Are the Worlds of Fashion and the Music about to Collide?

A somewhat far-fetched story recently reported in the Daily Star has made Luxe Models wonder whether the worlds of fashion and music are about to collide in a way we never could have imagined. 

The X Factor effect

As much as it sometimes pains us to admit it, The X Factor has changed the face of modern music. The Simon Cowell creation has further commercialised an industry that we didn’t think could possibly be commercialised any further than it already had been after its bubble-gum pop days in the late 1990’s.

One of the reasons The X Factor has been such a hit is that it turns the relationship between its judges into a circus. We all remember the Sharon vs. Danni, the Cheryl vs. Danni, the Cheryl vs. Mel B, the Sharon vs. Louis and the Simon vs. everyone sagas. Shows like The X Factor are more likely to make stars out of their judges than the people who actually use them as a launch pad into the world of showbiz.

Kate Moss could be a judge on The X Factor

But it’s a symbiotic relationship. The show relies on the star power of its judges just as much as those who man its panel rely on its power to turn them into stars. That’s why every time The X Factor hits its latest ratings slump, the show’s execs decide that it’s time to shake up the judging panel.

The X Factor was pounded in the ratings last year. So now every tabloid across the UK is speculating who’ll be added to the show’s judging panel for its next run. A lot of names have been thrown into the ring so far (as usual), including Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora. The most surprising name is Kate Moss, who has been touted as an assistant judge that could help Grimshaw at the judge’s houses stage of the competition.

This is a really bad idea

Let Luxe Models tell you why this is a really bad idea. We adore Kate Moss. She is arguably the most famous super model the world has ever known, and she’s sparked more fashion trends than Madonna, Anna Wintour and Jackie Kennedy combined.

Yet she isn’t a music industry professional. She has no experience in this field and would be a disaster of a judge. If you don’t believe us, why don’t you look at a similar shock Simon Cowell hire; Ellen DeGeneres as a judge for American Idol. It generated a tonne of press but once she started the job it quickly became obvious that she had no idea what she was doing. Needless to say, she didn’t return the next season.

This is one way fashion and music shouldn’t collide

OK this isn’t quite the same thing but the point stands. There are many amazing ways that fashion and music have collided to create something incredibly beautiful. We don’t believe that hiring Kate Moss to judge the public’s singing ability would be one of them. Like DeGeneres time on Idol, it’d be nothing more than a publicity stunt. 

For more stories like this, be sure to stay in touch with Luxe Models on Ello. 

Is Taylor Swift Starting to Take Herself Too Seriously?

Taylor Swift’s recent decision to trademark phrases from new album 1989 has prompted Luxe Models to ask this week; is Taylor Swift starting to take herself too seriously?

The Year of Taylor Swift

2014 was the year of Taylor Swift. The former country music starlet has always had a rabid fan base, but the release of her latest album 1989 has catapulted her to into the realm of pop superstardom.

As such Swift has become a role model for women around the world. We’ve welcomed this here at Luxe Models. The ‘Shake it Off’ singer’s penchant for simple yet elegant fashion is one that translates on a universal scale. Anyone can pull off the Taylor Swift look.

Is Taylor as Down to Earth as she’s Always Seemed?

That relatability is the reason so many people like Taylor Swift. She’s the down to earth nice girl of pop and in an industry often characterised by glamour and seduction, she often proves a refreshing change of pace.

Yet Swift’s down to earth temperament has come under doubt as of late due to her latest decision. One that seems more characteristic of Madonna or Mariah than the former Nashville darling. According to Digital Spy, Swift has decided to trademark certain phrases that feature in songs from 1989.

Protecting the Brand

According to legal database Justia, Swift has applied to the US government to legally trademark a range of phrases. These include 'Party Like its 1989,'  'This Sick Beat,' 'Cause We Never Go Out of Style,' 'Nice to Meet You, Where You Been?' and 'Could Show You Incredible Things.'

Swift has taken this step to protect her brand. Trademarking these phrases will prevent others from using them for marketing purposes. It will, for example, stop them featuring the phrases on products such as Christmas stockings, whalebone and removal tattoos and guitar straps, as well as whips, saddlery, pot holders, typewriters and non-medicated toiletries.

She’s Gone too Far This Time

Swift hasn’t done anything unusual. Pop stars use trademarking every day as a way to protect their brand. However, usually they limit it to album titles, song titles etc.

Trademarking a phrase just seems like a step too far. Is Taylor Swift so desperate to safeguard her brand that she feels the need to ensure people don’t have permission to use certain sentences? If so then yes, maybe the ‘Blank Space’ crooner really is starting to take herself too seriously! 

Taylor Swift Bans Music From Spotify

Swifties including Luxe Models were left severely disappointed last week, when the woman herself decided to ban her music from Spotify.

Swiftie: Fan of Taylor Swift

Yes, Luxe Models are self-proclaimed Swifties and proud of it. For those of you not familiar with the term, it’s a word used to describe fans of pop star Taylor Swift.

Originally known for her passionate country music efforts, Swift has steadily been gaining a reputation recently for her ability to craft a killer pop tune. She’s also got a fabulous sense of style, and we worship at her altar. She manages to combine glamour with demureness; something quite rare for the modern pop star, and which we respect.

