Proud As A Peacock…

Hello Ravishing Readers,

Today I am excited to share an interview with you from Nancy and Jan of The Peacock Parade, a fantastic on-line site that allows fashion savvy shoppers the opportunity to access previously hard to get glamour at an affordable price.  The Peacock Parade prides itself on providing on-line luxury sales at insider prices.  Every day they have new sales for a limited time and allow members to get the latest in fashion for up to 70% off the retail price.  What sets this site apart is their efforts to bring the highest quality brands to the buying public without membership fees, duty charges or shipping costs.  In this fast paced consumer environment, not everyone has the time to shop in person at a storefront, nor do we have the ability to buy brands that are only available stateside.

 Nancy and Jan, Founders of The Peacock Parade

The Peacock Parade came about when Nancy and Jan met in New York where they were living and working and discovered that they had amazing access to on-line sales that didn’t ship to Canada.  Recognizing an incredible relatively untapped market, they worked feverishly to bring the on-line sale model to Canada.  Now thousands of Canadians are shopping through their computers and scoring major deals on well-known brands like Missoni, Givenchy and BCBG.  They currently deal exclusively in women’s apparel and accessories, but look to expand their business into menswear, children’s wear and home accents in the future.  The ladies shared their thoughts on current popular trends and said that their customers are loving faux fur, leopard booties and purses, funky jewellery and the constant comfort of cashmere.

The Peacock Parade are proud Canadians who strive to bring attention to the terrific landscape of home grown talent by featuring merchandise from notable collections like Greta Constantine, Jenny Bird and Juma.  This past Toronto fashion week, they posted a video of iconic designer Denis Gagnon and were able to offer first crack to eager fashionistas who wanted to buy pieces from his collection right off the runway.  What’s more, these items were available exclusively through The Peacock Parade three months before this merchandise will be available to the general public.  Talk about membership perks! 

Nancy and Jan shared that they have some exciting on-line events on the horizon, including a Canadian version of a Black Friday sale on November 20, 2011!!!

Not to mention a phenomenal travel deal in December that will allow members to purchase an amazing getaway to the stunning Shangri La hotel in Santa Monica, California for an unbeatable discount!  http://www.shangrila-hotel.com  The Shangri La is a hot spot for celeb sightings so get ready to take advantage of this unbelievable offer from The Peacock Parade!  In addition, holiday on-line gift boutiques will also be making an appearance in December so watch out for that!

Make sure you sign up for this terrific site today and get the insider scoop on all the best brands that you can have for a fraction of the price!  Join the Peacock revolution and get ready to strut your stuff! http://www.thepeacockparade.com

Until Next Time My Glamazons!

Cecilia J

It’s All Greek To Me!!

Hello fabulous fans!

I can’t believe we are down to just five girls!  We can hardly stand the wait to see who will be America’s Next Top Model All Stars! This episode starts off in Crete and we see Dominique’s best photo from last week.  She is really excited to continue fighting for her chance to win.  Angelea talks about how Dominique is not All Star material and she feels she took a better picture.  Lisa says that Allison is her biggest competition because she can do something as simple as ‘blink’ and the judges freak out.  Lisa says she brings the whole package as opposed to Allison who looks ‘dead’.  Laura says Angelea should have more confidence.  She says that she doubts her abilities and doesn’t trust herself enough.  Tyra mail comes and tells the girls that the next day they will meet with the judges.  Laura says she is scared of what that might mean…she is worried because she was in the bottom two last week and doesn’t want to go back there again this week.

The girls arrive at a posh bar to see Miss J and are told that they will all be judging each other as if at a casting.  Dominique is called a little bit country, but a white girl with sass.  They say Lisa’s walk is too sloppy and Lisa talks about Angelea’s bad attitude.  The girls are really harsh with one another and you can tell that it is an eye opener for all of them.  Laura gets asked who she would pick to NOT win All Stars and she refuses to answer because she would never say one girl didn’t deserve to be there.  Dominique answers the question and says that she thinks Angelea lacks in confidence.  She says she doesn’t believe in herself that she loves her and sees so much more in her.  Dominique starts to become emotional. Laura pipes in and tells Angelea that she is guarded and also starts crying.  Angealea is furious and ‘not trying to hear’ all their feedback.  She says the girls don’t expect her to be anything other than ‘hood’.  Miss J says it is a good time for her to take her turn and talk it out, but she says that she feels very attacked and is upset that they won’t let her get a word in edgewise.  She says she can’t defend herself and when she does, they say she’s angry.  Angelea walks out of the casting furious and swears at all the girls.   Angelea says she doesn’t believe that the girls care about her at all and that if she is guarded she has every right to be.  She says a girl will back stab you in the back to get to the top.  Miss J asks Angelea who has the least potential to become the ANTM All Star and she says none of them have the potential.

