ODDA 25 Anya Taylor-Joy
When September rolls around, right before we start the new issue, many questions arise for the team and I. For September 2023, we want to speak about “us.” And, when I say us, I am talking about human beings and all of the little things that make us smile, bring joy and lead to discovery. All of the nuances that allow us a sense of moving towards our dreams and expectations; perhaps even expectations that we have created or imagined for our future selves.
The September issue of ODDA is a celebration of the things that give us pleasure, not exactly the physical but whatever provides us comfort or reminds us of forgotten memories. September is a restart, not just for us, but for fashion on a global scale. I decided to name this number VOULEZ-VOUS after the famed song of ABBA. “Why?” You may ask. Hmm… I think the complexity of the answer is great but, on the surface, I find myself a free man, whose dreams and passions are visible every day. And, there is always ABBA. In all of my happy moments, my memories, my laughs and the people I love and have loved.
ODDA 25 shows, for many, what grabbing a coffee and a read in the early morning means: the possibility to travel and explore other cultures, meeting people that teach you and bring nourishment to your life, the food and global tastes, as well as the cherished memories of childhood that keep the innocence within us alive. The pleasures of intimacy shared with ourselves, with that person you finally found or the hope that you have for somebody in accomplishing their goals.
This year I had the privilege of visiting Singapore for the first time, as well as returning to Tokyo. I cannot begin to express with words my inner-feelings, being able to return to these incredible countries and cities after I once thought that travel would not return after the 2020 black-out.
On another note, for the very first time in 11 years, since the publishing of ODDA, we have embarked on a wonderful project with DIOR. We call this project ODDA x Dior Chapter 1; an exploration and reinterpretation of the code of the house of DIOR, the history of Monsieur Dior through to our current era in the hands of Mrs. Maria Grazia Chiuri. From the names behind Dior Heritage, Fine Jewelry, Dior Maison and La Galerie as well as the collaborators that have shaped the history and future of Lady Di(or). This project goes across 300 pages, showcasing the entirety of Womenswear within Maison Dior, connecting the pleasure of discovering and learning, curation and creation, alongside our creative sibling, ODDA360.
Connected to ODDA x Dior Chapter 1, we discover our first cover with actor Anya Taylor-Joy. A bright, kind and very talented woman shot by another very talented individual, and good friend of mine, Alana O’Herlihy. I met Anya once and we both share the fact that we speak Spanish–in a way, that will always make you click and connect. I have to say, it’s been a while since I have felt such beautiful energy on set or out of set. It is genuine. It is real.
And what about Magdalena Frąckowiak? SHE IS THE MOMENT! Who doesn’t remember her? The icon, the beauty! She is what brought me and some of the members of our team to fashion. I will never forget Magdalena walking in the Atlantis show of Mr. Alexander McQueen. I think that I have quite easily watched that show, and that moment, 100 times–even this is likely an under-exaggeration. I can say that working with her on set is a moment that I will never forget. It reminded me of the same feelings and emotions that I had when I started a long time ago in 2010. The love for my job has journeyed through different phases and, on set in New York, I understood why she is an icon, why she is needed and why the past is always back!
We also discover Tyshawn Jones who has been named “Skater of the Year” several times and is now ready to pursue new endeavours in the creative field. Signed with DNA, Tyshawn has the support of a large community of artists behind him. Based in NY, he speaks with Steven Victor for the new issue and, if you know who Steven Victor is, I guess you will wonder why!
Another of our covers is the legendary actor Alicia Silverstone! Who has not seen “Clueless” at least once? But Alicia is so much more than that. Nowadays, she has placed focus into meaningful projects as well as fighting for animal rights and becoming the publisher of two books on the market.
And the last two covers are the future, the new generation… Deacon Phillippe, son of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, is making his big splash in the music industry. Based in NY but with a foot in LA, Deacon is staging concerts here and there, connecting his music, his lyrics and his way of seeing life with his community. In a cover wearing Celine, Ryan Pfluger captures the energy of the ‘90s in LA, the era of the “Fan Phenomena.” And we finish with Bliss Chapman, daughter of Rosemary Ferguson, whose agent is Kate Moss and has half of the UK following her steps.
Also in the UK, we spent a day at the Serpentine Galleries in London with Mr Hans Ulrich Obrist before jumping to Puerto Rico with artist José Lerma and then to NY to discover more of Richie Shazam–an icon of our era.
In this issue, you will discover Haute Couture and High Jewelry must-haves, the celebration of body, self-comfort and personal needs with stories such as My House, My Rules, My Pleasure as well as the Cruise 2024 of Chanel through the eyes of three powerful women: model Akiima, actor Rain Spencer and poet Blair Maya Quinones.
There is much more to discover, from Wes Gordon to Zebedee Talent agency to Guy Vadas. If I don’t stop now, I will never end this letter and you will be too bored to read my words the next time so… it is better for you to see for yourself what is waiting!