A Model Life

10 Reasons why A Model Life is no America's Next Top Model:


1. There does not seem to be any intent to drag out any drama between the contestants.
2. All these girls are portrayed in a good light. Most of them have the personality that comes across in backstage photos of models (very sweet, chippery, playful).
3. All the contestants are gorgeous and already look very runway suited. Whereas ANTM tries to pick "the next new face" by gathering mostly girls who look very interesting, but normally wouldn't make it in the industry. These girls seems like they can make it.
4. There's only six. And none of them are drama queens (so far).
5. The host, Petra Nemcova, comes off very sweet and genuine and acknowledges the superficiality of the fashion world and really cares about supporting important issues (well, she did survive the Thailand tsunami--and lost her fiance in it). I mean, I love Tyra too, but they're just very different hosts. Petra's very empathetic and she was very heartfelt when she said she understood the hardship of moving from a totally different country and being all alone in New York and she offered her help ("If there's ANYTHING that you want to tell me, please do.") .
6. Petra has amazing hair. AMAZING. It looks good in every shot. And...Tyra...well, she's got her weave...but she doesn't really know how to style it half the time.
7. Petra knows how to dress herself (Most of the time, Tyra doesn't). Also, these 6 girls know how to dress like models too (skinny pants, high heels, chunky layers of jackets and scarves)
8. There's no crazy, insane challenges (so far). This competition comes across as more real. There's no real "judging", they only critique certain girls who are in need of help, and also I don't believe it's one of those, "Cut 1 girl after each week" shows. NO JUDGES. The people these girls work with are not actors. You can tell the co-founder of NEXT isn't very good at working in front of the camera. And their "New Faces" agents are very understandable, even if the girls are late (as long as they call them).
9. This is an obvious one, but most of these girls are not from America and come from a lot of different cultures.
10. Because of the lack of drama or mad challenges, it's not as, let's say, edge-of-your-seat, as ANTM. It's more low key, but it shouldn't be totally counted against the show. I mean, we've been spoiled with like...8 cycles (it is 8 right?) of TYRA-TYRA-TYRA (fierce, girls, fierce!) ANTM.

Anyway, yes, I think I really like Petra now. The only thing is that she dated James Blunt who is sappy and has such a whiny voice.

Anyhow, I may be wrong about the last point since the episode coming up this week seems to have a little something-something going on. In the preview, the girls meet with a nutritionist and some of them are told they're too thin or too...un-thin for the industry. One of them cries (yes, one of them cries!)

Now, if you still do not have any idea what I'm talking about, here is a tiny summary. "A Model Life" is a modeling competition between 6 girls from around the world (well, excluding Asia) for a contract at NEXT Modeling Agency. There hasn't been too much publicity surrounding the show. It airs on TLC and is hosted by supermodel Petra Nemcova who also founded the Happy Hearts Fund, a children's charity. You can even fill out an online application to volunteer.



Let me introduce to you the contestants! The 6 girls are: Abigail (16) from the UK, Angelika from California, Beatrice (16) from Brazil, Lucia from Slovakia (18), Michelle (20) from Florida, and Valeria, a Russian girl from Australia. I can't quite accept the fact that some of these girls are younger than me! They look so mature and...tall. You know how they say first impressions are everything? Well, unless any of these girls are going to pull a Natasha (Russian girl I hated at first and gradually grew fond of, last ANTM) on me, my first impressions are going to stay the same.

Abigail seems like a very sweet, innocent, likable, good girl-- a bit self conscious. Michelle is a bit sweet and awkward, like a girl I would befriend in the 5th grade. But who knows...it's still early on in the competition. She's from a farm in the middle of nowhere and she loves horses. And she looks a little Jewish to me. Lucia and Valeria are my favorites. Lucia is very peppy, seems a little mischievous, and she's got a European doll-like look. Valeria seems like a very spunky, fun, - and funny- smart girl. Some say she looks like "the baby Petra"-- let's hope it won't turn out like the ANTM "Baby Tyra".

Now...my two least favorites: Beatrice and Angelika. I'm not too crazy about Beatrice...she seems a bit closed-off and maybe snooty/prone to argue? She didn't quite get along with the photographer in the season premiere. And she never says thank you to anybody. Maybe so far she's just lost in translation?