Miss J asked the girls to write down who has best runway walk, the best portfolio and overall star quality.  Angelea says she is not looking for validation from anyone.  Dominique says you have to find a way to learn that you will be hurt in this business.  Miss J announces that the overall weakest model is voted as Allison and the girl who is the strongest is Laura.  Laura is really happy to hear that she has won and feels good about it.  Lisa says the girls put Laura first because no one feels threatened by her.  Allison is really sad to have been voted the worst and is determined to do as well as possible.

Miss J tells the girls that Crete socialite Twylem Pyper is going to take the them out on a yacht and show them a good time.  Twylem asks the girls all about the competition and they tell her they never know what is going to be thrown at them.  They all go swimming and then out to a club for an amazing night on the town.  The girls note how much Twyla drinks, while some of the models don’t drink at all.  Allison keeps taking the shot and throws the alcohol over her shoulder, while Lisa, who has been to rehab, chooses not to drink and says she wants to be clear headed.  Angelea keeps to herself and talks about how the  biggest obstacle she has to overcome is herself. 

Next day the girls wake up to Tyra mail and see a picture of Greek goddesses,  but no explanation.  The girls arrive and see Mr. Jay,  standing among some Greek ruins.  The girls are told that they are going to model fashion accessories that recreate a variety of ancient Olympic sports.  Mr. Jay announces that Nigel Barker will be their photographer and the girls are very excited, although some of them are more nervous because he is a judge.  Nigel says it is important to embody incredible classic athleticism in their shoot.  Dominique is given a javelin and follow through and is careful not to skewer anyone!  She is put in a beautiful turquoise dress and looks amazing but is confused as to which end to use!  She tries different poses but has a tough time.  Nigel says she doesn’t translate her personality well in her pictures.

Dominique and Nigel

Allison is modelling with a purse and has to try and imitate throwing the purse like a discus.  She has a hard time and then starts to get more comfortable towards the end.

Allison

Lisa looks incredible with gladiator shoes and a stunning black dress but has to model hurdles.  She is worried because she doesn’t want to jump anymore, particularly because she has done that in previous shoots and been criticized by the judges. Nigel says she shouldn’t play it safe and should give it all she has.  Lisa loses her inhibitions and does as much jumping as she can and her shots go over well.  Mr. Jay says she jumped into the moment and he believed the moment.

Lisa

Laura looks amazing and is posing with bow and arrow.  She has a net over her face and has to model through it instead of hiding behind it.  She does extremely well and both Mr. Jay and Nigel love her.   

Laura

Angelea is modelling shot put and is given a shell to pose with.  She says she likes being the underdog because she will just keep fighting.  She has no idea what the sport is and Nigel demos how to do it.  After repeated attempts, Nigel has to physically pose her to get the shot he wants.  He says that she has no flow or elegance and wasn’t projecting confidence.  She knows she doesn’t perform well and feels nervous that she didn’t get great pictures.

Angelea

During deliberation Allison gets mixed reviews while they all love Laura. Lisa does well and Dominique does not give enough 'Greek goddess'.  The judges say that Angelea has the potential to become a star…but has to work very hard to make it more natural.  Miss J talks about how angry she was during the challenge and Tyra says that she is concerned that when Angelea has to get on the red carpet, she won't be able to handle the pressure of stardom.

Tyra announces that the top photo goes to Laura.  Allison gets second best photo and Lisa is third.  Elimination comes down to the two mortal enemies, Angelea and Dominique. Tyra tells Angelea that she has taken really nice photos but is not as strong.  She tells Angelea that when she breaks under pressure, it makes the judges nervous.

Tyra tells Dominique that she has taken beautiful photos week after week, but needs to be more memorable and find that extra something.

Tyra announces that Dominique has been eliminated!  I, for one am shocked!  I really thought Dominique would make it to the final three. Tyra tells Dominique that she has something special she just needs to be memorable too.  Dominique is disappointed but says her journey is something different and she is a survivor and will keep pushing no matter what.  She says she will stay true to her dream and who she is and with her determination she feels she can’t go wrong.  Next week the girls will be directed by Tyra in a photo shoot and the absolutely gorgeous Tyson Beckford shows up!!!

Until Next Time My Glamazons!

Cecilia J

Greek Goddess or Greek Salad?

Hello Fashionistas! 

