Smoking and fashion are two peas in a delirious pod. The Fashion Spot has a thread 237 pages long about models and smoking. Some fashion blogs only post images of models smoking (and there is no shortage of posts)… and street style blogs post images of cool, chic people standing around casually smoking. Admittedly, I don’t read street style blogs as much as fashion blogs, but it seems that every time I open my RSS reader for street style blogs every other image has someone smoking. Many stylish people smoke, or that’s what it seems, because that’s what we see in blogs.
We’re made to believe that we’re viewing candid shots, and stylish people just happen to be smoking, but I’ve seen street style photographers in action, and there is a lot more going on than what we see in the final picture. Street style photographers are not exactly like paparazzi, they stop stylish people and pose them, ask sign a model releases, then the photos get retouched. These days street style bloggers are getting so much hype, who’s going to say no to a chance for 15 seconds of fame? Would it be too much to ask to put out the cigarette for a moment, for the sake of social responsibility?
Social responsibility and fashion, now there’s a match made in heaven! Of course, anything fashion related is completely powerless to change anything in the world no matter how little action is necessary. It wouldn’t bother me so much if commentors didn’t go about raving on about how much a cigarette completes an outfit. For example case, the above image from The Sartorialist (which generated 121 comments) the cigarette is the focal point. What is the central person doing? She’s smoking. Looking miserable, granted, but smoking. Yet in the comments, the cigarette is as much a part of the outfit as the YSL cage shoes.
While smoking in street style blogs is rampant, I’m only singling out The Sartorialist for a few reasons, (a) his work is the most influential in fashion blogging (b) because of all the street style blogs, commentors tend to discuss smoking indicating Scott Schuman’s influence on his readers, and (c) his images are indeed beautiful. Beautiful images can do a lot to change someone’s mind. Beautiful images change my mind all the time (else I’d be in the wrong business). Even for people who hate smoking in real life, get a voyeuristic joy out of these cool people who are immune to health hazards and smelly breath.
We could speculate on why this phenomenon exists and why it is bad, but I think we’re all aware of the dangers of smoking, a subject as debatable as global warming. But what my irritation really boils down to is taking responsibility for content. As bloggers, we have final say on what inevitably gets published, thus reflecting our true set of values. Merely publishing something for the authenticity’s sake gives too much power to the belief that objectivity exists. It doesn’t. Everything, everything is subjective. But in reality, I can do nothing about what other people publish, I can only choose what to read. I’ve already unsubscribed to a few blogs because the fashion relied too much on party culture, yet still uncertain if the casual, glamorous, day-time smoking is any less harmful.
At the time, I would never admit it, but I started smoking at the age of 15 because in my mind, it was cool and rebellious to smoke. And nothing was more alluring than being cool and rebellious. In reality, the habit went on (and off) and on again for about 17 years. My smoking habit was almost old enough to vote when I quit nearly 3 years ago. The time before quitting, I was so ashamed of my habit, everyone gave me trouble about it, everyone, friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, potential boyfriends. I smoked on my fire escape, only after work, never in public, I even had a hat to cover so the smoke wouldn’t get in my hair. And I continued to smoke. Not being able to quit was so very embarrassing.
What’s more, is that smoking did not make me glamorous, didn’t make me thin, didn’t make me cool, didn’t add to my style at all. In fact, I looked ridiculous.
Yep, that's a teen Jennine with a smoke and an awesome t-shirt.
Looking at this photo, I will add ‘youth’ to the list of things we think makes us more stylish, but actually doesn’t.
Credit: top image by The Sartorialist
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a cigarette is the best fashion accessory!
Well written, Jennine! I think you’re right – fashion blogging often tends to make smoking look glamourous, which is constantly juxtaposed with the fact that in person, many people seem to abhor the practice.
birdie´s last blog ..The Inevitable
I’m so pleased that you’ve raised this. As you know from my ranting on twitter, I share your opinions on this one. Certain bloggers choose not to acknowledge that posting and promoting these pictures is completely irresponsible (particularly when your reading audience are impressionable teenagers… or just plain impressionable) and it drives me nuts. I’ve called my friends up on it online, but some people I feel intimidated by too much to tell them how I feel.
I’m trying not to name names, so I’ll stop here.
