jessica, this is one of my favorite pieces from you yet. I was thrilled to discover I have a lilac bush in my yard (this is my first spring in my first house!), and I found myself looking up lilac-scented candles to try to hold on to the scent even after the blooms are gone. but I realized I was spending time trying to find the perfect one instead of just… enjoying the real thing while it’s here. there’s nothing wrong with representations, as you said, and I may still buy a candle during the depths of winter when I need a reminder that spring is coming. but it’s no replacement for the real thing. 💜
That little phrase ,,individualized concerns" from the ad makes me so sad. Nothing about these ,,concerns" is individual. In fact, they aren't even concerns. They're a collective, commodified delusion.
“From making art about the gilded cage, to now selling the gilding.” Wow. What an absolutely spot on dissection of why the Sophia/AB collab is so…gross.
I am so disappointed in the Sophia Coppola collab — I expect it from AB but there is no point in her involvement; I’ve always felt she was above this fray.
I always read and admire your newsletters, Jessica, but the writing in this one is particularly graceful and insightful. The way you move from Van Gogh, to Coppola, to Kardashian, sprinkling in May and Scarry...just incredibly elegant and penetrating, well done!
It's so tiring when people justify what they are doing as 'progressive' or 'art' when they're just pushing the same old sh*t - unattainable and damaging ideals that yes, you're spot on, they get to profit from in some fashion or form. I know human civilization has evolved when we've moved on from the likes of Kardashian.
Scarry’s essay reminds me that most industrialized fashion and beauty cultures are imperfect replications. What is a breathless article about recreating a celebrity’s Met Gala makeup or fit if not a perpetual duplication for more and more?
This is so so deep and beautiful and reminds me on a certain level of the Ram Dass quote where he's talking about trying to see people like we see trees.
Not disagreeing necessarily, but has Sophia herself discussed at all why she's doing this? I only ask because I've been reading extensively about the difficulties that filmmakers have been having in terms of getting funding for their projects. Compound that with her father's infamous bankruptcy struggles, she might be looking for a revenue source to put together her next film. Now, is this the best one? Not sure - the thought may have been that she uses this product anyway and it would be more low-effort than directing a commercial or some of the other things that directors have done over the years to fund pre-production and production. (That said, I think it's unfair to blame her for a gift with purchase or the marketing language the company uses for a product she's lent her name to).
I mean, sure. That's why everyone's in the beauty industry: money. Her looking for a revenue source does not invalidate critique of her choices and how those choices reflect on her art. It is 100% fair to critique her for the brand she chooses to partner with in this endeavor. And *her own* collaborative products market themselves with anti-aging language as well.
jessica, this is one of my favorite pieces from you yet. I was thrilled to discover I have a lilac bush in my yard (this is my first spring in my first house!), and I found myself looking up lilac-scented candles to try to hold on to the scent even after the blooms are gone. but I realized I was spending time trying to find the perfect one instead of just… enjoying the real thing while it’s here. there’s nothing wrong with representations, as you said, and I may still buy a candle during the depths of winter when I need a reminder that spring is coming. but it’s no replacement for the real thing. 💜
i looove lilacs and i love them even more because they only bloom for a couple weeks. my favorite time of year
That little phrase ,,individualized concerns" from the ad makes me so sad. Nothing about these ,,concerns" is individual. In fact, they aren't even concerns. They're a collective, commodified delusion.
exactlyyy
oh, good catch. you are absolutely right. the lie is baked in.
“From making art about the gilded cage, to now selling the gilding.” Wow. What an absolutely spot on dissection of why the Sophia/AB collab is so…gross.
the worst of the celeb beauty boom i think
I am so disappointed in the Sophia Coppola collab — I expect it from AB but there is no point in her involvement; I’ve always felt she was above this fray.
same!
I always read and admire your newsletters, Jessica, but the writing in this one is particularly graceful and insightful. The way you move from Van Gogh, to Coppola, to Kardashian, sprinkling in May and Scarry...just incredibly elegant and penetrating, well done!
thank you so much <3
It's so tiring when people justify what they are doing as 'progressive' or 'art' when they're just pushing the same old sh*t - unattainable and damaging ideals that yes, you're spot on, they get to profit from in some fashion or form. I know human civilization has evolved when we've moved on from the likes of Kardashian.
Will be thinking of this take for a long time. You really captured something I was having trouble putting into words. Thank you.
thank you <3
Scarry’s essay reminds me that most industrialized fashion and beauty cultures are imperfect replications. What is a breathless article about recreating a celebrity’s Met Gala makeup or fit if not a perpetual duplication for more and more?
100%
I'm going to buy that book, I was floored by that quote.
This is so so deep and beautiful and reminds me on a certain level of the Ram Dass quote where he's talking about trying to see people like we see trees.
Such a compliment! I love that quote
The closing line of this piece is a great philosophical statement! Thank you for your deep thoughts.
Thank you Adora!
If you ever go to Amsterdam, the Van Gough Museum is incredible! Seeing his paintings of irises, sunflowers, and all the rest in person was so moving.
Oooh need to add to my travel list
Well drawn Jess.
Fuck, I just read this twice. I want to tattoo "when the representation devalues the real, it is neither art nor beauty" on my brain
F*ck this one hit me in the gut. The kind of post that make you sit & really think about things for a little.
Not disagreeing necessarily, but has Sophia herself discussed at all why she's doing this? I only ask because I've been reading extensively about the difficulties that filmmakers have been having in terms of getting funding for their projects. Compound that with her father's infamous bankruptcy struggles, she might be looking for a revenue source to put together her next film. Now, is this the best one? Not sure - the thought may have been that she uses this product anyway and it would be more low-effort than directing a commercial or some of the other things that directors have done over the years to fund pre-production and production. (That said, I think it's unfair to blame her for a gift with purchase or the marketing language the company uses for a product she's lent her name to).
I mean, sure. That's why everyone's in the beauty industry: money. Her looking for a revenue source does not invalidate critique of her choices and how those choices reflect on her art. It is 100% fair to critique her for the brand she chooses to partner with in this endeavor. And *her own* collaborative products market themselves with anti-aging language as well.
A very funny latina comedienne stated she couldn't sleep the Met Gala night, wondering where or what had KK done with her organs and ribs.