Pretty Dazed?

AI Models. Are they the future? 

The short version... I don’t think this should be the future of fashion.

The long version...Sit tight kids, we’re going for a ride! 

It has become apparent that wanting virtual models to be pushed into every occupiable space in society is what has and will continue to become the norm. Much of my distaste comes from the idea that they could possibly take over the fashion industry. I mean who isn’t worried about that... after Ex-Machina, I think I’ve become a little paranoid. Can you blame me?  

Maybe, just maybe, we should consider where this leaves people from all walks of life, who, due to AI models being pushed in to a spot that human models could be navigating, will be left behind on the conveyor belt of unattainable opportunities.

But, I digress.

To concentrate specifically on the modelling industry, I worry that models will eventually become obsolete. Referring to my previous post titled “Is Fake The New Real?” Where I introduced three virtual models by the names of Shudu, Lilmiquela, and Opalsultuniverse, it seems that there has been an influx of interest in making more virtual models, and as per usual (or how I see it), at the expense of women models of colour. 

You would think that by now; just to remind you, the year is 2019, that we should have taken enormous strides towards an increase of models that represent the many people that walk the earth. 

Just to play devils advocate, Some may argue that this is in fact taking place with modelling agencies like Bitton, or even the creation of virtual models that represent more than a white face. However, for one, virtual models are still computer generated. Their idea comes from a place of a typical look that is admired, but not liked universally. 

Take Shudu. She has been created with the image of supermodels who look like Duckie Thot. Duckie, although a dark skinned, black woman, (black models who are darker skinned tend not to be given the same platform as their white or lighter skinned peers) is still within the standards of beautiful in the modelling industry. And so, leads on to my point. They are made to emulate what society upholds as "beautiful". Second, actual human POC that could be occupying spaces like the image above and serving as positive role models to future generations of models , can’t, which takes away another chance from human woman POC. This happens all too often in the cut throat industry of fashion. 

In regards to WOC, they are expected to be better than the norm just to get ahead. If hiring models of colour were the norm, we wouldn’t have this issue.

Third, the beauty standards within the modelling industry are very unhealthy and ridiculously unrealistic to many women. So it seems strange to me that these creators, although talented, can just bypass actual human beings. It pushes the narrative that fake is good, that what these CGI models have, you can have it too, and this quite simply, is not true. Unrealistic standards of beauty already exist a bit too prominently, so to add another element to make people compare themselves to, confuses me.

We then have to consider why the use of virtual models has become prominent. Is it due to the boundaries that virtual models push? Maybe because they are new and shiny? Does it give fashion designers and artists a new way to showcase work? Is it to diverge away from the cost of hiring a model and not having to bend and flex to their wants, needs and rights as human models?

I think it important to point out that the majority of these virtual models that I have seen, are women, AND POC? Again, I feel that this push to use POC virtual models takes away opportunities from those who are firstly, human, and secondly, who have worked hard continuously, only to to gain half of the accomplishments that a virtual model has, which is crazy to me!

This is why folks, representation matters! When you have representation not only on catwalks, in editorials, or in campaigns, but also in the agencies that actually hire the models that are to be showcased, there is a higher chance that models will be chosen that reflect a demographic wider than a white face. But there’s a way of doing it. Like maybe using real human POC? 

Thanks for reading my TEDtalk. 

Is Fake The New Real?

Instagram. I'm all for it! Although I don't post consistently on it, double tapping might as well be my best friend! But, the headline does give you a sense of what it's like on there from time to time; fake being real, and that's without me talking about the topic I actually have at hand.

If you use Instagram, which I'm guessing you probably do, we are continuously inundated with images of superficial happiness, seemingly un-achievable body types, and food that not only makes those body types difficult to achieve, nine times out of ten, the food is impossible to make and looks like a hot bowl of something inedible. *Sigh*. But in true Instagram fashion, something new seems to slowly becoming a trend and to be totally honest, I'm in two minds about it.

It's models. And I'm not talking about human models, although they can occasionally be problematic in themselves for many reasons. I'm talking about computer generated females that for a while had people stumped as to whether they were real or fake.