There’s nothing glamorous in lung, throat or tongue cancer, among other diseases caused for the smoking habit. I think we all can agree on that but here is the thing: who show this? is this fashionable? Of course not. Is this socially accepted? No.
So the main issue here is that the cigarette is a socially accepted drug wich endures more than one adjective in it on: fashionable, cool, etc.
It’s true what sostylisto said, cigarettes are used as an accessory.
Did the bloggers glamorize smoking? No more than society, world of fashion, celebrities and media does.
I know this issue is serious and I am glad that you are writting about it, but in this line we can ask “did the bloggers glamorize skinny and unhealthy bodies?”
This are the deepest and hardest issues on fashion manners.
Xoxo
Thank you for this post, dear! I think you really covered a wide range of issues about the cigarette accessory and how it impacts us (as obvious by the above commenter). In many ways, and perhaps because I have all family members who smoke, but it’s something I’ve become oblivious to. At the same time, I think of the bar culture in Indiana, and am so happy that smoking indoors is illegal. While it was sexy to come home smelling of sweat, smoke, and liquor at 21, I don’t find it nearly so sexy now.
Ashe Mischief´s last blog ..Little Black Dresses (at every price point)
You made some excellent arguments!! Like you, I started smoking at the very young age of 14. I luckily quit cold turkey when I was 18, but I still miss it to this day. I see so many fashion blogs, especially European ones, that show a ton of smoking pics. My first thought is- Oh, that’s so unhealthy; my second thought is- Oh, I wish I still smoked!!
I do think as bloggers we have a certain amount of responsibility, and all I think about is how many young people read our blogs!! I don’t want to lead them down the wrong path. I’ve even wanted to blog about alcoholic drinks I enjoy, but feel like I shouldn’t since a lot of my readers are under 21.
I don’t know, it’s all a bit tricky.
maria´s last blog ..Haberdashery & Menagerie
Thanks for such a well thought out post. I appreciate reading pieces about social responsibility and fashion – because there are plenty of opportunities for us to be socially responsible and to think about the impact of our posts, etc. I agree with you about fashion blogs having influence over what we as readers find beautiful and appealing. Many people in fashion use smoking as an accessory and perhaps that is irresponsible, or at very least a little reckless. I know that when I first tried smoking in high school, I tried to do it “fashionably”. With a perfectly blasé wrist bend and slouchy model posture. I looked silly and with all the money that I wasted on cigarettes, I’m sure I could have bought a really great purse to hold instead.
Jillian´s last blog ..Dazed & Confused: Maria Blaisse
Awesome comments… what a great discussion!
❤ stylisto..haha i hope you’re joking, becuase i can think of a few better accessories.
❤ birdie… yeah, that’s what i thought!
❤ ej… you’re so right, it’s tricky to determine when you should bring something up and when to let it go… i think part of the reason why i picked on Sart was because he used to photo shop cigarettes out (though I can’t find confirmation, so that’s why it’s not in the post) so they are aware of their impact but chose not to do anything about it. so irritating.
❤ petite…aahhh a whole new post!
❤ ashe…heheh the benefits of maturity!
❤ maria…oh yes… you know, it was funny being in europe as a nonsmoker, i was in the minority it seemed. but things are changing there, that’s for certain…
❤ jilian.. omg high school smoking is hilarious! we used to pretend we were in old movies… omg. but yeah, with cigarette money you can easily buy nice bags, shoes, clothes instead.
I am so glad you brought this up, if you check out my new street style site The Eyeline (dot) ca there are NO cigarettes! They are not allowed EVER, no exceptions. I cannot stand seeing a gorgeous guy or gal looking fashionable and then see they are smoking, I have passed up photographing so many people because of it.
eyeliah´s last blog ..Chickdowntown Giveaway & Last Giveaway Winner
I have to say this is something that I’ve notices recently as well, and the image you published in this post is one that particularly caught my eye too.
Earlier this year I featured some pictures from a look book that featured the model smoking, that didn’t stand out to me as the shoot had a 1930s feel to it and I felt it just suited the shoot, but I suppose it wasn’t really necessary and other props could have achieved the same effect.
I started smoking for the same reasons as you said, I wanted to be a rebel, but I can definately feel a change in the social acceptability of smoking. The relatively recent smoking ban in UK pubs and clubs has madea huge difference I think, but that only makes it all the more of a statement when street style blogs feature people smoking.
