Archive for March, 2008
Part-time fashion model Paris Hilton won’t be inheriting much of her family capital as her grandfather, Barron Hilton, has decided to donate 97% of his $2.3 billion fortune to charity.
However, Paris seems confident that she’ll be able to maintain the lifestyle that she currently leads regardless of her future inheritance: “It wont affect me in any way. I am very fine on my own. My grandfather is incredible man, he is very generous and what he is doing is amazing,” she said.
Well, at least Paris has her forthcoming MTV show to look forward to in 2008.
‘Paris Hilton’s My New BFF’ (best friend forever) is to be aired this year and see’s the starlet producing for the first time as well as taking the lead role: “I obviously have a lot of friends already but I decided to make great TV,” she said.
It’s just non stop for Paris who’s also set to host the MTV Russia Music Awards later this year.
March 31st, 2008
One of Jamaica’s leading models has offered insight into the disturbing racial discrimination holding back the careers of black models in the fashion industry, around the world.
Jamaica-based supermodel Gaye McDonald has spoken out about racism in the fashion industry, and revealed how Paris casting agents “drop black girls like they’re hot.”
The eighteen-year-old, who took the world by storm with her striking looks after winning Caribbean’s Next Top Model, has spoken out about the lack of black faces on catwalks.
McDonald is one of the few fortunate black models to have featured during London, Paris, and New York Fashion Weeks this year.
Speaking exclusively to The Voice while on a modeling casting trip in the UK, McDonald said: “The world is not white, so why should catwalks only feature white models?”
She added: “I’m often the only black girl when I go to castings, which is horrible because everyone looks at you as if you are so different. But I have learnt to make my experience empower me.”
The 5′9” stunner with flawless skin is the new face of United Colors of Benetton.
“I count my lucky Jamaican stars that I have been successful within my modeling career, but from what I can tell, black girls don’t get picked and it’s not because they are not good enough. It’s down to racism,” she said.
McDonald, who is signed to Next modelling agency, is not the first model to speak out about the lack of black faces on the catwalk.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has consistently been vocal on the matter by criticising magazine editors.“Black models are being sidelined by the major modeling agencies,” Campbell once stated.
Five years after her last cover for British Vogue, Campbell highlighted the racial inequality within the fashion industry and the media.
“I even get a raw deal from my own country. For example, I hardly come on the front pages of London’s Vogue magazine,” she said.
“Only white models, some of whom are not as prominent as I am, are put on the front pages.”
The 37-year-old is contemplating setting up her own modelling agency in Kenya to redress the balance.
“I don’t want to quit modelling until I find that black models get equal prominence and recognition by the world media and information instruments,” Campbell said.
“Women of colour are not a trend.”
This new debate has overshadowed the ‘size zero’ furore, which questioned the promotion and relevance of extremely thin models.
Fashion insiders claim there are now fewer black models seen on ramps and in fashion magazines than there were in the 1990s.
Of the 100 plus shows and presentations held during the 2007/08 fashion weeks in London, Paris, Milan and New York, more than a third did not feature any black models.
Elite Model Management, which discovered Naomi Campbell, has only two black models. Its Paris agency says there is not enough work for more black models because people do not like to see black women.
Echoing Elite’s comment, McDonald, who has strutted her stuff for designer collections such as Diesel, Heatherette, Diane Von Furstenburg, Marc Bouwer, and Mary Ping, stated:
“Paris is the worst place to go for castings. Even though you can have a strong walk and look they will never chose you because they don’t like black girls.
“It makes you feel very uncomfortable and you begin to question yourself as to say ‘what’s wrong with me?
“But, I have to always remember where I’m coming from in order to feel proud about myself, despite being rejected due to the colour of my skin.”
Carole White, co-founder of Premier Model Management, which supplies models to top fashion brands, admitted that finding work for black clients was significantly harder than for the white models, because both magazines and fashion designers were reluctant to employ them.
“Sadly we are in the business where you stock your shelves with what sells,” she said.
“Black models don’t sell. People don’t tend to talk about it, but black models have to be so beautiful and perfect because we can’t have a lot of diversity with black models.”
She added: “It’s harder work for the agency because there’s not so much on offer. White models can have more diversity.”
The co-founder of Acclaim Models, Maya Schulz, agrees with White’s views and points the finger at those organising model castings.
“I have had endless casting briefs which say ‘no ethnics’, which in my view is blatant racism,” Schulz said.
“When putting forward my models for casting for London Fashion Week this year, my business partner and I were told over and over again that designers were not looking to use black or Asian models.
“I have been told outright by a designer, ‘please do not send me any black models as they do not suit my clothes’. I have also been told that black models do not know how to carry themselves in a high fashion manner, which is utter rubbish.
“We all know how elegant and graceful Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell and Alex Wek are.”
Continuing Schulz said: “Signed to my books is Sarah Butler and Jasmia Robinson who became household names after featuring on Britain’s Next Top Model. Unfortunately, Sarah and Jasmia have both experienced racism, especially Jasmia.
“Jasmia is known for her amazing features and walk on the runway, but is often told that her hair and features are ‘too Afro’, meaning African.”
