Le Nouveau Chic

NEW BLOG!

2011-12-01T23:03:00.001+08:00

Brand new slate so...just click it.

MOVED...for now. maybe.

2010-10-10T18:18:00.001+08:00

After much contemplation (once again) I am officially moving over to Tumblr...but I might be one of them celebs (except of course I am not) who say they're "retiring" so who knows...I might be back on blogger before you know it.

MY TUMBLR

to blog or not to blog

2010-09-29T17:37:00.000+08:00

Once again I'm contemplating on whether or not to join Tumblr and create a "modelising" blog (and abandon this one) since everyone seems to be on Tumblr nowadays and I've been pretty much stuck on Twitter. I've currently no motivation to blog because a) obviously i'm lazy b) i'm lazy c) that's actually pretty much it. And I have my aunt's wedding to be the maid of honour to. *sigh* Also, i have no constant internet access...thus this blog might be hibernating for a bit.

And the Miss Universe is...

2010-08-22T03:16:00.000+08:00

Hmm...do people still watch this? Probably. Are they excited about it? Probably not like before. After all, it is rather a boring show isn't it? It's like what? Two, three hours long and these beautiful (could be used loosely) women are parading up and down and up and down the stage with cheesy choreography during group numbers, answering questions like they're the holiest person (world peace anyone?) and grinning like a mad woman overdosing on botox.

The current Miss Universe - Stefanía Fernández

Men are only watching for the faces and the bodies and women are watching for....the gowns and shoes perhaps? And maybe throw in the interview portion which is really quite the snooze fest. And throughout the night, there will be endless repeated monologues about the prizes...which always includes some acting/film school, humanitarian causes....something with Mikimoto and more importantly Trump. Yay to sponsors!

Anyways, thought I'll share with you my thoughts on them through watching their videos on YouTube and my thoughts on some of them. Note: This is merely based on their answers/looks. Didn't evaluate those whose answers I did not understand (wasn't in english...). I wish there were subtitles...or I had a multilingual superpower.

Laugh all you may at these videos, blame it on the silly questions that were given to them. Ok just the silly question at the end. Happy Scrolling! (Note: There's 80+ contestants in Miss Universe)

Argentina - Yesica Di Vincenzo, 22
Quite cute but....meh.

Belgium - Cilou Annys, 19
She's ok but....She has CHOCOLATE in her necklace...mmmm...

Bolivia - Claudia Arce Lemaitre, 19

Pretty. But her YT interview really isn't any good...only towards the end where she's making noises.

Botswana - Tirelo Ramasedi, 21
very good answers!

British Virgin Islands - Josefina Nunez, 22

Canada - Elena Semikina, 26
Dang, she's quite old...I wonder how many years have she been in Canada...people seems to have a problem that she doesn't speak perfect english. sad.

Curacao - Safira de Wit, 20
One of the contestants who answered very well in the YT video. There's something about her that seems very down to earth.

Czech Republic - Jitka Valkova, 18
Probably a fave with the guys...don't know

Denmark - Ena Sandra Causevic, 21
The way she speaks reminds me of another Serbian - Ana Ivanovic.

Dominican Republic - Eva Arias, 25 - The One Who Looks like THE Miss Congeniality, Sandra Bullock!
Seriously...and there's that whole fact that she's actually in a pageant!

Finland - Viivi Pumpanen, 22
She seems like such a nice person. but something's off about her face too non?

Honduras - Kenia Martinez, 26
She looks sweet.

Ireland - Rozanna Purcell, 20 - The One Who Looks Like She Doesn't Give A Fuck...
otherwise...funny name though Rozanna...I think I had a lecturer once named Rozana...she was not white...

Jamaica - Yendi Phillipps, 24
She's very playful and seem to have a good humour (which could all be fake... but oh well)

Korea - Kim Joo Ri, 22
She's alright...her YT interview was slow as hell though.

Kosovo - Keshtjella Pepshi, 23
Quite pretty as well...

Mexico - Jimena Navarrete, 22
She's pretty...she can be in a telenovela after the pageant who knows.

Netherlands - Desiree van den Berg, 23
Seems like a warm person. But looks old...seriously.

Norway - Melinda Victoria Elvenes, 23
YES, she's from Norway.

Poland - Maria Nowakowska, 23
Seems that a lot of people like her...judging by comments I don't know. She's alright. Cute.

Russia - Irina Antonenko, 18
Pretty...reminds me of someone...I think from 90210..

Singapore - Tania Lim, 23 - The One Who Loves Her Veneers Too Much
Seriously...and did she just repeat her answers or what? *shrug* Felt like I was hearing the same thing again. If only she was actually pretty...then people can kinda forget on her typical accent and those...answers.Ugh.

South Africa - Nicole Flint, 22
Not bad.

Tanzania - Hellen Dausen, 23
Good answers!

Trinidad & Tobago - Latoya Woods, 24
A lil less forced humour than Jamaica. "That's my Hummer sound" LOL

Venezuela - Marelisa Gibson, 21
*yawn* Venezuela is always a favourite to win but this year's Miss Venezuela looks...a bit...off non?

Zambia - Alice Musukwa, 22

Bottomline - The black girls gives the best answers but it's probably gonna be a very...white/tanned winner. We know it's a very white competition after all. Isn't the world?

Modelising: Toni Garrn

2010-08-20T17:51:00.000+08:00

From the land of my mother's favourite super - Claudia Schiffer - Germany, meet Antonia Garrn or more commonly known as Toni Garrn who's been featured here on LNC before, back in '08. Born 7 July 1992, she was discovered when she was 14 at (I believe) Oktoberfest.

Toni signed with Women Management in '07 and started booking some international editorials. Later the same year, she made her runway debut walking as a worldwide exclusive (meaning she cannot walk for any other shows. it usually applies to a specific fashion week. and it could also be that a model walks for no other shows prior to the client's one but are free to do others [i think]. but in Toni's case, she only walked for Calvin Klein only that season) for Calvin Klein.

Part of the so called CK4 (other members are Ali Stephens, Karlie Kloss, and Taryn Davidson - they all have been CK exclusives, apparently fits the look of CK...all very young and all very good friends), Toni is no doubt, the second most successful out of the clan. 2008-2009 were really Toni's years but by late 2009, there seems to be barely a whisper about her. And early this year, she skipped fashion week as well (think it might have been school to justify for) but as she almost disappeared completely (besides appearing on Zara store displays), she came back walking for Chanel's resort show. Why, of course, Karl loves her...most probably because she's German (I think the only German whom Karl doesn't like is Heidi Klum)

It's easy to see why all of a sudden people were crazy about Toni Garrn. The trend was all about alien-looking girls and girls who looked like blank canvases (read: average pretty girls with nothing really distinctive), both categories which the genera public does not appreciate so Toni's conventional/generic beauty was perfect in contrast to the rest of the girls who all look the same...or so I think.

Blonde hair, blue eyes, nice features on laying upon that pretty head of hers also mean that she can end up being quite stunning but also really boring because she's conventional...safe. But I don't think she can be blamed for that. I honestly think sometimes, that's why people book her - she's commercial, mainstream pretty - thus there really isn't any other need for her to do anything else...but look pretty. And I think we take it for granted sometimes because we say she's stunning but yet say she's boring as well. And then when her career is at its hottest, we say she's boring and once she disappears we wonder what happened to her. We're just a very demanding crowd.

I have to say though, I'm not particularly a fan of hers. I used to think she's very very pretty...I still think she's pretty but she's lost her appeal like a newly minted coin losing its shine since there seem to be more interesting models coming from god knows where nowadays. And besides, everytime she opens her mouth, I have a strong urge to smack her I don't know why, or at least roll my eyes at her. There's something about the way she speaks or her voice that gives off a "I am better than you. I'm pretty and I know it. I have better things to do." or one word - BITCH/BRATTY kinda vibe.

But she still has supporters like Lagerfeld and others who are a huge fan of her natural beauty so she may just stick around longer than her CK4 compadres (except for Karlie who is on a whole 'notha level). However, I do find it odd however that she isn't doing some big name beauty campaign and instead she's doing Shiseido's Cle de Peau in all of her photoshopped glory...how much are they paying her? or is there no one that has offered her something? Well that's a shame. Anyways here's a fun fact - she has a brother (named Niklas) who's also a model and yes, he's also not bad looking...*sigh* genetics..so what do you think? The next Claudia Schiffer (as everyone says?) or will she just fade away...in time...or perhaps *deep breath* go into acting or something?

A cover of a cover

2010-08-12T14:46:00.000+08:00

Remember M2M? Well, who could forget the two squeaky voices. Anyways can you believe it, that after a decade that their hit "The Day You Went Away" is still relevant? (besides the fact that we all love it so) Here's the gist, the K-pop gist - Orange Caramel (which is a "sub-unit/group" of After School) who are basically a separate group from their main group...get it? ok nvm...anyways they have covered the song "The Day You Went Away" in....Mandarin! What's more? It's actually already been done...same lyrics some more...by Taiwanese singer, Cyndi Wang. Well, it seems that Orange Caramel's Mandarin is as good as M2M (see here)

Orange Caramel:

Cyndi Wang (The original mandarin cover):

And the holy grail of the song, the original by M2M:

Even more Updated: Why, hello there YSL SS08...

2010-08-01T02:32:00.004+08:00

Just saw this as opposed to the previous ones posted below...so no flash...

NINE WEST FW2010

YSL SS08

Yay:
Constance Jablonski

Nay:
Reflection in the window...(and suddenly there's none...)

But seriously?? Go think of something else please...

Anyways here's Constance in action:

FTV review: Inception

2010-07-31T22:04:00.322+08:00

There is no doubt that the film that is currently on everybody's lips is 'Inception'. Though the majority of people who's seen it are raving left right center about the film, there is the minority that found the film simply falling short and overrated.

When the news about the film came out (which must have been last year), little to no revelations were made about the plot, even the trailers revealed very little especially the initial teasers. I could care less, all I needed to know was that Marion Cotillard, and Ellen Page were part of the cast and the project was in Christopher Nolan's hands. And that's what probably drew people to the film as well besides the dramatic music and somewhat awesome effects in the trailer. And the air of mystery surrounding probably helped escalate our need to feed our curiosity even more so.

So the two (or three) selling points of the film are the stellar cast - Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Marion Cotillard, and Michael Caine and Nolan at helm of the film. Or well, for some people, it could just be Leonardo and Christopher then. After all, the trailer itself, like other similar trailers, used the method of subtly reminding the public who the fuck the director/producer/writer (in this case, Christopher Nolan) was and what previous accomplishment(s) did he/she achieve-

Christopher Nolan, if you are not aware of who he is, is the director and writer (as well as producer for the second one) of the recent Batman films - Batman Begins and The Dark Knight - his two most successful films to date. For the Batman films, Christopher Nolan displayed his ability to make films which merges blockbuster qualities (big budget, stylish special effects) and something a little bit more serious than other films of similar genre.

In my twenty years of living, I cannot recall (I have bad memory) a superhero film that was as dark, as heavy like the Batman films which Nolan directed. Comparing the previous Batman films and other superhero films to Nolan's Batman is comparing two different caliber of films. And that is what Nolan excels at - being able to make a blockbuster with real substance, basically it's not your typical blockbusters that draw in the mostly male crowd. He does it again with 'Inception'.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD

'Inception' centers on the subject of dreams and how in the film, people (or perhaps trained professionals) are able to enter dreams and steal information/secrets from the individual. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Dominic Cobb, an extractor who specialises in the aforementioned 'stealing' process or known in the film as 'extraction'. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Arthur, Cobb's closest accomplice (it seems) who is in charge of researching their targets. He too goes into dreams in assistance to Cobb.

In the very beginning - Cobb is washed ashore and is captured by armed men who brings him to an old and wrinkly Saito (Ken Watanabe), who is some corporate honcho as we find out later. They have a conversation and we skip to a dream where Saito is younger and less wrinkly and they're in the same room. A whole bunch of things happen. For one, we meet Mal (Marion Cotillard), whom we eventually find out was Cobb's wife.

