Last Thursday evening I had the pleasure of attending a talk with the French blogger Garance Dore, who was being interviewed by her talented beau Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist. It was a creative, intimate and interesting talk and I was very happy I went. I had been feeling tired and cranky and contemplated staying home, and then when the trains were rerouted and I had to walk from eighth avenue to the east side I was REALLY wishing I had stayed home. But once I was seated my mood improved and I had quite the enjoyable night. Well at the end of the talk they opened the floor to take questions from the audience. Some of the questions were expected, some were insightful and some were…well—annoying. One member of the audience asked Garance how she and Scott handled creative competitiveness and jealousies with one another. Hmmm well they are on stage together, conducting an interview together…hmm…I let that one slide. Garance of course answered the question with her usual quirky charm. Then another member of the audience asked her if she felt obligated to speak about things like politics and world events on her blog. OK, this one pissed me off. I am sorry, what? My first thought was “Do you even read her blog?” my second was “How arrogant” and the third was “Why should she?” If she wants to that is fine, if not, that is fine too. She is an illustrator, a photographer and a fashion and lifestyle blogger, her blog and her work does not involve politics. Why is that no one ever thinks to ask a political blogger if they feel obligated to speak about fashion? Or a sports blogger if they feel obligated to speak about politics on their blog. How do you feel about this? Do you feel fashion bloggers have any obligations besides following the FCC discloser guidelines? And what about fashion in general?
Background image via Garance Dore front panel image via The Sartorialst
18 comments
Very well written Allie and I agree an arrogant question so ignorant but we have it all like that you got mad shows your passion.
http://tifi11.blopspot.com
what a dumb question! they’ve obviously never been to her blog. were they trying to start something bc she’s french? love her and her blog. one day i shall own one of her illustrations.
In today’s world, I’m not surprised at anything. Anything goes with people. As a blogger, you get used to that. Sometimes I get comments and shake my head. I’m glad you went. They’re use to such things.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Great post!! The person who asked that question clearly is arrogant. Some people are just rude and ignorant. I would have been annoyed too. Sounds like it was a good event other than that rude person. Sadly, the world is full of people like that.
Best, Mree
well,i am so happy for you get this exquisite interview,she is amazing
Royal Wang,stay in touch
http://www.fashionculturediary.blogspot.it/
Garance is a very talented and smart lady and I don’t think she needs to address politics/world events on her blog cause there are sites that do just that. What an ignorant question!
Rowena @ rolala loves
I would have loved to go see her, I visit her blog daily. And that question really was stupid, how is politics relevant to what she does. Some people are so arrogant :/
Great post!
<3
katsfashionfix.blogspot.com
LOL maybe that person is just trying to look like a smarty pants. Hate when people do that–they probs just love the sound of their own voice.
If I want to read about politics, I probably won’t be visiting a fashion blog. Unless its giving me a breakdown of what Michelle Obama wore to the last white house event.
– Gita
mimiandchichi.com
Keep in touch with me on Bloglovin
I think politics are exactly what I DON’T want to read about when I go to Garance Dore or any fashion and lifestyle blogger. Why should anyone feel OBLIGATED to discuss politics or world events on their blog, unless, as you said, it’s a political blog.
In other news, these two are one of my favorite couples–the level of creativity between them is inspiring. Glad you got to check them out.
xx, Angelica
http://www.savvygirllife.com
What a silly thing to ask her! I would’ve been annoyed, too!
I think a blogger should write about whatever he/she wants to- aside from following FTC guidelines, what to say/when to say it should be left up to the owner of a blog.
Great post, doll! Glad you got a lot out of the talk!
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
what a clever and interesting post.
Ive been a fan of her blog for so long. She is a fantastic photographer.
I dont think any bloggers has a responsibility of things like that.. A blog is personal, and its up to one and each other if they want to adress political or personal issues.
x
People do ask the oddest questions! I agree that that question wasn’t relevant at all. Besides, our blogs are personal. People should be allowed to blog whatever they fancy!
What a stupid question to ask, it isn’t even relevant at all! Oh well, at least it was a good event 😉
xxx
I hate it when people ask the most random questions & questions that have nothing to do with bloggers & their blogs. Clearly they don’t read any of their works or follow them. And as a blogger, we should never feel obligated or feel forced to post up w/e subjects. That’s why we should work with people & brands that we fully support and put up posts from our own thoughts. Enjoyed reading this post!
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What a random question! I think if one wanted to read about politics one would follow a political blogger.
Kudos to you for getting out to see this when you really weren’t in the mood, I know the feeling. Good point about the silly questions, but so great that you got to see hear them!
xo Mary Jo