NBC’s ‘Fashion Star’ Shut Down by IATSE Walkout.

The union says it will remain out until a contract is achieved.
IATSE crew members picketed the NBC reality show “Fashion Star” on Saturday, resulting in a production halt that shut down a scheduled 1:30 p.m. taping and dismissal for the day of production personnel and audience. A union organizer told The Hollywood Reporter that the union will remain on strike against the show until a contract is reached.“We’re on strike against this show until we have a contract,” said IATSE official Vanessa Holtgrew.
When that might be is unknown, since no talks are in progress. The issue, as usual in the contemporary economy, is pension and health benefits.

“A big, successful primetime show like this – I don’t see why they shouldn’t be union,” Holtgrew said. “I hope we get a contract for these folks so they can get their health and pension, and go back to making their show.”
The show is in production on its second season. It’s produced by Electus, 5×5 Media, and Magical Elves, as well as the Global Fashion Association.
THR has reached out to NBC and the production companies. NBC referred inquiries to Electus, but THR has not heard back from them or the other production entities yet.
Holtgrew said that a total of about 70 crew picketed the show at Hollywood Center Studios and a location near the Arclight theatre (Sunset and Vine, in Hollywood), each with two separate entrances.
There are numerous union crew members on the non-union show – which is permitted under IATSE rules – but without a union contract they are not receiving pension and health benefits. Holtgrew said that wage rates are not a factor in the strike.

Reality programming has become a key part of Los Angeles production activity as
The decline of motion picture and TV drama production in Los Angeles has left reality and half-hour comedy as key factors in the local business. IATSE has been active in organizing reality, and Holtgrew and IATSE official Mike Miller said to expect more job actions in the next few months.

Stylish Insight: Fashion Sense from Chicago Ideas Week.

Industry lessons from experts including supermodel Elle Macpherson and more.

Elizabeth Fenner, editor-in-chief of Chicago Magazine, opened a 90-minute session on fashion—and its affect on our lives—by saying that the industry is more accessible than ever. From live-stream fashion shows and designer diffusion lines to fast fashion chains that knock off runway trends, our ability to tap into this glamorous world has never been easier. That unprecedented access has spawned countless ideas, trends and so-called authority figures (read: bloggers) that often make it difficult to determine what’s really in and what’s out—and what the casual fashion fan should know. Fenner brought out a number of experts in the field to share their insights during the session—but here are the ones that stood out to us (for better or worse):

Elle Macpherson, supermodel: Invest in yourself
After she scored her first couple of Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers in the 1980′s, supermodel Elle Macpherson started getting asked to pose for the annual calendar as well. She soon thought to herself: why aren’t I controlling this process? Macpherson went on to create her own calendar, overseeing everything from the photographer choice to the design aesthetic of the finished product. Years later, when a business approached her about being the face for its lingerie line, she turned the tables again: Macpherson offered to design, model and name the line (Elle Macpherson Intimates) for no upfront charge—she’d only take a cut if they profited in the first year, which the company did.

Dana Gordon, jewelry designer: Tread carefully with trends
A third-generation jewelry designer, Gordon recalled falling in love at an early age with her grandmother’s set of three flower rings. When her grandmother started losing her memory—and could no longer recall the location of those rings that had been promised to Gordon—the designer was devastated. When she saw the same exact rings on her mother-in-law’s finger, the occurrence brought her to tears. Gordon says it’s her goal as a designer to evoke “emotion like that”—and to create timeless pieces we can appreciate for years to come.

Borris Powell, designer: Dress up
Powell reminded the audience that fashion can “make or break” their everyday lives, and that there’s a difference between “comfy dressing and lazy dressing.” But, lucky for us, fashion is a very seasonal industry—so we have some room to add variety to our look. He suggested buying fashion magazines (GQ for men; Elle, Marie Claire and Vanity Fair for women) in February and September—when the major fashion weeks happen. Also, we shouldn’t be afraid to translate magazine trends for everyday life. Powell made a point to explain that just because we see a model in a head-to-toe red ensemble in a glossy, we should feel free to substitute a black blazer in order to make the trend feel more “everyday.” Most people we know aren’t gunning to look exactly like the models in a fashion magazine, but we appreciate Powell’s reassurance nonetheless.

Fashion week struts its way into Tokyo for Spring 2013 collection.

Fashion designers set their sights on the creative motherland that is Tokyo. Over 40 designers will showcase their Spring 2013 collections over seven days. This will be MB Fashion Week Tokyo’s third year but fashion editors and designers can’t wait to show off their styles and release their creativity. This event has already attracted Japanese Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Anna Dello Russo, Noritaka Tatehana and Masanori Morikawa.

Tatehana and Morikawa are favorites of Lady Gaga as Tatehana is the inventor of the pop star’s “clog like shoes, with no heel, between 10 to 18 inches tall”. Morikawa was responsible for Gaga’s ‘green’ costume worn at the MTV Aid Japan Award in 2011. Prada, Hermès, John Galliano and Emilio Pucci are just a few of the big names expected to present their designs in the show. American Apparel, a Los Angeles company that has been selling clothes in Japan for seven years, will be showcasing their fashion line for the first time and have already revealed their line today! American Apparel has no set designer so the outcome will be one to look out for.

This week, keep your eyes peeled for these hot designers: Alice Auaa, Beautiful people, Christian Dada, Cune, Everlasting Sprout, Fur Fur, Kamishima Chinami, Motonari Ono, Naoshi Sawayanagi, Shiroma, Somarta, Whiz Limited and Yasutoshi Ezumi. Is everyone excited to gawk at clothes we can’t afford? I definitely am! Asian culture has been spreading like wildfire recently and the results are phenomenal. Bring on the Harajuku girls!

Fashion week: Unbridled and bridal.

These are exciting times for fashion designers and the overall business of fashion as fresh blood consistently streams into the industry (the latest entrant being Misha Lakhani) and the old guard also attracts good business. In fact, it is the only industry in Pakistan that is flourishing during the ongoing economic depression. Add to it our designers going truly international by establishing their identities on foreign shores (Ensemble is the latest design house to open in Dubai), the slew of fashion weeks, individual shows and collection previews, and it seems that designer wear is literally flying off the shelves (read hangers) for no sooner do the craftsmen make it, it is plucked by eager socialites, fashionistas, kitty party begums and other clientele.

