NEW FACES Modeling and Acting Blog

Donatella Versace Wants Personality For Models To Be Super Again

2010-02-09T05:41:00.009-05:00

Donatella Versace is not a believer in the natural look. She thinks it's time models should be super again. But amidst the sea of faceless models today, the Italian fashion designer cries, "There is not enough ego!"

"Now is a bad moment. Now we need something. We need a special personality. We need to feed the egos of these girls. Somebody like Kristen who had a huge ego. Beautiful...," Donattela Versace says.

She misses the time when supermodels really become "supermodels" and recalls one occasion when her late brother Gianni Versace produced an autumn/winter show in 1991 that has become an era-defining moment in fashion.

"That moment when my brother put on the runway Christy, Linda, Cindy and Naomi together – they sang Freedom, and George Michael was in the audience – that was an iconic moment of fashion. That moment was when supermodels really became supermodels. It was the print girls' move to the runway, and that was something that felt new too – the print girls were not usually catwalk girls."

It was Donatella Versace who encouraged her brother to use attention-grabbing print girls for his show, contradicting the fashion industry's trend of staying away from notorious girls for fear that they might overshadow the clothes.

"It was a time when designers were afraid of models with fame. They were afraid that the clothes would be overtaken by the fame of the models. I said to Gianni, 'Do not be afraid like everybody else, because it is just stupid. Fame on fame means more fame! It does not take away anything; it adds.' It gave personality to the clothes, it gave things an edge that a runway show needs, otherwise it can be so borrring."

Being a hater of all things "borrring," Donatella Versace goes on to say that she does not like the neutral, pretentious look of models today.

"There is an idea of neutrality in models now. Little make-up, no expression, like a robot... That is very stupid. It is almost as if the models have to have the appearance of something serious, to give an intellectual base, but they themselves are rarely like that. And the roots of fashion are essentially fun. It is something that women wear to make themselves feel better, that shouldn't be forgotten. When you take the joy out of fashion, it is not fashion any more. If you are going to be very clever, too clever, be a scientist. I am not a scientist."

For Donatella Versace, what today's fashion models are lacking are personality. She remembers the time when the fashion industry was full of fun, crazy girls like the catfighting Linda Evangelista and Kristen McMemenamy, Amber Valetta, and the cigarette-puffing tiny girl - Kate Moss. These crazy girls have turned out to be iconic models.

"It was never about changing the girls, it was about defining who they were. I always respected the personality," Donnatella Versace explains.

"You should never be afraid in fashion. In this economic situation the worst thing you can be is afraid. You need to do something special, not safe."

The complete fashion manifest of Donnatella Versace is presented in the LOVE magazine's The Fashion Icons issue, out tomorrow.

15-Year-Old Lindsey Wixson For Miu Miu

2010-02-08T06:20:00.008-05:00

This is not a marionette. This is the 15-year-old girl from Wichita, Lindsey Wixson, who's currently fronting the spring 2010 campaign for Miu Miu.

Lindsey Wixson was only 12 years old when she decided to become a model and went to as many castings as she possibly could. Though supportive of her chosen career, her parents thought that it was just a phase she would eventually grow out. But the interesting doll-like features of this teenager was noticed by Steven Meisel. From a video that she posted on the web, she was hand-selected by the famous photographer for an Italian Vogue shoot. Shortly after, she bagged the highly coveted exclusives at Prada and Miu Miu for the Spring 2010 shows. Then she became the face of Miu Miu's spring 2010 campaign. At the young age of 15, this high school sophomore has finally made her childhood dreams come true.

In a short interview provided by W magazine, the teen model graciously shared her story:

What did your parents say when you told them you wanted to model?
"My mom was like, 'are you sure you want to do this?' She didn't know what was going on. Luckily, I had an older sister and so my parents were like, 'Teenagers go through phases and it's going to be okay.' They really have stood behind me the entire way."

So after doing a few smaller shows in New York; how did you open Prada?
"Well, I don't really know! I think it had a lot to do with the Italian Vogue buzz. I was very, very, very lucky."

What was it like meeting Miuccia?
"It was great — and intimidating. You see her accomplishments and see why where she's gotten to be where she is. She knows what she wants. I aspire to be like her."

How does it feel to be the face of Miu Miu?
"I was so excited. I mean, knowing that they don't normally have a one-girl campaign, I was just shocked. It was really nice because rather than being just one actress or one celebrity, it was just me! I really love the brand. I remember clearly seeing the Kirsten Dunst 2008 campaign in all the fashion magazines and how it was all about Miu Miu."

We heard that on the set of the W "Run of Show" story you asked for a bra when wearing a see through top. A lot of other models wouldn't have done that.
"I'm 15 and even though I freaked a little, I know for a fact that my mom would freak ten times as much. I just couldn't be flashing everyone out there."

How have the boys at school responded to your career?
"I think they're more interested. Before a lot of guys were intimidated, but now they're just like, 'Hey, how you doing?'"

Are you dating anyone right now?
"I'm not. I think it be really horrible since I'm always traveling. I would just have to up and leave for a month and then come back and be like, 'Hey! I had to kiss a boy in a shoot! I'm sorry! Haha!'"

A press release about the Miu Miu spring campaign calls Lindsey Wixson the "embodiment of a free-spirit on the cusp of womanhood." We say she's really very, very lucky. And yeah, those legs will totally go the distance!

Naomi Campbell's Fashion For Haiti Is Open To Public!

2010-02-05T06:12:00.005-05:00

Naomi Campbell continues her charity efforts through her fashion expertise. She now sets the stage for a series of fashion shows to benefit the victims of Haitian earthquake. Unlike typical runway shows, the event will be open to the public.

For the coming New York Fashion Week, Naomi Campbell will be participating with an entourage of famous celebrities and fashion designers at the Bryant Park Tents on February 12 at 7 p.m.