Arthur, Saito and Cobb

Saito and Mal

We learn that they - a team comprising of Cobb, Arthur and an "architect", Nash (Lukas Haas) - used 'layers', a dream within a dream to try to extract information from Saito's subconscious but it ends up being an audition. Nash failed as an architect and was taken away but Saito offers Cobb and Arthur a job - the real task - which is to destroy his corporate rival by using 'inception', the planting of an idea into one's mind. The victim? Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy), the son of the honcho, Maurice Fischer - Saito's rival.

Fischer

It's risky as both Cobb and Arthur insists but not impossible. And this is where trouble (and my irritation with Leonardo/Cobb) begins. Cobb's desperation to get back to his family since he's running away from what we presume to be authorities. HE (they) accepts the job. Since they just lost an architect (the person who builds the dream as in structures and the environment), Cobb scours for a new one through the help of his father-in-law (Michael Caine) who suggests Ariadne (Ellen Page).

Miles

Cobb and Ariadne

Cobb teaches (I really think she should have been given an easier name but am sure there is a meaning behind it) Ariadne the ins and outs of the whole trippy process of entering dreams, building dreams, extraction etc. So basically here we have Ellen Page/Ariadne as the mule ahem I mean device which its purpose is to create the opportunity for the audience to learn about the world of dreams alongside Ariadne.

Cobb and Ariadne

Anyways, here's something on Ariadne's name -

Ariadne means most holy and derives from Greek mythology where the story goes that she gave a thread to Theseus, which enabled him to escape from the Minotaur's labyrinth.

'Ariadne's thread', named for the legend of Ariadne, is the term used to describe the solving of a problem with multiple apparent means of proceeding - such as a physical maze, a logic puzzle, or an ethical dilemma - through an exhaustive application of logic to all available routes.

And other characters' names may or may not mean anything but since I'm too lazy to search for those information...let's move on. Next, they meet up with Eames (Tom Hardy), a forger who is a sort of shape shifter if you will, can change his appearance once inside dreams.

Eames

Arthur, Cobb and Eames

Next they find a chemist - Yusuf (Dileep Rao) who creates/produces sedatives. With three new members in tow, they device a plan, one which of course involves incredible risk but they don't care because at the end of the day they're just doing it for an unknown sum of money (is there even money?) for the sake of Cobb (who by now seems like an incredibly selfish asshole since the whole film is him, him and his kids, him and his wife etc) or perhaps they're really just thrill-seekers for wants the challenge of nosediving into a three-layered dream - a dream within a dream within a dream...

Yusuf

The new team

Ok so what's the problem of a three layered dream? It's incredibly unstable. It's also a whole lotta complications it seems especially with waking up and time. Oh, also, you can fall into limbo if you die as opposed to a normal dream extraction trip where you die and you wake up in real life. And we find out, thanks to Ariadne, that Cobb and his wife fell into limbo and when they woke up, the wife went insane and kept thinking that she was still in a dream and eventually killed herself. And Cobb, heartbroken over his wife's death, keeps memories of her locked inside himself which causes Mal to sashay ever so often into his dreams and sabotaging them (I was really hoping Mal was actually just some bitch that keeps intruding, as in she too was dreaming and not dead but oh well)

Mal and Cobb in limbo

The team + 1 (Saito) in planning mode

So the plan goes - when the elderly Fischer dies, the team+1 will follow Robert Fischer on the flight from Sydney back to Los Angeles which takes 10 hours because that's the time they need and in matter of convenience and hilarity's sake, Saito buys an airline just so they all can do their thang without raising any suspicion. After all, this is a heist...but on acid. So on the plane, they drug/sedate Fischer and begin hooking themselves onto that machine.

On the plane

So really quickly now.
Level 1:

In some urban area
Split into 2 groups
One group gets Fischer into a cab and drugs him
Another follows
Fischer's subconscious goes into red alert mode and sends projections to defence
The team gets attacked, Saito gets shot
They go into hiding in a warehouse, decides Saito shall just remain bleeding, dying and tag along
Eames impersonates Peter Browning, close associate of Fischer's and pretends that he too is kidnapped and tries to persuade Fischer to tell the kidnappers the combination to a safe that contains his father's will
Fischer gives random numbers that pop into his head like on those magician shows, and is knocked unconscious again
They all pile into a van as the projections are closing in

11. They go into a high speed chase. Yusuf is the driver.
12. They go into dreaming mode again.

Level 2:

Hotel
Cobb approaches Fischer and tells him that he is dreaming, that his subconscious is being under attack from Browning
Fischer agrees to enter Browning's subconscious and thus entering another level all the while as the team face challenges from the projections

Arthur preparing explosives for the kick

Must have been quite the party eh?

Reenacting Nsync's Bye Bye Bye without dance moves

Level 3:

In the middle of white
It's cold and freezing and everyone wishes they were on the beach with Mal and Cobb
They find their way into what looks like some secret hideaway for evil geniuses
Fischer opens safe, finds his father...sorry I shouldn't have said safe, that sounded weird, I meant, behind a big gigantic vault door, and there he realises the idea...
But then he is killed because gigantic retard Cobb let crazy dead wife Mal interfere and she shoots Fischer dead which means that Fischer is now falling down the rabbit hole and into limbo

Cobb and Ariadne

Level 4:

They, as in, Cobb and Ariadne follows suit and goes into the fourth level.
Cobb confronts Mal
Cobb confesses to Ariadne that he killed his wife through inception
Ariadne and Fischer gets out of the fourth level while Cobb stays behind to find Saito who died in Level 3
The others all get the kick they're intended to in all the levels and eventually they wake up

Mal and Cobb

The end:

Cobb finds himself awake on the plane with his teammates looking at him like they're trying to act like they've never seen him before but silently acknowledges each other
They reach the airport and he gets through immigration
At baggage claim, he sees all his teammates having that look on their faces like they succeeded in the heist
He goes home with his father-in-law and sees his children
He tries to see if he is awake by spinning his totem (something that the person who owns it knows its mass/weight/characteristics)
But he decides..heck we'll leave the audience into guessing whether I am dreaming or not by leaving the room and letting the camera zoom in on it spinning (if it spins forever, he's dreaming, if it topples, he's awake)...and at certain points looks like it might topple but it just keep spinning and then CUT. The end.

Ambiguous ending much?

So what are people saying?
The ending is actually him in limbo.
The whole film, start to finish, was him dreaming, in a limbo.
Why? Because he displayed some teleporting skills. After all, there were no evidence of them getting on a plane to go to Mombasa or to Paris. And if he is a suspect in causing his wife's death, didn't he escape the country far too easily? And there are certain parts of dialogue that could suggest that all the other or some characters were just his own projections...wow...

Also, you know that awesome dark and sinister score by Hans Zimmer? Well, someone actually linked it to the "countdown" song 'Non, je ne regrette rien' by Edith Piaf.T he first thing I thought of when I heard the song was ...this song = Edith Piaf = Marion Cotillard. Cute little coincidence though.

Anyways I do think that there are certain parts of the film that may seem "meh" and the film does feel long but by the end of it all, you just wished that the film went on and on...but without Leo...I could actually do without Marion too for this one. Sorry but why does she seem to keep playing a suffering gf/lover/wife or something (or who eventually dies)? In Nine, her husband has an affair with Penelope Cruz's character, she doesn't have a stable relationship with Johny Depp in Public Enemies, and in this one...well, she went insane because of her own husband...can someone cast her as a lead already?? Can she play some angry bitchy evil crazy woman as well please? lol Also, note to Hollywood: Ken Watanabe is not the only Japanese actor. More Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Page please...they looked cute in the film. I can't really think of anything else but props to Nolan for this. A definite must watch. And I'm definitely watching this again and it's going on my fave list. Finally, an intriguing blockbuster film which makes you think instead of all the recent Twilight bs.

Also did the guy who did The Dark Knight's poster do Inception's poster too?

Modelising: Siri Tollerod

2010-07-30T21:21:00.000+08:00

We know and have heard all the criticisms in regards to models especially all the talk about weight...well, here's a model whom even I, at the back of my mind, cannot get over her weight but having seen her mom in one of her interviews quite a while back, who's also very very skinny, it leads to the (probable) conclusion that it's all genetics and natural so don't let her toothpick arms scare ya. The model? Siri Tollerod.

Siri Tollerod (b. August, 18, 1988 - *o* that's a whole lotta eights...got the info from Wiki btw so...) is one of dozen of Scandinavian beauties that have slowly been making their presence felt, in particular the Swedes. But Siri is one of the few Norwegian models...well actually I can only think of two Norwegian models - Iselin Steiro and Siri herself.

Siri was discovered at an H&M store and after which she officially started her career in 2007. Though she's relatively consistent with editorials and such, she's not really achieved the status like her peers who burst onto the scene and has become ranked in the top 10 on MDC's models ranking (models.com)

I might be a noob since I still think the prettiest editorials are the ones where...well the models look stunning and commercial. And honestly that's the problem I have with Siri or maybe I have not kept up with her work that is why but I find that her little hair change of colour (pretty sure she chopped a bit of her hair too in the beginning) might have been the exact thing that she needed to give her an edge. And no doubt that it's highly plausible that after she went blonder/platinum, it helped her secure a spot on the current Miu Miu campaign.

Before hair change


After hair change

And of course it's worth mentioning that besides her hair going from blond to blonder, she also switched agencies late last year. She went from Trump (yes it is owned by the Trump empire) to the much more relevant DNA (home to Edita Vilkeviciute, Kim Noorda, Natalia Vodianova, Maryna Linchuk etc) which is a substantial move in the midst of models switching agencies.

However, her delicate features, that great pout of hers and the fact that she just looks so young all the time so the drawback could be that her and sexy does not work (though some images she does work it) , she's just too cute (and sweet) - this image which probably was the reason she got cast for the Harajuku fragrances ad campaign. And with the constant praise for fuller figured women like the VS (Victoria's Secret) Angels and the rise of comebacks of them as well as them invading high fashion, waifs like Siri are just not going to draw people. As much. Let's hope she'll stick around for a while longer but with the way things are going, she has a very good chance in doing exactly that.

Viktor & Rolf Eau de Mega

2010-07-28T02:02:00.000+08:00

Raquel Zimmermann in the original campaign

The supposed new campaign for the fragrance featuring Eniko Mihalik

I'm sorry but neither of the campaigns work for me...and I know some people are thinking it -
The one with Raquel looks like she's got a flatulence problem and the other with Eniko is just..."why is she spreading her legs??" (I don't really wanna know...) I wish they'd come up with something better...simpler...like their Flowerbomb campaign.

Modelising: Natasha Poly

2010-07-18T22:51:00.001+08:00

If there were one of those models I have to say that I used to dislike and have, over time, grown to love, it's Miss Natasha Poly -

In the early stages of model/fashion discovery (though them days weren't too far away), like many other models, I just did not understand Miss Poly's appeal - I thought them cheekbones made her look too harsh or something like that but now, though I don't and haven't been keeping up with her work, almost every piece of work that she('s) done/does seems to be a winner.

Like so many models before, (during) and after her, Natasha hails from Russia. Born *take a deep breath* Natasha Polevshchikova (July 12, 1985), for the ease of pronunciation (no duh!), Natasha shortened her tongue-tying last name to Poly. Natasha Poly had her breakthrough back in 2004, which equals to eons in modelling standards and at the age of 25, she's basically fossil...or close to being, at the very least.

If you've been paying attention or a big fan of Gucci or their ad campaigns, you will find Poly's face a familiar one - she's been a regular Gucci girl since 2005 (though I'm not sure she's continuously done back-to-back campaigns for them since then) except for Fall-Winter 2008 but Gucci came to their senses and brought Natasha back the very next season. Natasha Poly = THE Gucci Girl

Though those cheekbones of hers could probably cut glass and guarantee her some blue-chip campaigns, Natasha can do commercial just as well as high fashion. In 2005, she actually walked for Victoria's Secret. And damn, she werked it! Yes, even with a shoe gone...(which btw Karolina "KK" Kurkova supposedly reenacted another year...whether it was a set up or not...isn't really known but fans say otherwise)

With a change of hair colour and loss of weight (making her features even sharper), Natasha is still hotter than ever, proving she's got the longevity. She's currently no.2 on Models.com list but everyone knows she's better than that. I honestly think the term "supermodel" is befitting for her though the term is frowned upon on nowadays. I think to call her a 'HBIC' (Head Bitch In Charge) is most appropriate enough then...(so appropriate when she led/leads the finales)

So besides her look...why do designers love her so much? Her professionalism. After years of being on the top, she and a few other veterans such as Raquel Zimmermann, Sasha Pivovarova, Daria Werbowy etc. proves to be some of the most professional, nicest, down to earth people ever. True accounts! And then of course...there is THE WALK. Natasha Poly just werks it every time she's strutting her tush down the runway even though she's made some stumbles (hey, even the pro gets caught up in the train of her dress sometimes). Hopefully, she's still got countless years left in the industry.