But she's definately not worse than Angelika, the Californian. Everything says I should like her; she's a vegan, she's socially conscious, she thinks modeling is superficial but she "wants to use her looks for good", she's gorgeous, and she looks like a younger, smoother Famke Janssen (who has done some work with PETA in the past). But...I don't, because she seems mean, hostile, gloomy, and acts like she knows more about the world than anyone else. She seems stubborn and the hardest to get along with (although she did really well with the photographer).

When all the girls moved into the apartment, she just went and claimed the biggest bed to herself while dismissing the rest of the girls who were deciding a fair way to split up the rooms (5 beds, 6 girls). Then she went to sulk in her room, busily texting on her Sidekick while the other girls were getting to know each other (and Lucia tried to attempt to talk to her but she wasn't too receptive) On camera, she pretty much actually said that the people in the modeling industry sucked and the whole system sucked and she said they should go f*** themselves. She's depressing to watch and acts like her beauty is such a pain to her. There's a difference between being humble and downright annoying. Angelika says she wants to use her looks for good, but she comes off as a misanthrope who hates everybody and can't get along with anyone. Her Q & A on the TLC website is a bit one-sided and very snooty. More Q than A. Especially when compared to the other girls':

"2. What are the top 5 things you couldn't live without?

Air
Water
Food
My brain
My body

3. What are the top 5 modeling secrets you learned while filming the show?

How to be "fresh and dewy," how to walk and... thats about it. I knew everything else.

4. What is your favorite movie?

I have many favorite movies. Jackass is a classic.

5. What kind of music do you like most?

Good music.

6. What do your future plans hold?

Many goals being accomplished." [tlc.com]

Self-explanatory. Anyway, she's just kind of mean, acts like she doesn't respect anyone, and she seems like she'd make you feel really bad about yourself. Valeria's Q & A is a lot more interesting:

"1. What are the 5 things every woman should know about being beautiful from the inside out?

Treat others the way you would like to be treated
Neverlaugh at other people
Don't wear too much make up
Always get enough
sleep
Smile

2. What are the top 5 things you couldn't live without?

My family
My boyfriend
Herbal tea
Warm weather
Cherries

3. What are the top 5 modeling secrets you learned while filming the show?

Always be on time
Always have a pair of heels with you whengoing to a casting
Be polite
Learn your subway map by heart
Be open minded"

Another difference between ANTM and A Model Life is that if in ANTM you don't seem that crazy passionate about modeling it is a surefire MISTAKE. The judges then say, "It doesn't seem like you want it enough, etc etc" and even if they really do but don't show it that much, they're penalized. Every girl in ANTM has to go, "MODELING IS MY PASSION I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE I WOULD DO." Whereas Petra sits down and asks them their passions and Beatrice is "Family, family, family", Abigail is, "I love music! I play several instruments", and Valeria says, "Languages are my passion!" Who knows what would happen if they were on ANTM.

Regarding their actual modeling abilities (well, I was getting there eventually!), Abigail kind of only has one look, and she's not as edgy when it comes to UK models and Beatrice doesn't quite know what to do with her body and doesn't really listen. And I don't really like her look either. Valeria was tapped on the hand too during the model shoot. The rest of them pretty much rocked (including Lucia, my Slovakian favorite, yayyy!)

Anyhow, A Model Life is at times quite humorous and it shows more of, and is closer to, what probably really goes on in the industry. It's a bit low key, bland so far. It was kind of disappointing when, on their first day, they met Petra at the firehouse posing with a bunch of firefighters and then you thought this was going to be some sort of challenge with male firefighters and then...no. It's not a bad watch and it could get better!

For more information, here's an interview with Petra regarding her show and what also sets it apart from the other TV shows: http://television.aol.com/tv-celebrity-interviews/petra-nemcova

PS. Their page on TLC.com has a puzzle with Petra Nemcova's face on it, is that weird or what?

http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/a-model-life/puzzles/puzzles.html

If anyone else has watched it, feel free to discuss <3

PR and Stella

I'm back!

Well, kind of. At least for now. Or rather for today.