The show will feature looks that the supermodel has personally solicited from fashion designers to be worn by celebrities at the runway event. The dresses will then be auctioned to raise more funds on Net-a-Porter.com starting next month.

Not only will the upcoming fashion show in New York (and another one which will be staged in London) raise funds for Haitians, the event will also provide rare opportunity for the public to see the Bryant Park tents in person. Naomi Campbell adds:

"It's not your typical runway show. Having the public be in the audience is much more fun. They are the ones who are not usually allowed in the shows."

Naomi Campbell has been active with charity fashion shows since 2005 under the name Fashion for Relief. Her efforts have helped raise funds through auctions benefiting tragedies like Hurricane Katrina and the Mumbai terrorist attacks.

"It's the world that I am in. Fashion is what I know and what I have loved for 25 years. It's great that you are seeing actors coming together and singers coming together, but this is our way of coming together and giving a contribution."

For those who are interested to attend, tickets can be bought for $100 or $150 through Ticketmaster.com and will go on sale first to American Express cardholders today, February 5. The ticket sales alone are expected to raise $100,000 for the charities connected to Fashion for Relief.

Sandra Bullock Warns Meryl Streep: "I'm Gonna Take You Down"

2010-02-04T08:51:00.006-05:00

Both Sandra Bullock and Meryl Streep received the award for Best Actress at the recent Critics Choice Awards. They even shared a kiss to celebrate the winning.

Determined to rise up to Meryl Streep's level, 45-year-old Sandra Bullock says:

"With Meryl, when this whole thing started, I left her a voice mail going, 'You've got to watch your back. I'm gonna cut you. I'm gonna take you down. And then she sent me dead orchids and told me to die, so I sent her a case of liquor and told her to toast to white trash."

Apparently, Sandra Bullock's revelation to the Associated Press was just one of the elaborate cat-fights that she's been staging with Meryl Streep since the award season started.

The two just vowed Golden Globe Awards for their latest film projects. Sandra Bullock's performance in The Blind Side has been favored by award-giving bodies. Albeit widely regarded as one of the most talented and respected movie actors of the modern era, Meryl Streep has not won an Oscar's award for best actress since the 1980s film Sophie's Choice.

Now that they're both eyeing the best actress award at the Oscar's, lots of bitchiness may follow, all in good fun.

Weird Runway Hairs At Rome Fashion Week

2010-02-03T07:02:00.010-05:00

Rome Fashion Week featured runway models with hair sculptures yesterday at Lorenzo Riva fashion show.

The former Balenciaga designer paid homage to the 1970s heyday of actresses such as Monica Vitti with a collection that includes feminine skirt suits, gowns with big bows at the waist and lots of large, black-and-white patterns.

But the Lorenzo Riva fashion show was not memorable because of the dresses but because of the attention-grabbing runway hairs, which were actually hats.

One hair hat looked like a weeping willow tree:

Another hair hat was shaped like a flower pot:

Glamour supposed that these hair hats were meant as geometric artist statements that provide balance to the clothes.

For designer Lorenzo Riva, the hairstyles were just one element of his fashion show that calls for the return of elegance to Rome:

"Haute Couture must stay here. Now if only one 'big name' designer would return to Rome, the other Italian stylists would come home too."

Fashion Icons Love These Eight Naked Supermodels

2010-02-02T06:51:00.011-05:00

Love magazine puts eight naked supermodels on eight different covers of its third bi-annual edition. The "Fashion Icons" issue shows how different these supermodels' measurements are.

Standing naked on the covers in the same pose (legs wide apart and both arms raised to reveal the armpit), the eight supermodels are chosen because they "represent the ideal of beauty in fashion today."

The eight (8) supermodels who come in various sizes are:

1. Kate Moss
2. Daria Werbowy
3. Jeneil Williams
4. Amber Valletta
5. Natalia Vodianova
6. Naomi Campbell
7. Lara Stone
8. Kristen McMenamy

Love editor Katie Grand explains:

"For this issue of LOVE, we took eight women who are generally acknowledged as the most beautiful in the world, got them to show off their bodies - widely regarded as the most perfect in the world - and photographed them all in exactly the same position for the cover. We did this to show how much they differed physically from one another, which is why we also printed their measurements.

"The point is that 'perfection' is not fixed, timeless or transcendent. It varies, as the measurements of our cover girls show."

These eight ideal beauties may come in different sizes and colors, but note that they do not represent all women (no plus-sized, Hispanic, Asian or Middle Eastern). They all have great legs, they stand tall at a minimum height of 5'6.5", they are essentially flawless and yes, they are the "supermodels."

The eight Love covers are photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot and will go on sale in one week's time - Monday February 8 - priced £5.

Now which of these supermodels will make the highest profit for the magazine? That could hint us the most-sought-after beauty today, from the point of view of readers.

52nd Grammy Awards Cheer Taylor Swift And Beyonce

2010-02-01T07:57:00.007-05:00

Surprised as usual, Taylor Swift received her "Album of the Year" and three other Grammy trophies on Sunday. Diva as usual, Beyoncé reigned the night for making Grammy history with six awards.

Taylor Swift's Fearless album received the night's top prize as "Album of the Year." It also won "Best Country Album." Her song White Horse also won "Best Country Song" and "Best Female Country Vocal." Earlier during the show, she performed her song Today Was A Fairytale. "I did not see it coming tonight. This was a beautiful, beautiful surprise," she would tell reporters later.

Beyoncé made a historic night by winning the most awards by a female artist in one night. The Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) anthem was hailed as "Song of the Year" and gave the singer "Best Female R&B Vocal" and "Best R&B Song" wins. Her At Last song also won "Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance" while I Am... Sasha Fierce won "Best R&B Contemporary Album." After winning "Best Female Pop Vocal for Halo, Beyoncé commented "This has been such an amazing night for me and I'd love to thank the Grammy's."

