Long Hair, No Hair and learning not to fill your cheeks full of bun!

Hello America’s Next Top Model Fans!

After a few weeks off, we are finally back in Top Model form and have a double dose of ANTM!  For those of you who don’t know, episodes 2 and 3 aired this past weekend on Saturday back to back.

I totally love the new intro for the show!  How fierce is the whole rock star video feel? This episode starts off with the girls talking about the amazing prizing for this cycle’s winner, including a $100,000 contract with Cover Girl, a guest correspondent role with ‘Extra’, a cover on Italian vogue, as well as a blog on Vogue IT. 

Isis is still basking in the glow from her previous win and she feels very confident that she will take the competition all the way. Alexandria reflects on how she was really upset that the fans didn’t seem to like her, but says that even though people don’t seem to take to her,  she has a lot of support from friends and family back home and feels that she is truly just a ‘misunderstood star’.  Sheena talks about how hard it is to be an Asian in the modelling industry and feels like she wants to make her mark and really represent her culture.  Tyra then walks into the apartment with Martin Lindstrom, a brand strategist who works with fortune 500 companies and also represents Tyra. Tyra tells the girls that Martin is a genius at what he does and even though he is harsh, he gets results.

Martin talks to all the girls about how they can stand out and stretch their 15 minutes of fame over a lifetime.  He tells them that they all could use help establishing their brand because he hasn’t seen any of them on the cover of a magazine or on a television show outside of Top Model.  He tells the girls they have asked fans what image they each portray and how these labels compart to how the girls brand themselves.  Each girl is given a different word that they embody based on fan feedback.

Laura is ‘daring’.

Sheena is ‘unexpected’

Kayla is ‘free’

Shannon is ‘trustworthy’

Dominique is a ‘survivor’

Allison is ‘unique’

Angelea is ‘persistence’

Bre is ‘girlfriend’

Camille is ‘proud’

Isis is ‘inspiration’

Laura is ‘lovable’

Alexandria is ‘tough’

Bianca is ‘candid’

The girls are told to think about everything they say and every action they take and how to exemplify their brand. 

The next day brings the girls to see Mr. Jay at Siren Studios in Hollywood.  Miss Jay then comes in and introduces singer Ashlee Simpson who talks about how each girl’s image and brand is so important to their success.  Mr. Jay says that the girls are going to receive Ty-Overs, a.k.a. Tyra Makeovers! 

Alexandria's new shorter do!

Bre's cropped cut

The most drastic makeovers are the girls who get their locks chopped off.  Alexandria looks fabulous with a new shaggy do and Lisa also looks fabulous with her shorter crop.  Only Bre is extremely dissatisfied with her very short cut and threatens to quit and leave the competition because she is so unhappy about the way she looks.  I actually think her hair looks really sleek and sophisticated with her asymmetrical cut.

                                                           

Mr. Jay walks in with lunch for the girls from the famous Pink’s Hot Dogs.  He explains that the photo shoot they’ll be doing will be a picture of each girl with their very own hot dog creation that represents their brand.  The winner will be featured on the Pink’s website and they will ‘model’ their ANTM dog! 

Laura puts everything on her hot dog including beans, chili, BBQ sauce and everything that would be on a cook out!  She performs really well with innovative and fun poses and starts things off with a bang.

Camille has a hard time making it look natural and suffers the ultimate insult when Mr. Jay brings Laura in to ‘show her how it’s done’.  Angelea impresses Mr. Jay and looks refined and beautiful and Bianca also does well in her shoot.  Sheena adds rose petals to her hot dog and tries to do something ‘unexpected’ like her brand, but has a hard time getting a good shot.  Alexandria looks amazing and cries in reaction to her new makeover.  She feels so happy with her new look and has an amazing session. Kayla has a hard time and Mr. Jay advises her to ‘try not to fill her cheeks full of bun’!  Lisa creates a hot dog with no bun and Mr. Jay loves the poses she strikes.

Lisa's winning shot

At elimination, Ashlee Simpson joins the judging panel.  The judges think that Bianca and Lisa did really well and that Kayla and Sheena performed the worst.  Before the winners and losers are announced, Tyra pulls out a razor and says that although she had initially encouraged Nigel to grow out his hair, it does not suit the ANTM brand and she immediately shaves off his hair!  I for one, am relieved…Nigel looks incredible without the added hair!

