I can’t help but miss the days when we got a fair number of actual character-enhancing, style-inspiring photoshoots, instead of galleries and recreations. I mean, these things are fun and I appreciate so much how hard the ladies work at telling the stories in these ‘shoots. That said, the role play concept is a little bland on the fashion front. And never more so than here, where we have the ladies dressing up as guys who don’t dress all that well (who thought this was a good idea? Show of hands, please). I loooove when gals borrow from the guys, but I’m hoping for something exciting: double breasted pinstripe suits, fedoras, sharp tailoring, a tie or two, a pocket square. I’ll settle for cuff links if I have to. For this concept, though, the girls are bound by what the men of the Attitude era wore, in order to recreate the look. Lana pushed the boundaries farthest by having to come up with a solution to the Rock’s open-shirted style. Her choice of a lace bodysuit was a smart and suitable choice that both maintained the Rock-like vibe and injected a dose of feminine sensuality, that enlivened the look and threw a new angle into it. That is how your borrow – you don’t just copy, you make it your own. Her selection of a loud, abrasive button-down was perfect and she nailed the massive watch, chains and sunglasses, making herself into quite a creditable Rock. Those bright red lips made for one more parting shot of ladylike attitude, one that would make The Smirk (with raised eyebrow, of course) all that much more attention-getting. Take that, Dwayne. Carmella’s take on Chris Jericho was equally well-chosen – her mirror-like metallic zip-front piece is throwing enough light to tan by, an immediate reminder that I always felt the need to reach for SPF 75 when Jericho walked in. He’d approve of her rocker-esque lace-up leggings as well (which I’m pretty sure are the same ones we saw Becky wearing on her trip to Boca Juniors Stadium. I love her high half-ponytail , which also happens to be an authentic Jericho detail, though one he might perhaps like to forget ;). She channels his attitude to perfection. The most disappointing look in this gallery comes from Natalya and Charlotte, but its lack of appeal has nothing to do with them or their efforts. They’re spot on in their interpretation of Edge and Christian, right down to the skull cap, bright wristbands and sunglasses! It’s entirely authentic and it’s obvious they had fun with it. Their enthusiasm can’t help but make me smile and I salute them for that! The sad corollary, however, is that spandex paired with muscle tanks just really doesn't have much fashion zing. I’m not even sure how you would style that pairing to give it fashion zing. Or even fashion zan. Oh well. Nat and Char did an excellent job with a fashion hand that was the equivalent of being dealt a joker. I guess this is price you pay for getting Balmain for the Total Divas ‘shoot :). Dear WWE: more Balmain for your Superstar ladies, less spandex!
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WWE has recently had two new heel squads debut…and the two crews have some interesting similarities. They are each comprised of a perky blonde and two brunettes. They are each led by a punky chick with an attitude. They each go around decimating whatever face happens to be in their way at the moment. Only one recently received their own photoshoot, however. Of, course, that doesn’t matter because we’re going to break down the looks of both teams anyway :). You’re likely to be most familiar with two thirds of the squad manhandling superstar divas on Raw, Absolution: the recently returned Paige and the Golden Goddess, Mandy Rose. The other brunette in the trio is former MMA artist Sonya Deville. I’m excited to see her translate her martial arts skills to the ring. I’m also excited to see her change up her gear. The red marble print I can handle; I even like it’s smooth, hard connotation. The silver edging is livable, as well, But the styling of her skirt – as appropriately warrior-like as it is – unfortunately brings to mind a loin cloth. And I’m not saying one couldn’t make a loin cloth look totally modern and fierce, but this iteration is not there quite yet. Skirt-type gear is always challenging and it takes a really well-conceived and special design to work. A few ladies have sold me on it – Alicia Fox comes to mind – but my suggestion here would be to re-vamp this look with shorts or pants, either of which I think could work really well. Paige’s look is classic Paige – plenty of leather, plenty of studs, fishnets, and a little camo thrown in for good measure. She’s fully embracing her reputation with this persona and her gear, as we know it, fits right in. I like that her comeback looks have been so familiar. It’s a great way to bring us back to who she is. It feels comfortable, like welcoming an old friend. Paige’s challenge is going to be to keep things interesting as the character and storyline evolve. Leather and studs have always been her trademark. Previously, she branched out with over-sized snake prints and deep colors. She’ll need to have a new twist to showcase fairly soon to prevent ennui from setting in. Interestingly, fashion has embraced punk and grunge during her time away, making her look feel more on trend, but less fresh and somewhat exotic. Hopefully, she’s got some ideas up her sleeve that will continue to set her apart. We’re equally familiar with Mandy’s well-received golden metallic gears. We’ve also seen her explore lace-embellishments and Celtic-knot-like designs. I was blown away with her lingerie-like metallic and lace outfit. And I like this version, with the black piping and crystal accents. I’m 100% on board for her addition of the choker, as well. On the other hand, all gold all the time is going to get old in a hurry, even with variations in silhouette, unless she’s super creative about how she handles her look. I’ll be interested to see what directions Mandy goes in, especially since she’s already proven herself to be a superstar who is aware of fashion and has an interest in it.