Aside from various amazing performances, Andrea Bocelli and Mary J. Blige also sang a rousing rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of its big Grammy wins, the song lent its voice to Haiti. The performance would be available via iTunes with funds going to earthquake relief.

2010 Grammy Awards Winners Complete List:

Album of the Year: Fearless, Taylor Swift
Record of the Year: “Use Somebody,” Kings of Leon
Song of the Year: “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” Beyoncé
New Artist: Zac Brown Band

POP

Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: The Black Eyed Peas, “I Gotta Feeling”
Pop Vocal Album: The E.N.D., The Black Eyed Peas
Female Pop Vocal Performance: Beyoncé, “Halo”
Male Pop Vocal Performance: Jason Mraz, “Make It Mine”
Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Michael Bublé Meets Madison Square Garden, Michael Bublé
Pop Collaboration With Vocals: Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat, “Lucky”
Pop Instrumental Performance: Bela Fleck, “Throw Down Your Heart”
Pop Instrumental Album: Potato Hole, Booker T. Jones

R&B

Female R&B Vocal Performance: Beyoncé, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”
Male R&B Vocal Performance: Maxwell, “Pretty Wings”
R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Jamie Foxx and T-Pain, “Blame It”
Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: Beyoncé, “At Last”
R&B Song: “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” Beyoncé
R&B Album: Blacksummers’ Night, Maxwell
Contemporary R&B Album: I Am… Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé

RAP

Rap/Sung Collaboration: “Run This Town,” Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West
Rap Performance by a Duo or Group: “Crack a Bottle,” Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent
Rap Song: “Run This Town,” Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West
Rap Album: Relapse, Eminem
Rap Solo Performance: Jay-Z, “D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)”
Urban/Alternative Performance: India.Arie and Dobet Gnahore, “Pearls”

COUNTRY

Country Album: Fearless, Taylor Swift
Female Country Vocal Performance: Taylor Swift, “White Horse”
Male Country Vocal Performance: Keith Urban, “Sweet Thing”
Country Song: “White Horse,” Taylor Swift
Country Collaboration With Vocals: “I Told You So,” Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis
Country Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Lady Antebellum, “I Run to You”
Country Instrumental Performance: “Producer’s Medley,” Steve Wariner

ROCK

Rock Album: 21st Century Breakdown, Green Day
Solo Rock Vocal Performance: Bruce Springsteen, “Working on a Dream”
Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: Kings of Leon, “Use Somebody”
Rock Song: “Use Somebody,” Kings of Leon
Hard Rock Performance: AC/DC, “War Machine”
Metal Performance: Judas Priest, “Dissident Aggressor”
Rock Instrumental Performance: Jeff Beck, “A Day in the Life”

DANCE

Dance Recording: “Poker Face,” Lady Gaga
Electronic/Dance Album: The Fame, Lady Gaga

TRADITIONAL/ALTERNATIVE/WORLD

Alternative Music Album: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, Phoenix
Americana Album: Electric Dirt, Levon Helm
Bluegrass Album: The Crow/New Songs for the Five-String Banjo, Steve Martin
Traditional Blues Album: A Stranger Here, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott
Contemporary Blues Album: Already Free, The Derek Trucks Band
Traditional Folk Album: High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project, Loudon Wainwright III
Contemporary Folk Album: Townes, Steve Earle
Hawaiian Music Album: Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, Volume 2, Various Artists
Native American Music Album: Spirit Wind North, Bill Miller
Zydeco or Cajun Music Album: Lay Your Burden Down, Buckwheat
Zydeco Reggae Album: Mind Control - Acoustic, Stephen Marley
Traditional World Music Album: Douga Mansa, Mamadou Diabate
Contemporary World Music Album: Throw Down Your Heart: Tales From The Acoustic Planet, Vol. 3 - Africa Sessions, Béla Fleck
New Age Album: Prayer for Compassion, David Darling

VISUAL MEDIA

Short Form Music Video: “Boom Boom Pow,” The Black Eyed Peas
Long Form Music Video: “The Beatles Love - All Together Now,” Various Artists
Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books and Story Telling): Always Looking Up, Michael J. Fox
Musical Show Album: West Side Story
Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media: Slumdog Millionaire
Score Soundtrack Album tor Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media: Up, Michael Giacchino
Song Written for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media: “Jai Ho” (from Slumdog Millionaire), A.R. Rahman, Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah, Mahalaxmi Iyer and Vijay Prakash
Instrumental Composition: Married Life (from Up), Michael Giacchino
Instrumental Arrangement: “West Side Story Medley,” Bill Cunliffe

GOSPEL

Gospel Performance: “Wait on the Lord,” Donnie McClurkin featuring Karen Clark Sheard
Gospel Song: “God in Me,” Mary Mary featuring Kierra “KiKi” Sheard
Rock or Rap Gospel Album: Live Revelations, Third Day
Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album: The Power of One, Israel Houghton
Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album: Jason Crabb, Jason Crabb
Traditional Gospel Album: Oh Happy Day, Various Artists
Contemporary R&B Gospel Album: Audience of One, Heather Headley

LATIN

Latin Pop Album: Sin Frenos, La Quinta Estación
Latin Rock, Alternative or Urban Album: Los De Atras Vienen Conmigo, Calle 13
Tropical Latin Album: Ciclos, Luis Enrique
Regional Mexican Album: Necesito De Ti, Vicente Fernández
Tejano Album: Borders y Bailes, Los Texmaniacs
Norteño Album: Tu Noche Con… Los Tigres Del Norte, Los Tigres Del Norte
Banda Album: Tu Esclavo y Amo, Lupillo Rivera

