So the Business of Fashion published a preview on the list of INDUSTRIE's 50 most influential and inspirational creatives working in fashion today. And what a kerfuffle ensued. Seriously. Everyone loves a list. It is as much fun arguing with it as it is making it onto it. A list gives us a yard stick and some recognition — in someone's opinion. It does not make you creative or not. It does not state as fact, your talent. It is just a list from someone's head.
But the outrage that ensued has resulted in some hefty tail between legs and promises of public polling next time. Ha! Like that will change the resulting outcry. How I chuckled at that idea.
This list excludes Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington in favour of the French Vougittes, and includes Tony Richardson, so obviously my list of the most creative fashion people would be quite different. But for your information and entertainment, here is the top 10.
1. Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot, Photographers
2. Phoebe Philo, Creative Director of Céline
3. Nicolas Ghesqiere, Creative Director of Balenciaga
4. Central St Martins Fashion School
5. Miuccia Prada
6. Tom Ford
7. Nicola Formichetti, Stylist/Creative Director of Thierry Mugler, Uniglo, Haus of Gaga
8. Riccardo Tisci, Creative Director of Givenchy
9. Emmanuelle Alt, Carine Roitfeld and Anastasia Barbieri from French Vogue
10. Joe McKenna, Stylist
Just to repeat: THIS IS NOT MY LIST. Have fun. Play nicely.