Category Archives: Photo-shoot

The Zilla Bag

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I read an interview in the Dossier Journal post on Sylvia Pichler and I want a Zilla bag!

Sylvia Pichler, an architect turned designer, uses sponge, cork , and other eco-friendly items to make her bags different from other designers. I think the versatility wins the likes of many customers, I know it won mine.

One part of the interview that I enjoyed reading is when Pichler defined the term Zilla and why she chose it as the name of her line:

“Zilla is an old female name that is very common in Alto Adige, she said, the old “zilla” used to knit and sew clothes and bags; I am sort of a contemporary “zilla.” “

And that she is!

I like when designers create a line that is not eponymous; at the same time creating  story to tell as to why their line is called what it’s called.  I think that in itself is creative. ( Even if a designer line is named after someone other than themselves is ingenious).

The term Zilla and the reasoning behind it is artistic as the product.

Pichler also  gave a succinct response when the interviewer asked “What does being in the fashion industry mean for you?” she replied, “for me, it means being ahead of the trends—to perceive the zeitgeist.”.

If Zilla bags are not of the times, I don’t know what is.

 

Stairs

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I like the use of stairs in photographs. That ascending or descending backdrop adds some type of flavor to the photo. What really makes the picture interesting is where the photographer chooses to place the subject.

One photo from Diane Von Furstenberg’s newsletter encouraged me to blog about the use of stairs in pictures.  In the  photo, the stairs look like they are a prop; nevertheless, help to enforce the designs on the girls dresses.

I realize that with stairs you have to be careful. It’s almost like using a wall. You have to like the color of the stairs the shape of the stairs and even the width.

Which leads me to talk about pictures from Michael Kors’ newsletters. In a few of his pictures, cement stairs are used. These stairs are not used as a prop even though they are in-sync with the model clothes.  The photographer gives the viewer the idea that the stairs are an after thought.  The model is walking pass the stairs as oppose to sitting on them. The stairs also seem like they are never-ending, almost like stairs in front of the Metropolitan museum or a court-house.

The Michael Kors’ pictures are different in that it almost tells a story. Unlike Diane Von Furstenberg’s models who are sitting down posing for the picture, Michael Kors’ model is walking with books in her hand while looking at a phone.

Michael Kors’ picture is similar to Kate Spade picture of Bryce Dallas Howard. Both subjects are doing something; however, in the Kate Spade picture, Howard is more laid back. She is having fun. The use of the stairs is more for a prop. It’s needed to bring the fun photo to justice. Howard is not just passing by a staircase, she’s hanging on the rail.

Stairs are source of inspiration and make photos more fun.