Retro Chick´s last blog ..Ethical Design Spotlight – SPUN
It seriously amazes me that in this day in age, how many people out there still smoke. I guess I should be considered lucky because both my parents are ex smokers and I saw how hard it was for them to quit, so I never really got into it. I did go through a period in my late teens where I did the “I’ll only smoke when I drink” thing. Well, that didn’t last long and as soon as I woke up one morning craving a cigarette, I stopped. And I haven’t given in since, quite the opposite, it grosses me out.
I guess I assume most people don’t smoke these days (especially since I’m from California where it’s pretty much outlawed anywhere indoors). It does bum me out seeing these amazing people that I look up to smoking. However I don’t believe most are doing it because it’s cool anymore, but rather because they’re addicted. I’m sure most of them would love to quit, at least I hope. With all the young fashion followers out there, I do think it’s part of our responsibility not to promote smoking, especially knowing the consequences it brings.
Thanks for bringing this up, Jennine.
Kate´s last blog ..Afternoon Delight
I think that there definitely is an element of smoking being glamorous and glamorized by some street style bloggers. I especially see this in the cities that are deemed to be more “chic” or “elegant” than others. And you are right, it’s all a well-crafted image of making the smoking look glamorous and sexy, but they don’t show the consequences of the effects of people who smoke for 30+ years and beyond. I have close family members that smoke and the effects are starting to show. Looking at pictures of them back in their youth with cigs in their hand, sure, they looked cool. I hope more people don’t buy into the hype.
Sheena´s last blog ..New Designer/High Street Collaboration: Sonia Rykiel for H&M
You know, I don’t read the comments over at Sarty’s much, but I do remember seeing one a while back saying that the picture would have been so much better had the woman not had a cigarette.
I don’t smoke and I don’t think these pictures make it look particularly glamourous, but they may be my own personal conviction outweighing the composition and beauty of a photograph. Besides, it’s just strange to see. Smoking in California is something that happens rarely since there are only about two places where it’s legal to do so. I sincerely hope that people who are more impressionable aren’t of the belief that a cigarette will make them more stylish. If so, that is sad and I hope it’s only a phase.
Thank you for posting this, J. I didn’t know how deep this ran. An entire blog with nothing but smoking photos? Really?!?!
I smoked for a time, but never thought of it as fashionable. It was much more a thing to do. A regrettable thing for a naive, easily influenced and silly teen to do. I believed it made me seem older (now all I want to do is look younger!) When viewing someone who smokes now though, and it seems when viewing these street style photographs, it is hard to see past a cigarette. The only things I see are weakness, stupidity, disease, stench, litter. All things that simply are not ‘in fashion’ in my eyes.
Kwil´s last blog ..Let’s try this again.
Thank you so much, Jennine, for writing this.
I’m not a smoker. I tried to be a smoker once, just because it seemed like a good idea at the time. But for the life of me, I couldn’t get into it. It’s disgusting! It tastes & smells disgusting, & it’s a dirty habit. BUT… when I look at photos like the ones above (or in other blogs or magazines — even black & white movies!) I desperately have the desire to “pick it back up again.” They DO make it look glamorous to a girl like me. & that’s sad that something so toxic can be coveted by so many people.
I especially feel for younger kids (14, 15, 16 years of age) who see these images & think that glamour, fashion-sense, coolness, popularity = smoking a cigarette.
Nevertheless, it’s been good for me to read your opinion because it’s just what I needed to bring me back down to earth.
Ev`Yan || apricot tea.´s last blog ..the proust questionnaire, in my words.
❤eyeliah… i’m so glad you aren’t publishing smokers! i had no idea you had a street style blog, will check it out.
but yeah, i wonder what the rates are of people who start smoking? if that’s on decline….
❤retrochick…omg i remember when they had smoking in restaurants! it wasn’t that long ago…coming from california, it was always a shock, like i never thought someone would actually smoke in the same room as they ate.
❤kate…ahhh the only smoke when they drink people…i never knew where they stood!
❤sheena…omg… everyone i know who is MY AGE, and still smokes…. looks like they smoke. it’s really that dramatic. also, i can still see the damage smoking did to my skin as compared to my sister who never smoked… we started out with similar skin textures.