In Lahore, the calendar event that has become the hallmark for bridal fashions is the PFDC L’Oreal Paris Bridal Week held last week at The Royal Palm Golf & Country Club. In its second year, the week has established itself as a platform for designers to showcase trousseau collections, luxury prêt and more, simultaneously evolving to experiment with fresher, newer concepts in make-up trends.

The latest concept that was initiated at this year’s event was the trends/stylist show that opened all of the four days last week: Nabila and the N-Pro team collaborated with fashion designer Zaheer Abbas and model Ayyan to execute Paper Doll which saw the model being dressed up on the ramp before making her way to the mock showcase at the edge of the ramp.
Day Two featured Maram Aabroo with Zara Shahjehan and styling by Fahad Hussayn, drawing inspiration from the more traditional form of make-up or sola singhar as the models walked in single file bearing lanterns. Day Three featured Toni&Guy with Mohsin Ali designing short dresses and eastern wear with fabric featuring fine gold block print. Finally, stylist Khawar Riaz together with fashion designer Adnan Pardesy for The Devdas Women: Still a Bride’s Inspiration. The make-up was classic chic with Cleopatra-inspired turquoise eye shadow and ’60s thick eyeliner.

DAY 1: Misha Lakhani made her bridal ramp debut with A Colonial Transgression inspired by the inlay work at the Taj Mahal. The silhouettes were in crepe, georgette, muslin, velvet, net, satin and chiffon with zardozi, vasli, marori, threadwork and cutwork together with screen, digital and discharge prints. The designer employed the use of a rich colour palette mostly in ivory, olive, citron, saffron, blush, hot pink, bordeaux and red in dramatic drapery.

Azza’s holiday and trousseau capsule collection featured heavily jewelled collars and modern opulence with more traditional forms of embroidery and motifs. Menswear pieces were also shown besides the frocks, blazers and scarves for fall/winter. The line in ivory stood out in particular.

Next, Sonia Azhar showcased Dark Romance, “drawing inspiration from allure and mystery” and taking on both light and dark colour palettes in heavy lehngas, long kameezes and even velvet trails.

DAY 2: Asifa & Nabeel’s A Tribute to Jahan Ara Begum (eldest daughter of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan and Empress Mumtaz Mehal), displayed the style icon’s penchant for opulent chaddors and kameezes with rubies, diamonds and sapphires and shimmering sequins. With net and lace velvet in fantastic cuts in deep blue, earthy green, golden and maroon, the designer duo also showed a menswear collection of kurtas, shirts and jackets inspired by Mughal royalty.

Marking her brand’s ramp debut, Teena by Hina Butt’s Ode to Sophia, a romantic lyrical song for Queen Sophia of the Baroque era, took heavy inspiration from the architecture and decorative art in Europe from the late 16th to the early 18th century. The designer used a variety of fabrics such as pure silk to satin, chiffon and velvet trimmings along with fabric edgings, laces and nets. Green, pastel pinks and nudes with burgundy and ruby red to pale pastels, beiges and whites found their way here as did select menswear pieces. Showstopper couples Omar and Natasha Nabi and Anusheh Asad-Asad Muzaffar walked the ramp in this segment.

The Ali Xeeshan Theatre Studio collection, Cinderella After 12, took on custom-designed jamavar, kumkhwab, pure silks, chiffons and block printed cotton with a few menswear pieces.
Dedicated to style icons Ather Shahzad for their years in fashion, it featured multi-colour pieces thrown together with an ivory base along with a slight redefinition of menswear.

DAY 3: Inspired by the seasons, Élan with the collection Gold Dust emphasised fluid silhouettes in shirts and jackets for movement and agility. The three-piece richly embellished bridals included long jackets and tops with trailing backs with embroidered izaars and farshi shararas along with Grecian-like draped ensembles, Kimono-styled jackets with sleek ankle grazers and a traditional kali angarakha with a kali luckhnowvi gharara and satrangi duppatta.

Layla Chatoor marked her bridal debut with The Queen’s Jewels. The inspiration in design came from the tiara and diamonds reflected in the cutwork. Apricot, rust, maroon, rich pink, exotic gold and icy turquoise mixed with plum and aubergine gave the collection an aesthetic appeal. The silhouette remained long, lounging and voluminous with French chantilly lace, tulle and lamé, jamavar and brocade fused with embroidery defined the designer’s creative skills here along with swarovski crystals, myuki beads, Japanese pearls, silver and gold thread and mukesh work.

Nickie Nina’s Baroque featured pure silk, chiffon, jamavar and velvet with antique gold embellishments and colourful threadwork with cuts from the east-meets-west period. The duo employed sea-green, plum, lemon yellow and beige tones.

DAY 4: Fahad Hussayn’s Laaj Nagar was inspired by ‘the fantastical city of ethereal beauty and love, driven from the greatest love stories known to literature and storytelling’. It included a preview of the Fahad Hussayn Print Museum, presenting live digital prints, an exclusive range of high-end digitally printed silks and chiffons along with custom-made woven pure jamavars, brocades and net. Semi-precious stones with threadwork featured here as did menswear pieces. The collection was featured in rich and vibrant colours with figurine prints. Pop artist Quratulain Baloch also walked the ramp for Fahad Hussayn while lip-syncing to Jogan. His shamiyana-inspired outfits were quite fetching.

Chibhali by Nida Azwer interpreted Kashmiri heritage and culture. Signature-style angrakhas and long jackets with intricate embroidery with gota, zardozi, vasli, kamdani and Swarovski crystals with fabrics such as pure silk and brocade, lamé and maisuri constructed the essentially women’s wear line. She also showcased menswear couture. Actress Resham was the showstopper for this particular showcase.

Sliver by Saai had cutwork techniques and tarkashi from Southern Punjab. Tradition and modernity with experimental silhouettes in chiffons from the family of magentas, purples and reds along with peach, mint green and pale gold featured here. Menswear pieces were also included for a more diverse appeal. Fashion icon Nilofer Shahid walked the ramp for Saai.

