I have to say, VbN, you had me worried.

When I first perused your Spring 2010 Lookbook (I know, I’m late) I was a little nervous. I saw a lot of basics, and girls without pants. Could my favorite organic brand be falling in line with companies like American Apparel, using bare hardwood floors, blank walls and half-naked girls to sell subpar clothing?

I shouldn’t have worried.

Laughing! American Apparel girls don’t laugh. They squint, or pout, or just look kind of drunk.

Okay, maybe the image on the right is a little pouty, but think about it this way: American Apparel ads are utterly one-dimensional.  They each feature a single girl, writing around, looking oh-so-serious and sexual, or otherwise coquettish with a “c’mere, big boy” grin.  They certainly don’t have any sort of fun playing in the manufactured indoor wind.

And I’m sorry, American Apparel guys, but your super skinny, mustached white trash look ain’t got nothing on our barefoot friend, here.  (Guys can play in the wind too – how refreshing.)

In fact, this whole damned lookbook is refreshing. The ethnically-diverse models are smiling; the clothing is well-cut, interestingly paired and completely wearable; and the scene is relaxed and real, but not dirty (again, a la American Apparel). Vicarious by Nature‘s Lookbook does exactly what a lookbook should do: show you the fit, shape and style of the clothing, offer options for pairing, and keep it all attainable.

So, instead of being confused or turned on by the pantsless girls, I want to be one of them…and maybe throw a sleepover.

Bravo, Vicarious by Nature. You’ve done it again!

Images via VicariousByNature.com

Tags: advertising, american apparel, Awakened Options: Organic, basics, clothing, nudity, sex, vbn, vicarious by nature