Weird or cool??

2010-07-06T16:22:00.002+08:00

They're like little screaming monsters...I think they're kinda the perfect mix of WEIRD AND COOL:

Battle of the Orient

2010-07-06T16:15:00.000+08:00

You know there's just so many debates on whether the Koreans/Japanese/Chinese were the first to (fill in the blank)....blah blah blah and so on...so here's two commercials to throw in the mix:

Note: I saw the Korean one recently and immediately remembered that I've seen the same idea before in another commercial.

Must watch!

2010-07-05T23:25:00.000+08:00

Here are parts from that Vogue Paris DVD (which I have blogged about before)

Iselin Steiro's photoshoot with photographer/makeup artist Tyen:

and here's that to-die-for documentary featuring Natasha Poly, Freja Beha Erichsen, Sasha Pivovarova, Constance Jablonski and Sessilee Lopez:

Betraying blogspot...

2010-06-15T23:19:00.002+08:00

In the era of YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, I just joined Tumblr to see what the fuzz is about...haven't made a post yet though...

Modelising: Evandro Soldati

2010-06-07T00:42:00.015+08:00

When it comes to male models, I really don't have that much of a clue but I do know a few so I thought I'll be kind and share with you some d***s instead of t**s for once. Since my knowledge on male models are...little to non-existent....posts will be...minimum text maximum visual. And no, not all male models are gay. So go on, droooool.

The first specimen of our short series of male models is Evandro Soldati (April 17, 1985). He hails from the very country that has produced some of the hottest women in the world - Alessandra Ambrosio and of course Gisele - yup, that's right, Brazil! According to (let's just say) various sources, he likes football and capoeira in his free time and...and...and...er...he has nice eyes? And a very strong jawline? And...er....I don't know...he's...just...hawt! So what else is there to say? Dayum! But ladies...unfortunately, he's taken (his girlfriend is also a Brazilian model) Oh yes, and btw, he appears in Lady Gaga's latest video, Alejandro...

He appears at 1:54 and 8:54 for too brief of a moment....

So what do you think? Yay/Nay?

I vant dizz sooo baaadz!

2010-05-26T17:04:00.001+08:00

French Vogue June/July 2010

Ok, first of all, I don't understand/read French and frankly I probably won't care for the editorials either especially Freja Beha Erichsen and Lara Stone's editorial by Terry Richardson (Raquel's is so-so, Isabeli's is more than alright, Ciara is trying to work it but I don't really like her, Constance looks gorgeous...) but I really really want the DVD that comes with the magazine! Why? It contains at 52 minute documentary on five top models - Freja, Natasha Poly, Sasha Pivovarova, Constance Jablonski and Sessilee Lopez...52 freakin minutes! I wish it was longer but hey...good enough. Yes, I be one of them kidz who wants the cereal for the toy...even though I will not understand what the narrator is saying and basically anything that comes out of Constance Jablonski's mouth. If I don't get it (or the DVD isn't available here) I hope some kind soul will rip it and upload it....

Stunning!

Oh so tempting:

and
http://www.vogue.fr/video/voguetv/player.aspx/beauty/Id,268002/

Constance for EL

2010-05-15T01:03:00.007+08:00

Here's one of the first campaigns that features Constance Jablonski. And despite everything I said, I can't wait for Liu Wen's! Just hope they don't go overboard with the photoshopping...but it's a beauty campaign...so what are the chances?
Sorry Lady Dior/Dior Lady but I be staring at this shiz instead of yours...ahem...just them posterz and ads, aight?

In other beauty campaign news, Karlie Kloss for YSL -

Chanel Cruise 2010/2011

2010-05-12T04:18:00.004+08:00

Like what has now become the tradition with Karl Lagerfeld and his cruise/resort shows for Chanel, yet another short film has been produced. Featuring some of his usual favourites like Freja, Baptiste, and Heidi, there's also Magdalena and Abbey etc.

Remember Now:

FTV review: A Single Man

2010-05-09T02:45:00.060+08:00

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

'A Single Man' is based on the book of the same name written by Christopher Isherwood. Marking his directing debut, the film adaptation is at the helm of renown fashion designer, Tom Ford. The films stars Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode, Nicholas Hoult and features appearances from Ginnifer Goodwin and models (of course, non?) Jon Kortajaras and Aline Weber.

'A Single Man' is basically about the main character, George's (Colin Firth) struggle with his grief after the death of his partner, Jim (Matthew Goode). He is depressed and contemplates on the worth of living but is almost always interrupted when he decides on bidding the world farewell once and for all.

The film is visually stunning as Ford uses two noticeable techniques - scenes in slow motion (I wish I knew a more technical term but I don't) and manipulation in colours. The latter of which is an important element in the film.

The play on colours is noticeable throughout the film and personally, it seems to me that there's a scene that reads out to the audience, hinting the reason of the use of (certain) colours. The use of colours, it seems, reflect George's emotions and although the scene might feature cuts that shows interests in the character George is interacting with - a focus on the other character's features, a display of George's gaze (and interest) - the manipulation of colours is a great stylish method in projecting the feelings that George has internally.

George's world, most of the time, as viewers will see, is enveloped in a dull greyish tone as he goes through the grief. There are flashbacks to when Jim was still alive and colours are present and bright (or rather, normal if compared to the average film) except one flashback where it was black and white. Colours come flooding in during certain moments where he interact with certain characters and the reds glow when he is feeling the emotion that the colour is supposed to emanate - "lust and rage" especially and mostly (if not all) lust - lips turn a bright shade of red and the background setting is also noticeably mostly red etc. Shades of blue and yellow are also present in the film. Blue - the beach at night when Kenny (Nicholas Hoult) and George goes for a swim, yellow - Charlie/Charlotte's (Julianne Moore) house. These two is also likely act as a symbol for certain emotions or meanings such as blue is "spiritual" while yellow wasn't explained but it's mostly known for happiness, non? But there are a lot more meanings to the primary colours that were used to represent certain emotions and such which I won't go into.

The performances from the cast, were, overall good but of course with the emphasis on Colin Firth whose character the film revolves around. It almost feels like a 'one-man-show' to a certain extent, which is rather befitting I guess given the title of the film but of course the title also reflects on the status of George after his partner had passed away and is now alone. Rather awful was the fact that Aline Weber had no lines but Jon Kortajaras does and listening to all that Spanish makes up for it.

Overall, the film is rather worth watching given that:
A) It's by (everyone's favourite) Tom Ford
B) Great performances by the cast
C) It's received nominations and praises left right center
D) Stunning stylish debut with great attention to detail

Modelising: Constance Jablonski

2010-04-16T17:35:00.047+08:00

Among the handful of French models who has been burning up the runways - Constance Jablonski - is perhaps, in terms of ranking (Models.com) and the amount of work that she's (been) getting, the hottest French model right now (even overtaking fellow French, Sigrid Agren's popularity)

Like Sigrid (and Charlotte di Calypso), Constance was discovered during her stint at the Elite Model Look contest which earned her a contract with Elite. She then made her debut in the SS09 season and a proof of how fast her climb to the tops were? A year later, in the SS10 season, she beat out other models and walked the most shows - a whopping 72!

Hailing from the North of France, Lille to be specific, Constance had wanted to become a tennis player and had trained for numerous years before deciding on becoming a model instead. Though she's stunning, backed with further evidence from people who've seen her in real life (Karl Lagerfeld even called her "a modern beauty") - saying that she's very pretty, she's definitely not the most "commercial" beauty. Why?

Unlike many other more commercial looking models (such as Toni Garrn), Constance has a few flaws that some people might not be able to get over - her wide/defined jaw and her rather wide nose. Though she's one of my favourite models, there are pics where I go "Holy...jaw." However, of course by working her angles (along with the help of photographers), she looks absolutely gorgeous.

Speaking of jaw, Constance has, on a few occasions been compared to another model with a defined jaw. I, too, saw the resemblance especially in a few pics which really brought me into thinking "why does she look like another model? *thinks* OMG! She looks like Malgosia Bela!" So much so that even Models.com listed that the model in the pic below is Constance when in fact, it's Malgosia Bela. Fun fact: Malgosia Bela is Polish and Jablonski is obviously a very Polish last name. Hmm...

Constance is currently No.10 at the Models.com Top50 models (women) ranking, which shows just how fast she's rising to the top of the modeling industry. But the sudden jump is partly thanks to her ever growing editorial work and though her campaign work isn't as blue-chip, she has a decent amount and is proving herself to be able to do both commercial and high fashion work. But the biggest reason of all is probably thanks to the recent news of her and Chinese model Liu Wen nabbing contracts with Estee Lauder.

I think with all that's going for her, she's not going anywhere soon what with her bright personality and gorgeous face.

Coming to a counter near you...

2010-04-16T17:30:00.019+08:00

Coming to a counter near you are the faces of Chinese model Liu Wen and French model Constance Jablonski. It's just announced that the two will be the newest faces for Estee Lauder, which means that the two have just made history - Liu Wen the first Chinese model and Constance being the first French model.

There are praises going all around the cyberspace on Estee Lauder's choices. But all I have to say is that both parties are very smart. Estee Lauder obviously caught on on who were the latest and hottest faces to grace the modeling industry and took the opportunity to capitalise on their beauty. Of course all the while presenting it as Estee Lauder's grand plan in diversifying and reaching into other markets and trying to have a fair representation of the global market. But the models were probably cheaper to hire (ahem) and Hilary Rhoda got her big break and nobody seems to have any qualms in her being the face of Estee Lauder. Also they might be trying to get rid of Carolyn Murphy/Elizabeth Hurley or whoever? Well, I'm just making my assumptions and stating my opinions.

Of course, the models made a wise choice as beauty contracts (as everyone knows, besides a Victoria's Secret contract) is the jackpot in the modeling industry. Every model wants one because it means - a whole lotta cash for little work (or so it seems). And it's apparent that with the (over?)exposure that they will be receiving, their ranking as models will be higher and higher, presenting them with more opportunities (and moolah!)

But why Constance? Why Liu Wen? Well, probably because, as mentioned, they're two of the hottest rising stars in the modeling industry and it'll be a breakthrough for Estee Lauder since one's Chinese and one's French. Their skin is great (though that can be airbrushed) but their image is perfect - they're not too skinny and have a healthier body (image) than other models. Constance's defined jaw and wide nose does not necessarily make her the prime choice for a beauty contract especially Estee Lauder but I guess they're also trying to make a point of going for the non-conventional beauty (which might be made to look more conventional with tweeking of angles and photoshop)

But the thing I wanted to note is the fact that they are the first Chinese and first French person to be the faces of Estee Lauder.

First FRENCH person for ESTEE LAUDER - I don't know but I think that Constance Jablonski is too good for Estee Lauder. But perhaps Tom Pecheux as EL's new creative director has something to do with it?

First CHINESE person for ESTEE LAUDER - though I have no idea about the sales and Estee Lauder's market but I've always thought that Estee Lauder has been catering to the white middle aged American market hence Carolyn Murphy/Hilary Rhoda/Elizabeth Hurley/Gwyneth Paltrow as faces of Estee Lauder. But to be honest, they don't need Liu Wen. Why? Nobody cares except a minority of the market if Asians get represented. The majority might think about it but won't take it as a serious issue.

I like the two models, I do. But I don't like the idea of Liu Wen + Constance being the faces of Estee Lauder even though it means that we get to see more of them (which is probably the only thing I like out of this whole ting)...sorry but I rather see them for Chanel/Dior...might not even care if it's Biotherm (since Sasha Pivovarova's doing it) Ok, maybe I do. Meh.

Modelising: Sigrid Agren

2010-03-20T00:26:00.069+08:00

As much as I've mentioned the so-called 'Dutch invasion', it is still very much evident that the Eastern European presence is still extremely strong (and possibly very much permanent) in the modeling industry with a steady rise of models coming from the Baltic region while most of the Brazilians reign high as Victoria's Secret angels. With that said, the most recent "invasions" are perhaps the Swedes and the handful of French that has really made their mark. And a perfect example is Sigrid Agren.