❤alicia…omg california is so anti smoking… like i swear it’s more socially acceptable to smoke pot than cigarettes in many cites in the golden state. but yeah, when i see a style image where someone is smoking, i just think they look desperate. it might be a cultural thing.
❤kwil… exactly.. i see the same things.
❤ev’yan… hhaha it is pretty gross… which is why it’s so remarkable why it looks so good… like, how does that work? and kids.. it’s hard to tell them not to smoke, especially when there are so many images that tell them it’s ok, because the beautiful people do it.
Excellent post! The media, including bloggers, certainly have glamorized smoking. Many people think smoking is fashionable and young girls especially are vulnerable to how we portray these images.
I quit smoking before moving to NYC to work in fashion design. I started at a young age because it “looked” cool. Visual imagery is a powerful thing and the Sartorialist should remember this. However once here I picked it up the habit again. Not to fit in, but anyone who moves to NYC and works in a stressful field like fashion knows you can easily fall back onto bad habits for comfort. Eventually I did quit and have to give our Mayor credit with banning smoking in most public places. So even though NYC is the US fashion capital and many of these street shots and fashion models are here, the city is experiencing its lowest percentage of smokers in its history!
Besides if you need a cigarette to make your outfit look glamourous what does that say about your styling abilities!
Natanya´s last blog ..Nursery School Stilettos?
I have quite strong views on smoking; i hate it and everything it stands for. Though I do understand that people do it though, and I would never stop being friends with a person who did, I would never consciously feature images containing cigarettes on my blog. It annoys me how smoking is so prevalent in the fashion industry, a fellow intern even said that she wants to take it up as you can use it to start conversations as you work your way up in the industry. I guess many of the people who run these street style sites smoke, so perhaps it doesn’t bother them, but I wish they could see that they have the power to change things.
KB´s last blog ..LFW Day 5: Too much fun on the runway
one thing to think about though is the cultural differences. Just the same as nudity is okay to europeans but no here the same is true about the social acceptability of smoking in the united states. and on top of that you and i are from california where its impossible to smoke ANYWHERE adding to that overall disdain where as i went to college in georgia where you could probably smoke in the hospital if you wanted to. Its all about making your own choices and having a filter about what influences you
When I look at the first picture, I think first of all the little wrinkles that will crop up around her lips after years of puffing away like that. Wrinkles can be beautiful, but not those kind. Recently, Copenhagen Cycle Chic featured a picture of an elegant woman smoking while riding her bike to demonstrate how casual and easy cycling can be. I thought it was pretty ridiculous, and intend to recreate the shot for an April Fools post
Dottie´s last blog ..Autumn Dress
I don’t smoke personally. It just something that never interest me.
Sweety P´s last blog ..Milan Fashion Week Review 1: Seven Inspiring Looks
I am a fashion addict and a cigarette addict, granted I only smoke about three a day…but admittedly my smoking and style feed into one another. For example, thinking ‘what should I wear to look Garbo-esque when I go out on the balcony to smoke’–it’s tragic, but somehow my mind has been tricked into thinking this is harmless fun.
For a lot of smokers, their habit is a rebellious or careless choice like wearing fur even though it’s cruel, donning sweatshop labels without a second thought, reading tacky glorified fashion porn like Purple magazine, or dropping thousands on shoes in a recession. The psychological contrariness of smoking and style make the disgust nonsmokers feel for it seem pretty pedestrian and dull–since smoking is a lame leftover of the cooler-than-thou , too fast-to-live-too-young-to die, rock bully attitude, protestations will likely long fall on deaf ears. There are many worse things in fashion, like the promotion of anorexia, porny advertising, and messed up labor practices…but I guess that depends upon your perspective.
Thanks for bravely telling of your former habit here, and you remind me that, no, I don’t look so cool when I light up.
hi! ohhh, I wrote about this exact topic a year ago for my college newspaper. i even had the sartorialist as a focal point, although a different picture sparked my article.
you can read it here: http://phoenix.swarthmore.edu/2008/09/11/living/fashion-and-cigarettes
but yours is much more well thought out, imho
ming´s last blog ..your skin is something that i stir into my tea
i totally agree, i smoke myself and i think it’s disgusting. it’s not even just the long term effects, it’s simply not that glamourous to have your fingers reeking like stale cigarettes.
xx
hannahlizabeth´s last blog ..“I got to dress up in funny clothes and run around New Zealand with a bow and arrow for 18 months, how bad could that be?”