She added: “When Jasmia attended a casting for London Fashion Week February gone, we were told by a very famous designer that she looks like a monkey.”
Speaking to The Voice about the racist comments, Robinson said: “I felt sick. How can someone say I look like a monkey?”
The 20-year-old mixed race beauty added: “This is the typical type of racism that black and mixed race girls like myself often experience and it’s wrong.
“Fashion decision makers always say that black girls don’t sell their designs or products, but why don’t they prove it by putting it to the test? They won’t because their excuses are based on lies.”
However, one designer who is attempting to end the racial divide on the catwalk, and setting his own trends, is Gavin Douglas.
“The shortage of black models signed to modelling agencies is very obvious. Very rarely do I come across black models, which is why this year I went out of my way to seek and find,” said Douglas.
Douglas’ designs are exclusively sold in Harrods and he has dressed stars like Kelly Rowland from Destiny’s Child.
“There should not be a colour issue within the fashion industry because designers like myself dress the world’s population, which should be reflected on the catwalk,” he said.
“The fact that the fashion industry does not have a fair cultural and racial representation on the catwalk, magazines and on billboards raises serious societal problems that need to be addressed immediately.”
Another designer blasting the fashion industry is Katharine Hamnett, who told The Voice: “The catwalks are full of white dogs. Cosmetic companies don’t like black models – the racist bitches.
“I have no idea why, when it’s obvious that black girls are just so genuinely much more beautiful than Caucasians, who have clearly got the short straw.
“Black girls have much better body shapes and it’s such a shame. I just think there should be a bit more of a balance.”
While the debate about the lack of black models in today’s industry grows, The Voice is challenging the fashion racial status quo by organising a black model search in conjunction with Select Model Management – The SUPLIGEN® Brand Nu Model 2008.
Are you the next Gayle, Naomi, or Tyson Beckford?
March 29th, 2008
Supermodel Lara Bingle and cricket star Michael Clarke are engaged to be married after the test player popped the big question while holidaying in the US.
Clarke, who turns 27 next week, asked Bingle to marry him in New York’s Central Park – offering a five carat pear-shaped diamond ring, reportedly valued at $100,000.
The news comes just one month after the stunning pair were forced to quell reports they were getting married.
The couple – touted as Australia’s version of Posh and Becks – have reinvented themselves since they started dating early last year.
Clarke was last week named as one of Who magazine’s 25 most beautiful Australians and although Bingle, 20, missed out on the gong, her career has been revived by the relationship – recently securing an endorsement for swimwear brand Speedo.
Clarke, affectionately nicknamed Pup by his cricketing mates, has also signed with fitness brand Slazenger.
The couple’s representative Chris White, from International Quarterback, reportedly confirmed the engagement, saying the couple called family and friends over the Easter break with the good news.
This announcement is a complete backflip from what the management company’s Lisa Stallard said last month.
“The story (that they were engaged) was absolutely inaccurate – they’re not getting engaged, there is no engagement pending and there has not been any magazine deals done to announce it,” she said.
The pair are believed to be still in New York and it is unknown when they will return home to celebrate the good news with family and friends.
March 25th, 2008
T
he stunning Czech babe looks so write in this sizzling La Senza bikini shoot. Oscar-winning star Sean Penn—who has split with wife Robin Wright—took note of her stunning curves and took her along to Sir Elton John’s Academy Awards bash.
But British ex James Blunt will kick himself for leaving beautiful Petra after seeing these shots.
The 28-year-old—who lost her fiance in the 2004 tsunami—has led the Happy Hearts charity to give poverty-hit kids a future.
“I like to dress sexily and I’m proud of my figure and my work, but that’s not just what I’m about,” she says. “We all have a duty to help where we can.”
Petra has certainly helped to put a smile back on 47-year-old Sean’s face.
March 18th, 2008
Socialite Paris Hilton and her lifestyle inspired Indian designers at the fashion week in Delhi — as the epitome of a 21st-century dandy.
Paras Bairoliya and Shalini Jaikaria of ‘Geisha Designs’ poked fun at Hilton and other celebrity socialites on Saturday with an evening wear collection that sought to capture the “haughty self-display” among the elite.
Models took a stroll down the red carpet, pouting and blowing kisses as they posed for photographers at the edge of the runway. One model clutched a crystal ball, another a half-filled glass of wine while a third cradled a doll.
The ‘Dandy’ collection featured silk and lycra dresses in shades of black and mauve with poppy prints and sequins.
“The big dandies would be Paris Hilton and people like that.” Jaikaria told Reuters after the show.
“Essentially they are a lot in news because of the way they are, their character, their personality.”
In June 2007, Hilton ran afoul of Los Angeles law enforcement officials and served three weeks in jail stemming from a drunken driving incident.
Hilton, 27, unveiled an MTV reality show in Hollywood Hills on Thursday — to choose a “best friend forever” from among 20 men and women competing for the honor.
But the Indian designers said they were just having a bit of fun at Hilton’s expense and not condemning celebrity socialites.