Sigrid Agren (b. 24 April, 1991) comes from the French Caribbean island of Martinique. And if you can't tell from her name, Sigrid is actually (half) Swedish (thanks to her father). She entered the annual Elite Model Look (a modeling contest which has launched many names) when she was 14 but lost to another French model - Charlotte di Calypso but it earned her a contract with Elite in Europe.

Making her runway debut in 2008, her soft features have since won her many fans in the fashion industry. For example, Mr. Karl Lagerfeld. But that's not to say that her runway career has been ever so smooth. Nope. She, along with a few others, made headlines when Prada's SS09 runway show ended up with more falls than any other runway show, as she wobbled in the finale.

But stiff awkward walk (which is still improving) aside, Sigrid has been, along with her French compadres have really made a splash in the modeling scene. Sigrid is really one of those natural beauties, what with her soft lush lips and big (but not too freakishly big lol) brown eyes, it's no wonder the first thing that comes to the minds of many is - Bambi. And coincidentally (or perhaps not so), her campaign for Stella McCartney last season features her in a forest with what seems like stickers of woodland creatures from Disney's "Bambi" stuck to the image.

Though she opened/closed for many shows, Sigrid has yet to received the same success campaign wise like Toni Garrn and Anna J. Sigrid skipped the SS10 runway season without any known reason which together with images of her getting thinner and rumours of her having an eating disorder led netizens to speculate she's trying to get back on her feet.

Whatever her reason is for her disappearance, there is no doubt that she's such a great beauty and seemingly gaining more and more confidence as the seasons pass. Oh and bonus points for having modeled in Singapore for a summer.

Preview of 25

2010-03-18T17:11:00.007+08:00

Not sure if it's out yet but the first issue of 25 magazine (since the takeover by Anja Rubik's boyfriend as Editor and her as Art Director) for this year has a few videos that shows what's to come. Check out one of them - the editorial is called Defragmentation of Beauty (interesting title) and features Anja Rubik, Constance Jablonski, Karlie Kloss among others -

Whoops tried to screencap but Karmen looks sleepy eyed here but I think this nanosecond was the most stunning image in that video - she almost look like Keira Knightley! Sorry, I know, random.

Modelising: Kim Noorda

2010-03-17T00:23:00.039+08:00

I mentioned about the Dutch invasion in the post about Bette Franke but especially now that Vogue has an article in their March issue about it as well and then couple that with a very interesting article in Vogue's April issue, no doubt I HAD to post about Kim Noorda.

Like Bette Franke, Kim has been around for what seems like an eternity now - she made her modelling debut walking the runways of Chanel, Miu Miu etc in 2004 and until today, still walks a decent amount of shows but like Bette, Kim is like a wallflower in the industry.

To me, Kim (b. 22 April 1986) is reminiscent of Natalia Vodianova where they both have this babyface but yet if and when they want, can transform into a siren. However, it is apparent that the two are at both ends of the fame pool.

I don't recall but I'm pretty sure I've only ever seen one video of Kim that has her speaking - she was younger and sounded so sweet and still untainted by the "evils" of the industry I guess - but that was three years ago or so.

Those who have met her or bumped into her always gave first hand accounts that states that she's standoff-ish because she won't take a photo with you etc and doesn't say much. Not that I can take a stand on that but I don't think she's a bitch, she just looks so sweet (although looks can be deceiving).

Though Kim has always been thin, it is in possibly the past two years or so that had people talking about her weight. She got way too thin - her arms were just sticks - was just not a good look at all, especially comparing her to her Dutch counterparts such as Bette, Lara Stone and Doutzen Kroes.

As I've said, she and Natalia Vodianova might only have youthful looks in common but their status is the complete opposite but perhaps that will all change now with the revealing article in the April issue of Vogue regarding Kim's weight struggles (not that it's a positive thing...it is to a certain extent) but the general public will at least know her name now.

It's a lengthy read but worth it

And the Oscar goes to...

2010-03-04T15:59:00.026+08:00

The Oscars are just round the corner (Monday morning in our time) so I, like a million others, have my favourites/predictions for the prestigious event in film but unfortunately I won't be able to watch the show live which is a shame. But nevertheless...I'll share with you my top 3 picks in each of the category (if possible)

Actor in a Leading Role

Jeff Bridges in “Crazy Heart”
George Clooney in “Up in the Air”
Colin Firth in “A Single Man”
Morgan Freeman in “Invictus”
Jeremy Renner in “The Hurt Locker”

Jeff Bridges

I actually have not watched any of these performances but sometimes it doesn't really need any thorough analysis of these actors' performances, sometimes it's all word of mouth - predictions, critics, prior knowledge of their acting abilities. But anyhow, most likely to win? Jeff Bridges. He won in this category at both the Golden Globes and SAG awards and as we all know - the results at these award shows are great indication as to who's going to win at their much bigger counterpart, the Oscars but of course there are always surprises.

Colin Firth

Even though I know it's going to be quite the usual Oscar drama that is Tom Ford's A Single Man (read: long, slow, boring but probably good performances), from the looks of the trailer (which could of course be all too deceiving), I think Colin Firth's performance as a man who's just lost his partner and is going through the grief (you can see the undeniable pain in him) is really rather beautiful...I don't know...whatever...I'll just root for Mr. Darcy.

Jeremy Renner

I've not seen The Hurt Locker, have seen its trailer but never knew it received such great reviews but I don't think majority of the people have even heard of it perhaps but then again the public's not voting in this is it now? Whatever the case, Jeremy Renner can be considered as the utmost underdog nominee in this category. Sure, we've seen him in numerous films but he's always playing second fiddle as far as memory recalls. But everyone loves an underdog so who knows?

Actor in a Supporting Role

Matt Damon in “Invictus”
Woody Harrelson in “The Messenger”
Christopher Plummer in “The Last Station”
Stanley Tucci in “The Lovely Bones”
Christoph Waltz in “Inglourious Basterds”

First thing I did? Google who the heck was Christopher Plummer. First results in images? OMG it's Captain Von Trapp from The Sound of Music (BTW, he was also Doctor Parnassus in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and also voiced Charles Munz - that explorer who's kinda the villain who wanted to capture the bird by whatever means in Up) Anyhow the three most likely to win?

Christopher Waltz

The Austrian actor won at both the Golden Globes as well as the SAGs but what's more? I just discovered the man has won at like 286238591 other films festivals and wherever he was nominated for, for his role as Col. Hans Landa in Inglorious Basterds. Phew how are all those trophies going to fit on one shelf? Anyhow, you can bet that Christopher Waltz will be the one to watch out for in the Supporting Actor category. After all, didn't you just love/hate him as Hans Landa?

Christopher Plummer

Here's another Christopher. Plummer played THE Leo Tolstoy in the film The Last Station. Of course the other Christopher is the most likely to win but don't you just want to root for Captain Von Trapp?? I'm sure his performance as Leo Tolstoy was nothing short of spectacular though.

Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci plays the antagonist in The Lovely Bones. I have to admit I didn't recognise him when I first saw the trailer, I could only think "he looks familiar..." but maybe because I'm more used to seeing him without hair. HAH! I quite like him - he was in Devil Wears Prada, he's worked with Meryl twice and seems to be on great terms with her so thumbs up! So much for rational reasoning.

Actress in a Leading Role

Sandra Bullock in “The Blind Side”
Helen Mirren in “The Last Station”
Carey Mulligan in “An Education”
Gabourey Sidibe in “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
Meryl Streep in “Julie & Julia”

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock's another person who's won in the same category at the Golden Globes as well as the SAGs so of course she's most likely to win the Oscar right? But I don't know. Frankly, I love Sandra, I think she's funny, down to earth, just very girl next door. She's awesome! And yes, her role in The Blind Side was a complete 180 from what she's been so well known for which makes her quite the complete outcast in the category. But did I mention she DID win at both the Golden Globes and SAGs? Which obviously indicates what the industry thinks of her performance. Of course it might not hold its own to Meryl Streep's prior winning performances but for Sandra's case, it's her 'Sophie's Choice'/'Kramer vs Kramer'. However, it would absolutely be awesome/amazing/astonishing etc. if/when she wins! I love the girl even though she just doesn't fit in but maybe that's a good thing. So here's hoping she'll win! From Speed/Miss Congeniality to an Oscar!

Meryl Streep

I never really discovered Meryl's awesomeness until a few years ago. You can give a guess as to why but now I absolutely think she's god among all her other colleagues. How can you not love her? Have you seen her commercial ventures - Devil Wears Prada and Mamma Mia?! Awesome! She completely encompasses her character so well that she just IS Miranda Priestly, she IS that uptight nun in Doubt and in the case of the Oscars, she IS Julia Child (the voice, the movements - everything!) I heart Meryl so...I absolutely won't mind if she wins. Who would, after all?

Gabourey Sidibe

Usually with films are Precious, you can bet your ass that the acting performance will guarantee a win. But this year, I'm not too sure what happened but Gabourey did not win at either the Golden Globes or the SAGs. After watching Precious and hearing all there was to hear about it, I just thought for sure Gabourey would win. But instead Sandra was the winner on both occasions as mentioned. I thought Gabourey did very good in the film (you'll be surprised to find she's in her mid 20s and sounds like a Valley girl and is very giggly) and of course she would absolutely break the stereotype of the typical stars which is great.

BTW, I can't speak much for Carey Mulligan or Helen Mirren's performances since I've watched Julie & Julia, The Blind Side and Precious and with all the reports, Gabourey, Meryl and Sandra are the biggest competition. So whichever of the three wins, I'm happy.

Actress in a Supporting Role

Penélope Cruz in “Nine”
Vera Farmiga in “Up in the Air”
Maggie Gyllenhaal in “Crazy Heart”
Anna Kendrick in “Up in the Air”
Mo’Nique in “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”

Mo'Nique

She was such a bitch! I meant her character of course - the abusive mother who let her daughter (Precious) gets treated like shit and treats her daughter like shit too but worse. She's also a double winner (Globes & SAG) so no surprise what's going to be repeated at the Oscars. Have not seen the others' performances but I just don't think anything can match, not this year at least.

Animated Feature Film

“Coraline” Henry Selick
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” Wes Anderson
“The Princess and the Frog” John Musker and Ron Clements
“The Secret of Kells” Tomm Moore
“Up” Pete Docter

I think yet again, unanimously, it's going to be a Disney/Pixar production this year (as I think with every other year). Seriously, why bother? Of course, big shocker if they don't win though.

I won't comment on the more technical categories (not even Best Picture - it's probably Avatar? Which would...well probably be the most expensive production to win...did Titanic win before? But then the rest of the films were quite good as well...ok there are just too many nominees and I never know what the Academy is thinking. For example when Crash won Best Picture as opposed to Brokeback Mountain which everyone was like *gasp*) since I'm much less adept at making predictions for these categories and it's getting late so I'll just leave it here and see for myself after the Oscars air.