I think if a photographer possesses any level of control over the shot, then obviously, s/he makes a conscious decision whether or not to include the grit in the shot, same as s/he decides who to shoot, how to pose the person, and what retouching to do.
Including the grit in the shot is a tacit advocation of smoking, in my opinion. Of course, I’m all for freedom of choice, and I think that everyone has the right and privilege to smoke if they want to, but I don’t want to, and I don’t want to look at images of people smoking. So I don’t. If I run across one, I “change the channel,” as it were.
Disclosure: I smoked for three years. I quit 24 years ago.
enc´s last blog ..Well, You Could’ve Fooled Me!
I think you make a valid point but these photos are snapped spontaneously and they are street style. And on the street is generally where people smoke. I think the outdoors factor is the predator here. Also I can’t imagine fashionistas being too happy being asked to butt out. I do agree that it sends a bad message but I think everyone needs to take control of their own actions. I have the occasional cigarette with cocktails (although I have officially quit this practice with turn 26 a week ago) and the models don’t put the cigarette in my mouth. I do.
“I’ve seen street style photographers in action, and there is a lot more going on than what we see in the final picture. Street style photographers are not exactly like paparazzi, they stop stylish people and pose them, ask sign a model releases, then the photos get retouched. ” — thanks for telling the truth about that! People who are savvy enough to know that magazine images are photoshopped have no idea that the perfect “candid” pictures aren’t so candid!
WendyB´s last blog ..Your Wedding Wish Is My Command. Now Vote!
I do think smoking looks glamorous when you are young and beautiful, it has lots of cultural associations that do make you look cool there is no reason to deny it. But what looks good when you are young turns into very ugly when you’re older, there is nothing less glamourous than Kate Moss with a cigarette hanging from her lips and a can of lager in the other lounging in sun, everyone was horrified how bad she looked , or those old 60s beauties with their skin like leather and their and terrible coughs still sucking at their cigarettes.
That’s exactly the problem with smoking, when it stops being cool you can’t abandon it.
I smoked for years but now i do not smoke anymore, it’s terrible for your health and expensive, but i do not think the way to stop people from smoking is to censor it, people do smoke why hide it? I also think that ignoring the fact that people do smoke because what they take from it it’s positive, it’s stupid. Why would people smoke if smoking is so terrible? We should show our kids that in the long term it just not pay off. Dying of lung cancer, all your clothes, your hands, everything your future babies will touch and smell stinking of tobacco, and when they are older they will not look cool they will look like council estate people living on benefits, with a pram in one hand and a cigarette on the other. Trying to ignore the existence of a problem it’s never the way.
I really like this article! I think the perception of smoking as fashionable or glamorous can be changed over time. It seems so antiquated even now to think a cigarette can up your style factor! I can appreciate fashionistas who care as much about what they do to their bodies as the outfits they put on them.
Jess´s last blog ..Fresh Friends: JUXISM
❤ Natanya…hahah so true! I also battled the addiction once I began out of stress…though these days..it’s certainly harder. its’ great to hear than NYC has such a low rate of smokers, and surprising! i always thought it was part of the image.
❤ kb…omg wasn’t there an episode of Friends about that? hilarious. there should be more non-smokers in the fashion industry.
❤ oni…yeah..it’s alot more acceptable in europe than in the us…but the picture i’m taking about is by an american blogger in the US.
❤ kate… thank you for your frankness and sharing your experience, you bring up a lot of great points. i really agree that there is more than just smoking in the fashion industry that needs to be discussed, this is just one post.
❤hannahelizabeth..ooh i’ve been in your shoes there…
❤enc…agreed… and i did try ‘changing’ the channel for a long time… years…. even before i quit, these images bothered me. which is probably why i had so much to say about this, you can only turn your eye for so long before there comes a time when you really have to speak up.
❤ Lady Smaggle… in this post, i mentioned that street style photos aren’t candid at all… if you would like another street style photographers account of Garance & Schuman’s method… http://jakandjil.com/blog/?p=1914 and it’s not atypical.
❤ wendy..oooh yes…street style photographers HAVE to get a model release if they want to sell their images, which is how they make their money. which means, there is a point where they introduce themselves, get the slip signed and by that point half a cigarette is gone. anyway…see the jak+jil link i just posted…
❤una… very good point…we really shouldn’t ignore the problem..which isn’t what i’ would recommend. however, there aren’t a lot of beautiful images depicting the reality of smoking in fashion blogs, which is exactly what i have a problem with.