JAZZ

Contemporary Jazz Album: 75, Joe Zawinul & the Zawinul Syndicate
Jazz Vocal Album: Dedicated to You: Kurt Elling Sings the Music of Coltrane and Hartman, Kurt Elling
Improvised Jazz Solo: “Dancin’ 4 Chicken,” Terence Blanchard, soloist
Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group: Five Piece Band - Live, Chick Corea and John McLaughlin Five Peace Band
Large Jazz Ensemble Album: Book One, New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
Latin Jazz Album: Juntos Para Siempre, Bebo Valdés and Chucho Valdés

CLASSICAL

Engineered Album, Classical: Mahler: Symphony No. 8; Adagio From Symphony No. 10, Michael Tilson Thomas and San Francisco Symphony
Producer of the Year, Classical: Steven Epstein
Classical Album: Mahler: Symphony No. 8; Adagio From Symphony No. 10
Orchestral Performance: Boston Symphony Orchestra; Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé
Opera Recording: Britten: Billy Budd, London Symphony Orchestra; Gentlemen of the London Symphony Chorus
Choral Performance: Mahler: Symphony No. 8; Adagio From Symphony No. 10, Laura Claycomb, Anthony Dean Griffey, Elza van den Heever, Katarina Karnéus, Quinn Kelsey, James Morris, Yvonne Naef and Erin Wall; San Francisco Symphony; Pacific Boychoir, San Francisco Symphony Chorus and San Francisco Girls Chorus
Instrumental Soloist(s) Performance (With Orchestra): Prokofiev: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3, Philharmonia Orchestra Instrumental
Soloist Performance (Without Orchestra): Journey to the New World, Sharon Isbin
Chamber Music Performance: Intimate Letters, Emerson String Quartet
Small Ensemble Performance: Lang, David: The Little Match Girl Passion, Ars Nova Copenhagen & Theatre of Voices
Classical Vocal Performance: Renée Fleming, Verismo Arias
Classical Contemporary Composition: Higdon, Jennifer: Percussion Concerto, Jennifer Higdon
Classical Crossover Album: Yo-Yo Ma & Friends: Songs of Joy and Peace, Yo-Yo Ma
Surround Sound Album: Transmigration, Robert Spano, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Choruses

CHILDREN

Musical Album for Children: Family Time, Ziggy Marley Spoken
Word Album for Children: Aaaaah! Spooky, Scary Stories & Songs, Buck Howdy

OTHER

Comedy Album: A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!, Stephen Colbert
Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s): “Quiet Nights,” Diana Krall
Recording Package: Everything That Happens Will Happen Today, David Byrne and Brian Eno
Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package: Neil Young Archives Vol. I (1963–1972), Neil Young
Album Notes: The Complete Louis Armstrong Decca Sessions (1935-1946), Louis Armstrong
Historical Album: The Complete Chess Masters (1950-1967), Little Walter
Engineered Album, Non-Classical: Ellipse, Imogen Heap
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Brendan O’Brien
Remixed Recording, Non-Classical: “When Love Takes Over” (Electro Extended Remix), David Guetta featuring Kelly Rowland

American Apparel Searches For Butt Model, Seriously!

2010-01-29T06:31:00.005-05:00

American Apparel raises a campaign that will surely draw a lot of attention. The label launches its butt-exposing contest that searches for the best bottom in the world.

American Apparel announces:

"We're looking for a brand new bum (the best in the world!) to be the new "face" for our always expanding intimates and briefs lines. The winners will be flown to LA, photographed and featured online."

To join the contest, men and women just have to take a photo of their bums (close-up, please!) wearing American Apparel undies. The photos will be posted on the label's site where people all over the world who have access to Internet will be able to view, rate, and comment.

Technically though, the people's views are not necessary for winning since the two lucky bums will be picked out by the American Apparel judges, where they become "eligible to be the brand's next butt model." The top ten contestants who dominated the people's votes will also win a "grab bag" of American Apparel stuff valued at $300.

"Confident about the junk in your trunk?"

Read more about this casting here:
"American Apparel Searches For Best Bottom In The World"

Paris Spring-Summer Haute Couture Fashion Week

2010-01-28T07:13:00.009-05:00

January 24-28 is the week of Spring-Summer 2010 haute couture fashion shows in Paris.

Let's take a look at some of the most extravagant and/or out-of-this world styles that top fashion designers and runway models presented for the spring-summer season:

Beauty In Horror on 24th

Dutch fashion designer Josephus Thimister opened the fashion week on January 24 with a fashion show that "searched for beauty in horror."

Equestrian Chic on 25th

For Christian Dior, it was a display of whinnying equestrian-themed collection as designer John Galliano presented his collection of nip-waisted jackets and flowing skirts inspired by 19th century horsewomen.

Aurora Borealis and Sweet Pastels on the 26th

Giorgio Armani Privé made a forward-to-the-future statement with a collection that referenced Art Deco but used high-tech futurist fabrics.

The fashion designer's favorite material in the collection was liquid metal while his favorite fabric effect was "aurora borealis," where the northern lights seemed almost impregnated into silk jacquard looks.

"Very futuristic? Maybe, but for today, for 2010," commented Armani when asked about the futurist elements in his Privé haute couture line.

No More Little Black Dress

Chanel made a ground-breaking moment when the fashion house presented a collection without a speck of black. Saying goodbye to its "little black dress," Karl Lagerfeld's haute couture for next summer were inspired by the patisserie counters.

Chanel models walked the runway in hairs elaborately coiffed into heart-shaped Sixties beehives with an adornment of bows and baubles. The models' hands have dinky fingerless silver mittens while their feet were shod in shiny silver ankle boots.

Karl Lagerfeld also decreed for next summer a collection of candy floss pink, apricot, almond green, lilac and primrose - anything but black!

