Fashion's Most Powerful Woman

I’ll be honest; I had never heard of Anna Wintour before, until I watched the 2004 documentary titled The September issue, which followed Vogue magazine’s biggest issue published in September each year. Inevitably, the coverage of this documentary included an exclusive sneak peek into the life of the most well respected (and feared) editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine – Anna Wintour

This pale skinned, small framed British lady looked very non-threatening to me, but once the documentary dived into the day-to-day events that led up to the publishing  of Vogue’s September issue, I saw a glimpse of what’s been written about this so called “ice queen”.  One has to understand that in the world of fashion; Vogue magazine is at the epicentre of it all, which makes Anna a ‘god’. One of the interviewees metaphorically described the fashion industry as a “religion”, with Vogue magazine as its Bible and Anna the high priestess. She’s a direct spoken woman, who on the outside seems very unassuming. She’s well-dressed of course, with her very meticulously styled hair, but I noticed by the way people interacted with her, that she has an aura about her – that you’ll naturally not mess with her – so the movie (apparently based on her) the Devil Wears Prada might not be an exaggeration from the truth? 

Anna’s influence in the fashion industry is undeniable, possibly unprecedented for a person who actually doesn’t design or make clothes. She gets to see top designer collections before anyone else, she works with the best of the best designers (Oscar de la Rente, Jean Paul Gutier, Versace etc), and her opinion is of such heavy influence that some designers are said to implement any changes she suggests.

 She is a perfectionist. When you work for a perfectionist your work has to be above par – all the time. That was clear as daylight to me, because in the documentary her staff were always busy, stressed and constantly on their toes. She’s supposedly the fur queen, and so naturally PETA isn’t a big fan of hers (or Kim K’s ), but when she attends fashion events or the like, and there are protesters outside raging in anger while hurling insults at her, one thing seemed apparent – she does not care. She is very unapologetic about her right to wear fur.

Anna Wintour inescapably  influences what will be in fashion, what will be worn as a trend, what women in Hollywood to high society women and to women who buy vogue will be wearing, she even influences what fashion retailers will be stocking and selling! That is power. Her influence extends to the world of politics as she is known to host very successful fundraising events for politicians (Barack Obama). The rumour mill is also a-buzz that President Barack Obama is considering this Editor-in-chief for the role of US Ambassador to Britain. Whether it’s true or not; it’s hard to deny that Anna Wintour is a publishing genius and an excellent business woman. 

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Top Five 2013 Celeb Fashion Trendsetters To Look Out For

Happy New Year everyone!!! I hope so far the year has been good, and that the implementation of new  year’s resolutions are already under way. With a new year, there's a lot to look forward to in the world of fashion (especially the big award ceremonies i.e Grammy's, Oscars, SAMAs etc), we look forward to the fashion hits and misses, and over the top fabulosity!!

I actually intended to put up a post on new  year’s eve, but I think that this one will be better. Last year, the following celebs really wowed us with their fashion sense and I seriously believe that this top five are THE people to look out for in 2013. They will keep us captivated with their swag, they will wow us and some will even make us want to get our hands on their fashion lines.

VICTORIA BECKHAM

At number one is Victoria “Vicky” Beckham. With her very own label; Victoria for me oozes sophistication. I love her choice of clothes because they accentuate her body ( and the celebs who are dressed by her). Her clothes have clean lines, and she really creates clothes that any woman would love to wear, and of course Vicky and those oober stilletoes she’s always wearing. Remember it was Mrs Beckham who brought back the big shades back into fashion (the ones she's rocking in this picture to the right), and  she set the cute boy cut bob trend too!

KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN

Even though she was pregnant at the beginning of last year, she still didn’t lose her fashion sense, she rocked fashion pregnant! I don’t know about you guys, but Kourtney just knows how to make simple clothes look gorge. Her style is simple….but she just puts it all together in such a way that it looks cool but elegant, plus Kourtney just has a way with accessories that when she puts an outfit together – it’s like a symphony. She's the best dressed Kardashian in my opinion!

KANYE WEST

The only male on my list. This might shock a few (maybe many), but Kanye is no ordinary  rapper, that’s for sure, and Kanye doesn’t dress like one (Ni**as In Paris music video a hint??)!! Kanye is definitely a trendsetter in my eyes, and his style not only stops in music his videos , but he follows through to his day-to-day wear. From his sneakers, to his chains, to his attitude – Kanye is the man – and his taste in fashion is of quite a refined taste – one you wouldn’t necessarily expect from a rapper, and it’s a good thing. For me Kanye is one notch up Pharrell and half a notch up David Beckham. Kanye oozes swag, and he’ll continue to do so this year.

BONANG MATHEBA

Fourth on my list is the only South African on my list (not that others aren’t worthy), but Bonang stands head and shoulders out of the rest (that I could’ve chosen for this list). One has to admit this : this honey knows how to dress! I salute her more for her red carpet looks that she rock so effortlessly, she has a great body that any fashion designer would love to work with. The gowns she’s been wearing on Top Billing have been absolutely stunning, and I also give a heads up to Gert, they both make a wonderful fashion team.

SOLANGE KNOWLES

Last, but definitely not least, is Beyonce’s younger sister. Aah Solange! Never the one to follow  trends I tell you! She made short hair look good, then she made us want to rock our afros, then she made us want to rock long thick braids. She is the retro-style icon who never shy’s away from bright colours , Solange definitely gets 10/10 as a fashionista!! Remember she rocked clothes designed by SA designers when she did the cover for Elle South African and also for her music video Losing You (shot in Cape Town). I have no doubt Solange will definitely make fashion headlines this year as well, and she will continue to solidify my fashion allegiance to her J