Model's Digest

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Carrie's Honeymoon with Mr. Big

Photo: Annie Leibovitz

Vogue's feature story and its photo series is inspired by Sex and the City, The Movie. Sarah Jessica Parker imagines Carrie's honeymoon with Mr. Big. And Vogue presents a behind-the-scenes video of the cover shoot of Sarah and Chris Noth with top photographer Annie Leibovitz.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Former Fashion Model dies in Apartment Fire

A former fashion model died Sunday in an apartment fire in Vincennes, Indiana. Heather Arrick, who went by the name "Heather Stohler" in her professional life, was killed Sunday morning after a fire swept through the upstairs apartment she shared with her boyfriend. Arrick, 29, grew up in Frankton before moving to Florida. She went on to a modeling career that took her to the runways of Europe, got her into photo shoots with Kate Moss for Calvin Klein and landed her on the cover of major fashion magazines. ?I've known her since I was 12," said Travis May, 30, who met Arrick while both were attending Frankton Junior High School. "She was great, very thoughtful. She never forgot the little things, like your birthday."
The Vincennes Fire Department was notified at 8:48 a.m. Sunday of a fire at 604 Broadway St. by another tenant of the building. "Upon arrival, flames were visible," Vincennes Fire Chief Mike Lankford told the Sun-Commercial. "About three-fourths of the apartment was a total loss, and the estimated damage amount is over $15,000."
Arrick and her live-in boyfriend, 26-year-old Daniel Risley, were taken to Good Samaritan Hospital. Risley was transferred to Wishard Memorial Hospital in Indianapolis, but was pronounced dead around 1 a.m. Tuesday. Lankford said Risley suffered burns over a "substantial" portion of his body. Knox County Coroner Dan Halter told fire officials Arrick died of smoke inhalation. Fire officials ruled the fire that consumed the apartment was accidental, but no exact cause has been released. Arrick was born Nov. 29, 1978. May said she was raised by her adoptive parents, Ron and Jackie Arrick, in Frankton. After graduating from Frankton High School, she moved to Riverview, Fla., to join her biological mother, Angela Edwards. It was in Florida that Arrick discovered her modeling potential. "It was one of those modeling things at the local mall," May said. "She tried out, and she was just a natural, so she ran with it." Arrick had the kind of strong bone structure models are known for, yet possessed a softness in her face. She had deep-set eyes that convey a sense of mystery in many of her photos. At 5-feet-9, she was ideal for modeling.
She joined the Elite Model Management and Ford Models agencies and was later represented by Donald Trump Management. Arrick modeled clothing for Calvin Klein, appeared in ads with Kate Moss and graced the cover of Marie Claire?s German edition and Vogue?s Italian edition. "She was a model for close to 10 years," May said. "She was on the cover of Vogue nine times. She did shows in Paris, Milan, New York. She lived in London for five years and had an apartment in Manhattan for four or five years." May said he spoke to Arrick by phone less than a year ago, at which time she was living in Florida. Tim Allen, Arrick?s cousin, told the Sun-Commercial that Arrick left the modeling world a few years ago and speculated that Risley had family in the Vincennes area, though none has come forward.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

And the Winner is ...