So, the Big Dub is at it again. Their annual release of truly hideous Christmas sweaters has been foisted upon the world yet another year. These may be fun. They may be humorous. They may be appallingly ridiculous. They may be many great and good things. But they are not fashion. All apologies, but…no. So, every year, I break out my Positivity Detector and search for a silver lining among the horror. This year, we get …snowballs. It’s not much, but, hey..it’s something :). They assist the Lady Superstars in the best part of this ‘shoot: the poses! The gals really surpassed themselves this year in that department. Sasha gave us wonderful playfulness, Renee gave us some thoroughly Austin-esque attitude, Alexa all but challenged us to a virtual snowball fight. Natalya also wins huuge props from me for her gorgeous hair and make-up. I love that she put so much sophistication into her look. It’s so chic that it very nearly redeems that green sweater, especially the way that she’s layered it over a classic LBD and rounded off the ensemble with leather boots. If you *must* put one of these things on your person, this is the way to go. It shows you do actually have style; you just also don’t take yourself too seriously. Mickie and Becky also do an excellent job of making these sweaters something you can show your face to the world in. Both of their interpretations are more chill than Natties. Mickie adds distressed leggings in a funky plum tie-dye pattern. The choker necklace helps. Completing the look with heeled combat or hiking boots would strike just the right note – relaxed, but with clear attention to the style statement. Becky’s light gray moto leggings add a nice color counterpoint, as well as sleekness and attitude, which she reiterates with OTK boots – I love that she chose such fierce footwear, as well as pants with presence. Basic leggings these are not and that’s a good thing. As with Nattie’s look, showcasing her style chops with the rest of look elevates it and makes the sweater quirky commentary, rather than goofy. Brava, ladies: I can handle that kind of translation without twitching (much) :).
The ladies of WWE showed their love for Kane this Halloween, via a photoshoot tribute that was rife with interesting fashion. Instead of trying to copy Kane’s look precisely, these snaps are more of “Variations On A Theme By Kane”; the ladies interpret the concept of The Undertaker’s evil brother through their own vision and style. I like the idea – it makes for a much more engaging ‘shoot than a more direct interpretation, as each Superstar is freer to be creative and personalize the snaps. The success of this ‘shoot is fueled from the get-go by the inferno-filled backdrop. At times embellished with industrial furniture, at times with barbed wire-vined walls, it looks totally fab and hellacious without being distracting.
Natalya kicks off the set in a black bodysuit topped with an open-weave metallic tunic sweater. She added a host of accessories: a super-cute cat-ear headband, hoop earrings, a wide gold choker, a black leather waist belt and lacy garter straps. All those subtexts add a complexity to the fashion statement we don’t often see from Nattie and I applaud her risk-taking here and her willingness to experiment. I do think the look might have been stronger with an item or two less; the choker in particular, I think, could be jettisoned without regret. I’m not exactly sure if I love the look of the unhooked garter straps, but I do love the subtle sultriness they bring to the look. The waist belt I naturally adore and she wins Fierce points for that trendy and fab choice! She completed the look with satin OTK boots – so sexy and chic at the same time! Seriously, Kane – even with all his pyrotechnics – was never this hot! Smoky eyes and a soft pink lip accented this outfit in just the right way – smoldering, but not brazen. And Nattie worked the poses in her ever on-point, confident way, creating a slow, steady burn throughout her snaps. We have a couple of addenda to Impact’s Halloween ‘shoots ( I know, I know...I’m a full holiday behind *hangs head in shame*). First up is McKenzie as a lovely and quite glamorous mermaid – a theme that seems to be a perfect choice for her. Her outfit is classic and flawless, from the seashell bra to the aptly named mermaid skirt of her costume. I really love the color combinations in this set – they create an ombré effect starting with metallic azure, shifting into bright lime and then into shimmering mint. It aptly reflects the sea theme but also looks quite stunning. Many mermaids are content to allow the seashells to be their only baubles, by McKenzie gives us a flashier, more luxe interpretation of the look, adding a sparkling crystal choker and glittering statement cuff, which definitely up the wow factor. Her eyeshadow echoes the colors of her outfit, as well as it’s sheen, enhancing her natural beauty. She nails two standard poses, setting up my only regret regarding this ‘shoot: that we didn’t get a couple more snaps in it.