HSY with his collection inspired by the inner city of Lahore portrayed sheer richness, highlighting the vibrant colours and heritage of the City of Gardens. Women’s wear and menswear pieces were worked in chiffons, silks, raw silks and organzas with simple and traditional cuts and ganga jamini embellishments. He used bright and lively guddi colors such as yellow, orange, red, magenta and purple as the base on which to work his extraordinary blingy splendour.

Carmen Marc Valvo returns to Tulsa for ‘Fashion a Cure’ with Oklahoma Project Woman.

Ten years goes by extraordinarily quickly when you grow close to what you are doing.
It sounded that way when, during a recent phone interview, world-renowned fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo stopped to consider that this year would be his 10th year in Tulsa for Oklahoma Project Woman’s “Fashion a Cure: A Decade of Dedication” benefit luncheon and black-tie dinner.
And the decade has gone by quickly.
“I mean extremely quickly,” Valvo said. “Like ten years. Wow, I can remember the first time I came down there. I didn’t know what to expect; I’d never been to Oklahoma before.”

But before he knew it, Tulsa had welcomed the New York-based women’s evening wear designer into its family. In showcasing his work to raise money for cancer research, Valvo’s met so many people, connected with them, been inspired by them, and this week will see them again at what he says is his last time at the annual Pink Ribbon event.
This year’s event is set for Monday at Southern Hills Country Club.
Oklahoma Project Woman, which hosts the fundraiser, provides breast health education, free mammography, diagnostic procedures and surgical services for Oklahomans with no health insurance and limited financial resources.
This year’s theme “A Decade of Dedication,” recognizes Valvo’s involvement as well as that of many volunteers, chairpeople and others who have worked on the project.
In the 10 years Valvo has been involved with the Pink Ribbon extravaganza, Oklahoma Project Woman executive director Anne Bogie said the program has raised almost $3.5 million for its cause. And with a per patient cost of only $150, “We’ve been able to have a huge impact on the community,” Bogie said.
“It’s a lot of money, and it’s a lot of health care for those souls who have fallen out of the system,” said Valvo, who’s made almost a second career of raising support for cancer research.
The OPW mission hit even closer to home with Valvo when, six months before his first time at the event, the designer was diagnosed with colon cancer.
He underwent surgery, got treatment and things settled down, “so coming to Tulsa for that first time, even though it was for breast cancer,” Valvo said, “I felt like I was raising money for myself at the same time.”
He calls that first meeting a sort of strange serendipitous one.
“And it was kind of like this instant bonding that I had with people in the community.”
And anything that starts a conversation, that lends itself to a better understanding cancer, raises awareness and raises funds for cancer research is a cause for which Valvo is a huge advocate.

Bogie, herself a breast cancer survivor, said it means so much that Valvo has been in the shoes of those he supports and they have been in his.
His cares about the cause, and his star power “has allowed us to help a lot of women in the community that I care very deeply about,” Bogie said.
The hotly anticipated fundraiser always features Valvo’s latest work in women’s evening wear.
He often presents his fall collection at the Project Woman event, but he’s bringing spring this time around.
Valvo’s 2013 Spring Collection, which he recently presented during New York’s Fall Fashion Week, is Asian-inspired.
“East meets West,” Valvo describes it.

Everything has a kind of karate belt detailing at the waist. There are kimono-detailed blouses and skirts with a traditional 1950s feel. Valvo speaks of a Korean blouse in the collection, beaded breastplates of glass, beautiful cut crystal and pewter beads that dazzle as part of the line and then plenty of lace.
“All the lace in the collection is done in strangely beaded motifs,” Valvo said.
“It’s kind of a bit of yin and yang. It’s masculine and feminine. It’s strength and seduction.”

The opening look really exemplifies the theme of the entire collection and is among the designer’s favorites. It’s a black and white combination with a gazar skirt and couture lace-textured fabric, and the back is all black double-faced wool. It’s modern and very chic. And then there is the sister garment, which Valvo describes as a one-piece ballgown that looks as if it’s a two piece with a glass-beaded chantilly lace top and a poppy-red gazar ball skirt.

Valvo said both captured a certain energy as they came down that runway in New York that was kind “magical.” He sums up the collection as Asia meets 1950s-couture Paris.

Valvo has a few surprises in store that he thinks will persuade some new faces into sticking around after the fashion show to participate in the silent auction.
Valvo said he intends his 10th year presenting at the event to be his last, but he has said that in previous interviews and yet kept coming back.

It’s because of the people and relationships that have been built over time, said Valvo, and because of the event, itself, too.
“I’ve had an incredible, incredible decade of fun and crazy wonderful evenings at black-tie galas,” Valvo said. “But I really think that I should take a break for a year, give the people of Tulsa another opportunity to meet somebody else. Somebody else who’s as talented or more talented than myself to bring something new and exciting to the people of Tulsa.”
Coming to Tulsa means returning to bittersweet memories and leaving with some, as well. Friends such as Channel 2 anchor Karen Larsen, the event’s emcee, who lost her mother to breast cancer. “That makes (Larsen’s) commitment to this and to Oklahoma Project Woman even more important – her sense of commitment is even fuller because of the loss,” Valvo said.
Or former Saks Fifth Avenue general manager Joanne Hart, who lost her husband to cancer and, a year later, lost her own battle to pancreatic cancer, Valvo recalls. He sees the loss and shares it.
“I remember the happy times, but I miss those who’ve been lost,” Valvo said. “But, again, it just makes me realize how important life is and it’s really important that we raise awareness and funds for cancer because we need to eradicate it. I do it in the memory of those I’ve lost to cancer over the years.”

Bogie said that though Valvo and his work are so loved by the program and the guests who attend the event, and everyone would love to see him year after year, she thinks they understand that Valvo has other charitable commitments.

“You never know what the future holds, but for now we’re going to focus on everything he’s done for us and how far he’s gotten us,” Bogie said.
Following Monday’s events, Valvo will be at Saks Fifth Avenue in Utica Square at an exclusive luncheon and fashion presentation of items from his 2013 Spring Collection of evening gowns, day dresses and furs.
After the presentation, guests can shop with Valvo and get personally fitted for a gown or dress.

Miami Swim Fashion Week is always a celebration of sex appeal, bikinis, and beautiful designs. This clip features Sports Illustrated cover girl, Kate Upton, opening and closing one of the most memorable and fun shows with a wedding white twist in the end …

Sexy swimwear is not normally synonymous with weddings. However, this Miami Swim Fashion Week, the always-surprising Beach Bunny, introduced a collection that featured tiny bikinis as bridal-wear.