Whitney Thompson is America's Next Topmodel

By Claire Zulkey
The times, they are a changin'. America now has its first official plus-sized/full-figured/whatever you want to call it Top Model. Curvier girls who felt awful about themselves yesterday can hold their heads high today. Actually, all things considered, especially in light of Tyra Banks' previous ham-handed attempts to handle weight issues on her talk show, Whitney's status wasn't as exploited as much as it might have been, especially since Tyra all but said that she liked Fatima because she was a victim.
The "Top Model" finale was not very different from previous finales. Anya, Fatima and Whitney were all shot for a Cover Girl commercial and spread, one that didn't look as all-American and smiley as it has in the past. While on the commercial Fatima rushed her lines and Whitney displayed what Paulina Porizkova described as "fakeness," Anya stumbled over her lines but displayed natural Cover Girl Charm. However, the judges felt her picture failed in comparison to Whitney's (although it could be argued that all three photos looked the same). Fatima was eliminated.
It was revealed that the remaining girls would walk in a Versace fashion show, which made one wonder how Donatella would feel about a plus-sized model, but the designer never appeared. Anya and Whitney stomped down the runway only twice, both wearing similar vacant, open-mouthed expressions, although the judges deemed Anya's walk a failure and Whitney's a success. While Whitney certainly is beautiful, Anya seemed to have been a darling of the judges throughout the competition: she was unconventionally good-looking, high-fashion, easy to work with and pleasant. "Whitney's the girl you want in the bedroom and Anya's the one you buy the dress from," was Paulina's thought.
The judges didn't explain why they chose Whitney over Anya, so cynics may just assume they decided to toss it to the plus-sized girl for once. Whitney talked briefly about how winning this made her feel validated after so many years of being judged, something she hadn't discussed too much on the show and thus seemed somewhat shoehorned-in (and it's interesting to see that she hasn't always been a plus-sized model--scroll down in the post to see pictures of a much more svelte version of her.) The lesson we learned tonight is that you can overcome anything in this world -- being a refugee, wearing a size larger than a 4 -- as long as you are incredibly beautiful.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Style Week Jamaica

Style Week Jamaica has evolved as Jamaica's official fashion week. This event welcomes more than 30,000 attendees, including tastemakers and influencers who make up the fashion elite, celebrities, and Jamaica high society. Jamaica's designers and international designers, will exhibit their designs to local and international audiences in some of Jamaica's posh locales. The week's events include four days of fashion shows and previews, cocktail receptions, fashion seminars and workshops and after- parties. SWJ has been highly-visible and featured in international fashion media such as V Magazine, the JC Report, Fader, Pride Magazine (UK) and other publications.
Style Week Jamaica officially kicks off every day with developmental seminars and workshops lead by New York's reputable fashion educational institution Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Jamaican designers. Other informational events include a Fashion Summit, focusing on financial and business issues affecting the Jamaican fashion industry and designers, as well as The Buyers Lounge, hosted by the Jamaica Business Development Center. The lounge will provide an opportunity for private boutique owners to interact one-on-one with designers.
The participation and expansion of designers and models from Paris, Milan, South Africa and the U.S. proves to heighten the prestige and integral role of SWJ. "Style Week Jamaica consistently keeps its international edge and remains a major platform for Jamaica's top designers to display to the world. The annual participation of designers from fashion capitals such as Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, Guadeloupe and Martinique are essential to the relevance and growth of SWJ. Jamaican designers are given an international point of reference by these designers. Designers also get the chance to interact in a profound way with an international fashion design experience," says Deiwght Peters, CEO and Founder of Saint International.
This year's events will also include international designers such as Maurice Sedwell, London designer Julia Clancey, Ed Hardy, Master Tailor Professor Andrew Ramroop, Amsterdam designer Bas Koster and most excitingly, debuting for the first time at SWJ, is celebrated American Haute-couture designer b. Michael. The designer will host an intimate reception and preview of his current men's and women's resort collections. "The b. Michael collection is classic, sophisticated and elegant and we are very excited to bring that to Style Week Jamaica. As we expand the b. Michael brand internationally, SWJ is a perfect partnership and unique opportunity for growth," says Dr. Neil Lowe, Chief Executive Officer for the b. Michael USA Corporation.
Two of the most anticipated events of Style Week Jamaica are FASHIONBLOCK and the Saint Style Awards with the staging of a 150 foot catwalk spectacle. Style Week Jamaica concludes with an 'all-white attire' affair, The Saint Style Awards. The Awards recognizes accomplishments in Jamaican fashion and acknowledges designers, models, fashion companies, socialites and celebrities who embrace and support the ever-changing and growing Jamaica Fashion Industry. Saint International will host and produce the Fifth Annual Style Week Jamaica (SWJ) events on May 22nd - 25th.

