Wolford is an Austrian lingerie and clothing brand not known for it's varied portfolio of models (are we edging closer to more diverse European modelling? It's tough on the psyche. I'll skip the diversity rant for now), but for it's luxe legwear which incorporates very bold geometric and bio-diverse patterns bi-seasonally. That's right. Wolford designs legwear with undergarments and outerwear, also available as coordinating pieces for Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. Am I crazy? No, we just don't have a flagship store in Richmond, and we probably won't anytime soon. Meanwhile, I suggest you stare at the book.
Women's undergarments have long been the token example of a fetish object. Enter Fetishism Class 1; Craving the Object. It doesn't involve interest in the person the object belongs to, just sole interest in the object. I'm not too shy to discuss the porno aspects of lingerie photography, but I like a decent fetishistic interpretaion more than anything. The Wolford catalog shots with faces in them are moderately clothed. The more revealing legwear garment shots are grouped without any attention to the facial expression at all, relating to a humanless characteristic of Fetishism.
The above photo is one of the only image examples of an entire lingerie ensemble with the face of the model showing in the photograph. The photography wasn't done with a Nikon D800 (out this month), but although the monolithic game changing piece of technological advancement will indeed enhance imaging in the fashion world, Wolford has managed thus far in a commitment to progressive fashion photography using technology previously available. Furthermore, all Wolford garments are made in Austria--not in Asia.
So, I need to be able to walk into a Wolford storefront within walking distance of the Arts District. I'm turning blue in the face waiting for it to happen. It may seem selfish and spoiled. You might think I'm, you know, ridiculous. But, I see nothing stopping the virtual planning of a fashion park with a pedestrian mall in the downtown Richmond area, walking distance from VCU, and on the bus line. I need Wolford to be in the minds of the city's economic planners.