Femme Fatale on the 27th

Jean Paul Gaultier haute couture show resurrected the character of Ava Gardner from the film Avatar to play the femme fatale leading role in the fashion show.

"I saw 'Avatar' and, like everyone, found it extraordinary. And from there, I began thinking of nature and ecology, and the Latin American tropics and from there it was not very far to Mexico," explained Gaultier of his haute couture line.

Gaultier also concluded the haute couture Spring-summer 2010 displays with a piercing mariachi cry.

Union of Exquisite Clothes and Fine Jewellery on the 28th

The Paris haute couture week dedicated the 28th day to the craft of fine jewellery. The haute couture houses welcomed the haute joaillerie makers like Boucheron, uniting two of the city's most renowned and expensive hand-crafts.

Tyra Banks Launches Plus-Size Teen Model Search!

2010-01-27T06:24:00.010-05:00

Tyra Banks raises a new challenge for the fashion industry as she launches the first-ever modeling competition for plus-sized teens!

"Tyra's Fiercely Real Teen Model Search" searches the country for plus-sized girls aged 13-19 and between 5'9" and 6'1".

"I've always felt it was my mission to expand the narrow perceptions of beauty; through America's Next Top Model, True Beauty and The Tyra Show I challenge industry and universal standards by featuring and celebrating non-traditional beauty, and stressing that true beauty is both inside and out," says the supermodel of fierceness.

The modeling competition will not air on TV but will be launched exclusively on The Tyra Show website where the young curvy models will be presented to the community.

But wait there's more!

The winning plus-sized teen model will get 1-year modeling contract with Wilhelmina modeling agency, a fashion spread on Tyra's MagaLine (to be shot by the supermodel herself), a cover photo with Tyra Banks on Tyra's MagaLine, and a spread in a major fashion magazine.

For all the effort, Tyra Banks says:

"Plus-sized tends to have a negative connotation and I want young girls to realize that what's considered plus-sized is the average American woman. That woman is healthy, fit and beautiful. Adolescence is such an impressionable time in a young woman's life, and I hope this contest helps teen girls discover their own beauty from the inside out."

For more information about this casting, please go to the New Faces Casting Calls page and click on "Tyra's Fiercely Real Teen Model Search."

Susan Sarandon Refuses Botox

2010-01-26T06:36:00.007-05:00

Glowing at 63 years old, Susan Sarandon says she cannot understand why actors resort to Botox injections to maintain their wrinkle-free looks. The treatment only makes people unrecognizable, especially for actors.

She refuses to follow the Hollywood trend because she's happy with her image. She believes it's unnatural for women to look decades younger than their real age. And she still feels "sexy" without undergoing the treatment.

"I am sexy. I don't think you should try to look 22 when you are in your 60s. There is something odd about a woman who looks younger than she did 20 years ago. I'm not against anybody doing anything to themselves that makes them feel good, but aesthetically some fillers and stuff make people unrecognizable. I've never had fillers, and how can you get Botox when you're an actor?"

But Susan Sarandon also admits to undergoing cosmetic procedure once. The experience helps her understand the risk and the moral support needed by those who went under the knife.

"I had under my chin sucked out once. I think we have to be supportive of each other, and if someone wants to get implants or tucks you hope that they will be fine and they will keep the essence of who they are and not go over the top."

To maintain her glow, Susan Sarandon follows cost-free alternatives. The secret to good skin, she reveals, is shunning cigarettes away and maintaining a happy personal life.

"Laughing does a lot for the face. Do the things you enjoy. Surround yourself with good people. Denying yourself is not good for the face. You can't be a bitter, angry person. Hatred is unsexy and not great for your skin."

But does Susan Sarandon also know that Botox could become a terrorist tool?

Botox is not a weapon for terrorism (unless people are terrorized by wrinkle-free face). It does, however, contains a minuscule portion of the raw botulinum toxin. It is the key ingredient in the beauty drug but it is also one of world's deadliest poisons. Since a speck of the toxin smaller than a grain of sand can kill a 150-pound adult, terrorists are reported to be researching the toxin in its raw form to be used as a lethal poison.

With the emergence of a global black market for fake Botox, the beauty industry should now make sure that the ingredient is not distributed and used as a weapon for mass destruction.

Why Are Models Lying Down For Sping Campaigns?

2010-01-25T05:56:00.008-05:00

Lara Stone is lying on her back in a woodsy setting with some birds for Louis Vuitton, Georgia May Jagger lands on a white fur blanket after falling backward over a purple velvet chair for Versace, and Raquel Zimmermann is being wrapped on sands by more than 30 brightly colored snakes for Alexander Mcqueen - these are just three of the numerous models all lying supine for spring fashion advertisements.

Ever wonder why lots of models are lying down for the spring campaigns?

"It's obviously sexual. But the other thing I think of is animal psychology, because I do watch 'The Dog Whisperer.' When dogs or cats lower themselves to make themselves seem submissive, they are giving up their power and displaying their lack of aggression," said David Wolfe, the creative director of trend forecasting company Doneger Group.

Mr. Wolfe further suggested that what we are seeing in the lying-for-spring ads may be the modern equivalent of swooning. Given the dark tone of the times, it may reflect a desire to return to traditional gender roles - or it could just be that the spring fashions were so restrained that they didn't know what else to do.

"It's very hard to make a sexy picture of an elegant dress. But throw the woman on the ground, and, oh, it's a sexual come-on. That moves merchandise," said Wolfe.

Katharine McPhee On Bulimia And Depression Battles

2010-01-22T05:56:00.008-05:00

Katharine McPhee opens up about her battle with bulimia and depression in the February issue of Shape magazine.

The singer-actress and occasional model has struggled with eating disorder early in life. At the age of 13, she started starving herself and exercising compulsively. By 17, she was diagnosed with bulimia - a disorder characterized by recurrent binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behavior like purging or overexercising. After seven years of illness, she finally entered a three-month rehab program and recovered.