❤freshjess..ooooh i love that fashion is just as much being concerned with how you take care of your body as much as your clothes.
When I see pictures of people smoking on style blogs, all I can think of is how bad their beautiful clothing must smell!
I think this was an awesome post. I had never really “thought” about it, but people in fashion do set the trend and if everyone looks beautiful and glamorous and they happen to be smoking, you’re also going to believe that it is glamorous and stuff. I love it how you used yourself as an example, and I’m really proud that you quit!
Ambar´s last blog ..What am I wearing?
I must say I totally enjoyed reading this post. I agree on everything you said. I myself do not smoke, but when I sometimes read fashion blogs I am made to think “maybe that’s what I need, maybe that’ll be the final stroke of my whole image, maybe that’s what I am missing.” and it’s kinda hard to not get involved.
Thank you for the post:)
Great post jeannie! I’m embarrassed to say that i smoke (although most of the time it’s hidden in the garage with an old cardigan on for fear of getting smoke all over my clothes, i’ve tried to stop many times but just end up lighting one up when i’m stressed. I HATE that i smoke, none of my friends do and it does make you a social outcast these days. Coming from someone who started smoking 10 years ago i would like to say it’s not glamorous or fashionable in the least. It’s a habit or an addiction , NOT an accessory!
I have been photographed (not for anything as glamourous as the Sart !!! just local blogs and streetstyle) a few times and on these occassions when someone has asked me can they take a photo i have usually been outside work/pub on the street having a cigarette and straight away i will put it out, because in reality i think that smoking apart from being dangerous, makes you look ‘cheap’
Vint junky´s last blog ..raven
Adverts with Models Smoking is wrong, teenagers and young girls are looking at these girls as a future role models, to be pictured smoking is not cool, it’s only going to encourage young girs to smoke…Which is so so wrong!!
Cathy
Chica Chick
This is one of the most interesting articles that I’ve read in a long time! Great post! Of course, it’s all relative to personal freedom. I appreciate capturing a true moment. However, it’s all posed, styled, and edited anyway. I think she should have put out the cig, and let us see her beautiful face more!
Pretty Robotic´s last blog ..Dreaming in Yellow
i will admit that smoking only looks cool in pictures and on johnny depp. but the day to day reality of it is disgusting. ive had to deal with people that walk around REEKING of smoke it is disgusting. and the room still reeks of smoke even 20 minutes after they’ve left!! yuck!! there is nothing chic or glamourous about lung or throat cancer or yellow teeth and yellow hands. yuck.
but i dont think people can blame the media for all their problems. at some point people need to have their own brains and take responsibility for their own actions.
Prêt-à-Porter P´s last blog ..Taking Notes:
Jennine, you’re the best! Finally, a blog post that denounces smoking…I hate the fact that the fashion industry is so into smoking and glamorizes it. Some designers even make their models hold cigarettes on the runway…and we all know about those editorials that make smoking look sexy. I’ve never smoked and always thought I hated smoking, but heck, when I saw pictures of The Beatles smoking, I just thought they were so cool. They’re cool whether they smoke or not but the action itself is so detrimental to people’s health. Not just the smoker but to everyone. I remember asking this guy why he smoked and he told me it was “an escape” for him…and told me that is why I usually see so many artists smoke. Isn’t there another way to “escape”?? Escape by creating even more art…I don’ t know how smoking will really help, especially the person dies prematurely.
I commend you on quitting the habit, Jennine…I’m sure it was quite hard to do! And although I sometimes look at pictures of people smoking and see how gorgeous these people seem (or in The Beatles case, how gorgeous they ARE :b), I’ll never take up smoking…
Lucy´s last blog ..Reverting My Attention Back to Fall…With Graphic Scarves
Great article! I think the idea behind this goes back to decades ago when smoking was considered glamorous…
Now that I think of it, photographers have asked me to put down a purse/drink/phone/coat — a couple have even held the unphotogenic item for me. So they could ask someone to put out their cigarette if they found that unappealing.
WendyB´s last blog ..Francis Graffiti Dress Plus Tights
Hello Jennine!