So just to get off to a start again--

Project Runway! I know the finale's tonight! On the east coast you've all probably already watched it. On the west coast the episode is just finishing up right now. But I sacrificed my finale time so that I could talk with you precious people. [those of you that are still left anyway-- sorry about the 1 month + absence] Basically, all I have to say I really don't know who's going to win anymore. I thought it would be Michael. Really. But then I saw that his work was kind of...slackening off during the last few episodes-- at least, the judges weren't too pleased with him as they normally were. And then I saw a glimpse of the season finale part 1 and those dresses Laura made were quite cute! And of course- though I have extreme distaste for Jeffrey (I don't abhor him like I used to though after seeing him talk about his extreme love for his family), his work is amazing as well. And Uli of course would most definitely put on a strong show. I can't...relate to Uli's dresses though- I mean, yes they're pretty and unique but...hm I can't put my finger on it.

Anyway, I was reading Confucius's The Analects for my class and this quote reminded me of Jeffrey Sebella:

"Even if one had talents as attractive as the Duke of Zhou, supposing one were also arrogant and mean, the rest of one's qualities would simply not be worthy of notice."

Now I don't know who the Duke of Zhou is, but the quote is self-explainable.

Also, I'm so excited about these sneakers I bought over fall break! They are the first footwear I have gotten since this summer in Las Vegas (I wish I had time to write about it!) which were these black canvas BCBG MazAzria Keds. I'm not really...a Keds person. But they were very cute. And $20 since they were on sale. I love how therapeutic buying a piece of clothing, an accessory, or a pair of shoes can be. In Vegas, I was sort of moody one night and my mom was like, "Stop it or else I'm going to take away those shoes." And I was so attached that I went, "NooOoOooo" since they had made me so happy. God that sounds really weird now that I've typed it out. I have emotional attachments to material things. Bad Gloria. Bad. It just cheers me up so much...

But anyway, the sneakers I got over fall break:







!!!!!!! I can't believe I actually found them after like 2 years after Stella's Adidas line first launched. I kept waiting for them to drop from their super-intimidating $165. I know they're tennis shoes. I mean, they say "stella <3's tennis

"Few, if any, survive their teens. Most surrender to the vague but murderous pressure of adult conformity. It becomes easier to die and avoid conflicts than to maintain a constant battle with the superior forces of maturity" -- Maya Angelou


Btw, check out http://www.fauxrocksfashionshow.com.

It's to be the first cruelty-free fashion show in Vegas! Warms my heart.

Labor-Intensive Commentary on the Latest Project Runway

Alright! So I just finished watching Episode 3 of Project Runway so I'm straight off my Project Runway high! We actually don't have access to Bravo in our little house so I've been catching reruns on NBC or parts on YouTube.

Anyone else watch Project Runway? If so, then read on! But don't read past this part if you didn't watch the latest episode yet because there are *SPOILERS*

On the second episode I have to say I was really sorry to see Malan leave! He just seemed so genuine and I really sympathized with him- that part about his mom just throwing down his drawings and his will to prove her wrong was just so... I don't know, but it made Malan very real to me. I do have to say that the dress kind of skewed off the path.

[screenshot from bravotv.com]





The other thing worth commenting on is Keith. Wow. [yes. he kind of looks like a scrawny jude law] Keith kind of...comes across as an arrogant jackass. I'm not too big a fan of jackasses. [who is?] But he is just an amazing designer. As displayed in the most recent episode~ it's not like he's cold-hearted; he tried to help Bradley get moving along to get his outfit completed.

[screenshot from bravotv.com]





Oh God! And anyone remember the Tara Conner sort-of-groping thing going on there during the consulting about the pageant dress? I think he was the only person to physically grab her. And at first I was like, "Well maybe he's really just trying to show her how fitted the dress is." But right after he got on this really creepy spiel with this really intent stare:

Keith: [starts grabbing around] Totally fitted here. Fitted fitted fitted. Totally fitted, even in here.
Tara: Okayy.
Keith: I want to see your legs.
Tara: [pause]
Keith: I think your legs are SO important. They're Gorrrgeous.

You can actually view this segment right here. It's near the end of the clip- in the last minute.

Moving along- the latest challenge was for the designers to make an outfit for their model based on the "latest and hottest accessory"- the dog. I have to say I really enjoyed this episode! The puppies really carried personas all their own onto the show.

