Why do the models fall on the runway?

Happy October everyone. Glad to see you in this month. Well, as you have read the title above, I will explain you why and when do the models fall. Not Fall and winter Seasons. But Falling on the runway.

Here are some reasons:

1. They lose their balance
2. runway surfaces are dangerously slippery or feature risky obstacles purposely placed there for the models to avoid or walk on.
3. Dresses too long have caused a few to stumble and hit the floor.
4. The exceptionally high stilettoes they are required to wear by designers for their shows. According to fashion model Allison Bryant, former instructor at Barbizon Modeling and Acting School of Atlanta, “Models are finding it especially difficult to wear heels that are above 4 inches. These stilettos are so high that they are constantly compromising the models’ coordination, causing several to fall and injure themselves”

It is time to see safety changes in the fashion industry. The most important issue is for designers to provide uncompromising safety conditions specific to each model’s performance. Models are more important than money or the designs they wear combined.

Many designers are sensitive to these concerns and do their very best to reduce potential accidents encountered on catwalks. However, some are not and place their models in dangerous situations just to sell the clothes.

It is important that models continue standing up for themselves and join together to say no to unhealthy working conditions and treacherous footwear.

SHOULD WE LAUGH WHEN MODELS FALL?

Should you laugh when a model becomes road kill on the runway? Um, YES! Why? Because it’s hilarious. The collective gasp of all the I-live-for-fashion types in the audience, the stunned look on the model’s face that screams, “My life is over,” as her tailbone makes contact with the floor—unless something’s broken, these things are pure comedy.

 Here’s how I see it. Runway model make buckets of money and there’s only one thing they have to do—stay upright while they walk for the 10 minutes of a fashion show. When they can’t do that right, it’s amusing. Sure, as Erin mentioned, their heels are never the right size and runways are slippery, but designers could easily change those things if they wanted to make sure slippage wasn’t a possibility. Instead, the fashion world intentionally makes walking a challenge, fetishizing the idea that it’s SO HARD to be a model. But that’s a whole ‘nother rant.

Basically, if designers and the models themselves didn’t take the whole thing so darned seriously, it wouldn’t be nearly as chuckle-worthy. So, some advice for the next model who slips and falls mid-strut: stand up, take a bow, and laugh it off yourself.

xoxo

meet Robert Best, Principal Designer for Barbie Collector

the handsome Mr. Best

Barbie is 50 and fabulous! But don’t take our word for it. Ask Robert Best, instead. He is the Principal Designer for Barbie Collector. On Friday, June 10, 2009, Mr. Best agreed to speak with us at the Barbie doll’s 50th Anniversary Convention held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC from July 7, 2009 to July 11, 2009. 

Q: Hello.It’s a pleasure to speak with you Mr. Best, Principal Designer for Barbie Collector. So how long have you been in that position?

Robert: HI! I have been working at Mattel for 15 years now. Who knew?

Q: So what does a Principal Designer for Barbie Collector do?

Robert: As Principle Designer for Barbie you are responsible for everything. It’s a very head to toe kind of job. I am responsible for the look, which includes the style of hair, make up and of course all of the accessories, the shoes, the jewelry, and everything the doll is going to be wearing. I also oversee the packaging. So I am really like an Art Director in a lot of ways because I have to handle the entire look.

Q: That is amazing because Barbie has really changed over the years. Who is the 2009 Barbie?

Robert: The 2009 Barbie is a very active, healthy girl of today. I think she's very plugged in to everything that is going on, including trends and fashions that you see on the runway. Barbie is very relevant and is always current. Barbie is very much a reflection of the popular culture that surrounds her.

One of his collections

Q: We love Barbie and we love her new blog, website and her Twitter updates. She’s fabulous! http://barbiestyle.barbie.com/

Robert: Barbie is absolutely plugged in.

Q: Please describe the beautiful gown that you designed to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Barbie!

Robert: The gown is called Generations of Dreams and it was inspired by the doll of the same name. The gown features a collage of different images of Barbie throughout the years, from her very first 1959 swimsuit up to today. Everyone has a Barbie story and everyone remembers the doll of their generation. Hence the name: “Generation of Dreams.” The [Generations of Dreams] gown is a fun couture take on a wacky idea.

Q: How long did it take to create?

Robert: The gown itself took…it feels like years. But it probably took a few weeks. We had a team in New York sewing and creating the first pattern. We had people in LA doing the beading. It was shipped to Australia. Then it was shipped back to the US. It will be traveling all over the country. The gown is better traveled than i am actually. Lol.

