Are you guys all like ugh so 15 minutes ago about this whole “13-year-old teenage blogging sensation” Tavi Gevinson? I was tripping over it all day yesterday. I watched this video of Tavi previewing Rodarte’s Target line and it just… suck with me. According to Style.com, the Rodarte sisters love Tavi so much they have sent her free clothes, and not the cheap Target stuff, the real deal, which is like four-figures for a top. Rodarte designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy say they chose Tavi for the video because “she is a mix between J.D. Salinger, Dorothy Parker, and Cindy Sherman. Our favorite combination!” (Some.one.shoot.me.) Kate went on to say, “When spending time with Tavi, I am always astonished by her observations. Tavi is a writer in every sense. Her way of interacting with the world comes from a sensitivity and madness that belongs to poets and bank robbers.”
Please observe for yourself the madness that belongs to poets and bank robbers:
And the latest: Tavi has been hired by Harper’s Bazaar to write a column about the spring collections.
I had all kinda of thoughts about this yesterday, which crystallized when a live version of Where Is My Mind? from the Pixies came on my Ipod at the gym. Remembered that scene in the Pixies documentary loudQUIETloud where that quirky little girl with the book was chasing Kim Deal around? That’s where little Tavi should be at 13. Behind the fence. Worshiping her idols like the Rodarte and Rei Kawakubo and the editorial staff of Harper’s Bazaar from her bedroom, slicing through magazine cutouts, tapping on her laptop–not previewing their Spring line, receiving birthday party invites and writing their columns. What happens when every dream is immediately fulfilled the moment it blooms? What if that little girl hero worshipping Kim Deal had been swept up, plopped on the tour bus, and turned into a member of the Pixies? How fucked would that have been?
Huffington Post contributing style editor, Lesley M. M. Blume’s take on Tavi after the break.
Blume, says, basically, Harper’s Bazaar did it for publicity. “Is this a smart marketing move? Of course,” she said. “I think [Tavi's] very dear, but I think it’s crazy.”
Blume doesn’t think the industry’s top buyers will take Tavi’s fashion critiques seriously. “Are the creative directors of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman going to tailor their purchases according to [her tastes]? Probably not. But is Harper’s Bazaar going to sell a bunch of issues because of the novelty? Yes. Will she end up on morning shows? Yes she will,” Blume said. “I don’t think she’s a fashion sage, I think she’s a novelty and I think she’s going to be used as a marketing device as a novelty.”
And then what for Tavi?
I think she’s pretty genius, actually. I say good for her. And I found Blume’s comments rather petty. Jealous much, Les?
GM, It seems most people feel the way you do.
Actually Valerie, I totally agree with you. I haven’t seen any of Tavi’s videos or anything, but one of the best things about style is how it evolves as you grow, learn, and experience new things in life. When you’re 13, you haven’t done that yet, so I think her perspective is always limited by that.
I also agree 100% that she is a novelty, fashion savante or not.
THANK-YOU!! I could not agree with you more!!!! I agree with everything you wrote. Plus, anyone who compares any person to J.D Salinger should be punched in the face. There i said it. I guess that was a little harsh….maybe just slapped. I also think Blume was just speaking honestly.
Have you read her blog? Girl can’t write. And her whole aesthetic is ugly granny meets Comme des Garcons. No thanks. She’s an adorable girl and kudos for being passionate about something, but… eh.
What Blume was saying kinda makes sense IMO.
Darl, I agreed with her too.
Amy, she probs can’t write cause she’s 13!
and I agree, I like that she’s passionate, but obviously her skills need time to develop.
Gidget: I totally agree with everything you just said!
Alyssa, I agree with you too! I think style can be innate to some extent, but to write about it in a truly thoughtful way, you need experience.
I agree wholeheartedly with you, Val. I wrote about the Tavi obsession too because to me, she just seems like a very smart and passionate little girl who’s playing dress up. I think fashion and fashion blogging has gone a little too far with this one. Let her be a little girl!
Maybe you should read her blog to see what a wonderful writer is. Her young age should not penalize her, but only draw attention to the fact that she has accomplished a rare feat. She is has found her inner voice, a wonderful thing, considering many people never find their unique spirit. Those who lack an inner voice, or are unable to find theirs, result to “imitating” the airbrushed celebrities that line our grocery store magazine racks, and often fill this blog. They have been so programed to look like the celebrities, they do not know what to make of these rare “true spirits” and result in making fun of them. The numbers of true fashion individuals are dwindling, leaving us with clones. Tavi is a role model, inspiring people all over the world. She is an example that if you are true to yourself, great things will happen. Tavi offers an unique view, and I am happy to read anything she writes. I look forward to seeing her and reading her work for many upcoming years.
Hey Gretchen, I have read her blog. My opinion stands. But I do think a lot of people feel the way you do. And if you see Tavi as a role model, I’m certainly not going to argue with that. I’m left feeling differently about the whole thing.
I can accept that she’s not for everybody. But honestly, I just find it so refreshing to see a “tween” who’s interested in something other than Twilight movies/Jonas Brothers/Hannah Montana or whatever other corporate, manufactured, pop culture “phenomenon” is being pushed at that demographic this month. She has a unique voice and sure, maybe hiring her was a gimmick, but I like it because it does encourage girls (and boys) to explore their creativity and individuality. I’d sure prefer that my daughter (3 and a half) grow up to be a Tavi, and not a Miley.
I think part of her appeal+angle is that celebrities/jaded fashion people melt with her and “talk real”. Look how she charmed the hobbit guy! I think people want to re-capture the awe and newness of emotions we felt at 13. Since we can’t, we’ll just do it through Tavi.
she sucks. looking weird does not equal style. she has to be able to switch it up and not just like stuff she would wear. point blank, they are stringing this 13yr old girl along and no one will ever remember who she is.
Shane, I am curious what becomes of Tavi. Will she work in fashion as an adult? She does have remarkable talent for a 13 year old, so I would think she definitely could. Just weird when you’ve already reached such a high point at a young age.
Well I am almost 13 and I think that she dosn’t have style. Not how WE interpret it. It’s just a different and unique and WIERDDDDDDD style. But I don’t see how she is so famous?
How long has her blog been going on for anyway?
Beliz: I was curious what girls around Tavi’s age thought, so thanks for commenting. Also, Tavi started her blog on March 31, 2008. So it’s a few months shy of two years old.
What is wrong with you? You have the same condescension that most adults have. Kids who are as mature as Tavi shouldn’t be supressed by people like you. Let them run free.
I should send Ananka Fishbein after you.
Hey, Valerie! Beliz’ comment is not the only one that matters. I’m thirteen and I love Tavi. I think she’s beautifully weird and intelligent. I wish I could be that smart and awesome. I think she’s perfect. And just because she’s 13 isn’t the reason if she can’t write. I’ve met many thirteen year olds whose writing you couldn’t hold a candle to.
Lily: good point!
The kid sucks, point blank. What voice? Her blog is like a public diary. She has no style, mis-matching and layering a bunch of clothes is NOT fashion. Gone are the good ole days where you needed a degree in literature to write professionally. Now watching for the typos and meaningless garble becomes routine.