Sports Illustrated cover girl, Kate Upton, opened the show clad in a black and gold sparkling bikini that gave us just a hint of what more was to come. The Beach Bunny models strutted down the runway wearing stunning bikinis in shades of blues, reds, and whites. However, as the show went on, a massive array of different colors began to appear on the runway. Neon purples, pinks, and yellows, wild leopard prints, and beautiful monochromatic combination were just a taste of the colorful collection.

But it wasn’t until the final segment of the Beach Bunny show, when a completely new spirit filled the runway. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be the “marriage type,” there is no running from this fun, new, and innovative collection. Wedding inspired motifs, including lace details, pearl embellishments, and veils made this collection an unforgettable one. The minute Kate Upton graced the runway one last time wearing a sexy, high-waist wedding bridal bikini; she proved that brides can be the epitome of sexiness.

Make no mistake, Miami Swim Fashion Week has assured us that this summer is going to be fresh, colorful, and very hot. FashionTV brings you a playful clip that will inspire you for the sunny days ahead and give you a new take on the sexiness and fun of weddings.

BAHAMIAN talent is being represented in a big way in New York this weekend, as two aspiring models and one singer take part in Brooklyn Fashion Week.The three Bahamians – 2009 Supermodel of The Bahamas, Garrecka Johnson, Top Model Anwar, Mackey and 2011 Super Talent of the Bahamas winner, Shawndell Gardener – have had a busy week in the Big Apple, doing interviews on Irie Jam Radio and attending fittings, rehearsals and test shoots.2009 Supermodel of the Bahamas Garrecka JohnsonThe Brooklyn Fashion Week, which started on Thursday and ends tomorrow, features the fall/winter 2012 ‘B Fashion” runway show; it showcases the top emerging designers in the fashion industry, including local, national and international designers.2011 Super Talent of the Bahamas winner Shawndell Gardener.The runway shows features eco-friendly designers, ready-to-wear and couture designers.The four-day event’s daily schedule also includes a red carpet celebrity VIP reception, a cocktail reception and silent auction.The three young Bahamians booked for the fashion week serve as presenters at the event.All three are represented by OilinSha Coakley, proprietor/manager of OilinSha’s Models & Talent, and founder of the events Supermodel of the Bahamas and Super Talent of the Bahamas Organisation.During Brooklyn Fashion Week, the Supermodel and Super Talent of the Bahamas will release the recordedsingle “Standing Confusion” featuring Super Talent of the Bahamas 2011 winner Shawndell Gardener; produced by John W Gaitor and Mr Coakley.The single will be available on iTunes and stores in September.

Model on the display.

No, we are not discussing Shakespeare’s famous play Hamlet, but a unique trend that premiered in the city recently. Already a hit in the fashion capitals of the world like London, Paris and Milan, live mannequins were spotted at the re-launch party of a designer store in the city.

Live mannequins are models trained to be like mannequins and have clothes displayed on them. Around half a dozen city-based models (four girls and two boys) showcased designs for a Spring Summer collection and unlike conventional mannequins, the live ones stood only for an hour or so, for an event that lasted around six hours. This is justified because if they stood still the entire day, the consequences would have been drastic, not to say unmentionable.

“It was quite an attractive concept, not just for the customers but also for people passing by the store. Moreover, live mannequins are any day better than conventional ones. It’s easier to pick out clothes when they are on a live mannequin,” says socialite Aparna Mulani who was present at the launch.

While the models are skinny, the aam junta isn’t. So even though the clothes might look appealing on them, dress rehearsal is an all time must. Because it’s not choice that differs, but also the size.

Not only that, but how does one get over the gazillion eyes boring down on you?

One, however, wonders if the trend will catch on here. Hyderabad is modern, but not so modern that the sight of a pretty model at the display window of a store won’t invite a few jeering remarks from passers-by. For that’s exactly what happened in Italy, where a few live mannequins dressed in skimpy clothes had caused a stir. And that’s the fashion capital we are talking about.

While the store is contemplating with the novel idea of installing live mannequins on a regular basis, food for thought is how successful is it going to be in the city.

2012 hair show models wild styles.

With models in cages and money raining on the audience, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. 10th annual Hair and Fashion Show on Saturday was nothing short of wild.

The Zeta Delta Chapter’s show attracted an audience of more than 500 to Wharton Center to see the latest in hair style trends and fashionable couture.

This year’s show, with a Las Vegas theme, included 42 female models, nine scenes and one musical performance.

To celebrate a decade of shows, coordinators Chelsea Huguley, Shanacee Shreve, Imani Dudley and Brittany Powell, handed frosted cupcakes to members of the audience during an opening performance by hip-hop dance group Urban Dreams.

The show featured styles from swimwear to formal wear from a variety of stores in the Lansing Mall, 5132 W. Saginaw Highway, in Lansing, and Meridian Mall, 1982 W. Grand River Ave., in Okemos, such as Buckle and Charlotte Russe.

After working to put the show together for months, a proud Huguley said the models executed the turns, twists and poses diligently.

“We’ve been practicing since January, and sometimes you get a little weary about the end result, but they showed up and showed out,” she said.

To fit the Las Vegas theme, Shreve said for her scene, Twisted Fantasy, she had images of Cirque du Soleil in mind.

“For me, I like to do things that are a little different,” she said. “The themes I did were the darker themes.”

As he watched his cousin Empress Henderson enter the stage in full-body leopard print and climb into a human-sized cage to play the role of a jungle cat before leaving the stage on a leash, media and information junior Jeremy Vandegrift said he wasn’t aware of just how unconventional the scene would be.

“It was cool, but it was definitely different,” Vandegrift said, with eyebrows raised. “I didn’t know she was going to be in a cage.”Other scenes included Casino Royale, with models in trench coats and sequined dresses, and Just Married, featuring models in evening gowns and wedding dresses.