Art Direction

“Avatar” Art Direction: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Kim Sinclair
“The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” Art Direction: Dave Warren and Anastasia Masaro; Set Decoration: Caroline Smith
“Nine” Art Direction: John Myhre; Set Decoration: Gordon Sim
“Sherlock Holmes” Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
“The Young Victoria” Art Direction: Patrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Maggie Gray

Cinematography

“Avatar” Mauro Fiore
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” Bruno Delbonnel
“The Hurt Locker” Barry Ackroyd
“Inglourious Basterds” Robert Richardson
“The White Ribbon” Christian Berger

Costume Design

“Bright Star” Janet Patterson
“Coco before Chanel” Catherine Leterrier
“The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” Monique Prudhomme
“Nine” Colleen Atwood
“The Young Victoria” Sandy Powell

Directing

“Avatar” James Cameron
“The Hurt Locker” Kathryn Bigelow
“Inglourious Basterds” Quentin Tarantino
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” Lee Daniels
“Up in the Air” Jason Reitman

Documentary (Feature)

“Burma VJ” Anders Østergaard and Lise Lense-Møller
“The Cove” Louie Psihoyos and Fisher Stevens
“Food, Inc.” Robert Kenner and Elise Pearlstein
“The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers” Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith
“Which Way Home” Rebecca Cammisa

Documentary (Short Subject)

“China’s Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province” Jon Alpert and Matthew O’Neill
“The Last Campaign of Governor Booth Gardner” Daniel Junge and Henry Ansbacher
“The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant” Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert
“Music by Prudence” Roger Ross Williams and Elinor Burkett
“Rabbit à la Berlin” Bartek Konopka and Anna Wydra

Film Editing

“Avatar” Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua and James Cameron
“District 9” Julian Clarke
“The Hurt Locker” Bob Murawski and Chris Innis
“Inglourious Basterds” Sally Menke
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” Joe Klotz

Foreign Language Film

“Ajami” Israel
“The Milk of Sorrow (La Teta Asustada)” Peru
“A Prophet (Un Prophète)” France
“The Secret in Their Eyes (El Secreto de Sus Ojos)” Argentina
“The White Ribbon (Das Weisse Band)” Germany

Makeup

“Il Divo” Aldo Signoretti and Vittorio Sodano
“Star Trek” Barney Burman, Mindy Hall and Joel Harlow
“The Young Victoria” Jon Henry Gordon and Jenny Shircore

Music (Original Score)

“Avatar” James Horner
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” Alexandre Desplat
“The Hurt Locker” Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders
“Sherlock Holmes” Hans Zimmer
“Up” Michael Giacchino

Music (Original Song)

“Almost There” from “The Princess and the Frog” Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
“Down in New Orleans” from “The Princess and the Frog” Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
“Loin de Paname” from “Paris 36” Music by Reinhardt Wagner Lyric by Frank Thomas
“Take It All” from “Nine” Music and Lyric by Maury Yeston
“The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart)” from “Crazy Heart” Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett

Best Picture

“Avatar” James Cameron and Jon Landau, Producers
“The Blind Side” Gil Netter, Andrew A. Kosove and Broderick Johnson, Producers
“District 9” Peter Jackson and Carolynne Cunningham, Producers
“An Education” Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey, Producers
“The Hurt Locker” Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier and Greg Shapiro, Producers
“Inglourious Basterds” Lawrence Bender, Producer
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness, Producers
“A Serious Man” Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, Producers
“Up” Jonas Rivera, Producer
“Up in the Air” Daniel Dubiecki, Ivan Reitman and Jason Reitman, Producers

Short Film (Animated)

“French Roast” Fabrice O. Joubert
“Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty” Nicky Phelan and Darragh O’Connell
“The Lady and the Reaper (La Dama y la Muerte)” Javier Recio Gracia
“Logorama” Nicolas Schmerkin
“A Matter of Loaf and Death” Nick Park

Short Film (Live Action)

“The Door” Juanita Wilson and James Flynn
“Instead of Abracadabra” Patrik Eklund and Mathias Fjellström
“Kavi” Gregg Helvey
“Miracle Fish” Luke Doolan and Drew Bailey
“The New Tenants” Joachim Back and Tivi Magnusson

Sound Editing

“Avatar” Christopher Boyes and Gwendolyn Yates Whittle
“The Hurt Locker” Paul N.J. Ottosson
“Inglourious Basterds” Wylie Stateman
“Star Trek” Mark Stoeckinger and Alan Rankin
“Up” Michael Silvers and Tom Myers

Sound Mixing

“Avatar” Christopher Boyes, Gary Summers, Andy Nelson and Tony Johnson
“The Hurt Locker” Paul N.J. Ottosson and Ray Beckett
“Inglourious Basterds” Michael Minkler, Tony Lamberti and Mark Ulano
“Star Trek” Anna Behlmer, Andy Nelson and Peter J. Devlin
“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers and Geoffrey Patterson

Visual Effects

“Avatar” Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham and Andrew R. Jones
“District 9” Dan Kaufman, Peter Muyzers, Robert Habros and Matt Aitken
“Star Trek” Roger Guyett, Russell Earl, Paul Kavanagh and Burt Dalton

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

“District 9” Written by Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell
“An Education” Screenplay by Nick Hornby
“In the Loop” Screenplay by Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” Screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher
“Up in the Air” Screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner

Writing (Original Screenplay)

“The Hurt Locker” Written by Mark Boal
“Inglourious Basterds” Written by Quentin Tarantino
“The Messenger” Written by Alessandro Camon & Oren Moverman
“A Serious Man” Written by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
“Up” Screenplay by Bob Peterson, Pete Docter, Story by Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Tom McCarthy

Modelising: Karmen Pedaru

2010-02-13T22:51:00.020+08:00

Note: This post was due more than a month ago but due to a combination of procrastination, CNY celebration, summer course, plain laziness, the post is only being show to the world now (don't let the date fool you). But despite all attempts at trying to justify myself, a certain individual wants to/will/thought of stoning/stone me (and I am not talking drugs). Nevertheless, apologies once again.

Like Edita Vilkeviciute, Karmen Pedaru has been mentioned here on LeNouveauChic before and in the same post as well. Hailing from the nation of Estonia - where supermodel Carmen Kass (we'll mention her another time) also happens to be from - this 19-year-old started modelling in 2006, making her debut in the pages of Teen Vogue, but only really made a mark in 2008 when she walked for the European fashion weeks.

Like all other models (or any public figure, really), Karmen has gotten compared to a number of people. Most notable/common mentions? Vanessa Paradis (also a model, better known as Johny Depp's other half) and guess who? Edita. Yes, Vilkeviciute. Though I do agree that there might be at times where I thought they have a slight resemblance at glances but most of the other times, I think they look totally different. But oddly enough, they both have a beauty mark at more or less the same spot. However, I have to say that of the two, Edita's the more photogenic one.

Another notable person that someone has mentioned she resembles? Twilight star, Kristen Stewart. Like the case with Edita. Except one's a lot taller (though Edita is shorter than Karmen as well). But otherwise the both Kristen and Karmen seem to share a similar "I-don't-give-a-shit", quite tough ass kind of personality or at least I perceive both to be like that. Perhaps she's a mixture of both Kristen and Edita but I won't say anymore in case anyone who says so and so is the poor man's version of Karmen will stone me.

Thanks to her athletic background (she loves handball, basketball and football), the former football goalkeeper isn't sickly thin, which is great in an industry which people think are only full of waifs. Really, just check out those seriously toned arms when you see her photos.

To lend to her rock chick attitude/vibe that she gives off (she's rather reserved), Karmen seem to have a permanent frown on her face most of the time which of course does not help in breaking people's stereotype of models being expressionless/creatures that look mean or angry most of the time they stomp down the runway.

And to top if all off, to live up to that rock-chick thing she has, this girl's been spotting some new ink (ok two though there's one which is "old") No wonder she's friends with two other 'cool' chickas - Abbey Lee Kershaw and Freja Beha Erichsen (who are both avid tattoo collector). However, like Abbey, she's also friends with Karlie (no tatts here, just plain wholesomeness or so I think/know). Probably because they're all from the same agency.

Though she's not the most outspoken model out there, many of her model friends tend to say she's actually a hilarious person. Want proof?

R.I.P. Alexander McQueen

2010-02-12T04:28:00.008+08:00

Days after the passing of McQueen's mother, the designer himself has taken his own life. Known for his avant garde collections (they looked more haute couture than ready-to-wear if you ask me), spectacular larger than life runway shows, it is so tragic that the young designer has decided to end his life. For those who's never heard of him, he's the guy behind the Armadillo shoes that Lady Gaga wore (you know, those crazy ass high platform boots?) Each season he brought something new and each collection was memorable. I'm (rather) devastated at this very somber moment. With the new runway season just around the corner, I am sure the rest of the industry is mourning for its loss of a great talent.

This is an extremely sad day in fashion - I wish his loved ones well and to Alexander, I hope you rest in peace.

Alexander with his mother.

Modelising: Edita Vilkeviciute

2010-01-10T21:33:00.049+08:00

This Lithuanian beauty is no stranger to this blog - I mentioned Edita back in 2008, when her career was just really starting to take off. Fast forward a little over a year later, she's become such a star in the modeling industry, with her extended fanbase and all the work that she's been and is currently racking up.

If you're in tune with the gossip and news of La La Land (not as in the Chinese one, I meant as in Hollywood), then maybe (especially if you're a HSM fan) you might have heard of her name before - she's that girl who posed nude with Zac Efron in Interview Magazine (so unfortunate for her to be associated with that guy, I'd say)

Discovered on the street (just like the other dozens of models), this 21 year old, started out her career in Barcelona before advancing to Paris and the rest is, as they say, history. One of her earlier show season highlights include opening and closing for Burberry in FW08.

With such a classically beautiful face, Edita transcends well from high fashion to commercial and vice versa - evidently through her numerous catalog work and blue chip campaigns.

And of course, her physique is, needless to say, well talked about by everyone (guys can drool, girls can envy), which of course would lead to - VS. And yes, it has led her to VS, among other swimsuit/lingerie work. And body focused editorials like the one below (which has everyone going - DAMN! and feeling slightly self-conscious afterward)

Models, carry with them, a preconceived notion that establishes (all of) them as emotionless (cold, stoic etc) beings. But of course, with that said, it does not apply to all models - Heidi Klum and Gisele are never called stoic, cold etc, you get the idea. But through various videos, interviews and retelling of encounters, these misconceptions of models being heartless robots/bimbos are wiped in a nanosecond as their personalities shine through.

With Edita, she's definitely one of those models whose personality shines. Despite the fact that, like most models (Eastern European ones at least), there is a language barrier for her, she manages to convey a sense of sincerity in her replies to the interviewer. But not only that, there's also something in her face that says that when she smiles, she's genuine. She often showcases her playful, fun personality in various photos and interviews (teasing other models etc) and it's this very lovable personality of hers that has everyone singing her praises.

It's often noted and it's obvious that Edita just has something about her - that je ne sais quo and having the whole package that could drive her to stardom, not that she wasn't on her way already. Oh yeah, she's one of Karl Lagerfeld's favourites - need I say more? Random fact: she's studied piano for 11 years (so I guess that just shows she's not an untalented airhead) Also, is it just me, or has there been an increase in Lithuanian models on the scene (note the names)?

Edita -
Height: 5'9"
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Green
Bust: 32
Waist: 23
Hips: 34
Shoes: 8

Learn how to pronounce her name:

Modelising: Anja Rubik

2010-01-10T01:51:00.019+08:00

Firstly, I'd like to apologise for the slight hiatus from blogging. Summer is tiring and I am lazy so...you get the idea.

I (yet again, with my deteriorating memory) cannot recall when I started following Anja Rubik's career. But my best bet was some time in the second half of 2007 when she appeared in Chloe's Fall/Winter campaign with Shalom Harlow and Freja Beha Erichsen.

Anja Rubik [b. June 12, 1985/83 - I haven't been following her career for the longest time and forgot what was the conclusion to this, besides the fact that a lot of models lie about their age ;)] has been modeling since late 2004. Though she has been strutting her stuff for various designers and receiving a fair amount of print and campaign work, it is undoubtedly, all thanks to one haircut, that has launched her into the stratosphere.

Anja, prior to her haircut

Anja, with new haircut, in the back, with Shalom and Freja for Chloe FW 2007

This is the occasion where the Polish beauty decided to chop her locks off for an edgier look -

The result? An edgier look that set her apart from her peers. Work poured in from left, right, everywhere, blue chip, commercial - you name it, she booked it.

Anja, for Gap

For Chanel Eyewear

Anja has since, barely done much to her hair - not dying it and definitely not growing it out (at least not by that much) - because it was/is obviously her key to her success.

Anja, replacing Mini Anden, as the face of Armani Code

Though all models are relatively skinny, Anja, as her status as top model elevated, it seems, got thinner and thinner, getting to the point that she looks pretty gaunt now but that isn't stopping her of course.

Anja, for Fendi SS2010

So what is she up to now? Besides doing Wii Yoga? lol She's branching out into the publishing world. With her boyfriend, Sasha Knezevic (also a model) as Editor in Chief and her as Fashion Director, the two are set to relaunch the magazine, 25.

Anja and her beau, Sasha.

Anja Rubik:
Height 5'10.5,
Bust 34,
Waist 24,
Hips 35,
Dress 4,
Shoe 9,
Hair Blond,
Eyes Blue

Mabuhay!