"The more I focused on my weight, the worse my bulimia got. Now I'm more easygoing. I stopped fighting myself and became more forgiving of my body. Ironically, the weight came off naturally through exercise but no dieting."

She added that hearing positive compliments about her weight was also more therapeutic than medical treatments.

"At my last physical, the nurse took my vitals and said, 'Wow, you must be taking care of yourself! Your blood pressure is perfect. You're very healthy.' Hearing her say that made me feel better then seeing an 'ideal' number on the scale."

But while Katharine McPhee's battle with bulimia has ended, she admitted that she is still on the process of treating her depression. Every Monday, she would attend a women's group meeting where everyone reveals their highs and lows of the week.

"I've tried writing down affirmations, but that doesn't work for me... This exercise is so cool because it allows me to reflect on where I am in my life, and also to hear what others are going through. When we're done, I feel more connected to the world and not so lonely. It's the best way to start my week."

At 25, Katharine McPhee is leading a busy lifestyle as pop singer, songwriter, actress, model and television personality. Her most noted career performances (so far) is finishing as a runner-up on the 5th Season of American Idol in 2006 and for co-starring in The House Bunny in 2008.

Karlina Caune Is The New Ford "Supermodel of the World"

2010-01-21T05:56:00.010-05:00

Teenaged model Katrina Karlina Caune won the 2010 Ford Supermodel of the World contest.

The 16-year-old girl from Latvia emerged victorious among the 36 young aspirants who joined the final competition in Sao Paolo, Brazil where they spent five full days of photo tests, walking lessons, samba lessons, interviews, casting calls, modeling workshops and judging with Ford Model licensees.

With very pale skin, black hair and piercing blue eyes, Karlina's beauty vowed the scrutinizing audience which include Ford Director Caroline Poznanski, Ford icon Chanel Iman, V Magazine publisher Stephen Gan, philanthropist Katie Ford and Brazilian celebrity Marcelle Bittar.

But what made Karlina won the competition was her runway-perfect poise and smart attitude that have really stood out throughout the event. She walked away with a $250,000 contract with Ford Models.

Runner-ups Charlene Almarvez from the Philippines, Isabelle Storck from Sweden, Olivia Majour from the USA, Maryna Linchuck from Belarus, Grace Hurley from Australia and Bruna Tiedt from Brazil were also awarded with Ford modeling contracts.

Ford Models "Supermodel of the World" is the largest and most prestigious international modeling competition established by Eileen Ford in 1980. The competition boasted more than 60,000 contestants from over 40 countries worldwide. Famous celebrities who made major jump-start in their career through the competition include Adriana Lima, Lindsay Lohan, Kirsten Dunst, Jennifer Connelly and Chanel Iman.

Karlina Caune, alongside the six runner-ups, were expected to walk in haute couture fashion events including the upcoming Fashion Week's Fall collections this 2010.

Bar Refaeli Avoids Israel Duty, Army Calls For Boycott

2010-01-20T06:10:00.004-05:00

Israeli military has called for a boycott of products advertised by supermodel and Sports Illustrated star Bar Refaeli. This was after the Jewish bombshell reportedly dodged a compulsory military service in the army and attempted to escape paying Israeli taxes.

Israeli law requires its citizens to render service in the military when they turned 18. Boys are expected to serve for three years while girls for two. But under the same law, married women are excluded.

What Bar Refaeli did in 2004 was to marry a family friend and divorced him shortly afterward.

This has prompted Israeli Major General Avi Zamir, in charge of human resources at the IDF, to urged a group of Tel Aviv students to boycott the products that Bar Refaeli advertises as a form of retaliation:

"She went and married a 37-year-old guy, so what can I do? At the end of the day, she is the one who has to look at herself in the mirror. We are a society that has an army and Bar Refaeli doesn't have to participate in ads for Fox (an Israeli clothing store). And she advertises for Fox then you shouldn't buy her products."

Bar Refaeli's avoidance of the Israeli military service has been done almost six years ago, but it was brought back to the public media when she reportedly filed this month for tax exemption in Israel for the reason that she spends most of her time living and working overseas.

Leading Israeli newspaper Yedioth Aharanot has estimated $2 million modeling income for the supermodel in the past two years. If Bar Refaeli remains liable for Israeli tax for 2009, she would have to pay an income tax of 46 percent.

Bar Refaeli has also been unfavorably contrasted by fellow Israeli model and 19-year-old Esti Ginzberg who has not avoided national service and has even traded her swimsuits for military fatigues recently.

Who came in defense of Bar Refaeli as Israel military's new target was her mother. Joining the debate about her daughter's disloyalty to the country, the model's mom told an Israeli website:

"The general is a disgrace. Before they attack Bar they should check the government and see who in government did not join the army."

Jesus Luz Speaks To Interview Magazine

2010-01-19T06:12:00.005-05:00

"My name is 'Luz,' too, which means 'light.' So I feel like if I have this name that's so special, I should attract good energy."

He has come under public scrutiny after being linked to Madonna, but Jesus Luz has had a lot of attention way before his rumored affair with the Queen of Pop. Why, he is a top Brazilian model and definitely a good-looking one at that.

According to 2008 rumors, Jesus Luz met Madonna during a photo shoot for W Magazine in Rio de Janeiro and was later asked by the pop icon to join her on tour in Sao Paolo. "Everyone knows they're ficando - which is a Portuguese expression that means they are kissing and doing other things but without any obligation of being faithful or getting into a relationship afterwards," Page Six of the New York Post once wrote.

Barely 23 years old, Jesus Luz has already bagged campaigns for top clients like Dolce & Gabbana and Pepe Jeans. He has also booked top tier DJ gigs including the party for the DVD release of Matt Tyrnauer's documentary "Valentino: The Last Emperor" at The Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District (NYC) last fall.