The show also featured a musical performance by Michigan-based rapper Trigg Da Kidd, who managed to get many members of the crowd to their feet, especially after his crew members “made it rain” by throwing dollar bills into the audience.By his final number, more than a dozen members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. joined him in dancing on stage.“He’s definitely a crowd-pleaser, and he got the crowd pretty hyped,” Huguley said.“Most acts can’t do that because they don’t have that type of charisma, … so that was refreshing to see.”After her first time coordinating such a large show, Shreve said she was proud of the successful performance, but she’s not stopping there.

“(Next year,) I’m going to have to do it better than I did this year just to top it,” she said. “I have to think of a bigger and better theme — that would be my first plan.”

Fashion Recap: Gaultier on the town; Andre Leon Talley’s new show; Prabal-print nails.

Last week saw a plethora of fetes to honor the latest fashion exhibition, “Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk,” with the designer in attendance. Even the sidewalks drummed up some buzz as male models dressed as sailors offered LE MALE fragrance samples and pedicab rides between Union Square and the Embarcadero.

• Yes, just when you thought there couldn’t be any more variation of another fashion reality show, Bravo just announced a new show with Andre Leon Talley. The show currently titled, “Fashion Stories of NYC,” will feature Talley mentoring a set of emerging designers competing with one another to win some amazing prize. In our opinion, being in the presence of Talley alone is already a major win.

• Amazon not only wants you to buy ebooks and electronics, but also the latest colored denim and frilly frocks as well. The Seattle company has hired veterans from Barneys New York and Nordstrom to help expand its fashion portfolio.

In other online business news, ShoeDazzle, a company that garnered over 10 million members in the last year, will ditch its monthly subscription business model and will expand its offerings to lingerie and dresses.Prints are everywhere this spring season, and the nail bed is no exception. Prabal Gurung and Sally Hansen have long collaborated on the finishing touches in polish colors, but this time the mega beauty brand has created a Prabal-printed nail wrap taken from his spring 2012 collection.

Political genes that put new faces to the name.

POLITICIANS are not renowned for their pin-up good looks. But they seem to have a knack for producing photogenic offspring who are regularly in demand from the public relations-hungry fashion industry.

Tony Abbott’s 19-year-old daughter, Bridget, who recently made her debut as an ambassador for the Sydney Racing Carnival, is the latest in a long line of political progeny to strut the catwalk. She joins Peter Garrett’s youngest daughter, Grace, who began modelling after family friend Sarah Murdoch introduced her to the industry doyenne Priscilla Leighton Clark.

One of Australia’s most successful international models is Kristy Hinze, who is the granddaughter of Russ Hinze, a minister under Joh Bjelke-Petersen. Prime minister Billy McMahon’s son Julian dabbled in modelling before opting out, as did Paul Keating’s son Patrick. Long before Pru Goward entered NSW politics, her daughter Kate Fischer was one of Sydney’s high-profile models of the 1990s.

Victorian premiers seem to breed models. Angus Kennett (son of Jeff), Nick Bracks (son of Steve) and now Martha and Eleanor Baillieu (daughters of Ted) have all dolled up for the cameras. Even Bob Katter can claim a model in the family – his nephew Eamonn Katter has worked internationally after an agent spotted him in Macy’s New York.

Most models with political ancestry readily admit their surname helped them break into the industry and garner extra attention for the magazines, fashion labels or events with which they are associated.

”It certainly created a hype as my grandfather was in the press quite regularly because of who he was,” Hinze, whose lucrative career began at the age of 14 when she graced a Vogue cover, told The Sun-Herald.

Being the son of a former Victorian premier helped Nick Bracks score fashion ambassador roles in Melbourne. ”With jobs with clothing companies needing a publicity push, I bring a positive PR angle to things but that only works for certain campaigns,” he said. ”But it definitely opens doors to other opportunities.”

Bracks, who got his break when American Crew recruited him to be the face of their clothing label, has also appeared on Dancing with the Stars and launched his own line of underwear. ”In any sort of work it takes a lot of persistence and commitment to get through it,” he said.

But industry veterans are cynical about the trend, and warn a name alone would not guarantee longevity in the fashion world. The editor of Harper’s BAZAAR, Edwina McCann, said that, with the exception of Kristy Hinze, politicians’ children were categorised as celebrity models used to attract media coverage. ”For most they can hold their career for as long as their parents are in politics and still in the news,” she said.

Melinda Collette, whose agency London Mgt represents Martha and Eleanor Baillieu, estimates only a quarter of the politician-related models would get work in the industry without their famous surnames.

”They do bring that sort of press interest,” Ms Collette said. ”The fashion industry needs all the help it can get these days in terms of the economic downturn and online, so many wonderful retailing shops closing down because of changes in the way we shop these days … But you’re definitely not going to book a girl to do a job if she can’t walk or if she can’t work in front of a camera.”

Ms Leighton Clark, who also represented Kate Fischer (”one of the great beauties”), said Grace Garrett would have a modelling career regardless of who her father was.

”Grace is a very stunning girl, very striking,” Ms Leighton Clark said. ”She’s such a grounded girl she’s never cashed in on her name. There are definitely people who cash in on their last name.”

Ms Garrett, who is also studying interior design, said that after two years in the business, ”everyone has forgotten my last name … I’m standing on my own two feet”.

Not all models enjoy being associated with their political parents. Ms Collette said when she represented Angus Kennett ”he was very much about making it as Angus, rather than Angus Kennett with a capital K”. He moved to Europe where his political connections meant nothing and was particularly successful in Italy, but now has his own landscaping business.

The Baillieu girls, however, are ”very happy” to be associated with their father. ”They have a very realistic view about what they’re going to do and why they’re doing it,” Ms Collette, who liaises with the girls’ ”very supportive” mother, said.

None of the politicians wanted to comment on their children’s foray into the modelling world.

Rocky girl makes world stage.

SHE’S mingled with superstars, travelled solo overseas, and she is still only 17.

Rockhampton girl Lydia Hunt has burst onto the modelling scene since graduating from The Cathedral College last year.

The gorgeous teen shot the campaign for Burberry’s Blue Label and modelled for Ginza and Spur magazines in Tokyo, along with modelling stints in Paris and Osaka.

While at a Paris Fashion Week party Lydia confidently mingled with musicians Katy Perry and Kanye West.

Lydia even went on a date with a member of popular indie rock band The Kooks – but she isn’t telling who.

It’s been a whirlwind few months for the rising star of Brisbane-based Vivien’s Model Management agency.