A Pop Music Heavyweight

Swift’s mission to rebrand herself as a pop music heavyweight stepped up several gears recently with the release of new album 1989, and lead single, ‘Shake It Off.’ As you can imagine, they’ve both sold phenomenally well, and topped various charts across the world.

Which is why it seems odd that Taylor would take any step which could alienate her fans. Nevertheless, it appears that she has taken one, as she has decided to withdraw her tracks frommusic-streaming service Spotify.

Not Willing to contribute Life’s Work to an Experiment

Speaking on the decision to Yahoo News, Swift said that: "All I can say is that music is changing so quickly, and the landscape of the music industry itself is changing so quickly, that everything new, like Spotify, all feels to me a bit like a grand experiment.

And I'm not willing to contribute my life's work to an experiment that I don't feel fairly compensates the writers, producers, artists, and creators of this music. And I just don't agree with perpetuating the perception that music has no value and should be free.

How Will She Shake That Off?

She kind of makes a valid point. Working in the fashion industry, Luxe Models can’t imagine what would happen if a designer, for example, went unpaid for their art. Nevertheless, as Taylor points out, the music industry is changing, and it just may leave her in the dust. How will she shake that off?

Luxe Models’ music festival checklist

Here at Luxe Models we love a good music festival. The music, the atmosphere, the wellies, the mud - actually scrap that last one - we love it all!

As summer slowly but surely approaches, and we gradually say goodbye to short days and long nights, it’s finally time to start getting excited about those weekend breaks. And what better way to spend a weekend in the summer, than in a messy tent in the middle of a field.

The British music festival has been around for a good while now, growing in popularity to the point where it’s almost impossible to choose. There’s Glastonbury, Leeds & Reading, V Festival, T In The Park, Bestival, Green Man, Isle of Wight, Wireless, Hop Farm, 2000trees, Global Gathering and Parklife – and we still haven’t even scratched the surface. There’s just too many to choose from.

But if you do manage to pick a weekend, then perhaps it’s time to start thinking about the important things, what on earth are you going to wear? What are you going to take? But before you go into a blind panic and find yourself hours later crying into a pair of your old hot-pants, here’s a few tips to make your 2014 festival experience that little bit easier. Here’s Luxe Models’ must have festival supplies…

Wellies  

Let’s kick off with the obvious one. Wellies. You don’t always need them, but if the rain starts falling and you haven’t got a pair, then you’re in for one bumpy festival experience. But wellies aren't just a necessity, they’re also a fashion must have for festivals, so making sure you've got a good pair is the first port of call. By taking a look at what clothes you’ll be taking and what goes with what, you will be able to choose a pair of boots that match your summer style. Sure bright pink ones might look cool in the shop, but they also might stick out like a sore thumb.

We suggest checking out Joules.com for some of the best wellies we've ever seen.

Sunglasses 

You've got a pair somewhere. Hidden in a draw or at the bottom of your bag. But just how nice are your sunglasses really? We've been to festivals in the past only to find a smashed pair of shades in the bottom of a ram-packed rucksack. And you don’t want that, trust us! We whole-heartedly recommend buying a couple of pair of inexpensive sunglasses and getting a case to keep them in. A back up pair is not only a life saver if you lose one in the arena, but they’re also a brilliant way to change up your look.

We suggest having a look on ASOS. As their range of great-value shades is just amazing. 

Bag

Although having a large backpack might not be the most luxurious fashion item ever, having a way to transport your supplies and secure your valuables is not something you can ignore. But then again, luggage needn't look too bad.

We suggest checking out Surfdome’s extensive collection of unique backpacks and bags.

Speakers

Music is everywhere at festivals, it’s unavoidable. But sometimes it’s nice to have a little more control over proceedings. Perhaps you want to pump the breaks a bit and put on some relaxing Barry White, or even just put on some tunes in the morning to get you in the mood, either way, having some speakers is a great idea. But being short on space, size is of the up-most importance. That’s where Bluetooth speakers come in handy. Ranging from £10 to £200, Bluetooth speakers are wireless, very small and depending on the product, normally produce great quality sound. We recommend the ‘Pill 2.0’ from Beats by Dr Dre (£169) for the very best portable music experience or the Goji Stryder wireless speaker (£19.97) as a more affordable alternative.

Visit Currys for more portable speaker options.

Phone charger

Staying in touch with your family whilst at the same time uploading those festival photos to Facebook without power can be infuriating. But it needn't be. You should be able to get in contact with your friends if you get lost in the dance tent or phone up your sister when your favourite song comes on. But sadly there’s only so much battery life. For all you iPhone users out there who struggle to get through the day without running out of juice then listen up, because all is not lost. Portable charge devices do exist and they are an absolute life saver. Take the Techlink Recharge 10000 for example. After powering up before you head off, the Techlink can charge up to two apple devices at once and can be used multiple times - making sure you don’t get cut off.

Find a full range of iPhone portable chargers via the Apple website.

We hope this music festival guide has been in some way helpful and has given you a few ideas before you pack your tent. But just remember, mud sliding is never a good idea.

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