After Nigel’s quickie makeover, they announce Lisa as the winner and Bianca as the runner up.

Kayla

Sheena

Sheena and Kayla are then announced as the bottom two and Sheena gets sent home.  Sheena talks about how disappointed she is that she didn’t go further in the competition and how she didn’t have a chance to show her true star quality.  She says she is okay with being eliminated because she will always be remembered as an All Star.

Do You Have ‘Booty Tooch’? Episode 3 Recap

The girls open this episode talking about how two strong girls have gone home and everyone is a little nervous seeing great contenders go home so early. Lisa is thrilled to have won Best Photo but knows it is not safe for anyone.  Isis talks about how she is here to win.  Allison acknowledges that she is strange and quirky but knows that she is smart and has the energy to take full advantage of this opportunity.

Kristin Cavallari from ‘The Hills’ and ‘Laguna Beach’ drops in to see the girls at the mansion and shares her experiences being a reality t.v. star.  She talks about misperception and how no matter what they do, they will always have haters and it is key to remain true to themselves if they want to succeed.  Kristin talks about finding a great agent and publicist and how she is now producing a reality show and a shoe line.  She encourages all of girls to make smart choices and to decide what their brand will be. 

The girls later arrive at the Grove Mall and Nigel Barker informs them that they are to be interviewed by Mario Lopez from ‘Extra’.  Angelea is excited and talks about how beautiful Mario is!  The girls are split into two teams and the winning team automatically receives immunity from elimination. 

Mario interviews team one and Lisa first and although she answers her questions well, she interrupts other girls and constantly high-fives everyone during the interview.  Isis talks about the importance of educating the public about acceptance and her transition from male to female. 

Team two is up next and Bianca makes the mistake of saying she sometimes experiences ‘word vomit’ when trying to communicate her message.  Allison demonstrates an ease in front of camera and Camille talks about how she has a degree and if modelling doesn’t work out, she will continue to pursue a career in fashion.

Nigel informs everyone that team two comes out on top and Allison is the big winner of the ‘Extra’ interview challenge.

The next day the girls head into Siren Studios and see people on dancing on stilts.  Mr. Jay tells the girls that there will be teams of two and each team will consist of one girl from the winning team and one from the losing team.  Each pair will model on stilts and it is up to the girls to make an impression. 

Dominique and Allison

Most of the girls fall multiple times and try to pose in creative ways.  At elimination, only Dominique, Isis, Angelea, Lisa, Alexandria and Laura are at risk of going home.  Kristin Cavallari joins the judging panel.  Allison is announced as the winner and Tyra mentions that the effectiveness of her picture is in her ‘Booty Tooch’ – her ability to give her derriere more shape and attitude by arching her back in a sharper angle.

The bottom two are announced to be Isis and Angelea.  Tyra explains that neither girl took the worst photo, but because of the immunity challenge, they were now the bottom two.  Isis is sent home and says how she is shocked to be going home so early.  Isis says she will continue to make appearances, public speaking engagements and establish a presence in the entertainment industry.

I am sorry to see her go home.  Isis was one of my favourites and I definitely think she had a lot more to give.  Let’s see what drama and excitement next week brings!

                                                                                               

Until Next Time My Glamazons!

Cecilia J

The Art of Fashion!!!!

Good Day Ravishing Readers!

Today I am pleased to share pictures and thoughts from the incredible Art of Fashion event http://artoffashion.org  that took place on October 1, 2011 at the Pantages Hotel during Nuit Blanche.  It was a wonderful evening celebrating Canadian design talent and proved to be a great night full of fun and fabulosity!

Art of Fashion strives to provide support, mentorship, guidance and exposure to 10 emerging designers in an innovative way.  Each year the designers bring their collections to life in an exhibit space and through a fashion show where they compete for 2 awards: Most Promising Designer, which is decided by an industry judging panel, and Best Exhibit, which is voted on by the public.

This year’s collections were presented by the following designers, Breeyn McCarney, Joobo Shim, Meghan Erin, Christy Litster, Rebecca Collins, Albert Yuen, Seema Patel, Katherine Laird & Jennifer Murtagh, Elissa Contino and Tiffany Briseno.

Congrats goes out to:

I had a wonderful time meeting some of the Art of Fashion judges and profiling them these past few weeks.  It was also a pleasure to meet the competitors and see their creativity in bringing the theme ‘Choreology’ to life.  The movement, textures and beauty of each designer’s installation was something to be admired and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for all of the entrants! 