Taya’s Viking-themed “set” unfortunately suffers from the same paucity of shots, but what’s there is solid. She dons an ivory bodysuit with a metallic front panel, which gives a nice illusion of armor and adds a heavy dose of fur: gloves, epaulets, even a sort of bustle, which I’m sure there is much tougher, more technical, and far more Viking-esque name for :). Fur also trims her horned metallic cap. Fishnets stockings add a subtle dose of sex appeal to the look, while the red streaks in her hair bring in a welcome shot of color. We sadly never get to see her footwear choice, but I’d put good money down on fur-lined boots – what else would a Nordic warrior face battle in? Her pose is an appealing one and presented with confidence. On my wishlist: I would have loved to see her carrying a giant shield or sword…I’d even settle for an ice pick. Perhaps those were in the snaps that didn’t get released. Ooo..and maybe she’s off to do battle with the one keeping them prisoner. If so, I hope she wins! ;) WWE didn’t see fit to grace us with a real title ‘shoot for Natalya. Fortunately, she shared a bunch of snaps on her Instagram which let us create our very own. I’ve already raved over this glorious gear, but it’s Nattie’s poses which really let me know that this ‘shoot, had it been released, would have been special. They’re unique and stunning and everything a belt ‘shoot should be. Future wearers, take note: this is how it is done. It’s clear she’s had plenty of time to conceive of how to approach the set and she hasn’t wasted it. Even with the standard backdrop-less presentation, her joy is palpable. She demonstrates it through her ecstatic skyward glances and with athleticism, through a jumping shot which avoids the trap of silliness and comes off as a genuine and powerful gesture. She brings a raw sexiness to the snaps as she caresses the belt, hugging it to her body and brushing it with her lips. These shots are the fullest embodiment of a queen at the height of her competence, with all her lessons learned, debts paid, skills honed and nothing left but to savor her reign and her challengers’ inability to end it. I’m feeling that right along with her, as I have long rooted for another title run for her. She has more than earned it and it’s so thrilling to see it come to fruition that I want nothing more than to enjoy it and be taken on this incredible, sinuous, glamorous, confident journey by her. And, of course, to soak up each new stunning iteration of her gear. :). I thought the black and crystal Versace-inspired piece would be almost impossible to top, but I confess: the extravagance and intense beauty of this one has won me over completely.
Congrats, girl! The Impact (formerly TNA, now GFW) Knockouts are back in a BIG way! They have their first full photoshoot in aaaaaages and it includes most of the roster. Even better, the snaps are seriously awesome! The ladies each portray a force of nature, in keeping with their new promotion. Earth, wind, water and fire are all represented and quite fabulously at that!
Allie took on the force of water in a beach-setting collection of snaps. She paired a white faux-wrap cami with lace shorts, which are noteworthy for the gorgeous scalloped edges. While I'm a little surprised that she didn't reach for blue tones, I love the softness of these shots and the way she explores classic pin-up poses as she rolls about in the sand. The backdrop takes a bit of artistic license with its wispy waves; if you're looking for ultra-realism, this might throw you for awhile, as it did me. It's not my favorite facet of the 'shoot, but when I adjusted my perspective to looking at it as an artistic assemblage, rather than a photograph, it's dealable. It does add a hiccough to a very solid set of snaps that are not only the sultriest we’ve seen from Allie, but also some of the prettiest, as well as an indication of her appreciable fashion talent. As with her street fashion, Laurel's photoshoot pops off the page; it's immediately engaging, impactful and hot as heck! She donned a black, strappy monokini for her interpretation of water's force. The piece is 100% fierce in and of itself and Laurel unquestionably owns the look. Posing with poise and confidence, she rocks my word hard by playing with her hair and glancing over her shoulder , smashing the open-mouth facial in the process and making it instantly relevant again. Her wet hair looks as though it is catching the spray from the waterfall backdrop, which is fittingly symbolic of both danger and beauty. Everything – background, fashion , poses – comes together brilliantly in this set, making it one of the standout collections of the ‘shoot. Brava. It's been too long since we've gotten to enjoy Gail's prowess in a photoshoot and her skill and experience shines through here, as she embodies the force of wind - what else but a gale force for Gail? I'm thrilled with her interpretation - it's creative and darkly beautiful, expressing the theme in an intriguing and aesthetically stunning way. Outside of a strappy bikini bottom and strappy heels, the fashion consists primarily of fringe-like strands of black ribbon that extend the full length of her body and sway in the breeze, creating the sense of movement and drama that makes these snaps so captivating. Her long, flowing curls reinforce the idea. The peekaboo effect of the blowing fabric brings in a seductive tension that adds intensity to the snaps, while Gail's flawless poses heighten the effect. I especially love the one of her playing with her hair, eye half-closed, as if savoring her power! |
Welcome to the place where wrestling & fashion join hands. Inspiration. Reviews. Musings. Retros. FASHION. Covering and craving gear to gowns since 2011. May the Fierce be with you! ;) Peace & Glitter!
AuthorBrie: shoe-lover :) fashion-lover and generally glamorous semi-dork Archives
July 2019
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