This week’s episode pairs it down to six girls.  Angelea talks about how relieved she is to have been saved.  Allison is feeling great and confident after winning the music video challenge.  Shannon talks about how she has not won any challenges yet but says she is determined because she sees herself as a role model for young girls.  Dominique talks about her  two children and says how she misses them both a lot but sees them as motivation and inspiration to keep working harder.  Angelea says that Dominique is fake and an actress and tries to be something that she is not. 

The girls walk into the mansion and see Allison’s music video.  Lisa says Allison is more about modelling, whereas she has the  whole package and is ready to sky rocket her career to higher levels.  André Leon Talley arrives with dinner for the girls.  Two waiters come in dancing and one of them bumps into the other and starts breaking plates.  André apologizes for the gauche behavior and announces the plate breaking, although not as acceptable in America,  is a common form of celebration in one country…GREECE!  The models break into Greek dancing and break plates too! 

Lisa

The girls pack feverishly and fly to their next destination.  Angelea is ecstatic and they arrive in Athens to see Vicky Kia, host of Greece’s Next Top Model  and Miss Jay.  Vicky informs the girls that the Greec e National Tourism Organization has set up a press conference on the island of Crete and tells the girls this is their chance to charm people.  The girl who does best will be the challenge winner and receive jewellery from one of Greece’s most respected jewellers.  Miss Jay says it would be great for the girls to say something in Greek at the conference.  Laura worries that  she already has a hard time with English because she is dyslexic and that speaking Greek will be a real challenge.  Miss Jay checks in with the girls and Angelea tells him she is not writing a speech,  she just wants to talk from the heart. 

Laura

The girls arrive in Crete and have to speak as soon as they get off the plane.  Lisa is first to come down and speaks in Greek and talks about Greek food and the kind of  Greek goddess she would like to be.  She does a good job representing herself.  Allison comes down next and is very well spoken and is natural, charming and sweet.  Shannon does okay but doesn’t speak enough Greek and leaves the press and dignitaries confused.  Dominique looks amazing in a stunning flowy dress but needed to speak more Greek.  Laura’s speech was blowing in the wind and she did not speak Greek well at all.  She is asked a question about which Greek goddess she would like to be and answers incorrectly by referencing a Roman goddess.  Angelea starts off well but then ends badly when she asks where the ‘bano’ is in Spanish.  Vicky and Miss Jay tell the girls that they will deliberate and will tell them the winner later.

Angelea

The girls are greeted by Miss Jay at their hotel and he gives them all feedback about their performance at the press conference.  He says that Dominique was a little anxious and nervous,  Shannon was too egocentric,  Laura was excited,  Allison was great and  Angelea made a fatal mistake by asking about the toilet.  Miss Jay says Lisa was dressed very inappropriately and  Lisa says that she disagrees and believes that dignitaries like women in little clothing. Miss Jay announces  Allison as the winner and the owner of Fanouraki Jewellery, Nina Fanouraki awards her with a beautiful gold bracelet. 

Allison

Mr. Jay shows up and tells the girls that they are close to final runway.  He tells them that they all get to collaborate with a talented designer to create their final runway gown.   Designer Michael Cinco from the Cycle 16 landfill shoot tells the girls that he will be designing a dress for them with the theme  Immortal Goddess.  Only two girls will get to be in final runway show even though all of them get to work with him.  They each get five minutes with him.  Angealea starts off by saying she wants to channel Grace Jones.  Laura wants her dress to represent her country roots and reflect the birth of calves and wheat.  Lisa is wants lights on her dress and Michael refuses because he thinks it will look cheap. Dominique talks about wanting something ‘ metally’ and sparkly hanging from her crotch and Michael gives her a stunned look that is priceless!  Shannon says she wants to be sexy but conservative, which is no surprise for this modest model.

Dominique

The next day Laura is feeling really sick but says she will not complain because she feels lucky to be part of the All Stars.  The girls meet Mr. Jay who is standing in front of a large bowl and tells them they will be shooting in a Greek salad and modelling underwear!  Right away we see Shannon’s resistance and she says she is not going to pose in underwear.  She has a moral conflict and Mr. Jay says they can talk about it.   ANTM flies in European photographer Niko Papadopoulos to do the shoot.  The lingerie looks more like swimsuits, but because it is underwear, Shannon sticks to her guns and decides not to do the shoot.  The stylist cautions her and tells her that it is easier to change the model than the product.  Dominique tries hard to make it look really fierce and pours olive oil all over herself.  She gets right into it and does really well.  She says her masculine vibe from the previous cycle is no longer there and she is embracing her feminine side.

