The All-American Girl

(image courtesy of awelldressedman.blogspot.com)

Sprouting out like wild mushroom after the rain, seemingly coming out of nowhere and seemingly going everywhere, Lana Del Rey, with her throaty voice, porcelain skin, sultry doe eyes and perpetually pouting lips, is the woman of the moment. Her title was cinched and the extent of her fame blown up to unprecedented proportions when Vogue made the move of featuring her, a virtual unknown and newcomer, on the cover of their March issue. The harsh reviews by her critics served only as a catalyst to her overnight celebrity, perpetuating the girl from the shadows into sudden limelight. But Lana, otherwise known by her birth name, Elizabeth Grant, is poised and mature beyond her years. With wisdom-filled eyes to match her soulful voice, and good looks to rival her model counterparts, the 'self-styled gangsta Nancy Sinatra' is a candy with a surprise centre. Her striking features, making her look like a hybrid between a 1950's housewife of the all-american dream, a retro pin-up girl and an urban sweet-faced beauty, belie the deep voice and the strength that lie within. You never quite know what you might find with this girl - what you see is not what you get. 

Even her fashion choices are indicative of the treacherous waters that bubble beneath the surface.

(image courtesy of urban1072.com)

Here she is, looking like a poster girl from the early 1900's advocating domestic appeal. She is the quintessential housewive, her chestnut-auburn hair is glossy and falls in pin-up waves past slender shoulders, her delicate skin is unfreckled and she pulls off coral lipstick the way only a red-head can. Her blouse, buttoned all the way up her neck, with its peter pan collar, is ladylike and innocent. She is rich as cream, the girl that the soldiers from bygone wars would look forward to, the girl of their dreams - greeting them with a smile as they stepped fresh off the plane onto the tarmac, smelling of cookie dough and bringing with her the comfort of home, a safe haven from the brewing wars in the outside world. And yet, underneath her top, she has added a subtle feature - a feature so subtle you could easily overlook, but once seen cannot be unseen: a red bra, reflecting a racier nature.

(image courtesy of fashion.telegraph.co.uk)

Here her rebellious streak is out in full force. Exposing her pale midriff in a ripped up t-shirt and lightwashed jeans, Lana accessorises with mismatched jewellery (Chanel earrings, a religious necklace and a chunky statement necklace and ring) and a classily held cigarette, and adopts a distinctly 'gangsta' pose, paying homage to her turbulent nature. Her gaze is challenging, almost sinister; and yet her makeup is impeccable, her skin dewy, her hair perfectly coiffed. She is a walking fashion contradiction - so wrong, and yet so right.

 
(image courtesy of justjared.buzznet.com)

Here she is at the Late Night With David Letterman show, looking prim, proper, and as sweet as honey, a vision in an all-white assemble surely more suited to church or brunch with her in-laws? Her structured, long sleeved ladylike dress is complemented by nude pumps, and she keeps her accessories to a minimal. She is positively angellic, keeping the lid on her wild side firmly intact. If it wasn't for her fiery hair, one would be forgiven for mistaking her for Kate Middleton. She is turbulent, experimental, unpredictable, controversial, a regular chameleon - she is the perfect fashion muse. Already she is creating buzz in the fashion world, having recently been signed by Next Model Management. 

Bearing in mind the fickle nature of fame (remember Rebecca Black? where is she now?), and the enormity of her star proportions at the moment, it seemed like a crime not to dedicate an entire post to her. I for one, think that we have not heard the last of Lana Del Rey. Watch this space.