Guantanamo-Themed Party Sparks Controversy: The Coachella music festival is notorious for its debaucherous fashion-sponsored parties, but Flaunt magazine (in collaboration with nightclub Le Baron) seems to have taken the concept too far. They've announced an event themed around -- wait for it -- "New Guantanamo." According to Refinery 29, a release for the party says that the event “will feature playful torture.” Flaunt has since responded to the controversy with a statement to New York magazine’s Daily Intelligencer blog: “In its 15-year history, Flaunt has not shied away from controversy or provocation. We routinely cover topics of social and political contention…
Guantanamo has been controversial from its inception, and that an unresolved human rights issue is again fetching headlines is, in our opinion, true to our aims as a publication.” But it’s too late for many of the event’s sponsors, who are dropping their affiliations. Smashbox Studios will no longer sponsor the party. According to a statement from Smashbox released to press, "We were not informed of the inappropriate theme prior to the release of the invitation today. We feel strongly that even with a new event title, the feel good atmosphere of the party has been tainted.” Denim brand True Religion has also dropped its affiliations. [Fashionista]
British Vogue Teams with Equity: British Vogue has teamed up with actors’ union Equity to sign a ‘ten-point code’ to protect models at work. The agreement “stipulates that models hired by Vogue will not work longer than ten hours a day, will have adequate food provided and will not do any semi or fully nude shoots unless agreed in advance,” writes the magazine’s website. It also prohibits the use of models under 16 years old in shoots “representing adult models.” Other requirements “include mandatory breaks, changing rooms, transport, prompt payment and suitable temperatures for the clothing being modeled.” The code has only been adopted by British Vogue, with no word of other international editions signing on. [Vogue UK]
FLOTUS Growing Bangs: Michelle Obama is growing out her famed bangs. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly the FLOTUS elaborated on the horrible process of growing out one's bangs: “I’m like a girl," she said. "What’s next? We take it day by day. They’re starting to grow out, getting a little irritating.” [People StyleWatch]