Mr. Jay is still trying to talk Shannon into doing the shoot, but she refuses and Angelea says it is better for Shannon not to give in so it is easier for her to win.  Angelea tries to pose in interesting ways but Mr.  Jay says she looks much better laying down than posing sitting up because she doesn’t have a strong core. 

Allison says she has ‘vampire vision’ and can’t open her eyes in the bright daylight because her eyes water.  Her watering eyes affect her performance and most of her shots are with her eyes closed.  She leaves the shoot very upset and feels she did horribly.

Lisa says she is ready to shoot and wants to show her skills of being able to model in a simple manner.  Angelea says she doesn’t see a model when she sees Lisa. 

Laura gets down in the bowl and tries to give whatever she can even though she is not feeling well.  Mr. Jay says it was a tough day and that the pressure is on all of them to perform.

The elimination mail tells the girls that only five of them will continue on in chances of becoming the ANTM All Star.  The girls feel it is not a given that Shannon will go home just because she didn’t shoot.   Shannon knows she will have to explain her reasons for not participating and says she will continue to take her stand and stay true to her brand. 

Tyra appears at elimination with the usual judges and in addition, Niko Papadopoulos. Judging begins and Tyra asks who is first on the salad chopping block.  Allison is first and her best shot is nice even though her eyes are closed.   Niko talks about how Allison had a hard time and said it was a real problem but he likes her a lot and gave him interesting pics.  Angelea says it was awkward posing and although she had a nice body shot, Niko said it was tough to shoot her.  Lisa’s shot looks nice but appears as if  she is sunbathing.  Niko says she was overthinking it and the picture looked to contrived. 

Shannon did not shoot and talks about her choice.  Nigel says he is confused and says it is the word ‘underwear’ that is an issue for her versus how much of her body is actually showing.   The judges say that it gets confusing for the audience.  Niko says he doesn’t want to book a girl who has so many limitations.  Tyra tells Shannon it is good to stand up for what she believes in, but it will affect her judging.

Dominique’s shot is gorgeous and Nigel loves it.  Her body and face look incredible and Tyra says her film was great.

Laura’s shot is odd looking and Nigel thinks it is too provocative.  The judges talk about who they will eliminate. 

The winner is announced as Dominique, second is Allison, third place is Angelea and fourth is Lisa. The bottom two are Laura and Shannon.  They say Laura is sweet and lovable but her photos are consistently not in alignment with her brand.  Shannon, while pure to her brand is sending a confusing message. Tyra announces that Laura gets another chance and Shannon is sent home.  Tyra says Shannon is going home because of her entire body of work and that she was the only one who didn’t have best photo or win a challenge.  Tyra said she went from being great in Cycle 1 to being just  ‘good’. Shannon says she has no regrets and that we haven’t seen the last of her yet.  Next week the girls go out drinking and each girls is asked who is weakest.  Looks like a drama filled week!

Until Next Time My Glamazons!

Cecilia J



Loving LOVAS….

Hello Fashionistas!

Today I am thrilled to be able to share a recent interview ANTM Live had with one of our favourite Canadian designers, Wesley Badanjak, founder and creator of the fashion line, LOVAS http://www.lovasfashion.com.  Founded in 2008, LOVAS is known for its clean lines and sophisticated designs.  Wesley has a true understanding of how to flatter the female form and has created some of the most stunning pieces to ever grace the fashion landscape.  From gorgeous separates to fluid gowns, the most recent showing of the LOVAS collection at LG Fashion Week was a site to behold.  Read below to get a glimpse into the genius that is LOVAS.

How did you get started in fashion?

I have always been interested in fashion and felt like it was something I needed to do.  After starting a science degree, I realized how much I need to be in fashion and not in science so I signed up to study at Ryerson University. The rest is history.

What inspires you in your design aesthetic?

I am inspired by cultures, music, art, literature and my Croatian background.

Tell me about your most recent collection.

For Spring/Summer 2012, I presented "Bird of Paradise”.  I was inspired by my experiences travelling through the islands of the Caribbean Sea, seeing the beauty of the lands and of their people.  I focused on a palette of sand, cocoa, white, black and coral, to bring a modern interpretation of island living from the lazy days at the beach, to steamy nights out.

What direction would you like to take for future collections?

Every season brings something new and fresh.  I never know where the collection is headed but I always try to challenge myself both creatively and technically.

What do you love about fashion design?

 I love the constant change, the fact that you get to start over every six months, and the pleasure of seeing a garment realized from a sketch.

If you could dress anyone in the world, who would it be?