Puppy Moments:

1. Tim Gunn's face with all those little doggies scuttering around when he came over the little hill in Central Park.
2. Alison describing her dog exchange with Bradley. ["Bradley was like, what am I going to do with a poodle?"]
3. When the camera zoomed in on Laura's dog's face [she wasn't crazy about getting a dog] and said, "I actually didn't pick my dog. It was the last one left." It induced an, "Aww..." in me.
4. When Vincent's dog, "Lil' A," kept rubbing his head sideways onto the runway like an out of control lawnmower trying to get off his hat. Adorable and hilarious! I watched that part like three times. Vincent's story for his outfit however, eluded me- his dog's outfit was ten times more interesting.
5. When Jeffrey's dog fell to the side and started vibrating against the runway. Too funny. [he was actually tripping on the sleeves]
6. All the designer's proud faces [even Laura's]- commenting on their puppy models as they were strutting down the runway.

Uli won and Katherine was out. I was kind of dissapointed. I really liked Katherine. Yeah so her dress was more basic- but it was very casual which fit in line with her character's story. It sucks she didn't have enough time to add a hoodie like her dog's to her model like Tim Gunn suggested because I think that would've really saved her.

On Angela- Though I'm not crazy about Angela, I feel a bit bad for her since so far- because of her impression from the second episode with the whole Vincent-Angela-not-good-at-being-partners thing. I felt sorry because maybe some type of people don't work well with other type of people and maybe that's it. Unfortunately, first impressions are everything. But, as the judges put it, she also has questionable taste- black boots with bright gaudy puffy shirts and pinstriped stockings. It seems like the only thing she wears, that's all. I question her own taste myself. She doesn't pull off her outfits as well as she'd like to.

[screenshot and bravotv.com]





Now- Bradley. This is what Tim Gunn has to say about Bradley:

"Bradley’s dog, Stanley, was my personal favorite, because he was so emotional and needy -- you just wanted to give him a big, soothing hug. Frankly, I felt similarly about Bradley, because he was so disabled by this challenge. He had two fabrics: aubergine wool and honey gold silk... The top was a construction disaster. It looked as though he had sewn it with his feet. And the fraying at every seam and hem was horrifying. Prior to this disaster, he had another design, but he abandoned it; a likely consequence when you perpetually second-guess yourself. A mere hour before the judging, I thought he would forfeit, a Project Runway first, but he pulled himself -- and the top -- together." [bravotv.com]

Now that you know what happened with Bradley that episode [plus it was his birthday on elimination day] I have to say I really love Bradley. He's my favorite designer- personality wise (along with Alison). Plus the aubergine and honey gold went beautifully [I love that color combo and had been thinking about going with those colors for the prom Sr. Yr but thought it was just too rich and royal-y for a prom] Just like Tim Gunn says, Bradley looks kind of disabled and he acts like sort of weird sometimes and acts like he's in a dreamworld. When he keeps scratching his head and looking confused you can't help but sympathize and want to go hug him.

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time since I really didn't know what was going to happen with Bradley with Tim Gunn questioning the construction of the top. I was pulling for him and then all of a sudden when the judges just completely lauded his design it was an even bigger surprise and made you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Speaking of Project Runway, here's an old bit of news on Jay McCarroll [Season 1 Winner]- he and HSUS are partnering up for HSUS's Fur-free Campaign at NY Spring Fashion Week. Eek! So wish I could be there. This is his first, long awaited collection and it's so nice that he believes in HSUS's cause. Sometimes you can't help but think not enough people care and then pops up someone like Jay.

From hsus.org:

"I'm thrilled to work with The HSUS because I care about animals and love making
great clothes that don't cause animals to suffer," McCarroll said. "With so many
fun and fashionable alternatives, there's no reason to use fur. As a designer, I
know that compassion is in fashion, and the animals need their fur more than I
do."

You can read the article here. Take a few minutes to read it. It's definitely worth the time.

My favorite outfit of the entire season so far is still Robert Best's from the first episode. (and don't get me started on the red ribbons in the back!)

[screenshot from bravotv.com]

Late in the Game: Haute Couture (Post #2)

I give you the second installation of the HC coverage. All photos are from elle.com

Eymeric Francois- Very alien goth-looking models. It's too early for Halloween.




Felipe Oliveira Baptista- Just reminded me of Balenciaga with the bold hats and the simple poofy structured items. I'd be kind of uncomfortable in a bottom with bony hips though. Thought some of the looks were cute.




Frank Sorbier- My OVERALL impression was: a creepy circus land where kids under 10 might cry their eyes out.




Armani- First otufit- A bit hypnotizing- personally, not too crazy about the pattern- but I liked the cuts and silouhettes. Didn't like the fur obviously, or the icky growths on the head. The look of the last outfit was nice, except for the paging the motherland part.





