Watching Models sleep? High Fashion or Voyeurism?

The famed fashion Nick Knight has a very interesting way of photographing his models ... and always keeps a souvenir a glass plate with a lipstick kiss, a two minutes video and of course his crazy bold conceptual photographs. Knight's website Showstudio is a huge archive of his unusual shooting style and some of his multimedia works as well. In his project Sleep Knight photographed fully made-up and dressed models as they slept in their hotel rooms and documented their dishevelment from above their beds. Voyeurism at its best, also Knight has a continuous video stream from his London studio so you may check in at anytime to view whats going on.

Something About Moore

The latest Harper's Bazaar Lookbook spotlights a woman of many inspiring facets. Julianne Moore poses for a series of photographs which were influenced by a handful of narrative feminine portraits from the 19th and 20th centuries. Artists' work from the likes of Edgar Degas, Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt, and John Singer Sargent were featured in the breathtaking photo shoot. Moore makes for a delightful and sophisticated model. Her beauty and character more than suffice for each work of art.







The article here is quite intriguing as well. She describes her love for her family, the pedestrian life, art, and furniture with nothing less than fervid passion. Moore would much rather buy a room of furniture over a room packed with clothes! Her strong sense of self awareness and hope are truly inspiring. Along with decorating a room, she can light it up, too.

Tommy Hilfiger is a Music Lover

All-American designer Tommy Hilfiger recently announced a partnership on a new project with music dynasty Sony BMG to meld together the worlds of fashion and music. The final product: TommyTV, an online music television website that will feature new artists sponsored by the fashion mogul. Live performances of the musicians will also be featured on the site, and young new artists will have the opportunity to compete to showcase their talents in the "Hilfiger Auditions".

Some might wonder, why music and fashion, but according to Hilfiger, music was a main reason why he got involved in the fashion industry in the first place. Hilfiger told Reuters that back in the 60's, rockers like Mick Jagger were the type of style icons that he aspired to become. Now, almost fifty years later, Hilfiger is a style icon of his own kind. 

While it's hard to say how TommyTV will be received, I think that Hilfiger is smart to branch out and market his brand in a new way. With a target market of teenagers and youthful adults, he is definitely being strategic by combining efforts with the music industry whose direction always seems to be dependent on the wants and needs of Hilfiger's demographic. With the launch of the site being so new, I'll be curious to see how it evolves and gains popularity in the upcoming months. For anyone interested, check out http://tommytv.com to see what Hilfiger has in store for us next. 

Jewel of the Nile

Warm weather means breaking out the sexy sandals. One trend that I have always loved is the jeweled flat sandal because they look so regal, like something Cleopatra would wear. Below are some of my favorites from the web.
Newport News Sandals, $29Nine West Juergen in Black, $79Nine West Pippy, $110

Be A Natural Beauty

Any one who knows me knows that I love TLC's What Not To Wear. I love the simplicity and sophistication of the outfits that Stacey and Clinton put together. I also love the makeup looks that makeup artist Carmindy puts together for the show's subjects. Carmindy has a new line of makeup called Natural Beauty by Sally Hansen that I'm really excited about. This line is all about what the title says...enhancing natural beauty, not covering it up. I want to try the eyeshadow base to see if it's better than the L'Oreal HIP eye shadow paint base that I have now. The face primer is also something that interests me. I was surprised to see both of these products in Carmindy's line because they're usually only found in more expensive brands. That's the best thing about this line...it won't break the bank!

honey, honey

After a summer trip to London several years ago, I became a Lush fanatic. The body product producer is known for their cut-off-the-block natural soaps and simple, organic and preservative-free goodies.

Since that sunny afternoon in Covent Garden, my can't-live-without Lush product has been the Honey I Washed the Kids soap. Like the name suggests, it smells like honey with a teeny hint of creamy/cakey/cookie/milky/orangey goodness. More recent additions to my addiction are the Honey Bee bath bomb and Ma Bar bubble bar, both a delectable honey-with-a-touch-of-toffee combo.

Admittedly, I have a thing for fragrances that remind me of food, but unlike the olfactorily-offensive "sun-ripened" or "champagne"-soaked odors of other beauty shops, Lush's honeyed stuff smells edibly elegant, not like your BFF after too many shots of Bacardi Razz.

I have loved Lush's honey scent so much for so long that I've often wished in came in a bottle. And apparently I wasn't the only one: now they offer the scent of their most popular products - like my yummy soap - in solid fragrance form. Though not quite as user-friendly as a spray, the little pots make your pulse points both soft AND delicious.

Easter Saturday

I admit: all it takes for me to love an accessory or item of clothing is a) bows, b) flowers, or c) ruffles. When I spotted this store front display - at Easter Wings on Boston's Newbury St. - I knew I would love what was inside.

I especially love the blue sweater-knit dress in the window, by Rhys Dwfen (a.k.a designer Julie Kwon). Of course, the knit flower vine collar got me right away.

Inside the shop, I wasn't disappointed: the walls are lined with frilly frocks, flowery sundresses and flouncy skirts. Easter Wings' offerings encompass many designers, but are handcrafted (the way boutique finds should be), with embroidered details, beading, feminine seams and all the little details that make a girl feel pretty.
Not to mention that the store's pastel walls, fresh flowers, cushy Victorian settee and tufted velvet pillows in the corner make me love being a girl. I think I could spend every lazy Saturday in here...