Frantic with his busy modeling career, Jesus Luz has spared time to talk with Jonathan Durbin of Interview Magazine over the phone, although there is one seemingly omnipotent entity he is not allowed to talk about: Madonna.

So we're cutting the small talks and present you the excerpt of the interview that only centers on Jesus Luz's modeling and music career in the entertainment industry:

How did you get your name?

Jesus Luz:
"My father (gave me) my name because he always admired Jesus Christ as the most philosophical mind of all time. So, when he named me, in his heart and his head, he made a deal, like, I'm going to name you Jesus so everything good in life is going to come to you because they're going to make the homage to Jesus. It's a very special name. My name is 'Luz,' too, which means "light." So I feel like if I have this name that's so special, I should attract good energy."

How did you start modeling?

Jesus Luz:
"Somebody invited me to go to an agency in Rio. My first job came at Fashion Rio in 2007. It was good exposure, and it was my first contact with so many people. After that, I did a lot of little things. I did some work with a promoter. I worked as a salesman in a surf store. My first big international job was with Steven Klein for W magazine. That was very, very important for me here and in Brazil. Steven is an amazing photographer."

Do you consider him to be a mentor?

Jesus Luz:
"No. I think of him as a person who gives me a lot of good advice... Like, what kind of magazine is important for my career and what is not. What about this photographer, how creative he is... you know. He gives me his vision about work."

Has he helped you in the way that you present yourself in front of the camera?

Jesus Luz:
"I get that by working. It's the law of 10,000 times. You have to keep doing it to get it."

What do you think are some misconceptions that people have about you?

Jesus Luz:
"About my personality, many people speak before they know me."

Would you describe yourself as a private person?

Jesus Luz:
"Not private, but discreet."

Let's talk about your music.

Jesus Luz:
"Well, I grew up in a musical environment. When I was a kid, my uncle used to play in a rock band in Rio. Me and my brothers, we spent a lot of time watching. But I've always felt connected to music. I had a lot of DJ and musician friends in school."

So when did you get into DJing?

Jesus Luz:
"I got into DJing this year. I used to watch my friends do it, and I used to go to all of the electronic parties."

Is there anybody you're really into, whose music you can't stop listening to?

Jesus Luz:
"I have a very big playlist. I don't have one song that I can give to you. I like to try new things all the time, so it's always changing."

I heard that you went to Dubspot, a DJ school in New York City. What did they teach you there?

Jesus Luz:
"They taught me how to mix, how the crossfader works — all the basic stuff to deal with the equipment. I was there for, like, three months or something. Then I just bought my own equipment."

What kind of homework did they give you?

Jesus Luz:
"They say, 'Try to do a loop' or 'Try to mix that song with that song.' It's more up to you. You talk to the teacher and say, 'I want to learn how to do that,' and then they give you new ideas to try to make your own mix."

What attracted you to DJing?

Jesus Luz:
"I like to be a channel of music, to give people music to dance to, to see the reactions of people when I use effects. It's more intense when I make the music. I just produced my first song with my team in Brazil. I have a studio there."

I saw that you've written two songs, right?

Jesus Luz:
"Right. We almost finished the second. The first one is 'We Come From Light' and the other is 'Sweet Mystery."

Do you plan on releasing a record?

Jesus Luz:
"I'm focused now on production. I'm not thinking about making CDs. I'm just focusing on creation and work. I just made one song, so I can't say I'm gonna release a CD because I'm at the very beginning. It sure is a nice idea. I have plans to create songs with partners, but for now, I just make my own thing. But for sure, someday, I'm gonna create a song with another DJ."

So where do you see yourself going? Modeling? Music?

Jesus Luz:
"Everything."

Acting as well?

Jesus Luz:
"Yeah, everything."

James Cameron's Avatar Wins Big At The Golden Globe Awards

2010-01-18T06:29:00.007-05:00

Twelve years after winning the "Best Motion Picture - Drama" and "Best Director in Motion Picture" awards for Titanic, filmmaker James Cameron received the same honors at the 67th Golden Globe Awards for his sci-fi film "Avatar," raising prospects for another domination at this year's Academy Awards.

James Cameron received the awards with a lecture on the message that he wants his new film to be remembered:

"Avatar' asks us to see that everything is connected, all human beings to each other, and us to the Earth. And if you have to go four and a half light years to another, made-up planet to appreciate this miracle of the world that we have right here, well, you know what, that's the wonder of cinema right there, that's the magic."

Meanwhile, Sandra Bullock won the award for the best dramatic female actor while veteran Jeff Bridges received the best dramatic male actor honor. The crowd gave Bridges a standing ovation as a tribute to the beloved actor generally overlooked by major Hollywood honors.

Meryl Streep received the acting honor for best actress in a musical or comedy. With numerous honors that the 60-year-old actress has won over the years, she gladly shared:

"I just want to say that in my long career, I've played so many extraordinary woman that I'm getting mistaken for one. I'm very clear that I'm the vessel for other people's stories and other people's lives."

Robert Downey Jr. from his crime romp "Sherlock Holmes" won the award for best actor in a musical or comedy.

Mo'Nique and Christoph Waltz received the supporting-performances award. Mo'Nique was recognized for lowbrow comedy but startled audiences with her impressive performance in "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' By Sapphire," playing an abusive welfare mother. Waltz, on the other hand, is a veteran actor in Austria but a relative newcomer in Hollywood. He played the bloodthirsty Nazi in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds."

Despite the glamorous occasion, the annual Golden Globe Awards did not forget to support the earthquake victims in Haiti as many stars came wearing ribbons.

