The Lingering Questions Of 2012

Image via Complex Original

Can The Fashion Press Make Somebody A Pop Star?

If you were a deaf person who only read fashion blogs and magazines, you’d probably think that artists like Theophilus London, Sky Ferreira and Azealia Banks are the biggest stars in the world. The deaf part is not because the music those guys make is bad, but because it’s not nearly as ubiquitous as their attendance at every fashion event, their many editorial spreads and adoring blog posts suggest. None of these artists have really crossed over to mainstream success—which, admittedly, for people not named Adele or Mumford & Sons isn’t really all that impressive anymore anyway. Does the fashion press have any sway over how the general public allots its iTunes budget? And do they care or are they just happy to have people who seem nice and look cool and can fit a sample size? It seems like it’s the latter, although I’d be willing to bet that if they don’t start making some noise outside of their niche, their front row spots might not be as safe a bet as they are now.

What Ladies’ Piece Will Kanye Wear Next?

Kanye West is no stranger to women’s fashion. From his Hidenburg-esque Paris runway show to realizing Ryan Seacrest’s wet-dream by cleaning out Kim’s closet in front of E! cameras, Kanye has shown that his love for women’s RTW isn’t a passing phase. He also showed that his love for wearing women’s RTW isn’t a passing phase, following up his infamous Coachella Celine blouse with a leather skirt several times this year, most notably at the Hurricane Sandy relief concert. And yes, we know it’s a kilt, but in the eyes of the general viewing public, he may as well have been wearing a tutu. So what’s next for Mr. West? I’m guessing something sheer, which would be chilling for both ‘Ye and us.

Which New Magazines Will Make It?

We’ve been hearing about the death of print since the days of the AOL screen name and some titles have definitely been affected this year by the audience shift online (see Newsweek, SPIN, etc). Even the just-announced acquisition of i-D by Vice has very clear goals for beefing up their online presence, without taking from print for now. Still, there are some hopefuls who are off to the kind of start that makes you think they’ll be around for a while. Obviously, CR Fashion Book has the clout of a Carine Roitfeld production. And on the men’s side Man of the World is the type of expensive looking glossy that was placed on the endangered species list.  We’ve only seen one issue of each, but a world in which magazines are printed quarterly or seasonally is definitely more appealing than one where they’re not printed at all.

Are We Really Wearing Bucket Hats?

You may think of bucket hats as something that brings people together, a sartorial common denominator that’s been worn by everyone from Ghostface to the Gorton’s Fisherman. But they also make you look like a goon/old man, and you can’t wear them without a beard. This is the type of exclusionary garment that has no place in Barack Obama’s America. It’s only a matter of time before we Occupy L.L. Bean.

Speaking Of President Obama, When Will He Finally Learn To Dress Himself?

Everyone loves Michelle Obama’s warm embrace of fashion, but what about her other half, otherwise known the Leader of the Free World and the Man in the Two Sizes Too Big Suit? Mr. President, you don’t have to worry about being re-elected anymore! You’re in! So drop some cash and treat yourself.  Be as elite as you want to be. Just have Anna call in something fancy that actually fits you and watch all the problems of the world solve themselves with a wave of your arm. Your arm which, by the way, will be showing just the right amount of cuff under your jacket.

Why The Fuck Did Dover Street Market Choose Murray Hill?

Dover Street Market in London is one of the best stores in the world. On my last trip to London in November, I specifically booked a hotel that was nearby just so I knew I’d have time to wander floor after floor of all of the amazing wares they display inside. So I was psyched when plans were announced to open a New York location. And then really confused when I found out that they chose to open in Murray Hill, home to some of the douchiest bars in the city and many of the douchiest people, too. I mean, what’s next? Colette in Yorkville? Tres Bien Shop in Hoboken? Before your mind explodes with visions of bros taking pickle back shots in Comme des Garcons, while their girlfriends sing along to Journey wearing Jil Sander under their North Face fleece, trust in the DSM team to repeat the success of their other locations and create a store worth visiting despite its address.  Because otherwise, I can only go to Murray Hill every so often.

What Is The Fiscal Cliff?

You know what? I don’t care. Everyone gets to be willfully ignorant about one important thing, and since I finally started watching Homeland, I’m choosing the fiscal cliff as the new conversation topic during which I will take out my phone and pretend to text people.