As per usual, I'm late to this, but these 'Com-Mods' as I like to call them, don clothing from brands some of us only dream of being able to afford, are photogenic to envious levels and seem to be able to pose for the godssss!

They are a particular type of art form. And that's why I have an appreciation for them. Additionally, since they are not human, the sky is the limit in regards to the content their creator posts; which can I say should be the case for all accounts. Plus, 'Com-Mods' are not new. Take Hatsune Miku, created in Japan as a humanoid persona, who quickly rose to fame as a musician. What I do find interesting is lilmiquela is also an artist and has been compared to Hatsune Miku. Maybe computer generated artists is the new direction of music? But I digress. When taking being an artist out of the equation, the stark difference between Hatsune Miku and both lilmiquela and opalslutuniverse is that the creators of the latter two have chosen to design them with the human form in mind.

This is where a part of me feels creeped out. I find it slightly disturbing that these accounts are gaining as much popularity are they are; I imagine this is a first for many in regards to how they are both marketed to emulate the lives of many, and people are intrigued and curious as the comments suggest. I also think that these pages will continue to perpetuate this standard image of women in regards to body types. One good thing I have to say is that both of the accounts host 'Com-Mods' of colour.

I do get it, times are changing and technology is progressing. I also understand that this type of art is fresh and inclusive of today's generation, i.e. me, because I am very much feeling the aesthetic of these two. What I not necessarily fear, but am concerned about is their lack of relatability in terms of how incredibly real they seem. I like being able to differentiate between real and fake. I like when social media influencers have a warm moment of realness with their followers, I admire when they share a period of reality of their "broadcast it to the world" life, how ever boring it may be for some. But I personally don't get that feeling from these accounts. To me, all the pop culture in the world could be pumped into it and I still get the sense of "this feels too fake, even for Instagram".

I guess all types of social media has a tendency to sweep people away in the moment and you don't really get a chance to break away from that until you realise that pleasing social media has become your main goal in life. I feel that these 'Com-Mods' are the new version of that. Whether or not everyone and their mother will have a 'Com-Mod' who knows. I could be over exaggerating. But one thing is for sure, 'Com-Mods' aren't going anywhere.

Carla Creary xo

*Disclaimer: All photos and videos for this post belong to their rightful owners. I do not own any of the attached images or videos.

On Point: 4 Shoes Giving Me Life!

For a long time I was TOTALLY against pointed shoes in any form; heeled, flat, wedge, you name it, I wasn't wearing it. I assumed that they had an effect of elongating my already, (in my mind) massive size 7 feet, which looking back, is ridiculous. I also deemed shoes donning a point to be "OTT"; a little too much.
Obviously, I'm a changed woman now. Pointed shoes are to me as Curry Goat is to us Jamaicans. Necessary.

Since it's winter right now, it's a risk to wear the two styles of ballet pumps featured below, but that doesn't mean I won't risk it all to look cute! Fashion is pain and all that right? With the pink ruffle ballet flats being super cute, and my favourite out of the lot, it would be a shame not to wear them through every season of the year. The green ballet flats are perfect for casual trips into town or hanging with your cat!
Finally, the two black pairs. The boots are stunning, but slightly weird to walk in, so caution is advised; she says after going to her brothers graduation in Nottingham, and stomping around all day in them! Alas, I love them and their lace up front. Plus they look great with a good jean. Likewise with the sling back heeled shoes. Great with jeans and can still be pulled off at work!

Now I feel like going shoe shopping. Because what's better than spending all of your money on shoes...? Nothing, nothing is better.

Carla Creary xo

5 Cheap Items That'll Jazz Up Your First Flat.

After graduating from university, a lot of "soon to be thrown into the world of work" young adults are faced with the decision of either moving back home with "The Rents", or struggling to figure out being independent and live alone. If the latter ends up being your chosen option, somehow, someway, you'll have to figure out decking out your sparkly new abode. It's a weird cross between not having to sell a kidney to get some cute trinkets, but not wanting to be forced to fill the gaps in your apartment with your thoughts. So to combat this, I have come up with five cheap and cheerful items that you probably shouldn't throw out in your post uni clear out, that will look amazing around your new space.