Givenchy- Lots of brown, gray, earth/clay colors. Kind of scary in the beginning. Nuff said.




Some Better Looks [including the infamous egg]




Some Omfg What Were They Thinking Looks.



Fur definitely...looked better on the animal that it was meant for than the model it wasn't. And imagine if it was on anyone else? It's hideous. You cannot justify those outfits as being worth lives.

Jean Paul Gaultier- For the most part: nice, interesting pieces. [PS. nice/interesting ones are not shown below] Way too much fur though. I mean- trying to get away with fur skirts? Also in this edition- the stars are tacky and the gorilla arms strike again. Oh, and that fox piece is just ow. Ow. That's torture. It looks like the chain goes in the nose and out through the anus. I mean, really! Poor fellow...





On Aura Tout Vu- Too many balls. Too many puns. Won't bother. You are welcome to think of your own.




I'm sure there's more to the ball than meets the eye...

Valentino- Always very elegant and timeless, and much more practical than any of the other collections. The right mix of everything. Even the inclusion of an eggy coat. The light broad stripes across the pantyhouse are terribly confusing though.






And today I bring to you this.

Check out the sidebar links if you would.

Peace out. <3

PS. So many good sales lately! Esp. Saks, Lord & Taylor's, and Loehmann's (40% off clearance, 20% off just reduced/new arrivals). I scored some lavender blue cords from Seven for $14. [OK, so it was missing a button- but I sewed on my own so no big]

Late in the Game: Haute Couture (Post #1)

It's a bit late in the game but I just thought since I looked over all the HC collections anyway, I might as well post about them. I'm no expert on Haute Couture so most of what I say will just be the impressions the collections had on me- mostly what I liked and disliked. I'm doing 8 collections today and 8 at the end of the week.

(all photos from elle.com)

Adeline Andre- blah. I just liked the yellow of the coat. The line is really for matronly women but still...if you're old it doesn't mean you should have to dress boring. My mom's middle aged and I pushed and bought (well we split the money) a bright blue Beth Bowley trench for her.




Anne Valerie Hash- I thought outfits were interesting and unique. Balloon-ish shorts no good for large hips though, no? All in all, I really liked the collection. Quite pretty, nice washed-out pale color combos. Lots of "misplaced" ruffles and structural bits.





Carven- A few pieces were alright (as in 5). I really really don't like dark pantyhose with white pants though. Or pantyhose with cut-off pants in general. I especially didn't like the cranberry purple sad piece of fur. Interesting dress; looks very flaky and delicate like snowflakes.





Chanel- I don't know what to say. The first outfit on the runway was cute. The rest of the suits (@ www.elle.com) looked uncomfortable. And the jean boot leggings- what was he thinking? It's something I would expect to fit right in a Guess ad.



This looks like what a modern xena would wear:



Monstrosities



Christian Dior- It was kind of frightening. I know no one wears the haute couture clothes as they're shown on the runway- but it's still very scary and has the look of something utterly horrible and unappreciable.You kind of forget what real beauty is when you look at the collection. And then you start to wonder why all the head designers are all short men. (nothing against short men)

A Few Looks [The cream dress was the only one I even minutely liked]





Spare Me. Please. So Grotesque.



Christian Lacroix- My FAVORITE. There were definitely rough bumps- but my favorite collection by far. They were truly art and appealing to the eye.

Rough bumps- ew...I know that on the Vogue cover with Kate Hudson- it said broad shoulders are in. But please...Ew...it's just...so gorilla-like and disgusting and I feel so bad for that animal.



Favorites- I Loved all the colors combinations. And the purple tights.





Dominique Sirop- Nothing earth-shattering; wasn't crazy about it. [1st one- looks like someone ran over it with train tracks, 2nd one- did like]



Elie Saab- It was a nice collection. 2nd dress- I like how the black and the sheen of the blue velvet-looking material complement her skin.



Looking at haute couture collections really convolutes my mind and messes up my perspective of what a real good piece is- because you tend to think- well, these designers are the experts here so maybe I'm missing something when I really think a piece is dead-on ugly.

Regarding the fur pieces, it's just sad that millions of lives die in grotesque ways for silly reasons like clothing.

Sorry, but I have to show this (since it relates to this post)-





...because I didn't say anything about it last post.

Anyway, next 8 collections- end of the week. <3