I must say I was not particularly aware that there were many cigarette smoking models in blogs, maybe I don’t read as many and I can’t judge it, but that is not something that I saw that much.
Having said that, it would not surprise me if there WHERE a lot of images of people smoking on the web, because this is the new platform for advertisers – tobacco companies – of course they have their hands in the blogs. They start luring in their addicts very early on when they are young, weak and can still be formed and guided. They will find a blogger who will take advertising money from them for glamourising smoking. Sadly this is the world we live in. It will not change anytime soon. I have been a smoker – been hooked! – for 20 years and I am now a very happy non-smoker since 3 years! I used to have my fashion shows sponsored by Philip Morris, they paid me money. If I had a blog back then, I probably would have put an ad up there too. Or I would have had tons of pictures of myself with a cigarette!
Frankly it does not bother me personally when I see people smoking – as long as I don’t have to smell them – , I feel sorry for them, because they are hooked, just like me once, feeling horribly sick at all times even when smoking, thinking that it would make me feel better but it never ever would, what a trick! I would never pick up this habit again. To me now a smoking person does not look attractive anymore, because I really see what it does to a person. They’ll dry out – let them! There is nothing you can do to stop them. No one could stop me, except my own self.
The only thing we can do is not advertise it on our own blogs or blog about how to stop or never to start. I slowly started realizing that I was a tricked when I could not stop even though I tried really hard and then I read the book “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking!” by Allen Carr. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Carr
It hammered some sense into my weak brain and it still took about 2 more years for me to finally kick this habit. Maybe talking about this book would be a solution?
I am not at all a fan of smoking, and seeing it glamourized makes me so sad.
I’ve noticed it a lot in blogs of late.
And also around my new college campus- around the art building. A lot of the smokers I see are just the sort of fashionable dressers who would love to be on a street style blog.
This really isn’t a trend to be encouraged. Wonderful post.
Florrie x
Florrie´s last blog ..It’s cold!
Great post — eloquently written and quite interesting. I’m glad you stopped smoking!
Thank you for calling attention to this. Like some of the posters above, I cannot believe that in this day and age my friends continue to start smoking! It’s disgusting to see it glorified on blogs and street style sites. There is nothing “beautiful” about smoking.
Rachel´s last blog ..September Snapshots
Although, I agree that smoking is bad for one’s health, the photographer is not glamorizing the cigarette. It’s the individual, who takes away from the picture that smoking is glamorous. The Sartorialist is taking pictures of street fashion in between fashion shows. This just happens to be the time when people smoke. As a photographer, it’s not his responsibility to make sure that his subjects put out the cigarette for fear that some kid will start smoking. He’s trying to capture the moment and the fabulous fashion and style.
People need to learn to see different things good and bad and use their own common sense to decide on what to do and what not to do. If a teenage girl is going to smoke, she’s going to smoke. Parents need to step up and take more responsibility in teaching their kids how to make smart decisions and take responsibility for their own actions.
Bloggers, too, have freedom of speech. It’s not their responsibility to raise other peoples young.
I had never really “thought” about it, but people in fashion do set the trend and if everyone looks beautiful and glamorous and they happen to be smoking
It’s funny, but now that you pointed out how often smoking is seen in fashion shots, it makes me realize how much less it is seen anywhere else. I was watching a show on history channel and it was just bizarre to see news anchors, in old clips, smoking right on the air. Things certainly have changed (mostly).
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Around 5.4 million deaths a year are caused by tobacco.
Smoking is set to kill 6.5 million people in 2015 and 8.3 million humans in 2030, with the biggest rise in low-and middle-income countries.
Its a fact that from the beginning teenagers are not trained in the hard way to restrain from smooking and in the bad company they get addicted of it and from this point many criminal things happen in the future
So i Appreciate your feeling and work you have done
I am looking forward for more informative posts here
cheers
I agree with the fellow commenters that this is one of the more interesting posts I have read about fashion in a while. And even though I agree with your basic premise I think you tend to neglect at least one major thing.
It is easier to photograph people who are smoking! Because of our social norms they typically have to go outside for a smoking break and often times socialize during that time. People who do not have to smoke don’t have to go outside periodically, thus they may be harder to find and photograph.
I am not condoning smoking. In fact, I have never taken up smoking myself. But I do think that it easier when doing street fashion shots to find people who are smoking than not.
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