CLAIRE DANES FOR ASOS MAGAZINE

Some of you may well have seen this editorial when the May edition of ASOS Magazine popped through your letterbox this morning but I couldn't NOT post it here since Claire is my number 1 homegurl LIKE YOU DIDN'T ALL ALREADY KNOW (I only mention her in like every second post afterall...)

I'm thrilled to see 32-year-old Claire representing what I've always considered to be a very young, teen-targeted retailer like ASOS. Clearly still on her Homeland promo run, this latest editorial shows her at her best, looking relaxed, confident and radiant, and the accompanying interview - while not exactly ground-breaking - works well as a charming introduction for younger folk unfamiliar with her general awesomeness. I wish they hadn't made her talk about TOWIE though. She's cool and relevant enough without shoe-horning that pointless quip in.

Styling wise I would have changed up that first tank top in the cover shot though, and maybe replaced it with something floral...? Not into that motif thing. But other than that the looks are spot on, especially the hair and makeup.

Love ya Claire! And loving how amazingly that video links this post to my last :)

STELLA TENNANT FOR VOGUE ITALIA

Whilst in Venice last month, I picked myself up that iconic style bible that is Vogue Italia. Not just any old Vogue Italia, but the SEPTEMBER ISSUE of Vogue Italia. How many more times can I say Vogue Italia?

Anyway, Obviously it was the best 5 Euros I've ever spent in my puff! Absolutely massive, really more like a book than a magazine, it's totally packed to the rafters with the most stunning ads, editorials and features you've ever seen. Seriously.

None more so than the cover editorial of British model Stella Tennant channelling Ethel Granger - the woman who held the record for the smallest waist in the world - shot by Steven Meisel.

More ART than anything else, the collection of photos entitled The Discipline of Fashion are disturbing at first but ultimately I found them fascinating and beautiful. Now, I can't get enough of them:

(casually planking, obviously)

The original: Ethel Granger

Wait!! DON'T FREAK OUT like I did at first... Stella's waist isn't actually THAT tiny (though it is still really small) - it was actually photoshopped later to resemble Ethel's 13-incher. Ouchies!

Have a gander at the beautiful behind-the-scenes video for the shoot if you don't believe me.

What do you guys reckon about these photos. Creepy or strangely beautiful? I would never have said I was into extreme body-modification or whatevs, but something about the discipline and sheer determination taken to create this freaky look is pretty impressive. Respect.

No?