Removal of Aussie model sparks up skinny debate

Australian Fashion Week organisers said that tighter rules on skinny models were not needed for its catwalks, despite one Australian model being pulled briefly due to fears for her health. Australian model agency Chic Management took 23-year-old Stephanie Carta out of a show by designer Michelle Jank on Monday when it became obvious she had lost weight since moving to Paris last November. But she was allowed back onto the catwalk a day later, after her agency was reassured that she was fit and well -- although her appearances were limited to about eight shows instead of about 15.
"She's been working for seven days a week, 11 hours a day, to pursue her dream of becoming an international model but she also contracted glandular fever so she had lost weight," said the agency's spokeswoman Kathy Ward. "She is on a positive track now and is going to relax, take time out, not work as hard and have lunches and dinners." Ward declined to give exact details of the five-feet 11-inches tall model's weight. Fashion designers, model agencies, and the media have been widely attacked for promoting an emaciated, waif-like look which critics say contributes to eating disorders among young girls and led to the death of two anorexic Latin American models in 2006. (Reuters)

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Interview: Ana Beatriz - Discovered at the Beach

Ana Beatriz Barros is one of the renowned fashion models in Brazil. She talks about her country, her career and how she deals with sensuality.

- How did you start your career as a model?

Classic story, I was walking down the beach with my sister when a model scout approached me and then everything started to happen.

- How were you chosen to be next to Diego to be the first face of the European brand Red Oak?

Because the brand and the photographer chose me!

- In spite of being a European brand the campaign had an almost complete Brazilian production: Models, stylist, make-up and even the scenery, which was the Beach of Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro. How is it for you to work with Brazilians in a city so touristy like Rio de Janeiro?

I love to work in my country and with Brazilians. I feel very comfortable; I just love it, really!

- You had worked with Felix before, right? What do you think of him as a professional and a person?

Yes I had worked with him before! He is wonderful and fun to work with. And to top it all the result is always fantastic so I really love working with him!

- Every year the Sports Illustrated get together models of different countries for the mega
"Swimsuit" editorial. In 2008, again you display more sensuality than the most models there. How do you deal with this sensuality, what do you do for this sensuality not to turn into something vulgar?

It is not difficult because I have never done vulgar work therefore to do something even slightly vulgar is not even an option for me.

- How did you feel about being elected by the American soldiers in Iraq as the most beautiful model in the world? Did you have any contact with them?

I felt honored, flattered, and privileged! I was invited to go to Iraq but to be honest the reason I did not go is because at the time the things were really bad there and I got afraid of going.

- Brazil has been the greatest cradle of top models that we have in the world today. A few have gotten married and are even pregnant. Is that something that crosses your mind, to make a family for yourself?

Of course! In a few years it is something that I will do. The reason that I don't do this at the moment is because I don?t have the time to dedicate myself to a family, as I would like to, so I am just waiting for the right moment.

- Can you tell us a little bit about the movie "Hearts of Melon". How were you invited to star in this movie? When do the recordings start? Have you been invited for movies before?

Two years ago I did the casting for the movie but at the time I didn?t feel it was the right time for me, but they decided that I would be right for the part so I accepted the invitation which for me will be a real challenge!At the movie I am a Cuban immigrant, with two different boyfriends which causes a dilemma and from then on the story develops? I have been invited several times to be in movies. Brian Grazer offered me to be my agent. I got invitations from Brian de Palma, Luc Besson, Denzel Washington, etc.

- How is your relationship with your fans? Many have made fotologs, websites, forums where they debate and discuss the progress of your career. How do you see all this dedication?

I am truly honored. It is really emotional in a way to see so many wonderful people supporting my career and of course I have no describe how thankful I am because they are integral part of my success, which I gladly share with all of them!

- How do you do to stay in shape? Work out, balanced food or you don?t really have to do any of that?

I try to work out whenever I can, but that?s not always so easy with the schedule, there is not much time left for anything that implies a daily routine, but I do eat healthy. A little bit of everything but in a healthy way.

- A lot of people have questioned why were you not one of the angels of Victoria?s secrets, although you have done many of the shows, catalogues, etc. Was that an option or the invitation has never been offered to you?

It was my option. At the time I was really between VS and L'Oreal and the deal that L'Oreal offered was better so I had to pass on the offer to become one of the VS angels.

