First Blog Post: Dissertation and IFCP Project

I have always been interested in controversial fashion imagery. Controversial images are usually darker and more eye-catching, more communicative, and utilise the technique of storytelling more than most. They have the potential to bring a level of artistry to a subject which may seem disconnected, and in my opinion are important in shocking people into truths which they may wish to deny.

This is why I chose to write my dissertation about Vogue Italia. Vogue Italia explores many controversial topics: from natural disaster, to racial condemnation, to plastic surgery, to sex. I am exploring through my dissertation the art direction in Vogue Italia specifically under the reign of Franca Sozzanni: analysing reactions to the work, and why this was her choice of style when it came to idea creation for the magazine. What this bought: positively or negatively.

My IFCP project links ideally to the aforementioned topic. My aspirational career goal is to be an art director, in which I can anchor my own usually dark, controversial and artistic style to work I produce. I knew I wanted to create a brief which would allow me to present this form of work in my final show, in the context of photoshoots, moving image, graphics and styling. Similarly to my dissertation, my final project will explore five controversial topics identified in the fashion medium of Vogue Italia, which I will then reinterpret and create from. I will present my work in an online studio, and bring in other contributors, and create a somewhat living article of the topics: think ShowStudio, or Nowness. I am very excited but also intimidated for the project. I have chosen something which is so up my street, and am in full control of`- but this means I will place a lot of pressure on myself to make it perfect. I always mention this issue when it comes to reflection, but I can't let my emotions and eye for perfection get the better of me if I don't want to become stagnant and anxiety ridden.