Q: WOW! It’s been a pleasure. Thank you so much for speaking with us.

Robert: It’s been a pleasure.

A few fun facts about the Generations of Dream Gown on display at the Convention:

Eight experts from New York to Los Angeles used 15 yards of pink duchesse satin and silk organza to create the life-size gown. The bodice and skirt are adorned with 50 patchwork prints representing over 50 years of Barbie artwork. Each patch is outlined in countless iridescent sequins, shimmery Swarovski crystals and beautiful delicate trim!

Some of Mr.Best's Sketches for Barbie:

When Doll becomes a Legend

Did you know the original Barbie was named for a real young lady from California named Barbara Handler? It's true! Barbie, the teen fashion doll that debuted in 1959 was created by Barbara's mom, Ruth Handler, who named the doll after her daughter and the rest is doll history.

The First Ever Barbie

It all started in the late 1950s, when Ruth Handler noticed that her young daughter, Barbara, and her friends really liked to play with adult dolls rather than the common baby dolls that were common at the time. These adult dolls weren't three-dimensional, they were all made out of cardboard or paper, so Ruth began to design a three-dimensional adult doll that would make her daughter and her friends happy.

Handler and her husband Elliot had created the Mattel Toy Company in their garage, but by the late 50s it had grown to include a group of ad executives who quickly vetoed Ruth's initial idea and design. They thought the doll would be too expensive to produce and had little long-term appeal. Now we know how wrong they were!

Undaunted, Ruth continued with her idea. She traveled to Europe and when she returned she brought a German doll named "Lilli" with her. Redesigned, Lilli became Barbie, and Ruth continued to pester the Mattel executives until they agreed to produce the doll. The original patent date is 1958. Ruth even hired a fashion designer, Charlotte Johnson, to create a fashionable wardrobe for the doll.

Barbie, with her distinctive blonde ponytail and black and white striped stretch bathing suit made her debut at the 1959 American Toy Fair in New York City, and took the toy world by storm. The dolls literally flew off the shelves. Mattel set a toy selling record the first year Barbie debuted, selling 351, 000 dolls the first year. In ten short years, parents would spend $500 million on Barbie products for their clamoring youngsters.

Skipper. Barbie's best friend :)

Barbie was the first fashion doll, and she spawned many spin-offs, but she and her "family" of dolls are simply the most popular in history. Barbie gets at least 100 new clothing designs every year, and because they produce so many Barbie outfits each year, Mattel has become the biggest garment manufacturer in the world.

Today, Barbie has come a long way from that fashion doll who debuted in 1959. She has sisters, a boyfriend, and represents nearly 100 different nationalities. However, collectors prize the original Barbie and her 50s wardrobe above all else. Barbie and her clothing are one of the most popular collectibles in the world today, and a mint-condition original Barbie can sell as high as $10,000. So, check the attic, the basement, and the storage boxes for your old Barbie treasures. They could be more valuable than you think, and even if they aren't, they'll bring back lots of fond fashion memories!

Some Barbie Trivia:

• The first Barbie cost $3.
• Today, more than 1 billion Barbie's have been sold
• The Ken doll was named for Ruth and Elliot Handler's son
• At first, Barbie was a teenaged fashion model, but she's had over 80 careers since then, from astronaut to a medic in Desert Storm.
• Barbie's full name is "Barbie Millicent Roberts."
• Barbie didn't have a belly button until 2000.
• Two Barbies are sold every second around the world.
• There's an official Barbie collectors site at: http://www.barbiecollector.com/

Simple lines into Lines.

 Today I’ll introduce you into the world of a very talented fashion illustrator: Judith Van Den Hoek whose artwork brought my attention with its simplicity and its precise and delicate details. Although most of her drawings are sketched, using cutting edge artistic techniques, and drawing her inspiration from the world around her, these illustrators give us visions of her perfect muse. 

FRED BUTLER S/S 2012 COLLECTION

Fred Butler’s last collection for S/S 2012 shows her iconoclastic approach to accessories and signature psychedelic use of color. Inspired by a vivid Technicolor palette,  extraordinary forms and fluid movements of certain aquatic creatures Fred juxtaposed the most magnificent show pieces with the first true commercial line. This season you can see the designer’s collaboration with artistRosy Nicholas realized through the shoes for the collection and models are seen wearing neoprene playsuits taken from a design sourced from Fred Butler’s degree collection.

