ‘young’ version of the fashionista world a few years ago now, but that sure as Prada doesn’t stop me from appreciating the young chicky babes doing the fashion scene so well. The recent movie and television awards season was a sheer bonanza in stylish eye candy for me. I may not be able to carry off an Hervé Léger bandage dress any more (not that I ever could) but I can absolutely stand in rapt appreciation at the be-wrapped bombshells rocking such skintight frocks – amongst other droolworthy ensembles.
It’s also age-revealing that whilst flicking through Ultimate Fashionista, I didn’t recognise half of the starlets featured. Shenae Grimes what? Lucy Hale who? Amanda Seyfriend when? Nevertheless. Fashion may be ageist in wearability, but an appreciation for it makes one feel young – and these [soon-to-be-A-List-I’m-sure] sapling poppets sure know how to fash-up. It’s a pleasure to be taken back on a journey through time to my own wannabe young fashionista days. It’s always nice to dream, non?
Ultimate Fashionista: The Young Hollywood Style Guide is certain to make any fashion-lover not only dream but drool. The younger set will adore the clothing, yes, but they will also love the peeks at their favourite stars, the inspirational photography and the About Me – Inside My Fashionable Life page, which can be customised by the seriously fashion-obsessed.
Opening with pages showcasing 30 high-stylin’ women under 30, 15 recognisable and 15 not-so-recognisable (to me, anyway) starlets parade their stuff, complete with fashion bios, which are actually interesting reading. I had a lot of fun revisiting my earlier days by voting for my favourite outfit on each page. Sigh.
The second chapter was even more appealing – featuring celebrity fashion lines and muses. Fashion lines include Nicole Richie of House of Harlow, Mary-Kate and Ashley of The Fashion Empire (and indeed it is), Gwen Stefani of L.A.M.B., Kate Moss for TopShop. Celebrity fashion muses include Blake Lively for Chanel. Emma Watson for Burberry. Elle Fanning for both Rodarte and Marc Jacobs (how did she land that double whammy?). Double sigh.
I’m also loving chapter three – From the Screen to Reality – featuring snapshots back in time and how fashion has been inspired by such legendary shows as The Brady Bunch and Bewitched – and how fashionable themes can be traced through many a movie – boyfriend dressing, rebel girls, futuristic.
Chapter four’s influential people is also a great read – with bios and interviews on style gurus from Vogue editor Anna Wintour to über stylist Rachel Zoe. Wannabe fashion stylists and designers will gag over chapter five, featuring expert advice, industry interviews and insider tips, all laid out with clean pages, great photography and room for notes.
Alana Wulff has created a truly enjoyable fashion compendium in Ultimate Fashionista. Yes, it’s aimed at the ‘young’ but it’s a really decent read for anyone interested in fashion (if you can ignore the About Me page). I must admit it didn’t leave me feeling as though I’d crashed a 20-something facebook party (as I expected it would) but instead left me stylistically satisfied, and an ombré shade of frock envy.
Can I triple sigh now?