Check out this great video from the Art of Fashion!  http://vimeo.com/30139286

ANTM Live Fashion Show Producer, Kendra Francis and her 'fashionista-to-be'!

Our new friend, David Dixon and Most Promising Designer Albert Yuen

America’s Next Top Model Live fashion show producer and AOF judge, Kendra Francis was very impressed by the designers she saw and will be featuring some of the winning designs on our ANTM Live Main Stage Fashion spectacular!  Make sure to come out next May 4 – 6 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and check out the Art of Fashion booth at our show! 

Congratulations to Michelle Planche and her entire team at the Art of Fashion, we are thrilled to be partnering with such an amazing event and look forward to a stylish year ahead! 

Until Next Time My Glamazons!

Cecilia J

Captivating Kendra…

Good Day Fabulous Fashionistas!

Kendra Francis

Today’s interview is with Art of Fashion judge and ANTM Live Fashion Show Producer, Kendra Francis, designer of the label FRANKE www.iamfranke.com.  We are so excited to see the amazing show she will produce for America’s Next Top Model Live and can’t wait for you all to be dazzled by our Main Stage Fashion spectacular! 

When you first meet Kendra, you can’t help but be taken aback by her striking beauty and charisma.  She clearly loves what she does and is meant to continue to pave the way in the fashion industry.  As a former contestant on ‘Project Runway Canada’ Kendra made a name for herself among a sea of female designers and really brought attention to her streamlined designs and innovative use of fabrics.  This year Kendra celebrated the 10th Anniversary of her label and had notable celebrities model her clothing for a fashion shoot.

She is a true renaissance woman and while working on developing her fashion line, still makes time to create wedding dresses, stunning gowns and one-of-a-kind pieces for celebrity clients and everyday women.  Read on to get a glimpse into this stylish maven’s life.

When did you start becoming interested in fashion?

When I was about 13 years old I discovered fashion through my older cousin, she used to make little fashion drawings and it was then that I was drawn to the creation of clothes and have been obsessed ever since. I made my first dress at 13 from a Butterick pattern.

What has been your biggest influence in starting your own line?

When I created FRANKE I really wanted to create something that spoke to the woman I wanted to be at that time and it drove me to create collection after collection and as I evolve, the label evolves.  I enjoy being an entrepreneur and having the freedom of creation and creating beautiful pieces from a simple piece of fabric.

Why did you choose to become involved with the Art of Fashion?

I believe in anything that can help an up and coming designer is vital and I am glad to be a part of that process.  It's a long journey and it's important to mentor those coming after you and to share your knowledge and experience.  It's actually very rewarding.

What would be your advice to emerging designers?

Go into this career choice knowing that its 80% business and 20% Creativity and Fabulosity...it's a lot of work but don't let it discourage you.  Your mistakes will be your biggest rewards and follow through on your gut instincts.

What trends do you see for fall?

For fall there are 2 major trends this season that I love. One is the Nouveau Grunge with the long Maxi Skirts and oversized sweaters a la Alexander Wang.

I also love the Boy look, very tailored with fitted shirts, tailored pants and suspenders with a great pair of loafers and pulled back hair.  Love them both and will be rocking them this season.

What are your favourite pieces to wear?

Right now I want big chunky sweater dresses and tall boots. 

I love a great t shirt dress or shift dress that can be worn multiple ways and take you from day to night.  Multifunctional pieces...love them.

If you could dress anyone, who would it be?

Carine Roitfield and Kate Lamphear...I love their personal styles and what it says about their power and personalities.

Thank you to Kendra for taking the time to share her thoughts with us!  Make sure to check out Kendra’s collection and support Canadian design!  We will have fantastic pictures from our evening at the Art of Fashion next week!  Stay tuned and stay gorgeous!

Until next time my Glamazons!

Cecilia J

The Dashing David Dixon...

Good Day Fashionistas!

Today’s interview is with the incredibly talented fashion designer, David Dixon.  A judge for the Art of Fashion http://artoffashion.org,  David is a staple in the Canadian design industry and has really established a reputation for making stunning evening wear that speaks of glamour and sophistication. 

