1. Reactions to Amy Larocca’s profile of unlikely fashion mogul Jessica Simpson (“The $1 Billion Girl,†February 21–28), and the cover photograph of Simpson sporting an enormous blonde blowout, suggest that there are few people more likable in the entire garment industry. “Lookin’ good, Jessica!†applauded Us Weekly’s website, taking a break from dissecting Simpson’s love life. “[She] looks better than ever, touting super-duper teased hair and a svelte figure.†A range of outlets, from Time.com to People.com, highlighted (and hurrahed) her success. “Though in certain fashiony circles declaring your adoration of Jessica Simpson might be looked down upon, I don’t care,†wrote blogger Girl With a Satchel. “She’s great.†Even our commenters (and some of them are just not usually very nice) were charmed. “I read this article fully intending to come up with something bitchy to say in the comments, but you actually made me kinda like her,†wrote one.
2. Readers were also enthusiastic, if more thoughtful, about Robin Givhan’s examination of the fashion world’s relationship to race (“Why Fashion Keeps Tripping Over Race,†February 21–28). “Brilliantly written and provocative,†wrote Carlene Thomas-Bailey on the Guardian’s website. “As a black journalist myself, I particularly liked the section where she describes what it is like to be the only black editor, publicist, or fashion designer in the room.†“Givhan is really on here; you should read the whole piece,†Jezebel agreed. “If you really want to discuss why fashion keeps ‘tripping up’ over race, you have to discuss the impulses behind the fashion industry itself,†argued a nymag.com commenter. “One only needs to look back in history and realize that the foundation of the fashion industry is irrevocably tied to the profit system, and therefore to the exploitation of human beings at any cost.†“I can’t wait until the masses of plus-size, black, Hispanic women realize the power of their own voice and pocketbook,†added another. “I wonder why on earth should people expect fashion to be ‘diverse’?†countered a third. “High fashion is exclusive. It’s for tall, thin people with lots of money.â€
3. As for the feature on blogger-Âromantics Scott Schuman and Garance Doré (“The Street Is Their Oyster,†February 21–28), some readers were delighted by the street-style photographers. “I was an avid reader of each of their blogs, and when I figured out that they were together, I fell in love,†wrote reader Beck Hickey. Others less so. “It’s disgusting how controlling Scott is over Garance,†a commenter wrote. “So off-putting to see Garance be so weak and so open about it. Def not a role model for a strong woman.†Another snarked, “Sounds like a psychiatrist’s dream come true.â€
4. The fur-coat-and-bowler-hat ensemble Sean Lennon wore to Rebecca Minkoff’s runway show (for which he performed the music) earned him a highlight on the Cut blog—and some stinging rebukes from nymag.com commenters. “You’re trying too, too hard, mate,” wrote one. “It all looks so painfully contrived. Take it down a thousand, son.” Lennon himself took to the Cut to answer his critics: “It was my bloody job to dress crazy that day, and frankly I enjoyed it! I feel no need to apologize for dressing in a manner that you deem unacceptable for someone so despicable as myself. One need not be the most successful, or the most loved, or the most suave or the most handsome, just to wear a pink bow tie, a bowler, and an old coat. I will continue to make music and dress as I please. I wish you all luck in pursuing what must clearly be elevated and enlightened lifestyles.”
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