I read a very interesting article about style rookie, one of the most influential fashion bloggers and style icons at the moment, in the City newspaper last week. Tavi Gevinson, the American girl behind the blog, is often considered the new wunderkind in the fashion industry as she is she is only 13 years old but has an amazing sense of style and professional knowledge. She even sat front row at New York fashion week and was on the red carpet of this year’s Academy Awards.
Adrianna Jalming, the writer of the article in the City newspaper, is of the opinion that there must be something wrong in the fashion industry if a 13-year old child is one of the greatest fashion icons. She thinks that the hype about style rookie is really crazy and reflects today’s youth-obsessed beauty ideal.
I agree on that point. Sure, Tavi has a really professional knowledge regarding fashion but in the end she is still a child. I think the look of a child shouldn’t be considered a hip and cool style as it emphasises unrealistic beauty ideals such as skinny and never-aging bodies.
I am 26 and during the last year I had to realise that I got my first wrinkles. I hate them! I always remove them on pictures. I know it is ridiculous but it is really hard to ignore beauty ideals and just do your own thing although you know how stupid these ideas of marvellous bodies actually are.
Most people who try to ignore beauty ideals fail. Charlotte Roche, a German-British television presenter and author, often was on TV with hairy armpits. She was attacked so much by the media that she started to shave her armpits because she couldn’t handle the mean critique anymore.
Regarding my first wrinkles, I started to convince myself that they don’t represent something ugly of me. They rather show that I am a person who has fun in life and likes to laugh. They might even unveil that I work hard and reflect on lots of things.
It’s cool that Tavi is so interested in fashion but I think it’s poor that so many people treat a child like the new style god who shows us the way.
amazing sense of style? looks like she got caught up in a fishing net and then someone threw a bow on top.
Report abuse »
Aw. Wrinkles are beautiful if they’re from laughter, or ugly from too much worrying. I believe the same perspective is applicable to our fashion: it’s partly confidence which allows someone to incorporate an interesting or creative fashion choice which sets them apart from the pack.
Report abuse »
A 26-year-old condemning a 13-year-old for being too young. LOL
Report abuse »
it is TAVI.
Report abuse »
@ reader: oops! thx!
Report abuse »
well her viewpoint, and rather refreshing, and alot of times fun look at the industry fashions is remarkable. But remember it’s not Tavi pushing herself, she simply articulates her thoughts and ideas on a blog. And she does it well, the important thing you should acknowledge is that people are paying attention. Many people, industry heavies, and stay at home mom’s. And that my dear is influence.. whether it is coming from a 13 year old “child” as you say, or an 80 year old grandma. I think her voice and perspective is unique, and the tragedy is that many people such as yourselves simply choose to dismiss it, because these musings and points of view are coming extraordinarly from a 13 year old. I’m sure glad no body to Mozart, or Chopin, or Picasso they were too young to do what they do…
Report abuse »
Wow… I never heard of her before, but her blog is very articulate and interesting, especially for a 13 year old. I am a bit concerned for her, especially barely having hit her teenage years and puberty. Being in the spotlight could be even more difficult. I hope her parents are looking out for her. It’s also a little disturbing that like you say, our fascination with her really shows how we worships youth culture.
Report abuse »
Illogical conclusion!
If you have followed Tavi or fashion at all, you’d understand that what this “child” is inspired by and writing about articulately enough to be noticed by the top names in the industry, is the ART behind the fashion. The mood and feelings that clothes can evoke.
“I think the look of a child shouldn’t be considered a hip and cool style as it emphasises unrealistic beauty ideals such as skinny and never-aging bodies.”
Have you seen her? Have you researched this at all? Tavi’s style more often than not, hides her body behind layers of fabric that are inspired by the actual runway, not the latest trickle-down slut wear that manages to find it’s way to the outlet mall nearest to you.
Like the fool pundits, you are getting hung up on her age and cannot see an excellent writer, critic and inspired fashionista. Forget the look of a child, and see the view of a person. This is why actual designers value her.
These commenters who have never heard of her! LOOK AT HER SITE before commenting! This is an entirely unique person that cannot be thrown into the “child” bin, as hard as this article tries to. Infuriating article.
Poor form!
Report abuse »
Thank you GillianG. You said everything I wanted to say and more. This article was a truly pathetic attempt at constructive criticism.
Report abuse »
Admin, hello! here are having problems with your site. malware warning Write me. icq 989567856647
Report abuse »
This is a worderful article!
Report abuse »
Look people, you really need to actually see her website before you even BEGIN to judge her for her age or whatever else. Clearly, if you think that “the look of a child shouldn’t be considered a hip and cool style as it emphasises unrealistic beauty ideals such as skinny and never-aging bodies,” you have never READ her blog, or SEEN the pictures of Tavi.
Personally, I don’t really like a lot of her clothes, but I respect her style and her insight. Tavi’s style is the antithesis of everything that is considered ‘hip’ or ‘cool’ – which by the way Ms. Author, you shouldn’t be using the word ‘hip’ if you really are 26 as you claim. This is why she is so extraordinarily unique, she goes against everything that teenage ideals, and even adult style.
I have no idea what you’re going on about with this ‘youth-obsessed beauty ideal’, because Tavi’s style is far from that. What Tavi is, is a refreshing new outlook on fashion and all that excitement and hype that dressing up for fun and falling in love with fashion. Stop judging her for her age and actually grow up.
Fashion or anything else really, shouldn’t be about age, it’s about an attitude, a look, a style that transcends everything, that makes people open their eyes and taken notice. Tavi has a voice, and people are willing to listen, regardless of her age.
Report abuse »
I think you are also confusing style blogger / style icon.
People value her opinion and she has great insight. People aren’t copying her style or trying to look like her. She’s not the new ‘beauty ideal’.
As was mentioned above – your critique lacks any research or comprehension.
Report abuse »
This article is GREAT it can be EXCELLENT JOB and what a great tool!
Report abuse »