A Moment With:
Vogue Nippon and Vogue China's Gabriele Hackworthy
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
(NEW YORK) The Daily tracked down
Gabriele Hackworthy, fashion director at large for
Vogue Nippon and
Vogue China to get the scoop on the latest version of the style bible and the emerging fashion market in the Far East.
What is your vision for Vogue China?
"There were three things I wanted to achieve with the fashion and beauty imagery: to present Asian beauty with both a classic and avant-garde point of view, to establish a new benchmark for fashion magazines in China by using the world's best talent and to create inspiration and desire while educating the readers about international designers trends and style."
How do the China and Japan markets differ?
"On a very superficial level, both Japanese and Chinese women prefer a feminine fashion look. Sweet, girlish, Œkawaii, as they say in Japan.
Gemma Ward and
Kate Moss are the penultimate in both countries. I think vibrant and eclectic street fashion is a unique trend in Japan whereas street-style doesn't really exist yet in China. The Japanese readers prefer to see the most current western models where as Chinese readers prefer to see a mix of Chinese and western models."
Are you going to try to steer the focus more towards Asian models?
"Asian beauty is largely absent from fashion magazines, and we want to change the status quo. I think now is the right time for a new kind of beauty. We've been through the Brazilians, the Russians, and the Eastern European models. Asian girls now feel modern and fresh but they have an edge too-of course
Hye Park is already a poster girl for this next wave."
Which designers are most popular in China?
"Louis Vuitton and Dior."
Will you feature any Chinese designers?
"Yes, the launch issue features the new guard of Chinese designers. It will be important to support the local designers as the industry grows and this next generation will change the face of the textile industry in China with swings tags that read 'Designed in China' rather than 'Made in China.'"
What was the first thing you did when you moved into your office?
"I had it exorcised then rearranged the furniture."
Did you Feng Shui your office?
"I think it would be a little difficult to Feng Shui a shoe box."
What is always on your desk?
A world clock, three Rolodexes, and some Nuerofen PLUS."
Do you have a fashion trademark?
"Crippling shoes and a relentless black wardrobe. Thank God I'm back in fashion this season!"
Whose shoes would you want to walk in for a day?
"
Anna Wintour's."
Who's the hardest working editor?
"Anna Wintour."
KATIE HINTZ
her Balenciaga coat.