2010-01-06T16:50:00.004+08:00

According to Net-A-Porter, I am currently in the Philippines...

When in fact, I am in the Monash library...

PS. I'm sorry for not updating...shall update soon after tomorrow.

Modelising: Bette Franke

2009-12-30T01:51:00.027+08:00

Ever seen the Hugo Boss XX XY commercial on TV and thought "Who's that girl?" or perhaps you were just too busy ogling at Jonathan Rhys Meyer and/or being jello of the girl he gets up close with in the boxing ring but nonetheless, if you don't know her by now, the 'lucky' girl is Bette Franke.

Bette Franke (b. 3 December 1989, Heemskerk, Netherlands) is one of the many models that is part of the unspoken about Dutch "invasion".

The Dutch "invasion" - At first, there was the Brazilian invasion (think Gisele Bundchen) followed by which came the Russian revolution (think half or most of the modeling industry) and though there are other so called "invasions" that has been seen and that the industry is currently experiencing, these "invasions" have rarely been mentioned. Throughout the years, there has been a constant influx of Dutch models in the industry, and it is evident that the Dutch are here to stay despite the fact that a lot of them seem to just lurk in the background, in the shadows of other top models. Some of them, however, seem to have been in the industry for the longest time and though they get little work, at least they're still working, right?

Bette, evidently, is one of those that fits the last bill correctly - her workload seems to have just kept decreasing over the time. Discovered by Wilma Wakker in 2003, she made her runwway in 2005 and from then on, received a fair amount of editorial work and campaigns but all those have since been dwindling down, particularly from 2008 onwards.

Franke, alongside Freja Beha Erichsen and Natalia Vodianova, 2006

When I mentioned previously (in another post) that I started gaining an interest in models after seeing photographs of different runway shows in magazines featuring certain models repeatedly and I have to admit that Bette Franke was that one model. She's the only model that I remember was one of the firsts that I discovered. It was intriguing - like all models (and most ang mohs), she looked mature but at the same time there was that undeniable youthfulness about her face so my guess was that she was, at most, 2-3 years older than I was.

I was close but she's actually just a year older. Imagine that! She was just a year older than I was and had to flirt around with Jonathan Rhys Meyers (who is probably a decade older than her)! Not sure of the relevance in that but probably the fact that anyone (close to) your age doing something drastically different (read: anything that makes a lot of money) surprises/shocks you a tad bit.

I have to say that besides the fact that her face was all over the place - she was walking in a lot of shows - her beauty was "easily understandable" as opposed to the likes of the thinner, with cheekbones-that-could-cut-glass variety.

With a slightly healthier (read: not stick thin) body, a fuller face than the other imports in the industry, she was closer to what I was used to seeing - celebrities (though not all of them) thus she appealed to me aside from the fact that she was everywhere.

She possesses such a commercial/mainstream appeal - with those dimples and luscious lips, it baffles me why she isn't a bigger success than she is today. She's such a cutie pie!

Everytime I go to her thread, I'm a little disappointed at the fact that she gets so little work - it's not like she does poorly in print or anything but yet she remains one of the those underrated model that's waiting to disappear completely, fading back into obscurity. Sad.

Stats-
Height: 178cm
Bust: 80cm
Waist: 62cm
Hips: 90cm
Shoes: 39
Hair: Drk Blnd
Eyes: Blue
Agency: Wilma Wakker (NET), DNA (NY), VIVA (PARIS), Why Not (MILAN)

Modelising: Hilary Rhoda

2009-12-29T01:50:00.001+08:00

OK, I really gotta get started on this whole 'Modelising:' series thingamajig or else it'll be the end of 2010 before I even get 20 model profiles done. I didn't really know how to start the series - by age? by alphabetical order? by nationality? by experience? So I thought of which models I discovered first....problem is, I can't really remember but I'll try and recap though it more or less started out like this or else just fuck that, I'll just blog about whoever comes to mind (by then which of course, 20 names pop up in my head simultaneously). But I think here's a good start - Hilary Rhoda (b. April 6, 1987). Sure, I haven't been keeping up with her thread on TFS for eons now (which I just checked and now found that she has three!), but I still think she's one of the prettier models out there.

Rhoda (IMG), circa 2007, with Lara Stone

The name might not sound familiar but certainly you've seen her face in magazines and ever so occasionally on TV. How could you miss this Chevy Chase, Maryland native (and her eyebrows)? After all, she is the face of beauty giant - Estee Lauder (which leads me to wonder where's Carolyn Murphy but we'll talk about her in another entry later on. Probably.) She's the most recent addition (and I mean recent in the lightest sense - she signed with EL in 2007) to the Estee Lauder family of spokesmodels, joining the likes of Carolyn Murphy and Elizabeth Hurley.

Rhoda, 2009

Though she started her career in high-fashion, thanks to her long-term beauty contract and commercial appeal, she has since moved on from walking in fashion weeks for Balenciaga, Versace, Valentino among many others. Reminiscent of Brooke Shields (honestly, I think any procelain skin, dark hair, light [note:blue] eyes combo kinda wins just so ever easily) her commercial appeal, topped with her curvier, athletic sillhouette, it's hard not to predict this girl doing something for VS (read: Victoria's Secret) or something along those lines, however, she did not choose (perhaps contractually unable to do) VS, instead, she did SI (Sports Illustrated).

Rhoda, 2008

Oddly enough though, you'd think that she'll be raking in the big bucks with her EL contract (she was ranked one of the top-earning supermodels in 2007 and 2008), but this year, she's off the list (yet, Carolyn Murphy stays put), what happened?

Rhoda, 2007

I just find her being off the list is super strange, considering the fact that almost every EL advertisement features only Hilary Rhoda nowadays, though I wish sometimes they'll have some featuring Carolyn (forget Liz Hurley).

Rhoda, 2009, shooting for EL

In other news, her personal life that is, the former lacrosse/hockey player seem to attract jocks (no surprise there, I guess) - she's been linked with football player Mark Sanchez and now seems to be dating ice hockey player, Sean Avery.

Back in her runway days

Stats -
Height: 5'11"
Measurements: 34" 25.5" 35.5"
Shoe: 9 US
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Blue

Rhoda in action:

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-24T15:51:00.004+08:00

In spirit of the holidays season!

Some fun commercials from GAP. Reminds me of the older GAP commercials where everyone's singing -

Tiffany's Give Voice To Your Heart commercial with music by The Bird and the Bee's rendition of "Carol of the Bells"

And of course, favourite "Christmas" song this year:

Modelising: The Story

2009-12-21T23:43:00.018+08:00

Ok, so it's summer.
And I'm supposed to be on holiday.
But instead, I have summer school.
Which pretty much sucks the joy out of everything.
And I have a blog.
Which no one reads.
Wait, no, there is someONE who reads.
And since there is only ever this ONE person reading,
I might as well blog to entertain her.
And besides, it gives me something to do
(That is, after all, what the blog was for)

So kinda like Julie Powell (I just watched 'Julie & Julia'),
I've decided to have a goal (HAHA!)
But instead of recipes ala Julie Powell (I can't cook for nuts! Can't even boil water right!)
My keen interest in models have led me to do this series of posts.
And so as my previous post says
I'll be featuring a model (or maybe two or maybe even three depending on my sanity)
Each or every other week, depending.

So why models?
Why did I have an interest?
Why did I have an interest in these women (or girls rather) who projected unrealistic images in media? And carried with them negative notions from everyone?
Why not sure read the Twilight Saga? Watch some Hannah Montana? Continue obsessing over celebrities?
Even I'm not too sure of an answer.

I doubt it's thinspiration because I've not looked at them and gone "I need to starve myself." (which I probably should but not the whole starving bit, just the whole, I need to be thinner bit)
Or perhaps really, it was a viewing of "The Victoria's Secret Show" on TV that started it all.
I did think that Alessandra Ambrosio was one of the prettier angels (Hey, something's gotta start from somewhere and in this case, I started from commercial to high fashion)
It's not like I didn't know any models.
I knew the usual that everyone knows/knew - Kate, Cindy, Brooke, Gisele etc.
But it was really boredom (or perhaps now that I look at it, OCD?)
Because as I was reading some magazine
I started to take notice of the runway photos
And realised that all these photos of various shows had the same model walking in them
I started to be intrigued by these nameless faces.
And from there, I started taking notice of the ads (along with other runway photos etc)
And so I was so intrigued and hooked into finding out who these people were.
All these, of course, spiraled into something much much (what's the word?) larger? serious?
And of course, in the process of getting to know these "high fashion" top models, it's impossible to not know about the fashion industry as a whole.
And thus Audrey now has a new obsession!
And knows tons more useless info!
And this has totally rendered my whole spending habit and behaviour (towards celebrities & models, fashion etc).

Instead of stocking up on Hot, I now stock up on (US) Vogue, (French) Numero, (M'sia) Harper's Bazaar and Female (though the latter two is pretty much just fluff reading and act as fillers.)
Instead of buying magazines with my favourite celebs on the covers and feeling indifferent about celebs on magazine covers in general, I now root for models to be on the cover of Vogue.
Interest in models have introduced me to the fashion industry (not that I didn't know the usual 'brands') and I have since learned invaluable information about it (through various texts but most notably - Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster)
The introduction to fashion doesn't hurt assisting (and finding something to talk about with) my mom either.
My taste in music has broadened. I now, have some weird ass songs on my computer.
I think that saying that ALL models look the same/alike is really shallow - that's like saying all whites (or blacks or "orientals" or indians etc) look the same (which of course, some/most/all white people will go "that is NOT true.")
I go trying to defend that there will be no new supermodels. Ok, I admit, there will never be any more new supermodels (perhaps a few, in their own rights) due to the word's ambiguity nowadays. (it's like ANYONE and EVERYONE is a supermodel) but that doesn't mean today's top models are crap. Today's top models are thought to be crap because A) no one cares, B) they are not Cindy, Linda, Naomi, Claudia, Christy, Kate or Gisele (try arguing this with your mother, and you'll know they'll just be stuck in the 80s and in denial - they will never understand the aesthetics of some/most of today's top models then)

There might be more that I just can't be bothered thinking of.

However, is it after all just boredom? Just OCD?
Maybe.
Maybe I found that the whole tabloid culture was getting increasingly boring.
So finding a new interest helped steer me away from being part of the society that has become oversaturated with the tabloid/celebrity culture.
But perhaps it goes beyond that.
But whatever it is, I'm so glad to be exposed to this.
And soon, you'll be drowning in this....
World of skinny ass beautiful (may not apply to some) people
Muahahahahahahaha *ahem*

Modelising: The A-Z of Models

2009-12-19T19:47:00.008+08:00

From Kate to Natasha, 'Modelising:' (or call it model studies, if you will) will spotlight a different model, both new and old, every (or other - depending on my procrastination/"workload") week. *Due to unforeseen circumstances and last minute decisions, this format might be altered accordingly.

To become an ang moh...

2009-12-11T20:36:00.002+08:00

You use a product called 9X.

Apparently a hair dye and skin whitening product in one!
Note the whole "haven't seen an ang moh before" reaction!

Spotted by the people over at FF.

False Alarm

2009-12-10T00:25:00.004+08:00

This article recently created quite a frenzy, getting every model fan on the internet to hang on the edge of their seats.

The article, eloquently written, talks about the modeling industry, though it's all that we already know, it certainly probably provides a few interesting tidbits to those that aren't familiar with the cutthroat industry.

However, the fifth paragraph of the article, reveals that the author has left the modeling industry ("The day I left modeling was only hard knowing that I had given up so many of my passions to work towards stardom in a fickle, meaningless business that didn’t want me, but merely my shell.")

Many speculated that it was Ali Stephens due to the authors of the site - Madison and Christian Stephens (previously authors of the now defunct PYTmedia.com) - being her siblings and the fact that the article (unlike previous entries) did not have the author's name stamp which led to many suspicions and belief that it was Ali, using the site, as a way to announce to fans, her departure from modeling.

However, soon after the internet was abuzz with the news, there have been statements by "insiders" who states that it is Madison who wrote it (the article now has her name stamp beside it). So much for getting everyone's panties into a bunch.

Madison and Ali Stephens.

