Lucy: What do you think of this image?

'Fiction Noire' shoot by Steven Klein for Vogue France. 
For more of the images: http://www.hautfashion.com/fashion-photography/lara-stone-fiction-noire

Published in February 2009 issue.

I chose this because I think it is over the top. In fact, I'd say that this image makes the model look more like a prostitute than an attractive woman. This is enhanced by how she has composed herself on the bed along with the fact she is chained to the bed. Also, the addition of the male model in the cage behind is quite controversial as it gives the idea of being 'chained up' as relating relate to animalistic.

Lucy: Oversized Models.

When we discussed these ideas, I instantly remembered watching 'Beauty & The Beast: The Ugly Face of Prejudice' on Channel 4 and recalling an interview with a model who managed to break into the industry despite being of a taller, bigger and more curvaceous frame unlike other models. I am pretty certain the person being interviewed was Sophie Dahl, who was the first size 14 model to make it into the modelling industry.

Spotted by Isabella Blow- a Vogue stylist- she was later signed onto top modelling agency, 'Storm' and through this, Dahl became well renowned for her different look and as a result was used in various shoots and she made the headlines when she agreed to be the main model in a billboard campaign for Yves St Laurent.

Nowadays, Sophie Dahl is an author rather than a model and spends her time writing cookbooks. Since coming out of modelling, she has lost weight and is of a smaller frame.

If she looked bigger in the image, I would say it could count as being quite controversial. However, as you can see, she doesn't exactly look unflattering. What do you guys think?

Kelly's Idea's

Here a few other idea's that we discussed in our group meeting that we could possibly think about & research leading from Lucy's image,

- oversized models

- black models

- natural women

- fashion photographers

- vogue (french, british, american etc)

- time line of vogue covers.

Lucy: David La Chapelle.

I remember this image coming across in a lecture and people having mixed thoughts on what it was portraying. I would say this is a pretty good example of controversial photography.

This image of Amanda Lapore has made me wonder if David La Chapelle produced any other photographs which are in the same league of controversy as this?

Although I dislike this image, I think it is a perfect example of what should be classed as controversial. It is very sexual, almost too sexual for it's own good. I personally feel it shows Amanda Lapore in a negative light. From the considered positioning and slicing of the melon and the confidence shown in her pose, I get the impression that she does not particularly care about the fact she is baring all to the world. I also feel that the lack of self-respect makes me, as a woman, feel uncomfortable and therefore, could cause men to make general judgement that women all behave in this manner- which obviously they do not.