 There are too many women to name!

What is your favourite look for this season?

I love the colour blocking I experimented with for Spring, as well as the embroidered pieces in the collection.

Thank you to Wesley for taking the time to speak with us.  We can’t wait to see what he has coming in the near future and as we continue our love affair with LOVAS.

Until Next Time My Glamazons!

Cecilia J

Go Go Go, No No No and Pot Ledom is Top Model Spelled Backwards!!!!

Hello ANTM Fanatics!

Sorry for the delay in this recap, we are coming down off the high from our soft launch party at This Is London and expect to see all of you at our Official Launch Party for America’s Next Top Model Live on January 13, 2012 also at This Is London!  Stay tuned for all the details and get ready to audition in person for our Sutherland Supermodel Search!  Enter to win a chance to be a featured model on our Main Stage Fashion Show and possibly win an exclusive modelling contract with Sutherland!

Now on to last week’s episode!  The girls are talking about Bianca and Kayla’s exit and Angelea talks about how she is the ‘spice’ in the show.  Lisa is excited that she won the last challenge and feels she is getting what she deserves in winning lately.  Tyra mail comes in the form of Madison, a cute little You Tube sensation who gives the girls make-up tips.  She ends the message by saying that she hopes the ladies can keep a beat.  The girls all speculate as to what the next challenge will be.  Mr. Jay later arrives and tells the contestants that it is so important to build their star power and one way to do that is to go viral.  He said they each will get a chance to write their own song and star in their very own music video.  Tom Polce, who is the music producer from CBS Records come in and works with the girls to help them put their songs together.  Lisa is excited because she is already pursuing a music career and feels comfortable about what is ahead.  Allison worries that she doesn’t have a good voice and talks about how anxious she is. 

Lisa

The girls have twenty minutes to hear their instrumental music tracks and write lyrics to their songs.  Mr. Jay explains that the winner gets to see a loved one as the prize.  Angelea’s song is pretty good and she has a decent voice.  Alexandria writes lyrics saying she wants to ‘Go, Go, Go’ and I am pretty sure that she will be receiving a ‘no, no, no’ from the judges.  Allison writes some really emotional lyrics and talks about her father’s passing in her song.  She is overwhelmed and feeling a lot of pressure with this challenge.  Tom announces that he was really impressed with Lisa and Angelea and he says that his pick to win is Lisa.  Lisa’s fiancé comes to visit and she is thrilled to be able to spend some time with him.  Angelea is frustrated and wishes Lisa would stop winning. 

Allison

The next day in the studio each girl gets to record their songs.  Tom tells the models that Tyra wants each of them to include ‘Pot Ledum’  - that’s Top Model backwards  in their song.  Each girl tries to work the saying into their song.  Lisa says that music is her craft and wants to go last so that the other contestants can’t copy what she does.  Shannon is pretty tone deaf, but tries to be enthusiastic and puts her best effort forward.  Allison’s song is hauntingly beautiful and it is so interesting to see her pull herself together for the final recording of the song.  Dominique is quite fabulous singing ‘Booty Tooch’ but Laura seems to have a tough time singing in key.  Alexandria feels that with time and training, she could become a singer.  Lisa is phenomenal and blows it out of the water.

Alexandria

Dominique

The following day the girls get to record their music videos and Mr. Jay drives up in a fabulous convertible and talks about the girls selling the visual to go with each of their songs.  Famed rapper, Game shows up to direct the girls in their videos.  Angelea goes into convulsions when she sees Game and is very excited to have him be a part of the process. Dominique tapes her video and has a real J.Lo, Beyoncé feel. She looks stunning in her video and really makes an impression.  Alexandria comes across as very awkward and has a hard time looking natural.  Lisa rocks it out and was born to perform, while Allison surprises Game with her weird beauty.  Tyra shows up dressed in a leotard and pig tails ready to make a cameo appearance in each girl’s video.  She is joined by internet sensation Keenan Cahill who has had over 100 million hits on You Tube and the both of them add comic relief to everyone’s video. 

At deliberation, the winner is announced as Allison, with Lisa coming in a close second.  Dominique also does well in third.  The bottom two are announced to be Angelea and Alexandria and Alexandria goes home.  All in all it was a fun-filled musical episode.  What did you think of the girls’ videos?  Which girl would you listen to as a legitimate artist?

Until Next Time My Glamazons!

Cecilia J

True Colours Featured Model

Check out ANTM Live Exhibitor True Colours Model & Talent Agency's Feature Model of the month!

 Visit www.truecolourstalent.com for more info!

BILAL ELS