Ford Models Fashion

Ford’s Ming Xi features in Dansk A/W 2010 #24 in an editorial photographed by Alex Sainsbury and styled by Toby Grimditch. In his introduction to the “Modesty” issue, editor-in-chief Uffe Buchard rails against fashion’s insatiable pursuit of the New at the expense of values that he somewhat reluctantly calls “sensible.” “We forsake bullshit,” declares the Danish editor, “extreme youth worshipping and uncritical celebration if newness for a life governed by modesty in all its shapes and forms.”

At first glance this looks a tall order, but editor notes in a fashion magazines that call for a return to sensibility must be taken in context. Mr. Buchard is by no means renouncing fashion, which to its rarefied core is the sort of superfluous endeavor that subsistence farming will never be, but rather is looking to pillars of stability in Céline, Chloé, and Stella McCartney. Not unlike Suzy Menkes‘s piece for Harper’s Bazaar Sep. 2010, the present economic climate has prompted the sort of editorial hand wringing and navel gazing that to the untrained eye is barely perceptible at the level of magazine pictorials.

Which brings us to today’s story…”The Commuter,” wherein the modesty championed by Buchard is evidenced in maximal garment length, muted colors, and a noticeable lack of accessories. Ming Xi wears full length garments including skirts by Max Mara and Aquascutum and coats by Maison Martin Margiela and Max Mara. When Ming’s not made to look like a commuter intent on making her PATH connection, then she cuts a tranquil figure wearing a jumpsuit by Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci or a pale coat by Gianfranco Ferrè. So if indeed this is modesty, then let it begin with Ming Xi.

Complete credits include: Photographer, Alex Sainsbury; Fashion director, Toby Grimditch; Photo assistants, Alex Petch, Gary Lafargue; Fashion assistants, Madeleine Østlie, Adam Winder; Junior fashion assistant, Pablo Ortiz; Hair, Hiroshi Matsushita; Makeup, Jose Bass at Frank Agency; Casting director, Nic Burns at Star & Co.; Digital retouching, Studio Private.