Vivienne Westwood Launches Ethical Africa Collection

Vivienne Westwood is an icon in fashion for so many reasons. Her brilliant designs, great personality, fabulous bright orange hair and dedication to important causes have made her one of the world's most loved designers. Vivienne has now teamed up with Yoox.com and the United Nations Agency, the International Trade Centre, to create a project that hopes to "use fashion as a vehicle out of poverty."

The Vivienne Westwood Ethical Africa A/W handbag collection is filled with colourful designs, all made by women living in marginalized communities in Africa. The Ethical Fashion Programme has helped over 7,000 women already, and the income communities make from the project means they no longer have to rely on their environment by cutting down trees to make charcoal to sell. 

Designs from the Vivienne Westwood Ethical Africa collection. Prices start at £30 and all pieces are made from recycled materials

"What I do, making bags, can make a difference," Vivienne Westwood says. "This project gives people control over their lives - charity doesn’t give control, it does the opposite, it makes them dependant. These people have more control over their lives and can therefore choose not to exploit the environment because they have an alternative way of making money"

The collection is now available at viviennewestwood.com and yoox.com. 

Do you like the look of Vivienne Westwood's Ethical Africa collection?

Do You Prefer Prada or Miu Miu Resort 2012?

Prada and Miu Miu resort 2012 collections | images style.com and fashionologie.com

Someone should really think about making a t-shirt that reads "Miuccia Prada is da bomb" because she has, yet again, created two totally lust-worthy collections in the same season. You know I have serious affection for Miu Miu (it was my favourite show this A/W, just so you know) but for Resort 2012 I think I'm going to have to cheat on Miu Miu with Prada. Miu Miu is, of course, girlish, kooky and playful for Resort; but Prada's colourful ladylike classics have got me hooked. I love everything, from the cropped floral jeans to the buttoned-up cardigans. And the lip-print handbags? They've instantly become my latest obsession. I need one!

Are you a fan of the Prada and Miu Miu Resort 2012 collections? Which pieces stand-out to you? And, tricky question, but do you have a favourite?

H&M and versace collaboration!!

This morning the news finally broke that the next designer collection at H&M will be by Versace. I think this is a great choice. There's sure to be an amazing selection of statement-making slit-to-the-thigh evening dresses and flirty minis, but I hope H&M and Versace also create some printed pieces. I love all of the vintage Versace prints from the Gianni days. The collection will hit 300 stores on November 17th.

Amber Valletta for Versace Spring 1996, photographed by Richard Avedon | image TFS

And I may be thinking a little far ahead right now, but I'm already super excited to see the ad campaign that will accompany this collection. H&M will be missing a trick if they don't re-create some of the fun and humour found in the infamous Versace ads from the 1990's. No one used the supermodels like Versace did, that's for sure. 

What are your thoughts on Versace and H&M's partnership? Excited about the collection?

UPDATE: Hooray! Donatella says "Of course there are going to be prints, of course there's going to be leather and of course there are going to be studs." Watch her video HERE.

Jordan Dunn

Jourdan Dunn wearing Burberry A/W 2011 at the Burberry Beijing event this week | image Burberry

Jordan Dunn is one of my favourites. She's great in editorials (have you seen "The Life Rhapsodic" yet?) and is one of the few models that - for me, at least - creates a real buzz when she walks the runway. This week the British model caught my eye as she attended Burberry's largest ever event, which celebrated the opening of the new Burberry Beijing store. In true Burberry fashion it was live streamed, and you can still check it out on Disneyrollergirl. Jourdan rocked up in a orange mini from the A/W collection. Like all great models she looks like she made no effort, but is still achingly gorgeous. Very worthy of a girl crush...

The Dress of the Season: The Marc by Marc Jacobs "Bella" Stripe Dress

Sometimes you get a dress that just sums up the season. For spring/summer 2011 that dress has to be the Marc by Marc Jacobs nautical 'Bella" stripe dress, which appeared on the New York runway.


This dress hasn't been a celebrity favourite. I'm sure someone famous has worn it this spring, but its allure has nothing to do with A-list connections - making its "It' status all the more impressive. Last summer's hot item, the J Brand Houlihan, was papped multiple times before it became the piece to be seen in.