So she was grateful to take a short break and catch up with friends and family over the past fortnight.

“I didn’t tell my mum I was coming home,” Lydia said. “I was shaking when I saw her.”

The down-to-earth teen said she loved seeing her family and friends, who were all eager to hear about her international adventures.

“I really fell in love with Paris,” Lydia said. “And the first time I saw snow was in Japan.”

Despite her age, Lydia has been able to handle herself in the tough world of modelling.

“I don’t think I expected to be travelling so much,” she said. “But I’m not really nervous anymore.”

Lydia also had some wise words for aspiring models.

“Don’t give up, you’ll always be criticised so don’t take it too much to heart,” she said.

Her next stop will be Sydney for fashion week before hitting the global circuit again in May.

“I’ll possibly go to New Zealand for a couple of weeks, then Asia, Paris or London,” Lydia said.

With an upbeat outlook and steadfast resolve, Shanina Shaik is a home-grown beauty steering her own destiny.

Ask any keen fashion observer to define beauty as it stands on the runways of the world right now and odds are they’ll be at a loss for words. It’s not through any deficiency in preternaturally attractive models emerging – where there is fashion there will always be extraordinary women to bring it to life – but rather there’s been a widening of focus, a shift in paradigms, if you will. The more intriguing, more multilayered the individual, it seems, the more fascinated designers, editors and the wider fashion consuming public become.

Take Shanina Shaik, for example. With her compelling features it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where she might hail from. Melbourne-born and raised by an Australian/Lithuanian mother and a Pakistani/Saudi Arabian father, her look is unlike anything on the international modelling scene. It’s likely why Victoria’s Secret, a brand known for its predilection towards Amazonian supermodels like Gisele Bündchen, decided to book the petite brunette for its high profile 2011 show after passing her over for two years running. Likewise Karl Lagerfeld, who spied her potential and cast her in Chanel’s pre-fall presentation just a month later. And all before the age of 21.

Autumn/winter ’12/’13 saw Shaik land the plum job of walking for Stella McCartney and the honour of opening for Jason Wu. Finding success on the world stage has been a long-held dream for Shaik.

Having dabbled in modelling since she was young, and spending her teenage years glued to late-night fashion television, her breakthrough came in the form of reality television show Make Me a Supermodel. While such programs can be viewed as a setback for those “serious” about the business, Shaik saw it as a positive.

“I would not regret being involved with the show, because I don’t look like the usual Australian girl, so I think I just needed the show to get myself out there,” she says. The experience not only provided her with a profile but a chance to meet model mentor (and, more recently, boyfriend) Tyson Beckford. “He took a picture of me and showed one of the agencies in New York that he was corresponding with and they took me on.”

After leaving high school with impressive results, Shaik headed for Manhattan, where she now kicks around in biker jackets and big T-shirts, jeans and boots, and spends her down time taking in Jets games and riding on motorbikes. Not what you would expect from such a seemingly fragile, angelic beauty. But then appearances can be deceiving.

“Everyone has something unique about them,” she says. “I’m just starting to realize that my ‘look’ can be well received.”

Celebs at men’s fashion show.

It’s been a while since Bangalore’s fashionistas got to check out a men’s fashion show.

A recent show, at which style guru Prasad Bidapa was at the helm, had models Zoheb Yusuf, Rakesh Chengappa and Piyush, among others, setting the ramp on fire.

But the surprise elements of the evening were the showstoppers. Sandalwood director Indrajit Lankesh and restaurateurs Arjun Sajnani and Abhijeet Saha, who surprised guests by walking the runway just as well as the models did.

The background scores that were played when the celebs strut their stuff matched their personalities – a filmi song for Indrajit and peppy numbers for Arjun and Abhijit.

And since this was a guys’-only fashion show, the female models were seen chilling out and cheering on all the male models.

We spotted models Madhu and Viraja, and Lavanya, designers Neetu Gupta and Namrata G, and actor Surya, among others, at this evening of fashion.

When it comes to fashion, 9-year-old Emanuel Lai is quick to tell you that whales are most definitely in.

“I have a red tie with whales on it,” said a dapper Emanuel Sunday afternoon at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich. “And I have a belt with whales on it.”

Emanuel was decked out in attire from Vineyard Vines at the 2012 Swing into Spring fashion show and silent auction, the proceeds from which will benefit Community Answers, a nonprofit agency of the United Way that provides Greenwich residents, young and old, with a wide range of local information.

Like the roughly 90 adult and young models who participated in the fashion show, Emanuel was wearing clothing from a local vendor that supported the worthy cause.

“It’s really nice when they’re clapping for you,” Emanuel said of his walk down the runway. “It makes you feel good inside.”

And the best part about the fashion show?

“I just like dressing up,” Emanuel said with a smile.

Katherine McCaffrey and Izzy Nixon, both 15-year-old Greenwich residents, said they were wearing dresses from Stella M’Lia, a Greenwich-based clothing line that is the brainchild of Katherine’s mother, Stella.

“They’re unique,” Katherine, a Greenwich High School student, said of the teen-centric dresses.

Izzy, a Greenwich Academy student, said the dresses are not only eye-catching, but comfortable.

“You feel confident in them,” she said.

This is the second year the girls participated in the fashion show, which is in its eighth year.

When asked if their walk down the runway was a nerve-racking one, the girls said that since they’ve participated before, the attention of being a fashion model isn’t as intimidating as it once was.

“I think we’ve kind of gotten into the swing of things,” Izzy said.

Chitra Shanbhogue, executive director of Community Answers, said the agency has served as a link between Greenwich residents and the information they need –such as day care and baby-sitting services for children and programs like Meals on Wheels for seniors– since 1968.

“The event is a fundraiser for our organization,” Shanbhogue said. “We like to say we are the people with the answers.”

From Greenwich Library, where Community Answers is located, more than 25 volunteers serve five days a week, answering questions, directing residents to local services and information, and providing a comprehensive event database for Greenwich.

The United Way of Greenwich provides 20 percent of the organization’s funding, while the remaining 80 percent of its operating budget comes from annual fundraisers, including the Swing into Spring event.

Bill Evans, a Greenwich resident and senior meteorologist for Channel 7 Eyewitness News, served as emcee for the event.