- How many years have worked as a model?

12 years

- In these 12 Years of your career, is there anyone that you have not worked yet that you would like to have worked?

Yes! Helmut Newton!

- From the new generation of top models that is coming out now is there any that you really think will be representative of the fame and reputation that your generation has already established?

Yes! There are many beautiful girls coming out now but I think Camila Finn for example is most definitely one of the best investments of the industry!

- You will be soon start your career as an actress, how will that affect your career as model time wise? Is it your intention to stay modeling as a priority or is this a transition to a new phase and career in your life? Is acting something that you would like to do after you stop modeling?

At the moment, acting is just something that I am trying out, there is nothing certain about it. It is most definitely a great challenge that I will give my best, like everything I do but my priority will stay most definitely with my work as a model.

- Best beauty tip

To take the makeup always after the shoot, the party, the event, etc.

- How do you stay beautiful while traveling?

I try to sleep as much as I can and I try to live a healthy life

- What`s the most fun campaign you`ve done? Why?

I have done lots of fun campaigns, there are too many to name one.

- What's the most challenging thing you ever did in modeling? Why?

The day I went to see Helmut Newton, I pretended that I forgot the ring just to be able to go back to the room and see him again! Because he is Helmut Newton!

- What`s your favorite country to work in? Why?

Brazil. Because it is my country

- What do you plan to do after modeling? Open up my own business with my family, which will be a dermatology clinic

- Tell us about any charities you are involved with.

In Brazil in my hometown city Itabira, Minas Gerais called APAI To support victims of down syndrome, and I also now am involved a project to save the Amazon with Al Gore.

- What do you think is the most important issue facing the worldtoday?

Global warming, we all should be concerned with saving the world.

- What would your dream campaign be?

The most beautiful beauty campaign.

- What was the best lesson you learned when you were starting out?

That you should be professional because the business is not a joke it is a real job.

- What do you do to get ready for a shoot?

Mentally, Physically... I try to sleep a lot.

- How do you try and connect with the photographer?

Depending on the photographer, I try to understand his personality and from there I do my job.

- What do you think about when a photographer asks for a sexy look?

I think about a romantic, sensual scene from a movie.

- How do create intimacy when you are working with a guy like on this shoot?

I am professional and a job is a job and that`s the way I take it. I will go as far as I am able professionally to.

- What question do you wish an interviewer would ask you?

I haven`t really thought about it, it is difficult to answer without thinking for first.

Italian Vogue features black models

Tyra Banks is an exception among colored models, she is one of the topmodels worldwide.

It's an open secret in the fashion industry: black models rarely get jobs on catwalks, in magazines and on billboards. According to executives, they do not inspire women to spend money. Apart from Naomi Campbell in one Louis Vuitton advertisement this season, it would be difficult to find a single black model in a prominent position in a magazine. Carole White of the Premier Model Agency says she has received casting briefs requesting "no ethnics" and adds: "According to magazines, black models don't sell." The leading British photographer Nick Knight says: "The fashion industry and the advertising industry are steeped in racism. You just have to look around at the number of black girls you see in ads ? virtually nil. Among the main fashion brands, they are completely under-represented. It's shocking and atrocious."
Mr Knight blames business people at the top of the industry. A common attitude among them, he says, is that black models are "not aspirational" or "don't sell in Asia". He goes on: "I have tried to redress the balance. It is enormously important to use black models and models of different ethnic backgrounds." Now a counterattack to the racism of the fashion industry is coming from an unlikely source: Vogue Italia. The July issue of the fearsomely cutting-edge quarterly will feature black models almost exclusively, shot by the photographer Steven Meisel.
Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, told The Independent on Sunday: "We are using a lot of black models, like Iman, not only the models of today ? a lot of different girls." Asked why she had decided to do this, she said: "Because nobody is using black girls. I see so many beautiful girls and they were complaining that they are not used enough." Ms Sozzani admitted the issue could yet prove to be unpopular among some in Italy, where the xenophobic Northern League is part of the new coalition led by Silvio Berlusconi: "Maybe in our country it is not the best idea. But I don't care. I think it is not my problem if they don't like it ? it's their problem."
Sarah Doukas, managing director of model agency Storm, says: "There has been frustration over the years from a lot of ethnic models, stylists and editors who have felt that they were not working as much as some of their Caucasian counterparts." But she added: "There has been a shift recently: supportive media coverage has had an impact on the fashion industry."
Nick Knight welcomes the prospect of Vogue Italia's all-black edition but adds a note of caution: "I hope all the advertising goes in that issue."