Earrings in India

Fashion is a language that everyone can speak. Every culture has their own style rules and perception of what is fashionable or acceptable at the moment. The Times of India recently ran an article discussing ways for women to dress up their ears. Earrings from India have long been associated with big, beautiful earrings that round out bright, traditional outfits.

Truth is, India is just starting to venture out to fashion chandelier earrings with precious stones in them. According to the article, earrings with opal, topaz and black and brown diamonds are the big thing in fashion jewelry right now. Although India has evolved from plain studs and small hoops to larger, more decorated pieces, the preference is still gold. "People here have slowly started experimenting with designer jewelry but they are still more focused on gold jewelry as it brings great resale value," Vimonisha of Vimonisha Art Gallery in India says.

Don't be dull.

This season is all about color. From sun dresses to flip flops and adorable tops, women everywhere are wearing MORE than a splash of color in their wardrobe. Bright bright pinks, yellows and blues are all popular choices.

Not all of your color-tastic options may be affordable, but below are some of the more pricey color infused pieces from various collections at Saks Fifth Avenue that are definitely worth checking out.






For less expensive versions of the same look try Forever 21 or H&M.

Keds have come a long way...

When I was a kid, Keds were kinda dorky. They were only purchased if you need play shoes or white shoes. But, I am kinda in love with some of the Keds now. They are no longer embarassing. Keds is experimenting with different textures, patterns, fabrics and details in their new shoe line. Even designer Nanette Lepore is jumping on the Keds ship and designer beautiful shoes for the company. The first shoe is a sneaker wedge for $100 and comes in two different designs. The second shoe is a flat with a rosette accent on the front. It comes in one design for $70. The third shoe is made of purple satin with a cross-strap and is currently on sale for $34.95.

Keds shoes are made for women, men and children. For women, in case Lepore's shoes are a little pricey for you, Keds has regular designs that are equally adorable. The green wedge costs $59.99 and also comes in black. The brown polkadot skimmer also comes in 5 other colors and is an more affordable $39.99. The blue shoe is made of satin and has a cute ankle strap for $39.99.

Don't worry men, I didn't forget about you. You can be stylish in your keds now too. The green shoes are a slip-on and are currently on sale for $29.95. But in case you don't want something so flashy, they are more subtle options as well. The second shoe is also a slip-on and comes in army green, now on sale for $34.95.

Earth friendly clothing line

Eco-friendly clothes are starting to look pretty chic these days. All of ecoSkin's clothes are made with fair-trade materials that are ecofriendly and not to mention beautiful. The designer Sandy Skinner used materials from around the world in her clothing. There's nothing fancy about these clothes. They look simple, yet can be worn to a cocktail party too. This black dress is made of bamboo and costs $158.

The white dress is a bamboo woven dress. The description says "the fabric is butter soft." Who doesn't want that in dress? Comfort and style all wrapped in one for only $158.

The purple dress is gorgeous yet trendy with a bubble skirt effect. But purple is a big color right now. This dress does come in three other colors - the purple just stands out the most for me. This dress is also made of woven bamboo and costs, you guessed it, $158.

Hello, KITTY!!!

Despite the controversy about underweight models, a short, furry model will soon be hamming it up in a respected fashion magazine.  The people wanted change, right?

Hello Kitty, the beloved cute little feline adored by kids and fanatic adults alike, will be featured in a high fashion magazine spread.  Japanese Vogue will feature Hello Kitty in their June issue, which hits newsstands on April 26.

Kitty will be decked out in fall and winter designs by John Galliano for Dior. Other photos include the cat posing in a Dior outfit with Galliano himself and Kitty enjoying a Parisian shopping spree.

Galliano is known for being eclectic and pushing the envelope, so I'm not surprised at this choice to outfit a cartoon character. Plus, many fashionable Hollywood celebs like Mariah Carey have an insatiable obsession with Hello Kitty. 

 

Jellies are Back!

If you didn't think you would be caught dead wearing jelly shoes past age 8, think again! Givenchy has come out with a new take on the plastic jelly shoe this season that combines old-school jelly with the hot gladiator style sandal. The embossed Givenchy logo gives the shoe a little more sophistication, especially to the pastel pink version that is quite reminiscent of the elementary school playground. At $165.00, you pay a bit more for these than your average jelly, but what you lose in pocket cash, you'll definitely be making up in style!

France Model Ban

AbcNews says the fashion industry in France is trying to change the image of models by signing a charter of good will. Fashion houses, advertising firms, and media outlets agree the charter is a first step to stop eating disorder such as anorexia and promote a healthy body image. The charter is voluntary and involved pledge to use a diversity of body types and not stereotype. Also, they would be involved in preventive programs. The French Parliament will examine a law project that will punish people or organizations that encourage unhealthy body image.

"In November 2006, Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston died at the age of 21 due to a generalized infection caused by anorexia nervosa. At 5-foot-8, she weighed less than 88 pounds."

"Uruguayan model Luisel Ramos, 22, died of heart failure in August of the same year, reportedly after weeks of consuming nothing but lettuce and diet drinks."

Essence's Fashion

Essence is a magazine that has good portrayals of different body types. There was a great spread about different clothing for varies functions. Here are the swimsuits...



Here is are styles for a casual look. Below is a picture for people size 16+.


Size 12-14.

Size 8-10.


I think Essence does a good job showing different body types. They show women is bigger sizes and they are realistic.