Designer David Dixon

David was the youngest of 6 children and grew up in an Irish family.  He shares that their background was in construction and it was only him and his brother, who is in interior design, who got involved in creative fields.  He wistfully recounts how his obsession with all things stylish started when he was a child watching an episode of the ‘Love Boat’ that featured Gloria Vanderbilt, Bob Mackie, Geoffrey Beene and Halston.  He says that the world opened up for him at that point and he started sketching the next day.  He remembers that drawing came naturally to him and even at the young age of 9 or 10, he started drawing gowns and evening wear.  He said that in grade 7 home education class, he literally went from sewing a bean frog to making an evening gown.  Later on he went to the Ryerson Fashion School and felt  he had finally found his niche among similarly minded students who shared his passion for fashion.   For the first time in his life he felt like he belonged somewhere with his unusual penchant for design. 

David sharing his story with me...

Since then, David has built a fashion empire and continues to push boundaries with his designs.  He is constantly experimenting with new techniques, creating memorable pieces that are unique and talked about.  Most recently, E-Talk anchor Tanya Kim wore an older piece in his collection that was a fabulous mirror dress.  People saw her wearing David’s design and he was inundated with calls asking for her dress.  He couldn’t believe the buzz it generated, especially since it is no longer available for purchase.   

David says he loves dressing women and that if he could dress anyone, he would have loved to design for Audrey Hepburn, Katherine Hepburn and Lena Horne.  For today’s starletts he admires the avant garde,  Tilda Swinton and classic beauty, Cate Blanchett, as well as his constant inspiration, Iman.   David prides himself on pieces that are well constructed and wants to challenge himself as his collections develop and change.  He hopes that his customers will grow along with his collection and support the new and innovative ways he is trying to leave his mark on the fashion industry.

As for the future of his collections, David has expanded into offering various lines for the everyday woman, including an exclusive line at the Bay called ‘Little Black Dress’.  He understands that having the perfect little black dress is essential for every woman’s wardrobe and knows that being accessible is key for women from all walks of life, whether they need an everyday look, or beautiful gown. 

David shared some pieces from his collection and showed us clover coats, eye cat leopard and digital python prints, as well as individually sewn shapes.  The intricacy of his designs is evident.  David clearly puts a lot of effort and time into sourcing out and designing the best fabrics and getting involved in the entire process from inception to the end.  He enjoys making fantastic ready to wear pieces with interesting details and trim cut by hand.  He is a staunch perfectionist and will not rest until he gets the desired effect.  It is clearly very important to him to produce quality pieces no matter what the price point and it is this dedication to his craft that has garnered everyone’s respect in a tough industry.

David’s unique voice continues on the runway and he tries to communicate a story to his audience so that people connect with what he is trying to do.  He wants his pieces to resonate with the consumer and recognizes that it is important to make an impression no matter what.

David and I in his workroom

As the president of the Toronto Fashion Incubator, a non-profit organization that supports emerging local talent, David knows the importance of getting involved with the next generation of designers and supporting the Canadian fashion landscape.  He enjoys being a part of events like the Art of Fashion, where he can be inspired by a new designer’s talent and raw expression.  As a former mentor at Ryerson University, David helped to develop the collections of 4^th year students and gave them advice and direction on how to edit and tailor their ideas.  He is truly someone who cares about what is ahead and is interested in keeping homegrown talent alive.    

There is a timelessness about David’s clothing.  He likes to address current themes while still making pieces that have no shelf life.  He is a great designer with a terrific business sense and his longevity is a prime example of how to be truly successful in fashion.  Watch out for what’s next from this enigmatic designer!  http://www.daviddixon.ca

Until Next Time My Glamazons!

Cecilia J

The Business of Fashion

Hello Ravishing Readers!

Today I am happy to share the story of another talented Art of Fashion http://artoffashion.org judge, Pheinixx, the creative director of Pencil http://pencil-design.com/, an innovative and cutting edge graphic design agency that caters to the fashion industry.  Pencil is the brainchild of Pheinixx, who, growing up as the daughter of an artist and fashion designer, was destined to work in the fashion world, despite her education in science.  No matter how hard she tried to look at other avenues for her career, somehow design, fashion and aesthetic seemed to seep into her life and lead her to where she is today. 

Pheinixx - Creative Director of Pencil

Her experience working with incredible designers and well respected brands like Julien Macdonald, Michael Kors, Roberto Cavalli, Lanvin, and Warner Bros. Music only add to her appeal.   Pheinixx has also designed layouts and graphic materials for such publications as Vogue, Elle, InStyle, GQ and W in Italy, Russia, China and Korea.  Founded in 2009, Pencil strives to create the perfect image for fashion designers wanting to market themselves in a way that is guaranteed to attract the right attention.  In talking with Pheinixx, it is obvious that she is a woman who really knows her business and how to make a success of any brand that needs direction, support, guidance and focus.    