A dream comes true

The british teenager Catherine Boal has been signed by top agency Models 1, London, after winning an online competition. Pupil Catherine, 16, said it was a dream come true. The agency represents famous faces such as Yasmin Le Bon, Twiggy and new supermodel Agyness Deyn. Big names such as Levi Strauss have already expressed an interest in using Catherine in their advertising campaigns. Catherine, who is currently taking her GCSE exams and intends to go on to study A-levels, said: ?It's really exciting and Catherine's mother Johanna said she was very proud of her daughter's achievement. Mrs Boal said: ?We went down last month for test shoots and the agency liked her pictures immediately. ?I feel very excited about it for her and it's great the agency likes her so much. I'm very proud of her.?

France tries to protect models from anorexia

Rumors began circulating from the epicenter of the couture fashion universe.In early January reliable Paris sources suggested that the French Couture Federation, the French Federation for Women?s Pret-a-Porter and the Union of Modeling Agencies would soon sign an agreement banning anorexically thin models from their runways.Now it?s no secret that the couture fashion industry has long celebrated razor thin bodies as the standard upon which to display their designs. And so when it seemed that the Paris Fashionista were joining forces to stem their passion for unhealthily thin models, the news bordered on astounding.

Interestingly, Paris is not the first fashion mecca to consider such action. Other countries including Italy, Brazil, India and Spain, have already taken respective measures to banish underweight girls on their catwalks. Their actions were then tragically underscored by the 2006 death of two Latin American models, both of whom suffered from the effects of professionally related anorexia. However, the fact that La Parisiennes might now join in the body image fight gave greater credence to the need. Unfortunately, this high road of Parisienne intent took a definite U-turn when French Fashion Professionals started back-pedaling. In April it was announced that rather than initiating a ban, industry officials would undertake an informational campaign, one designed to make the fashion world more aware of the inherent health risks in being overly thin. So it seemed that uber-skinny fashion models, who secure a large part of France?s export dollars, were ultimately going to win out against the basic health needs of man and womankind.Then, just in the nick of time, the French Government stepped up to the plate and knocked out a health-conscious home run. On April 16, French lawmakers passed legislation assessing the incitement of "excessive thinness" as a crime. Further, the law provides judges with the power to imprison and fine offenders up to $47,000 if found guilty of "inciting others to deprive themselves of food" to an "excessive" degree. The legislation could also sanction those responsible for magazine photos of models whose "excessive thinness ... alters their health." On the downside, the legislation is primarily focused on internet sites and media sources where anorexia and food deprivation is much celebrated and encouraged. And disappointingly, Didier Grumbach, president of the French Federation of Couture has expressed open disdain of the new law in stating, "Never will we accept in our profession that a judge decides if a young girl is skinny or not skinny. That doesn?t exist in the world, and it will certainly not exist in France." None the less, this French legislation is definitely one large leap toward the world wide need for more realistic body image standards for both men and women. And as we sit in the midst of a housing sales crunch, a down turned economy, runaway gas prices and politics as usual, why should any of us care about such things? Well, perhaps the best answer can be provided by a mother, father, sister, brother, lover or friend of the one of the estimated 5 million people suffering from anorexia and bulimia... or who have died from their intense desire to become model thin.

Gisele Bundchen - top-earning model

Photo: Tiago Chediak

With an estimated $35 million in earnings, Gisele Bundchen is still the world's top-earning model, according to Forbes.com's annual list.In the last 12 months, Bundchen made more than double the $14 million earned by Heidi Klum, who came in second, according to Forbes.Rounding out the top five are Kate Moss ($7.5 million), Adriana Lima ($7 million) and Doutzen Kroes ($6 million). The latter, a 23-year-old from Holland, was second-to-last on the list last year." I wish we had snapped her up a long time ago," Edward Razek, who has been selecting models for Victoria's Secret for a decade, told Forbes. The company gave Kroes a contract this year.Victoria's Secret made millionaires of two newcomers: Miranda Kerr and Selita Ebanks, ranked at Nos. 10 and 12, respectively.

