Sexy Sells: Too Much Or Not Enough?

Everyone has heard the words “sex sells,” but when does that line get crossed in the name of art? The August Elle brings this burning question to mind. The issue features the lovely, and extremely attractive, forces that are Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis. But were the clothes, and poses, borderline too sexy?

The answer really is quite simple in my opinion, no. This is not too sexy for a couple of reasons. First, this editorial was a refreshing breath from the stiff and cold Sarah Jessica Parker Vogue shoot. This was real, and the chemistry between Timberlake and Kunis is unmatched. Second, I believe that this is the epitome of Kunis. She has grown into an international sex symbol. Kunis is not Jackie Burkhart from “That 70’s Show” anymore. She is, for a lack of a better word, hot. These pictures just go along with the Kunis we all see and love now. Third, the artistic development of the pictures is simply breathtaking. They tell a story. Each photo creates a scene, an aspect of life, for the consumer to see.

There is the flip side though. There are provocative poses, and clothes that leave little to the imagination. You can almost feel the sex oozing from the pages. But, in a world full of sex is this just normal now?

So, the point is, were these pictures too sexy, or still not enough?

You tell us.

Text Dalton Brasington

Lara Stone Rubs Shoulders With Justin Timberlake in Vanity Fair

Justin Timberlake lounges around in a jacket and pants by Tommy Hilfiger, gazing into the eyes of the beholder of this month's Vanity Fair. Turn to page 147 and you'll see the beautifully captured photos and article about Timberlake turning 30 and describing how he is " a very different person now" after garnering speed in music and film. The article starts of a day in the life of, and then makes mention of his exercise routine, ex-flame Jessica Biel, success in the movie business and his prime membership in the boy band Nsync. Lara Stone appears in the feature created in Rancho Mirage, California. He is the star of the shoot while the Dutch model lounges around in the background in Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, Tommy Hilfiger and Fendi. What a lucky duck! Stone is known for her trademark gap between her front teeth, Calvin Klein ads, and being dubbed "The Anti-Model" by Cathy Horyn of the New York Times.

Text Joann Pan
Source(s): Vanity Fair, Models.com

Open Letter to Justin Timberlake

Dear Justin,

Although I swore allegiance to the Backstreet Boys during a particularly memorable sleepover in 4th grade, during the course of which I also played “light as a feather, stiff as a board,” and put the underwear of the first girl to fall asleep into the freezer, I have to confess that there was also a special place in my heart for you. If I’m being perfectly honest though, I still don’t understand what the deal was with your frosted Jeri curl. But I digress. You were great in Nsync and perhaps even better solo, but I cannot, in good faith support your decisions to either 1. Try your hand at acting or 2. Try your hand at designing. In regards to the second offense, I firmly believe that your collaboration with your childhood friend Trace Ayala on William Rast never should have happened. I mostly try to pretend it didn’t but on occasion this fantasy cannot be maintained; like today, when I found out that your line will be featured as one of Target’s designer collections. Being in the company of Proenza Schouler and Zac Posen is not to be taken lightly; and while some may fight to be first in line on December 19th when the collection [which will feature outerwear and sportswear for both men and women] makes its debut, I will not. Please do not send the customary response written by your PR assistant like last time.

Love,

Jess xoxo

By Jessica Best

A Different Kind of Fashion Show

Whether you live in the City or you will be visiting this summer, New York has a ton of fashion exhibits to check out. You really cannot afford not to go museum hopping.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art; The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion (through Aug. 9)
Marc Jacobs and Justin Timberlake chaired this exhibit (and, of course, Ms. Wintour) and boy oh boy, if you want to see some amazing fashion photography, this is the show to see. If anything, it will make you long for Linda and Cindy.

Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology; Isabel Toledo: Fashion from the Inside Out (through Sept. 26)
If your are a fashion fan who loves detailed craftsmanship, then this is a must-see. The exhibit highlights Toledo's daring fashion choices from her bold architectural couture to Michelle Obama's lemongrass coat.

International Center of Photography; Avedon Fashion 1944-2000 (through Sept. 6)
You literally could be clueless about fashion (but why would you since you read Chaos?) and still enjoy this exhibit. Richard. Avedon. Enough said.

If you can't make it to any of these shows then you can contact each of these museums for catalogs. However, I have a feeling if you do purchase one, it will wind up heavily thumbed on your cocktail table.