香奈兒 [巴黎-上海]

2009-12-06T15:34:00.010+08:00

With the iconic Pudong skyline as the backdrop, the pre-fall collection, featured looks inspired by Chinese culture. Some 'inspirations' are immediately recognisable - terracotta, Mao's communist era, cheongsams, the colours (red, jade) etc.

I don't care much about Chanel's collections (rarely but then I think the accessories are better than the clothes most of these times)and this time is no different. My feeling - "meh"

P.S. Looking through the photos on Style.com, I came upon this:

And I can see that it says 香奈儿 in the middle (like, seriously???)

Twitter Fever

2009-12-04T21:30:00.007+08:00

Though I do know a few of their names, I don't follow photographers' careers closely thus I don't know much about their work. However, it seems to me that Steven Meisel is fond of shooting editorials which revolves around the public's (current) obsession. And these editorials seem to be in the habit of appearing in Vogue Italia. In Jan 05, Meisel shot a tabloid-style editorial entitled "Hollywood Style". Instead of having models just pose for him etc, he had them in various acts that looked as if the photos were taken candidly by the paparazzi and of course, they're supposed to resemble some celebrities who are regular tabloid fodder.

Here's some images from the editorial:

Links to full editorial on TFS - Part 1, 2, 3, 4 , 5, 6, 7

He did it again, concerning the public's obsession, later the same year in the December issue. This time, it revolved around the YouTube revolution (eg. vlogs). Entitled 'Live on the Web', the editorial resemble screenshots taken from (personal) web videos.

Some images from the ed:

And now, for this year's December issue, he has taken on the Twitter obsession. With various suspicions that the cover is a fake, I didn't think much of it. I agree with some of the comments - the cover does look like something out of MS Paint. Anyways, here's the editorial. Tweets included.

Full ed: 1, 2

"The woman with the No.5"

2009-12-04T03:26:00.049+08:00

Yesterday was the much anticipated debut of the Chanel pre-fall collection, the runway show of which was held in Shanghai, China (every year, the collection 'features' a different destination, eg. Moscow, last year) And just like last year, Chanel/Karl Lagerfeld, has once again produced a short film that reflects/inspired by the collection's destination and Coco Chanel except this year, the film is a little longer, features a more extensive cast, and actually has dialogue (last year's was a silent film).

You can watch the short film via Chanel's Paris-Shanghai site or by Youtube - part 1, part 2, part 3

The film, a little over 20 minutes, entitled "Paris-Shanghai: A Fantasy - The Trip That Coco Chanel Only Made in Her Dreams", is quite self-explanatory - Coco Chanel falls asleep only to dream about her "trips" to Shanghai, which, of course never happened. These trips take place in various eras/decades, in particular - the 60s, 40s, 30s and 20s (which are depicted in the order that they are written, in a non-chronological manner/in reverse chronology) The cast features both professional actors and Lagerfeld's favourites - Baptiste Giabiconi, Brad Kroenig, Heidi Mount, Freja Beha Erichsen and Edita Vilkeviciute. There is also an appearance by Tao Okamoto (though I am not particularly sure if she's a favourite of Uncle Karl). Giabiconi and Erichsen, each plays two different roles in two different decades, where as Kroenig and Okamoto have somewhat brief appearances, while Mount and Vilkeviciute are the only ones who are consistent in terms of their roles - Mount plays the famed Marlene Dietrich, while Vilkeviciute, plays Coco Chanel herself, for the second time (she also starred as Chanel in last year's silent film for the Paris-Moscou collection, which begs me to ask why hasn't Karl put her in any of his campaigns yet?)

Ah, the iconic multi-mirrored staircase - possibly the must-have shot for all Chanel films.

The Duchess of Windsor (played by Amanda Harlech - one of Lagerfeld's muses)

Coco Chanel (played by Jane Schmitt)

The two talks about fittings and later on, China.

Fitting on a model.

Chanel takes a nap. And so begins her "trips".

China in the 60ties.

Giabiconi as (bored) Chinese boy

Erichsen as (bored) Chinese girl

The arrival of Chanel.

Checking out the 2.55 (which Chanel states that she took the "inspiration for the quilting from China. The Chinese invented quilting.")

Chinese girl : "Is it true that in Europe, the girls wear mini skirts?"

An enraged Chanel: "Yes and it's awful. I hate it!"

*shock*

Trying on Chanel's jacket. "Chinese" girl asks something along the lines of "How do I look?" to which Chinese boy replies "很美! *HenMei*"

Chanel No.5

Now both Chinese girl and boy is wearing more or less the same jacket. Chinese girl says "很美!"

Random hug.

"You see, everyone, in the whole world, can wear, Chanel." ('breaking the fourth wall')

Another decade - early 40ties.

Mount as Marlene Dietrich and Kroenig as Captain (something...)

(Younger) Chanel arrives.

Chanel - "I'm sorry, you look a little bit like a drag queen."

Flirt.

Dietrich - "I don't ever want to see you again."

Shanghai Express - a 1932 film which stars Dietrich (and Anna May Wong)

Dietrich

Chanel (in a whole load of feathers)

Okamoto as Anna May Wong

Early 20ties

Chanel

Eroticising the 'other' - "Chinese men are so much more fascinating."

Erichsen as "The most expensive (courtesan) in Shanghai."

Emperor Baptiste

Everything's in colour as the Emperor tells Chanel that it's all a dream.

There are just so many LOL-worthy scenes in this short film as well as the illogical and slightly problematic (well it is a dream after all).

There is no consistency in accents (it's seriously all over the place, eg. older Chanel has a different accent [perhaps she developed it as she grew older non?] as opposed to younger Chanel. The Chinese girl have a slight British accent. And others have American, French etc.

The acting, of course, isn't going to win anybody Oscars but I think it's much more amusing to watch models (whom we rarely get to hear speak, let alone act) than to watch Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in Twilight.

The casting - (most of) the Chinese are played by ang mohs (and they are all made up hilariously to look Cina - mata sepet anyone?) and the only Asian model in the film is a Japanese (playing a Chinese), the latter of which of course could have blown up into a huge issue (however, it does not due to expansive factors involving consumerism, the nouveau riche, and today's tabloid obsessed world)

With that said, I hope we get to see more films like these, watching models act or at least try is rather entertaining, I reckon.

上海欢迎你!

2009-11-29T02:17:00.008+08:00

In the anticipation of Chanel's big night in Shanghai (refer here) Chanel has created a standalone website at Chanel-Paris-Shanghai. And they've been posting behind the scenes videos on their website leading up to the big event every 2 days or so, so check it out. Here's the latest episode (uploaded onto to YouTube) - a photoshoot for the collection featuring Karmen Pedaru (yay!) and of course Lagerfeld's new ahem boy toy, Baptiste Giabiconi (I realised the screenshot of the video is not very flattering lol):

Check out previous episodes via their website or of course, on YouTube.

R.I.P. Daul Kim

2009-11-21T02:02:00.006+08:00

Daul Kim, 20, a Korean model, have graced the pages of countless fashion magazines, strutted across international runways, have recently left us. Police believe that the top model have committed suicide after having discovered her body hanging in her Paris apartment.

Though I'm not familiar with her work, I am aware of who Daul was so this sudden tragic news shocks me even more. I don't really know what else to say as I'm still in a bit of shock and disbelief (as I'm sure the fashion industry etc. are as well). My condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.

Her blog - www.iliketoforkmyself.blogspot.com
Here are some videos featuring Daul:

Model Education

2009-11-13T12:58:00.004+08:00

They're offering this at Princeton (and not Parsons or some other fashion institutes):

Model Memoirs: The Life Stories of International Fashion Models

"Explores the life-writing of American, African, and Asian women in the fashion industry as a launching point for thinking about race, gender, and class. How do ethnicity and femininity intersect? How are authenticity and difference commodified? How do women construct identities through narrative and negotiate their relationships to their bodies, families, and nations? This course will include guest lectures by fashion editors and models; discussions of contemporary television programs, global fashion, and cultural studies; and student self-narratives about their relationships with cultural standards of beauty, whether vexed or not."

Sample reading list:
Alek Wek, Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel
Irina Pantaeva, Siberian Dream
Jillian Shanebrook, Model: Life Behind the Makeup
Waris Diric, Desert Flower: The Extraordinary Journey of a Desert Nomad
Mary Gaitskill, Veronica
Linda Welters and Abby Lillethun, The Fashion Reader

Reading/Writing assignment:
100 to 250 pages of reading a week; all readings in English

It definitely sounds like something a certain Andrew or Sharon might teach. That is all.

Double C on the Bund

2009-11-13T12:32:00.004+08:00

Chanel will be having their pre-fall 2010 (the equivalent of last year's Paris-Moscou) collection in where else?? Shanghai!! (just as reported a year ago) on December 3rd (remember the date!)

I wonder if it's going to be a huge show (it'd probably be given that it's Chanel) but with that aside, I wonder about the casting - all Chinese models? (that's tough given that there's Du Juan, Emma Pei, and Liu Wen who are truly international top models or at least those are the ones I can name) Maybe he'll just cast some unknown Chinese models? Maybe he could also cast all the other Asian (read: oriental) models since we all look alike anyways hah! Oh well, very excited for Shanghai! So people in Shanghai take note!

Carrie, Dolce and Burberry

2009-11-12T12:18:00.008+08:00

Nope, they have nothing to do with each other but they all have something to do with ION Orchard. Blast that mall, I tell ya. First, they had Carrie Underwood perform an exclusive gig at the grand opening of ION.

THEN Dolce & Gabbana had their grand opening of their latest store at ION. With the hotness that is David Gandy present...

THEN of course, Burberry had their grand opening of their largest store in the region at ION...with of course Christopher Bailey himself as well as Liu Wen...

I am seriously "lime green jello".

But in other news...Liu Wen is set to strut her stuff down (the one runway show everyone watches) Victoria's Secret. Woot woot?

Alexander McQueen X Lady Gaga

2009-11-11T16:29:00.001+08:00

We know she's a little weird - 'little' being an understatement - and we know her songs have raped radio stations everywhere and we are constantly bombarded with 'Pokerface' but don't deny it, we love her songs! (Ok, maybe I do) Sure, she's a little eccentric when it comes to fashion (yet again, 'little' is a n understatement) but designers have showed her love this SS10 season. In particular, Michael Kors had his models stomping to a solely Lady Gaga soundtrack (as opposed to BCBG having a solely Santogold soundtrack back in SS09) while the highly anticipated Alexander McQueen show debuted Lady Gaga's new single "Bad Romance".

Michael Kors SS10 Motivational Board:

Having made its debut on Alexander McQueen's SS10 runway show, (and being) Lady Gaga, of course has the privilege to sport those towering boots (that was featured a few posts back) in what else? Her latest video - 'Bad Romance'.

OMG and another one!

2009-11-04T11:19:00.003+08:00

Rania!!!! I WANT!!!

Yay/Nay?

2009-10-28T23:28:00.001+08:00

Another month, another trip.

2009-10-13T23:10:00.014+08:00

Second trip down south in such close proximity. All because of:

Our (upgraded) room at the Furama:

Great hotel I guess though that's judged solely on the room we were given but otherwise it was still good. A short walk through Chinatown Point and you find yourself at the MRT station.

The deluxe suite is very much like what we had in Bangkok's Citadines. Living room:

The basin, which is right outside the bathroom:

The bathroom, very lush no?:

PROBLEM?:

No solid walls. No lock on the door. Only a blind to keep it all hidden.
The view from our room:

Singapore flyer and the Esplanade. So close yet so far!
Very dark photo of the cinema (in Vivo):

Where we watched:

In the performance hall, from our balcony, the stage:

We were THAT close to the stage:

Though it might not be the most comfortable viewing point, we had the balcony all to ourselves that night. AWESOMENESS!

Though I've watched it before, STOMP is still awesome! I think I laughed even harder this time around! Gosh, if they come again, I might watch it even for the third time! It's that good! But then...maybe not that soon...

Really need to look for some new country to travel to, instead of going North and South of the border...

A look at: Alexander McQueen SS10

2009-10-12T13:24:00.005+08:00

I don't know where to begin with Alexander McQueen...the clothes? the implanted cheekbones? the makeup? the hair? the shoes?

My reaction during the live stream:

I swear the hair makes me think of some dinosaur or like a very odd reinterpretation of Astro Boy. But the shoes, oh my, the shoes. Note: NOBODY tripped. Amazing ain't it? You give them sky high ones, they don't trip, you give them a little shorter heels with socks in them, they be trippin' all over the damn place.