“They are here to celebrate dressing up. They want to enjoy life and we just want to enjoy with them as well,” Bairoliya said.
Around 80 designers are showcasing autumn and winter collections on the runway or in stalls at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week which ends on Sunday.
Designer JJ Valaya introduced a new “currency” in his regal collection with red dresses and velvety gowns bearing motifs of coins stamped by the ‘Kingdom of Valaya’.
Bollywood also made its presence felt with actors Zayed Khan and Soha Ali Khan walking the ramp for designer Manav Gangwani while cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa took a spin on the runway for Raghavendra Rathore’s show on Saturday night.
March 17th, 2008
Statuesque supermodel Erin O’Connor is clearly planning for the future, with a new project that takes her off the catwalk.
The 30-year-old has made a documentary about the fashion industry, due to be broadcast next month on Radio 4.
“I’m writing and producing the programme,” said Erin. “I hope it gives a flavour of how fun the fashion industry can be.”
The model was approached by Radio 4 and jumped at the chance to work on the documentary, part of which was recorded during London Fashion Week.
“The fact that it’s a one-off takes the pressure off somewhat, but I am nervous about the reviews,” Erin admitted.
“I hope it will lead to more projects in future, as I want to focus on writing.”
source:Daily Mail
March 16th, 2008
The remains of Guinean ex-top-model, Kadiatou Katoucha Niane, whose lifeless body was retrieved 28 February in the waters of the Seine river in Paris, France, were buried Friday afternoon at the cemetery of Kameroun, Guinea.
The Pan African News Agency observed a large crowd of sympathisers, fans, relati ves, close associates and friends, who went to pay their last respect to the departed.
The remains of 47 year-old Katoucha, the muse of the French great makes in desig n, arrived Wednesday evening from Paris at the Conakry (Gbessia) International A i rport, through the support of the Guinean government.
March 16th, 2008
Beyond the chic façade and haute attires, models with hectic jam-packed schedules and back to back shows, are stressed and fatigued, several of them revealed on Saturday at the ongoing Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in New Delhi.
Models have the toughest time every year at this time of the season because of hundred shows lined up for Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, running virtually all day from
12.15 p. m. to 9 p. m.
The sheer need to look best on the ramp after hours of waiting and dress dos, a model has more than one show. And day after day for seven days, fashion week becomes a stress week.
“During the Fashion Week it is quite stressful with 3-4 shows a day. After every show we have to run for our hair make up and there is less time between each show. There is hardly any time to eat, it is very stressful it’s a stress week during the fashion week,” said Priya, a Mumbai model.
Seasoned models like Nina Manuel cannot escape this grind either but after countless rounds of the ramp over the years, they have devised their own de-stressing formula.
“Right now it’s a de-stressing moment for me when I’m sitting on the chair while they (make up men) are ironing my hair to overcome stress. I’ll recommend just breathe and drink lots of water,” says Nina Manuel.
But then as a model, dealing with the day-to-day stress becomes a part and parcel of your life.
“As a model its your job to put your best foot forward and deal with this daily stress you just have to understand that. These are stresses that will happen but you have to overcome them and carry on and just put a good show,” said Tina Chatwal.
With 82 designers lining up to showcase their collections in 40 shows spread across five days, one must not be blamed for collapsing due to fashion fatigue!
March 15th, 2008
Canada’s first Top Model says she was violently attacked while on vacation in the Caribbean last week.
The sun was shining last Thursday in St. Lucia when Andrea Muizelaar, who won the televised Canada’s Next Top Model competition in 2006, and a friend ventured off their cruise ship and up a hill.
On the way down, they were assaulted by three men with knives, said Muizelaar, 21, from Whitby, Ont. Her friend was punched and had a knife put to his throat.
“All I know is I remember him breathing on my neck,” she said, “but I got loose because I was screaming, screaming out of control.”
She has cuts and bruises on her arm.
Muizelaar said she ran as fast as she could, slammed into a car that was coming up the street and begged the driver for help. Some women came out of their homes and to her defence with baseball bats. But the culprits had fled.
Muizelaar has set aside modelling and returned to school to take business administration.
March 14th, 2008
Kate Moss is convinced that she is being stalked by two obsessed female fans, a report says.
The supermodel is growing increasingly concerned after the same blue Renault Clio was frequently seen outside her Cotswolds home when she visited with daughter Lila Grace and boyfriend Jamie Hince.
According to The Mirror, she told friends: “I’m really scared… I think they are stalking me. They’re always here, doing nothing. It’s freaking me out.”
Although the girls said their car had broken down, Moss asked neighbours to send them away when they were spotted outside the property in Little Farringdon for the sixth time.
A source said: “It’s really spooky and totally freaking Kate out. The girls are just weird. There are often a couple of photographers outside the house, and even they are suspicious of these girls.
“They just sit and stare at the house for hours on end. And if anyone approaches them, they drive around the back of the house and then come back.
“Kate has thought about calling the police, but they can’t be prosecuted for just sitting on the road. It’s started to get really unnerving.”
It was recently reported that Moss has been terrifying guests at her London home by placing two skeletons in the entrance hall.
March 13th, 2008
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