Fairy Lights

However "basic" you may think fairy lights are... you're right. I mean, every student and their dorm mates have them. But, for moving into a new space, they do create a warm, comforting atmosphere without having to really try too hard. They are also great for pre-bedtime reading if you're in to that like I am.

Posters

This one can be tricky since landlords tend to prohibit the usage of tacks or blue tack usage on the walls. But once you've found a way around that issue, posters can allow you to cheaply decorate the walls of your flat, allowing you to really put your stamp on the place. Again, this is an item that you would have come across whilst in uni at poster sales; I was that girl that was first to arrive and the last to leave, cause being indecisive took precedent over everything #priorities. 

Jam Jars

This one is really great since there are an abundance of usages for it. Glass jam jars; I typically like the type pictured below, tend to be thrown out after the contents has been consumed. However, by doing this a possible cup, candle holder or pen pot is being disposed of. I have many jam jars since strawberry jam is just amazing; and they are literally all over my flat, without it looking tacky of course. Basically my point is, save some money, keep your jam jars.

Small Ornaments

Small ornaments never fail when looking to adorn the rooms in your flat. These ones shown above I got while studying abroad in Japan. Small enough to show what I am interested in but big enough to not take up too much room.

*Sidenote: I say 'small' because, unless you are lucky, most newly renting adults only earn enough to rent a place just big enough to swing a cat. With that in mind, and including all the space you'll need to showcase the other crap you collected during your years of studying, small is probably for the best. Plus, small usually means cheap right?

Magazines

Now it doesn't necessarily have to be magazines. Books, records, manga, comics, DVDs, anything that can be stacked side by side, I personally find visually appealing. As a English Literature graduate, I have an extensive collection of reading material. Magazines and books just look incredibly great dotted around a home, like for instance, stacked on a coffee table. 

And there you have it. My five items that will have you spending less, because let's be honest, you've probably already spent the money you put aside for most of this stuff. But at least your place will be looking great at no extra cost!

Carla Creary xo 

#NepotismIsNotFashion.

Nepotism
/'nɛpətɪz(ə)m/

Noun
The practice among those with power or influence of favouring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.

While perusing on my Instagram feed on an uneventful Thursday afternoon filled with drinking gallons of tea, my eyes caught the attention of a post made by Vogue Magazine. The post features the August issue of the magazines front cover, with Malibu bred model Gigi Hadid and decathlete Ashton Eaton, in an attempt to bring both high fashion and the upcoming Rio Olympics, together. But in light of what Vogue is aiming to do, couldn’t a female athlete have taken Hadid’s place, which would have still brought about the same affect in allowing high fashion and sports to take center stage. One may disagree, stating that actually, since this is supposed to be a magazine that emphasises first and foremost, fashion, that including Hadid on the cover makes prominent the ‘high fashion’ atmosphere that Vogue exudes. However the comments section displayed anything but messages of congratulation for Hadid but rather the hash tag #NepotismIsNotFashion. 

Major sporting events, like the Olympics, are a huge way for not only athletes to show their patriotism by representing their country on the world stage, but also for them to be recognised within their own sport. Their performances during the Olympics have been the result of hours of daily training, which I think should be recognised by fashion magazines by allowing just athletes to feature on the cover. High fashion and sports can definitely mix without having a top model gracing the cover. But, I digress from the topic at hand. Nepotism is definitely not what fashion should be about. On the one hand, models, especially ones who are seen regularly, might be given opportunities based on favouritism. But I also think what needs to be taken into account is the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. Before models like Gigi Hadid and even Kendall Jenner were famous within the fashion industry, they would have had to display a level of zeal to the profession of a model, gain trust from designers and other models alike and would have had to learn the trade. Do I think that models that come from families who are already established within the public eye are more likely to succeed? Yes. They already have connections into the business and possibly have friends who are already in the industry to give them tips on how to make it. Do I also think this is fair? No. You should be selected on your ability. But, like I said before, I don’t think nepotism counts when the model gaining the job has gained it due to her prior display of a hard work ethic. As the public, we typically only see the outcome. Therefore, we rarely see the beginnings, and the graft that goes into creating the finished product.

One thing I am 100% certain I believe in is that the fashion industry does need to focus more on lesser known models, since they too have a lot to bring to the game.

Carla Creary xo