Shanbhogue added that the fundraiser is a win-win for local vendors, who have the opportunity to showcase their goods while forming a bond with the community. Vendors allow the fashion models to borrow clothing, but some of the models end up purchasing the clothing they wear, she said.

“We’re trying to pump business back into the community, too,” she said.

Event vendors included Beam and Barre, Carlisle, Baby CZ, Threads and Treads, Lester’s, Lilly Pulitzer, And Co., Stella M’Lia, Vineyard Vines, All Dressed Up, Hoaglands and Mommy Chic.

The silent auction portion of the afternoon featured about 50 gifts that included unique vacation getaways, Betteridge Jewelers earrings, and shopping parties, according to Shanbhogue.

“We have something for everyone,” she said.

Anna Bedos, sales associate for Vineyard Vines, said representatives from Community Answers contacted the store about participating in the event.

“This community has been so generous,” Bedos said. “This is just an easy way to give back.”

Top model Jourdan Dunn rumoured to be dating Reggie Yates

International women and hot girls dating site online.

Many outstanding minds have tried to answer the question: “What does your wife on Russian women? » No answer so far. Answers such as “For the life of honey did not seem”, “And who knows?”, “Not for what” still cannot be called exhaustive. So the question remains open on Russian women. Despite this, many at their own risk acquire wives and even find in this a certain (albeit unhealthy) pleasure. They addressed and this guide. Read it carefully before buying his wife and learn by heart. General. My wife is being largely female, living with a man, leading with a single farm and, according to some sources, every attempt to poison his life. Salient features of the wives are: – A reflex attempt to trick play action at the sight of men; – Hypnotic response to all the bright and shiny; – Increased activity of lacrimal glands, which bears the defensive and offensive. Options. Wife’s on Russian women is usually completed teschami, rarely – children. The latter is more typical of women used. If you do not flagellant, the wife’s mother are best kept separate from his wife. Using. The lack of rigorous scientific base provokes chaotic and unsystematic use of wives. Thus, in some African tribes, women used in the hunt for crocodiles – for defrauding the latest to land in Australia – to bear an orphaned young kangaroo.

Male – being restrained and taciturn. Especially in regard is to the intimate sphere adult dating site. Unlike us, ready for hours to talk about “What want woman”, men are unlikely to clearly answer the same question. Why, then, seeks a mysterious man’s soul? Honestly easier to predict and anticipate their wishes, than to make them intelligible answer. What we are now, and loans. The hero of Mel Gibson in the movie “What does a woman” is very successful in finding an answer to this question adult dating site. Remember what he did? I tried to get into the female’s skin, that is, in a dress, tights, lipstick and so on. Incidentally, in terms of psychology – is absolutely the right strategy: trying to understand another person, we begin to think like him to look at things from his position, thus facilitating the process of “infiltration” in his mind. Therefore vest in her husband’s jeans and his sprinkle Gucci “Rush”. Begin to suggest themselves, “I – man, I – man. My muscles swell force; my chest is covered with hair. In my mind there is no room for doubt. I know exactly what I want.” A few minutes of such anger every day during the month, and all the secret revealed. So, the man wants….. to be caressed. The fact that the male half of humanity does not need sexual “warming up” is just a myth. Especially is when it comes to men of forty. Reactions are no longer what they were 10 and 20 years ago: to introduce a favorite in the state of “readiness N_1″, a woman should be pretty hard work. So do not skimp on the affection nor “before” or “after”. One is nuance. During are the first two or three minutes after orgasm in men attending the decline of excitation. In these moments of touching the erogenous zones can even be unpleasant…. that the woman belonged to his penis with interest and affection. 95% of the sons of Adam to worry are about the size of his manhood adult dating site.

Sex in Second Life on adult dating “is a lot, but to join in the community on relevant topics is not easy. First, bring the avatar entry-level to state sexual beings – time-consuming and expensive: genitalia, clothes, a more realistic appearance of the skin in the hair, and sexual movements require additional cash investments, if you cannot make them yourself. “We need to understand how to be around to create a realistic avatar, – says Candor. – Not all users have the time, patience and talent.” And although you can buy or programmed themselves body, clothing, grooming and the know-how, you also need to find a partner. Sex-zone on adult dating Second Life is difficult to find without the aid of a conductor, and if you come across, and over such a zone, you can reject it as an outsider. “If you just rush to go there without rhyme or reason, it will be perceived as an insult,” – says Bratvayt. Therefore, sexual communities within Second Life are quite small. This cooperation led to the creation of the first generation of erotic online games with multiple players: Red Light Center ( “Center of the Red Light District, released in May) and Naughty America (” slutty America “, was released this summer). These games reproduce the social aspect of Second Life, allowing people to interact with each other on the internet. But, unlike Second Life, from the first moment in the center of these games appear on sex and flirting. Making them sexually oriented and programmed characters on a range of sexual activities, the creators of new games were appealing to the less technologically savvy audience. But these games go beyond the Internet sex. At Naughty America combined cyber and internet visits. Participants will be able to complete a questionnaire on which they will combine with compatible partners, and with games they will be able to do cybersex at first, and then meet in real life. The authors say that the game is designed more for those who want to learn about the network than gamers. Adult dating – you welcome!

Then you will only listen to from time to time to continue asking questions. He will soon begin to consider you an extraordinary single adult women. His hobby can be quite boring (at least for you). In this case, you must decide for yourself whether you like the young man enough to accept a long conversation about the race for leader, rock music, etc. Men are surprisingly warm reaction to the questions about themselves – only the single adult women rarely ask such questions. When you meet someone who you like, imagine a television reporter – and you’ll be amazed how easily and efficiently you can capture his attention. This is the fastest way to their hearts, believe me. For such a small conversation you will soon begin to better know the man. And the ending arguments about sports, it can be carried away by talk about the relationship of your souls. With regard to sex, it is imperative to know how to operate your body. Before we enter into intimate relationships, make sure you possess knowledge about sex and sexual technique. Especially try to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. There should be no excuses. Many single adult women still have a rough idea about sex and sexual technique.