Curse the 16th October!!

2009-10-11T15:24:00.003+08:00

Oh my tuhan! Sangat the sakit jantung!

Went to Singapore TWICE in these two months. Once to go jalan-jalan and then second to watch STOMP.

And then I had to go read that supposedly Carrie Underwood's going to Singapore for a 45 minute gig in celebration of ION Orchard's opening...just makes me think that the wall in front of me and my head has the strongest desire to connect with impact.

Louis Vuitton SS10

2009-10-09T01:56:00.003+08:00

I couldn't refrain from posting this:

That is one big ass colossal fro'!

All multitudes of dull

2009-09-29T16:22:00.005+08:00

Yoga buffs rejoice! There's a new Wii game specifically designed for you! AND it features Polish top model, Anja Rubik as your guide!

"Balance Your Life

International Top Model Anja Rubik leads you through the game and gives you valuable hints and tips which help you discover the world of Yoga.

Yoga for the Wii™ brings this new lifestyle trend into your living room! Its so easy!"

Live tomorrow night!

2009-09-26T13:13:00.003+08:00

Dolce and Gabbana @ 1:ooPM (GMT+1)/ 8:00PM [Local time(GMT+8)]

In another 02:26 hours

2009-09-24T19:34:00.004+08:00

D&G streams live their SS10 runway show

They're showing at 10:30PM ;)

Ed: They're late..

Front row at Burberry

2009-09-23T01:18:00.005+08:00

Burberry goes to London Fashion Week to celebrate London Fashion Week's 25th Anniversary.
Streamed live on its website.

The collection features light pastel colours and what seems like light fabric. Perfect for spring.

However, hated the live comments feature on the site. Seriously possibly the most annoying thing ever. As someone oh-so-correctly puts it - it makes you wanna punch (or was it slap?) them (the people). Why? Because it went on like this:

1: OMG! So exciting!
2: Hi from (insert your choice of nation - anything from Austria to Zimbabwe)
3: Love Burberry!
4: Christopher Bailey is a genius!
5: My dream is to work for Christopher Bailey!
6: Do you think Emma's (as in Watson) going to be there?
7: OMG! So exciting!
8: This is what's great about fashion. It unites the world (or something along the lines it being non racist....seriously?)
9: OMG! This is so exciting!
10: Hi! from (obscure place)
11: Anyone from (even more obscure place like - USA - i kid you not someone typed that)
12: Is Emma there?
13: Do you think Anna (as in Wintour) going to be there?
14: Is Emma going to be there?
15: OMG! So exciting!
16: Christopher Bailey is a genius!
17: When is it starting?
18: Is Emma there?
19: OMG! They're streaming live! So exciting!
20: Is Emma going to be there?

(seriously......................................................................................................no live comments PLEASE!)

Set your alarms!

2009-09-22T07:57:00.003+08:00

At local time (GMT+8) - 1:30AM (23/09/09)

2 Reasons Enough To Make Me Consider Going There (Again)

2009-09-21T10:33:00.005+08:00

STOMP. 8-11 OCT. ESPLANADE.

SEPTEMPBER ISSUE. RELEASES 24 SEPT.

Old post (draft) rekindled

2009-09-19T20:25:00.000+08:00

Draft dated 23/08/2009

This was supposed to be last month's post but due to some reason that is quite, at the very moment, impossible to recall, was saved as a draft and forever forgotten about but nevertheless to waste my time and yours...

Dear Auntie (not of any blood relation),

This will probably amuse you. A lot. Ok I take that back, since right at this very second, we are speaking on the phone and you're saying that it does not amuse you but you like to read my point of view. Ok, whatever. You find my blog as a source of entertainment and blah blah blah.

Anyways this post concerns my acquaintance with your friends - Holy and Kunci (their real names shall be concealed for confidentiality purposes for the fear if one day they find out about this post that is, I would be chopped). Anyhow, yes I've had the pleasure of meeting and making two new friends (according to Facebook) on Friday [Ed: 21/08/09) and also acquired a very new and interesting experience on the very same day.

I almost did not expand my Facebook friends list by two friends on that day but I did somehow succumbed to my desire to hold a mic in my hand and scream/shout after much hesitation about whether or not to intrude on Kunci, Holy and your karaoke session. After all, I don't know them and vice versa, and in situations like that, it could get awkward. But I decided against being a good girl and going home anyways.

So I came flying in my little car to invade your karaoke room and for the next few hours, had fun with Holy and Kunci. Holy gave us an unforgettable performance of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai while Kunci entertained us with her moves. I finally found karaoke kakis I guess. Anyways we went for dinner afterwards and a coin decided the fates of our stomachs between Zanmai and Kim Gary. Kim Gary won. We then played in the KIDS' arcade after Kunci's suggestion. Felt quite retarded at first but then there were other adults occupying the place as well.

But of course the real highlight of the day was at night when we went to Republic for drinks. Had tequila sunrise (was mostly sweet due to their usage of Tropicana Twister OJ), a B-52 and an orgasm (the drink my dear dirty minds). But of course the interesting bit does not revolve around me but darling Kunci who had 1 1/4 of beer, which took just about a decade to finish. And then you and Holy (at this point her name becomes an irony) decides to "torture" the girl by ordering a Teh Ais Pulau Panjang (or should it be Pulau Panjang Teh Ais?). Kunci sips the tea and all of a sudden, she was GONE. G-O-N-E. GONE. She was gone even before her gunungs dropped.

Then of course the even more "delightful" part of the night comes when we had to assist her to the bathroom, then back to the car, then back to her hostel then back to her bed. I couldn't help but be amused with yours and Holy's reactions to the situation. One is half-laughing, half-consoling the sobbing creature. Another is just down right scolding it. Anyhow what an interesting night for me. It is terribly tragic that the sushi-roll-wrapped-Kunci fell though. So now I learned a new thing - if you want to become friends even faster...get them drunk. I'm sure that doesn't sound quite right but you know what I mean.

Er.........

2009-09-11T00:50:00.003+08:00

So close!

2009-09-09T00:06:00.002+08:00

A lil' trip down south

2009-09-08T17:08:00.008+08:00

Second trip in three months' time. Seriously thinking the next trip abroad needs to be to somewhere not directly bordering Malaysia. Anyways it was a long weekend the past weekend so Rania and I decided the week before we make a trip to Singapore. I'm not entirely sure why, to be honest, of all places. Not that there's anything wrong with it, it's just that the currency...

The Singapore Flyer

Inside the capsule

The view from the top

The Marina Bay Sands Intergrated Casino Resorts model in front and a view of the construction process so far behind.

Flyer from afar

The Fullerton Hotel

The Merlion

The durian = Esplanade

Some dude playing the didgeridoo accompanied by some techno in the background on the bridge at Clarke Quay

Dinner at Tapas Tree

A certain someone was bored and had money to throw so dared me to wear this "hat" around Vivo City. My reply? If she does it, I shall too. Mine's an Elmo and hers...is a supposed Cookie Monster but it looks more like a mad person. It's a shame these got confiscated at the airport. Hmmph...next time we shall FedEx or put it in a box and check it in.

From runways to racks

2009-08-23T20:40:00.025+08:00

Zara's newest collection sees many cues taken from the runways (and likewise, the streets.) And of course if you can't afford even half of the price tag of the pieces off the runway (ahem, Balmain) "Inspired by" pieces are the way to go!

ZARA FW09

Dolce & Gabbana FW09

Lanvin SS09

ZARA FW09

Balmain FW09

ZARA FW09

Balmain FW09

ZARA FW09

Calvin Klein FW09

ZARA FW09

Isabel Marant FW09

ZARA FW09

Typical models streetstyle - Karmen Pedaru and Freja Beha Erichsen

And many more...

The rest of the lookbook and catalogue for the mainline:

The making of Zara FW09 (feat. Toni Garrn):

The making of Zara TRF FW09 (feat. Katrin Thormann):

BELACAN!

2009-08-05T21:44:00.003+08:00

September Aussie Vogue:

Awesome! Totally want.

Jourdann Dunn = Preggers?

2009-07-26T23:27:00.003+08:00

Apparently the rumours are true, as "confirmed" by Style.com whom decided it'll be a great idea to have some sort of style tips for Jourdann when her belly bloats up. Rumours have been floating around in cyberspace for a while now after someone posted on their Twitter that the 18 year old Brit was with child. Congrats?

There hasn't been an official announcement yet but true or not. This video relating to the pregnancy news is hella funny, IF you know what's going on.
The low down - the video features models Karlie Kloss and Jourdann Dunn and a whole bunch of inside jokes surrounding the two thanks to LJ Community, Fashin. To understand the "jokes", know that (the following contains stuff that is hypothetical and concern people's opinions):
1. Jourdann Dunn and Karlie Kloss are a couple.
2. Karlie Kloss looks Asian.
3. Ali and Toni can always be seen hanging out together with Karlie, Taryn (not mentioned) and Jourdann.

RIP Yasmin Ahmad (1958 - 2009)

2009-07-26T19:42:00.007+08:00

She has touched our lives with her many advertisements and films. She has stirred our emotions through her stories. Her works will always remain as some of the most important and unforgettable in the Malaysian film and advertising industry and to Malaysians in general.

(my phone camera can only do so much. sorry about the blur.)

It was only 2 months ago that I saw Yasmin Ahmad in person at Sunway Uni giving a talk. She made the whole auditorium roar with laugher with her answers and tales.
And it was only last week, during Malaysian Cinema, were we buzzing about the possibility of her being a guest during one of our workshop.
But now, the humourous, inspiring, talented director has left us.
Condolences to her family and friends.
She will be deeply missed but her spirit lives on, filling this void.

[CENSORED]

2009-07-26T18:41:00.007+08:00

Apologies for the photoshop work. My scanner isn't working. So this will have to suffice.

I recently got my copy of the June issue of UK Vogue from the bookstore. Late, I know. Nowadays, UK Vogue gets onto newsstands really late and it's quite annoying really.

Anyways, getting the magazine certainly raised my eyebrows because I saw this:

There was a sheet of paper inside the wrapping, "censoring" whatever.

THIS is the original or whatever the cover looks like without the stupid sheet of paper:

There are no bits showing, as you can see, it's UK Vogue and not some French/Italian fashion publication thus this is probably the furthest that they'll go in terms of the nudity.

All was fine until I flipped open the magazine and saw the contents, and of course by contents I meant the cover story with Natalia Vodianova.

My magazine has been tampered with! I was so annoyed to see the use of Sharpie on the pages.

The original with the "bits" showing:

BTW, they only censored one nipple. Guess they didn't censor the other because it was in the fold.

And now for perhaps the most annoying (and slightly infuriating) part of all and something I only discovered today - THE MISSING PAGE:

Yes, this page is COMPLETELY MISSING. It's been ripped out of my bloody magazine that costs a sum that people might ridicule me for paying.

On the other hand, there are still other fashion magazines which are left untouched (let's hope it remains this way). I don't want to name these publications in fear of them getting censored too. It's not like I want to see the bits, it's just that I am paying for it so why should anyone (but me) be ruining the nice expensive printed glossy paper that I am purchasing?

I can't imagine if they censored every single damn magazine. Wouldn't that mean, editorial wise, Lara Stone would be the most censored model?

Oh yeah, btw, they also "censored" or rather "white out" Bruno's buttocks on GQ.

Campaign Report

2009-07-22T17:48:00.010+08:00

Alberta Ferreti - Wind tunnel anyone?

Blumarine - slightly deja vu, the campaign looks a lot like an ed that Edita has previously done.

Chanel introduces a new couple - Freja & Heidi?

Chloe - Ugh. The photoshop/retouching is just ugh.

The Sartorialist shot DKNY Jeans campaign.

Stam for Fendi.

Givenchy - Adriana Lima does high fashion yo!

Loewe - Gisele unleashes the dancer in her.

Marc Jacobs - A multi girl campaign for MJ.

Michael Kors - Same old same old.

Missoni - Hanne Gaby featuring an unexpected prop -a pickup truck?

Mulberry - Kasia and Irina running amok in a forest.

Prada - go fish!

Stella McCartney X Bambi?

A super for YSL - shockingly original. Sense my sarcasm.