So why is the Marc by Marc dress so special? Stripes are having a moment this season, so that helps. And mixing yellow (which is a colour most women avoid) with a flattering navy and cream makes it appear more wearable. The pleats also allow you to style it differently (Vogue used a petticoat to make the Bella more balloon-like) and beyond everything else it just has that special something. It's a dress with major pizazz.

Since hitting the runway, the "Bella" dress has appeared in a growing number of glossy publications - my favourite being Tim Walker's shoot [above] for April UK Vogue - and has been recreated on the high street. The Dana stripe culotte from Whistles has a definite Marc by Marc vibe, without being too copy-cat, and ASOS's pleated trapeze dress always reminds me of the "Bella".

Are you a big fan of the Marc by Marc Jacobs "Bella" dress? How would you wear the dress?

Backstage at Lanvin's A/W 2011 Show

Towards the end of fashion month I always get totally behind on blogging, and the Milan and Paris collections always end up getting less coverage. It's for this reason that, in April, I still haven't blogged about the Lanvin A/W 2011 collection.
But I've just been emailed this gorgeous selection of backstage images from the fall show, which took place in the Jardin des Tuileries, back in March. I never dislike a thing that Alber Elbaz designs, and the Lanvin collection was one of my favourites this season. I was particularly taken with the wide-brimmed hats, which worn with braided hair reminded me of Hailee Steinfeld in True Grit. Always a good look.

I'm sure you're all aware that Alber Elbaz's name keeps popping up in the discussions about who will replace Gallaino at Dior. Personally I think he is the most 'Dior' of all the designers being named (there are also rumours about Sarah Burton, Riccardo Tisci, Prabal Gurung and Tom Ford) but I'd be devastated if he left Lanvin. Let's hope that the fashion gods (aka LVMH bosses) prevent it from happening.

Was the Lanvin A/W collection one of your favourites too? And what are you thoughts on the Alber for Dior rumours?

Lady Gaga Covers Harper's Bazaar

 After landing the cover of the March issue of US Vogue, Lady Gaga now appears on the May cover of US Harper's Bazaar. Shockingly the cover is rather normal (for Gaga) and she's even modelling a Versace dress. Who would have thought we'd see Gaga in Versace? But I like her Terry Richardson editorial more than the cover.

The gothic all-black looks, by Tex Saverio and Thierry Mugler, that Gaga posed in are my favourites. It's Morticia Addams with a bubblegum twist. Because although I'm not a very big Gaga fan I'm totally crushing on her pink hair/wig.

To see more of Gaga in Harper's Bazaar, and to read her interview visit Harpersbazaar.com.

What are your thoughts on Lady Gaga's Harper's cover? Do you prefer it to her US Vogue debut?

Sasha, Joan and Daria for Vogue Paris

This week it feels like I haven't left my laptop's side, and after a heavy week of posting (this January I broke my record for most posts in one month) I'm out of energy and inspiration. So before I start posting about the March 2011 covers, which are already starting to pop up online, I wanted to post three of my favourite shots from this amazing Vogue Paris editorial. The massive 65 page shoot is in the February issue, which is Carine's second-to-last as editor-in-cheif. Sasha, Joan and Daria sure know how to work it for Mario Sorrenti's camera.

Editorial: "Et Vogue l'ete 2011"

Photographer: Mario Sorrenti

Stylists: Carine Roitfeld, Emmanuelle Alt and Jane How

Are you loving these shots too? Which of the three models is your favourite?

Would You Rather?

This week I've really struggled to find any inspiration and quite honestly I've been lacking any real enthusiasm to blog. Next week will be better. But I thought this rather slow week for fashion news would be a good time to bring back one of the post popular posts: would you rather?
The rules are simple; you chose one of the two options. You can’t say neither, and you certainly can't have both. The choice is hard to so make it wisely...

Now it's your turn. Leave your selection in the comments section.

Florence Welch in US Vogue's April Issue

Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine has well and truly made it in America. Recently she's been rocking pretty much every red carpet stateside, she made an appearance in Gossip Girl and has now been photographed by Tim Walker for the April issue of US Vogue. Not bad going. And she looks beautiful, no?

It's also worth noting that Florence is pretty friendly with Anna Wintour's favourite girl, Blake Lively. I love the story of how Blake Lively got invited to the couture shows last summer. If you missed it, it goes like this:

"I was speaking with Anna Wintour and we were just talking about different fashion houses and I said, 'I love Chanel,' and she said, 'You should come with me to the show.' I also said I loved Dior. She said 'OK, well I'll take you to the Chanel and Dior shows and we'll meet with Karl and John [Galliano] afterwards.' Insane!"