Be careful not to stay close to her without a helmet and protective clothing made of thick fabric  . At the first sign of failure must quickly withdraw to a safe distance with free adult site, giving all available means alarms (eg: shouting, banging, gestures, light signals, red flags, etc.). Do not let the faulty wife in a public place on free adult site, as this can lead to large numbers of casualties and destruction. We must try to isolate it in a separate room and a set of repair and restoration activities in accordance with the attached thereto technical description. Unfortunately, there is no law requiring wives to fail to carry description and registration certificate. Therefore are all activities for maintenance, repair and prevention of  hot women by men at their own risk or on the basis of numerous not professional guides, often clumsily composed and conflicting. Maintenance and is prevention. Maintenance and prevention aimed at his wife’s execution of two tasks is to maintain its efficiency and to prevent attacks on her by other men on free adult site. Before is the second task successfully managed to deal with the Soviet state, through its light industry. Russia’s state, alas, such commitments themselves are no longer takes. History shows that society is always dominated by two main approaches to maintenance of wives in general and wives in particular. According to the first, to services  Russian girls only makes sense when they break down, according to the second, female service do not need to, then they will not break. Both of these approaches flawed. Of course, if you had to keep his wife in good condition only had a year to give her consumptive sprig of mimosa, a new pot and a ride on the tram to the nearest place of public entertainment, now cosmetics require significant investment. Conclusion. This guide does not pretend to cover all possible problems arising from the operation of his wife, as it is in principle impossible. Therefore, before starting the operation, if you think carefully – is it really you need it and are you prepared to face this, so until the end and not investigated and remain a dangerous phenomenon of nature free  dating ? …

67% of hot adult women dissatisfied with the sexual aspect of their lives, 79% prefer sex with her lover, and every fourth in general no longer sleeps with a steady partner. And there are signs showing that a hot adult women has an affair on the side. Why do you have an affair on the side? By request of a glossy men’s magazine Player, published in Hamburg, the issue in 1103 women who’ve ever had on the side of the affair, asked Gewis-Institut, Institute for the Study of Public Opinion. The results were unequivocal: 67% of women attributed this dissatisfaction in the intimate sphere. 79% of respondents believe sex with a lover more qualitative. The biggest difference – sex on the side of 58% of the respondents named more fervent than in the marital bed. As a result, more than a quarter (28%) hot adult women in general do not sleep with his partner, another 15% – only very rarely. Equally disappointing for the German men are the other results of this survey. More than half of women (53%), with links on the side, claim that their conscience with little or even absolutely pure, 41% feel remorse only “from time to time, and only 6% say that the situation for them painfully. One in ten did not see in his adventure on the side of anything bad, three-quarters of respondents said that the affair lasted more than a month – preferably with a colleague (36%) or another (27%), as well as the continuation of the restaurant dating (34% ). How to understand that a woman is preparing for a meeting? 53% stifled special spirits, 43% especially carefully painted, every fifth wearing erotic lingerie.

Our Ukraine women Mikhaylovna Sofia Rotaru was born, according to the passport, August 9, 1947 or August 7, according to parents and metric. Through error the passport Sofia Rotaru was the pleasant opportunity to celebrate his birthday dvazhdy.Selo Marshintsy, where the singer was born at different times belonged to the Austro-Hungary, Turkey, the Moldavia, Romania. Therefore ancestors singer’s name written on the Moldovan-Romanian fashion, ie Rotaru. “… After the war, the territory annexed to Ukraine in connection with this pope was summoned to the recruitment office and told that the Romanian name should be changed to Russian. Removed the letter” u “in the end, instead Rotaru was the Rotary.” So at the beginning of his career appeared to the public as a singer Sofia Rotaru. This lasted until about the end of 60-ies. It is said that taking the stage name and write as a singer Sofia Rotaru advised Edita Peha. Family Michael’s and Alexandra Ivanovna Rotar was large. Sofia, Zinaida Mikhailovna except sisters, Ukraine women Lydia and Aurica has two brothers Anatoly and Evgeniya. For older sister Zenaida lost his eyesight as a child, the whole wide world has focused on sounds emitted from a small radio. With its unique storage and excellent hearing, she was once able to remember the words and tune of any song. On our  free  dating online you can mett your suolmate and fate! Along with the songs she was able to independently learn the Russian language. In an interview with Sofia Rotaru said, because of his sister: “We all learned from it – this musical memory. Sofia Rotaru from Russian and famous hot girls.  And the soul”. Thus, early musical education was started in the family of her sister and father, who loved to sing himself in every way and start to teach to the children. Their small choir and home concerts were famous for all the village, where the ability to sing was by no means uncommon. All the children were musically gifted, but Sonya, he placed great hopes. He has repeatedly said: “Sonia is an artist.” As soon as the girl went to school, it enrolled in the school choir. She also sang in the church choir, for which it was nearly expelled from the Pioneer organization. To play the lute and accordion, she also learned in school gody. When  Ukraine women Sophia was 15 years old, she became the winner of the regional amateur talent contest. This success is the calling card for its participation in a regional review. Again success – Rotaru at the regional competition received the diploma of the first degree.

The answer to the question “Where to get acquainted with adult women?” Is not as simple as it may seem at first glance. No, actually a “where” – is quite simple, but when it comes to familiarity that is “serious intentions”, it takes effect a lot of restrictions. So great that a man multiplied chances and did remain in splendid isolation, perhaps to help some lucky chance. Young people, who are still learning, have the opportunity to meet directly in their own school. Schools, technical schools, institutions – all of these “fishing towns” offer a fairly wide choice of girls with whom you can meet. And what about those who are already out of the habit? There are places where you can meet adult women: cafes, restaurants, clubs, dance floors. For many adult women walking the street. It would seem – the most promising place. And if the girls in cafes, restaurants and clubs can still say that they are “not home”, “frivolous”, “too free”, etc, etc. – There are many different reasons that a man may refuse to serious dating, in such a public institution, then at least the girl on the street – it’s just a girl, without any labels on their foreheads. It just goes off somewhere on business, or walking for health (as a kind of street – Parks). Incidentally, because besides the streets, clubs and restaurants there are various special interest clubs, theaters, cinemas, concert halls, etc. – That is, places in which basically guaranteed to go “home” adult women. It would seem – that’s up to you. But here, too many jams. Even just fear. And if you dig, you find that all charges against the girls, say, a club, “not at home” also inspired by the fear of failure.