You want to model?

Photo: Amir Kaljikovic

When we think of modelling, we often picture statuesque men and women walking down a catwalk sporting the latest creations. But modelling is not limited to the catwalk. In fact, the modelling industry is open to everyone - whatever your size and age. It is important to understand the type of model you want to be.

Fashion modelling

The fashion and beauty industries employ the most models. People want to see what clothes or beauty products look like on a person. Designer labels are designed for what fashion designers view as the "ideal woman" - young, tall and slender, somewhat leggy, with a swanlike neck. "For Malaysia, this is someone who is 1.7m-1.8m tall, and a size 0 to 8," says Andrew Tan, founder of Andrew"s Models. "Runway and high fashion models are not 'classically beautiful', and have angular bodies and faces. This is because clothes often look their best when viewed in the store on a hanger. Thus, angular models with tall, slender bodies show off the clothes best. The more angular the features, the easier it is to get a good picture no matter the angle or lighting", he adds. This may be an option to consider if you have a great complexion, lips and eyes.

Editorial modelling

Today, editorial modelling is not just confined to fashion spreads; magazines too have beauty pages. The editors will select the models that best reflect the story. "If it's a beauty spread, we look for a model with impeccable features. But she's got to be photogenic, comfortable in front of the camera and be able to give different expressions. The same with fashion spreads - the model has to be versatile, and move and pose fluidly (having a dancing background is a big advantage)," says Lynette Ow, Cleo magazine editor. Editorial itself doesn't pay well, but the payoff comes with the exposure and prestige. Editorial is the best way to build your portfolio when you are starting out.

Catalogue

Generally, catalogue models represent the market segment for which that catalogue is targeted. Often times this is the classic beauty ? tall, slender, healthy and beautiful. The marketing idea is transference, i.e. if you buy these clothes you will look as nice as the person pictured in the catalogue. Catalogue modelling usually pays well because of the volume of photos taken. You should generally be between 1.6m and 1.7m tall, and a size 6. Features or a particular ethnicity are not as important as general attractiveness and a clear complexion.

Commercial print advertisement

Models who land advertisements often have physical attributes that relate to the product, but the physical requirement can vary. The "look" can be mum, dad, business executive, scientist, beauty, etc. The purpose is to sell something - a product, service or idea. Most often, the models are used to act out some concept or idea of life. The physical requirements - age, size, etc - can differ greatly. "The pay can be good but don't expect to find work as often as the top fashion model. That's why most talents go part-time as it is hard to sustain a full-time career in this category," says Jess Khoo, a casting director. If you are very attractive, but for whatever reason don't seem to fit the requirements of the typical fashion or catalogue modelling, this category is your best bet.

TV commercials

A model is seen in a different medium. Consumers get a chance to see your personality in a way that's not captured in a still ad. The client will select models who are extremely consumerfriendly, whom customers will like and to whom customers can relate. Because there are so many types of products, models - as well as actors and real people - can find themselves cast in TV commercials. To be more marketable, you need to learn how to deliver dialogue with conviction in front of a camera. Consider this option if you have on-screen presence, appear comfortable and expressive on camera.

Body part modelling

Body part models follow a similar path as regular models. They have to find modelling agencies, build portfolios and have comp cards. This type of modelling uses just parts of the body in a photograph. Often models who look great in full-length shots or headshots don't look good close up because their hands or feet may look horrible. This is where the body part model comes in. These models specialise in just one part of the body like hands, feet, legs, ears, or neck.
For example, a hand model typically has long slender, graceful hands and fingers. Their nails should be strong and beautifully shaped, fingers should be wrinkle-free with soft, clear and smooth skin. The ability to pose the hand in a relaxed graceful fashion is also very important.