Looking at the Look Book
In the latest edition of New York magazine's Look Book, we're introduced to 24-year-old Maame-Wansema, who moved here from Ghana eight years ago, when her father was a diplomat for the U.N. Dad's diplopower only got Maame so far, however: she's an aesthetic consultant for a cosmetic dentist. Maame likes to wear things that nobody else is wearing, so she shops at obscure boutiques like H&M, Banana Republic, Zara, and Daffy's. After the jump, Intern Alexis rounds up a sausage-heavy panel of Andrew Krucoff, Bucky Turco, and a man named Sac give their advice on Maame's unique style.
Maame-Wansema has very little spare time what with school and her dentistry job and her stepsisters. But in the little free-time that she has, what does she do?
Feeds and vaccinates Bono against malaria.
What's the deal with Jake Chessum not letting us see the bottom half of these people?
He's got a double amputee fetish, but he doesn't want anyone to know.
Who would you rather marry — Maame-Wansema or Angelina Jolie?
Maame-Wansema. Immediately after the wedding, I'd instruct my nieces and nephews to call her Auntie Maame. That is the only reason I would marry her. She's lucky I like to laugh so much, really, because Jolie is way hotter.
What, if anything, would you change about her style?
I'd get her some legs.
If Maame was in one of those Conde Nast ads, which magazine would she be holding close to heart?
Boy's Life. For the pictures.
Andrew Krucoff, internet personality
Maame-Wansema has very little spare time what with school and her dentistry job and her stepsisters. But in the little free-time that she has, what does she do?
Mathematically, she doesn't have spare time to ever change out of that outfit, but when she gets the chance I bet she laughs at these people and ghostwrites Kofi Annan's Secret UN blog.
What's the deal with Jake Chessum not letting us see the bottom half of these people?
1) Photographers named Jake are not to be trusted. I could cite at least one other example but I won't. 2) Anal is always extra. Always.
Who would you rather marry — Maame-Wansema or Angelina Jolie?
Either way the ceremony is probably gonna be in Africa, right? I sweat like a hippo, though less magically, so as long as it's in the shade or indoors then it doesn't matter to me.
What, if anything, would you change about her style?
Ditch the smarty cap and think '85 with a rolled-up red bandana. Get rid of the snazzy, static, TV-pattern coat, sport a tight white T-shirt and blue jeans. Turn around, give us a rear shot. There, now she's Bruce Springsteen and that's what I call surviving in
America.
If Maame were in one of those Conde Nast ads, which magazine would she be holding close to heart?
The only one with a pulse: French Vogue.
Jim Laakso, Project Bloodteam and Official Transcriber for MarkPrindle.com.
Maame-Wansema has very little spare time what with school and her dentistry job and her stepsisters. But in the little free-time that she has, what does she do?
Think about all the poor people she'd love to help as she's shopping at Banana Republic, Express, Bloomingdale's, Zara, etc., etc. It's America! You've got to survive.
What's the deal with Jake Chessum not letting us see the bottom half of these people?
This plucky Brit expat explains on his website that after his move to New York he found himself missing, among other things (like "English savoury snacks"), the FA Cup Final. To shoot the foot would be too painful a reminder of football and thus of home, and the last thing we need are emotionally iffy celeb photographers. For if these pillars of society can't be strong, who can?
Who would you rather marry — Maame-Wansema or Angelina Jolie?
Babysitting stepsiblings is for an evening or two, adopting a Cambodian kid is for life. Sorry, Angelina, but I'm not keen on hearing that snotty "You're not my real father!" shit in ten years. Advantage: Maame-Wansema.
What, if anything, would you change about her style?
Instead of acting like a 16 year-old desperate to be different by wearing "something nobody's wearing," Maame-Wansema should wear something EVERYBODY is wearing: Underpants! And she should put them on her head with her face peeping through one of the legholes. She can pretend she's an astronaut. Blast off!
If Maame were in one of those Conde Nast ads, which magazine would she be holding close to heart?
As a New Yorker who enjoys lively political debate with her siblings,
she would certainly clutch close to her bosom the controversial online lit magazine The Termite. With that sleuthing outfit of hers, maybe she can help "Andrew TSKS" sleep easier by sniffing out the truth about Duff Mulligan's intentions.
Bucky Turco, editor-in-chief, ANIMAL
Maame-Wansema has very little spare time what with school and her dentistry job and her stepsisters. But in the little free-time that she has, what does she do?
She scours "missed connections" on Craigslist for her sweet prince with straight white teeth. Her profile reeks of fairytales and hope. Amy Larocca has truly unveiled a modern day Cinderella story here. Now off to Payless and get this woman some gold slippers.
What's the deal with Jake Chessum not letting us see the bottom half of these people?
Don't you read? These Look Book profiles are all fashion amputees, no need to show the lower extremities. Plus Jake must be a very evil man. For him to think it was a good idea to completely cover up this African queen, who I might add is supposedly donned in a short skirt from Bloomie's (we will never know) is unthinkable. Either that or those boots from Daffy's were hideous.
Who would you rather marry — Maame-Wansema or Angelina Jolie?
Angelina hands down. There's nothing more attractive then a succulent woman who keeps her vagina pristine solely for the sake of men and not children. Plus with all the confusion and orphans running around over there, one can easily slip in and out of the Daddy role without causing too many emotional problems for the kids.
What, if anything, would you change about her style?
Not a thing. There is no reason to rain on her parade and mention that H&M, Daffy's and especially Banana Republic are not exactly NYC's most exclusive boutiques — everyone's wearing what she's wearing. However, I would recommend TJ Maxx and Filene's Basement to her, they too offer little selection and slashed prices, which in turn, creates a low hanging fruit stand of exclusivity. That said, judging from last year's fashion show in Ghana, she's a total trendsetter.
If Maame was in one of those Conde Nast ads, which magazine would she be holding close to heart?
Based on her lofty desire to "wear something nobody's wearing" I would have to say Lucky, the shopping bible of elite mediocrity.