Visual branding is key to any designer making it in a challenging fashion world and Pheinixx is sincerely dedicated to helping turn someone’s passion into a profession.  She very rightly says that many designers are experts at expressing themselves through their clothing, but simply need a fresh perspective on how to get their brand out to the masses.  She recognizes that everyone who is truly interested in making it in the gruelling fashion industry knows that having a unique stylistic voice combined with business sense is key launching a successful career.

As a current branding mentor with the Toronto Fashion Incubator and former regional director of the Toronto chapter of Fashion Group International, Pheinixx was naturally compelled to get involved with the Art of Fashion in order to support emerging Canadian design talent.  She speaks emphatically about the importance of nurturing our own and is so happy to be able to help fashion designers who are interested in growing, learning and taking their talent to the next level.  She also loves the fact that the Art of Fashion allows her the ability to help create a solid foundation for a designer to take full advantage of industry mentors and a large public platform of exposure.   Pheinixx knows that with the proper vision and an edgy perspective,   graphic design can truly elevate a brand and give a designer the direction they need to be a player in an industry that is quick to dismiss new talent without a strong foundation.  Pheinixx is someone who is very willing to share her knowledge and life lessons to really give designers a hand up.

In meeting Pheinixx you immediately sense her sincerity and her ability to form solid relationships with her clients. She is very proud to have worked with Nada Shepherd of NADA: to shoot and premiere the world's first 3D fashion short film in Canada, launch her fragrance with a flash mob and direct her creative through imagery, film and down a runway. Although NADA Designs recently closed up shop, her strong connection to Nada is something that she keeps with her as a testament to the importance of being genuine and investing in who and what you believe in.  

Pheinixx is currently working with a Canadian not-for-profit organization as the creative director for an event to support African women who will be constructing wearable art pieces to showcase the craft industry in Africa.   The pieces will be used to create a show and exhibition for the design and fashion industries and her role is to work with a select team in helping to  conceptualize the visual identity for the event and to develop a year-long marketing campaign.  Pheinixx says that the interest around this event is so great that 54 countries are participating and attending to see the viability of investing in African handmade merchandise.  Through this endeavor, Pheinixx will undoubtedly change the lives of women in a very profound way.  Her heart clearly comes through in everything she does and I can only imagine what else she will accomplish as her career continues to accelerate at a rapid pace. 

One thing is for sure; Pheinixx is someone whose pencil you want sketching out your path to greatness. 

Until next time my Glamazons,

Cecilia J

Video Interview at Raindance with Karen Johnson

Check this out everyone!  http://www.youtube.com/raindancetoronto#p/u/10/Uyxjq-2amyU

Having Fun on the Purple Carpet with Yahoo! Canada and omg!

Hello Ravishing Readers!

Recently Yahoo! Canada launched a fantastic new celebrity and entertainment website called omg!  http://ca.omg.yahoo.com/ Billed as the #1 celebrity news site in the U.S., omg! saw the need to create a Canadian counterpart and wanted to provide those of us in the Great White North a chance to keep up to date with the latest and greatest from Hollywood and around the world with a homegrown twist!

Looking Fab on the purple carpet!

A special section on the site called the North Stars Blog http://ca.omg.yahoo.com/blogs/north-stars/ is exclusively dedicated to breaking all the latest news on Canadian stars and local celebrity sightings. 

omg! launched with a great event at Dundas Square that saw an appearance by the fabulous Cat Deeley from ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, graffiti artists, break dancing and fun life size cut-outs of tuxedos and dresses that people could ‘try on’ on and get their pics taken on the purple carpet!

Cat Deeley

I, for one am already addicted to the delicious celeb gossip, amazing photos and incredible coverage! 

omg! is also running a contest on their Yahoo! Canada Facebook page.  It’s the omg! Pop Quiz where you can test your celebrity news expertise.  The grand prize is a weekend in Toronto to attend the 2011 Canada’s Walk of Fame Awards.  You can read all about the contest and see pics from the Dundas Square event at www.facebook.com/yahoocanada.Get your omg! fix today!

Until Next Time My Glamazons!

Cecilia :)