Obviously Florence deserves the Vogue appearance anyway, but I wonder if Blake made a sneaky phone call to Anna Wintour's office. Something about how she loves Florence and the Machine, Tim Walker and peacock feathers...

Do you like Florence Welch's US Vogue photo?

This is TIESTO's profile

We all know who is DJ tiesto. now let us find out more about him.

he born in January 17, 1969) is a Dutch musician, DJ and record producer of electronic dance music. Although he has used many aliases in the past, he is best known for his work as DJ Tiesto. On his latest productions, however, he has dropped the "DJ" label and is now known simply as "Tiësto", an alias which is a twist of his childhood nickname.

In 1997 (hey, its my birth year :D), he founded the label Black Hole Recordings with Arny Bink, where he released the Magik and In Search of Sunrise CD series. In 1999 and 2000 he collaborated with Ferry Corsten to create Gouryella. His 2000 remix of Delerium's "Silence" featuring Sarah McLachlan exposed him to more mainstream audiences. In 2001, he released his first solo album In My Memory which gave him several major hits that launched his career. He was named "World’s No.1 DJ" 3 consecutive times by DJ Magazine from 2002 through 2004.

Just after releasing his second studio album Just Be in 2004 at the Summer Olympics, he performed live at the opening ceremony in Athens, Greece, becoming the first DJ to play live on stage at an Olympics. Tracks he made especially for the Olympics were mixed together and released as the mix compilation Parade of the Athletes later that year. In April 2007 Tiësto launched both his radio show Tiësto's Club Life on Radio 538 in the Netherlands and released his third studio album titled Elements of Life. The album reached number one on the Dutch album chart as well on "Billboard Top Electronic Albums" in the U.S. and received a nomination for a Grammy Award in 2008. Tiësto released his fourth studio album called Kaleidoscope in October 2009.

now, it's the complete profile..

Tiësto
Tiësto performing in Winterworld at Palazzo in Bingen, Germany, on February 25, 2005.
Background information
Birth name	Tijs Michiel Verwest
Also known as	DJ Tiësto, Allure, Da Joker, Drumfire, Handover Circuit, Paradise In Dubs, Passenger, Roze, Steve Forte Rio, Stray Dog, Tom Ace, Wild Bunch
Born	January 17, 1969 (1969-01-17) (age 42) Breda, North Brabant, Netherlands
Genres	Electronic dance, trance, progressive trance,[1] electro house, house
Occupations	Musician, disc jockey, record producer
Years active	1994–present
Labels	Noculan (1994) Basic Beat (1994–1997) Lightning (1995–1996) XSV Music (1997) Black Hole (1997–2009) Ultra Records (2007-present) Musical Freedom (2009–present)
Associated acts	Current: Jedidja, Clear View, Taxigirl Former: Gouryella, Kamaya Painters (more)
Website	tiesto.com

Studio albums	In My Memory · Just Be · Elements of Life · Kaleidoscope · "TBA(2012)"
Other albums	Parade of the Athletes · Just Be: Remixed · Elements of Life: Remixed · Magikal Journey · Kaleidoscope: Remixed

now, we already know who is tiesto :D

Same Prada Dress, Two Covers: Who Wears it Better, Amanda Seyfried or Abbie Cornish?

Usually I don't like 'who wore it better?' features, but when I noticed that Amanda Seyfried and Abbie Cornish have both been photographed in the beautiful green-printed Prada S/S 2011 dress for magazine covers I became interested. Amanda was photographed by Matthias Vriens-McGrath for Marie Claire UK's April subscribers cover (she wears Chanel on the newsstand copy) and Abbie appears on the April 2011 edition of Harper's Bazaar Australia in the same dress.

Which one is the best?

My interest was mainly sparked because last year there was that hugely over-the-top 'scandal' when the same Miu Miu dress made a number of magazine covers - will this be a similar situation? I wouldn't be surprised if this dress lands even more covers. And then there is the small (and really rather insignificant) fact that both Amanda and Abbie have dated Ryan Phillippe. If Reese Witherspoon wears it too it will be quite the hattrick. Eva Mendes (who has no Ryan connection) has also worn this number. See, it's already getting quite confusing....

Who do you think wears the Prada dress best? And who do you think will be next?