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Vice Blog

LFW: PRESS RELEASES VS. REALITY

Fashion Week press releases are totally ridiculous and full of overwrought hyperbole. It's as if the writers of these releases think fashion journalists don't have eyes or will believe anything they're told.

CAROLINE CHARLES

What the press release says: Manhattan, Palm Beach and 1960s chic. Modern shapes and sophisticated, grown-up glamor.

What reality says: If you've ever seen those Marks & Spencers ads with VV Brown and thought "that looks great, but it's just a little too cheap!," then I am the designer for you!

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CHRISTOPHER RAEBURN

What the press release says: Drawing inspiration from 1920s camouflage grading that was applied to battleships in order to confuse the enemy through vivid colors and twisting patterns, Raeburn presents a concise range of meticulously crafted and ethically intelligent jackets, bombers, parkas and windcheaters.

What reality says: I believe that fashion shouldn't be for the elite. That's why this year, I decided to borrow a bunch of clothes from my trip-hop loving cousin in Barcelona and display them here, juxtaposed against the glitzy backdrop of London Fashion Week.

PPQ

What the press release says: The Hassan collection is drawn from memories of a distant place in time. A dark evening over a cocktail somewhere far from anywhere. In cool cottons and spiced silks, a whole journey is adorned.

What reality says: Look down.

JAMES HILLMAN

What the press release says: Hillman's research led to him being specifically inspired by the 59 Bike Club and an admiration for the clean and simple elements of the teddy boy's tailored look. He found the clothing shapes of both of these sources to be very similar to the biker look: Both square and very masculine.

What reality says: You know what? Fuck Sacha Baron Cohen. I've devoted my entire life to reinventing the fashion wheel and that asshole comes along with his shitty Bruno movie and undoes all of my hard work in 90 minutes. So for the LAST TIME: no, I am NOT joking, I really do think this is worth displaying in public.

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MATTHEW WILLIAMSON

What the press release says: My storyboard is a girl marooned on a deserted island, she has her western wardrobe and over time she becomes one with nature, picking up organic textures and materials.

What reality says: This season, I began to think about the concept of the second chance. And I wanted to ask myself, "If it were 2004, and I were Sienna Miller, and I had a second chance to attend the premiere of Alfie, what would I wear?."

BRYCE AIME

What the press release says: Bryce Aime takes us on a journey through the Far East with his colorful new collection for Spring/Summer 11. Inspiration for this collection is drawn from traditional Japanese Kabuki costume and the vibrant aesthetic of Beijing Opera.

What reality says: If the hanging spider plant from my grandma's kitchen was a person, what would it wear to the beach?

CARLOTTA ACTIS BARONE

What the press release says: Carlotta's designing is always political in direction and focused on true social matters. This collection is based on the fight against racism, particularly on the deportation of Africans to America before the 1865 civil war. As Carlotta states as boldly as her powerful designs: "I protest against racism! This is my message, this is my fashion."

What reality says: LOL.

JAMIE LEE CURTIS TAETE