Here's the complete list of Golden Globe winners for 2010:

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
- Mo'Nique, Precious
Best Actress in a TV Series, Comedy or Musical
- Toni Colette, United States of Tara
Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for TV
- John Lithgow, Dexter
Best Animated Feature Film
- Up
Best Actor in a TV Series, Drama
- Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Best Actress in a TV Series, Drama
- Julianna Marguiles, The Good Wife
Best Original Song
- "The Weary Kind" from Crazy Heart
Best Original Score
- Michael Giacchino for Up
Best Mini-Series or TV Movie
- Grey Gardens
Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
- Meryl Streep, Julie and Julia
Best Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for TV
- Kevin Bacon, Taking Chance
Best Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for TV
- Drew Barrymore, Grey Gardens
Best Screenplay, Motion Picture
- Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner, Up in the Air
Best Actor in a TV Series, Comedy or Musical
- Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Best Foreign Language Film
- The White Ribbon
Best TV Series, Drama
- Mad Men
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series, Miniseries or Movie
- Chloe Sevigny, Big Love
Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
- Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
Honorary Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award
- Martin Scorsese (presented by Robert DeNiro and Leonardo DiCaprio)
Best Director, Motion Picture
- James Cameron, Avatar
Best TV Series, Comedy or Musical
- Glee
Best Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical
- The Hangover
Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama
- Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical
- Robert Downey Jr, Sherlock Holmes
Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama
- Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
Best Motion Picture, Drama
- Avatar

The 67th Golden Globe Awards are presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association on January 17 at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, California. Winners of the annual Golden Globe Awards could get a last-minute boost for the Oscars.

Cristiano Ronaldo Flexes For Emporio Armani

2010-01-15T06:00:00.006-05:00

Here it is. The most-awaited shirtless action from Cristiano Ronaldo. He is the new face of men's campaign for Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans Spring/Summer 2010.

Just like that of Megan Fox, his first advertising campaigns for Armani have been shot by fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

The Real Madrid star is all-praised by Giorgio Armani for his masculinity and youthful charm:

"Cristiano is a great looking man with the perfect physique of an athlete. For me, he is the essence of youth - spontaneous, exciting, a real maverick. It is for his energy that I have chosen Cristiano to become the new face of Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani Underwear - for his youthful, exciting and yes, sexy, attitude."

Giorgio Armani has always been a fan of sportsmen (particularly footballers). Over the years, he has come to dressed many of the world's fittest and handsomest athletes for his campaigns, including David Beckham, Luis Figo, Thierry Henry, Christian Vieri, Fabio Cannavaro, Andriy Shevchenko and Kaka'.

For his new role as the face of Armani, the 24-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo says:

"I am very flattered to be asked to represent Armani; Giorgio Armani is a legend in the fashion world and I have long been a fan of his work. I am very pleased with the pictures we have done together - they are certainly striking and are full of an attitude and spirit that I can relate to."

Cristiano Ronaldo's Armani campaigns will roll out starting February around the world in sport, fashion and lifestyle magazines and on signature billboards in the major cities of New York, Los Angeles, London, Milan, Rome, Paris and Tokyo.

"Models have a sell-by date!" - Heidi Klum

2010-01-14T05:52:00.006-05:00

Modeling is a young person's game, they say. Except for those few supermodels who are able to land major modeling projects after 40, most models are just like foods that spoil after a certain age.

Heidi Klum expands this idea in the latest issue of InStyle magazine.

"Models have a sell-by date," says the 36-year-old German-born supermodel in her interview. Admitting that there are certain modeling jobs that she does not do anymore, Heidi Klum explains:

"Like the young, sexy, cute things for teenagers, or even 25-year-old girls. I go in a different bracket now."

And by different bracket, the supermodel means modeling for Victoria's Secret lingerie and other advertising campaigns while becoming an entrepreneur and TV personality all at the same time.

For instance, Heidi Klum joined "Project Runway" in 2004 as the reality show's host, judge and executive producer. Aside from her hosting and business career, she has also delved into acting and fashion designing while doing occasional works as an artist, writer, and singer.

Heidi Klum's success is best reflected in the 2009 Forbes magazine's survey of the world's top earning models which estimated the supermodel's income at $16 million.

And if a successful marriage life is also an essential part of Heidi Klum's new modeling bracket, she has emerged victorious.

After her marriage to British singer Seal in 2005, Heidi Klum is now a proud mother-of-four. She has recently changed her last name to "Samuel" for her husband.

Heidi Klum's achievements can become a standard for successful models in the 30s-40s bracket:

1. an enduring modeling career
2. expansion into television and film
3. a growing commercial enterprise
4. a rewarding side-business with personal hobbies and interests
5. successful marriage life

Wow! Heidi Klum's "different bracket" in modeling is more demanding than in the lower years. Naomi Campbell, better strike whilst the iron is hot!

Megan Fox Softens For Emporio Armani

2010-01-13T06:59:00.004-05:00

Megan Fox replaces Victoria Beckham as the new face of Emporio Armani.

The self-admitting aggressive actress appears soft and sexy in the series of black-and-white shots for Armani underwear and jeans spring-summer 2010.

Photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, nearly the entire series of images have been released to the public by Armani on its Facebook fan page.

Megan Fox will surely reignite the flames in the hearts on many men with these come-hither shots. She is one of the latest attention-grabbing celebrities to be revealed as the new face of a brand in recent campaigns.

Megan Fox's Emporio Armani pictures will be hitting billboards on Friday!

Naomi Campbell Will Not Host "Britain's Next Top Model"

2010-01-12T05:51:00.008-05:00

Naomi Campbell turns down her anticipated hosting gig for "Britain's Next Top Model."

The supermodel's camp could not make an agreement with the producers over the amount of time she would spend on the show.

According to a "source" for the The Daily Mail:

"The producers felt the last series wasn't taken as seriously as the American version because presenter Lisa Snowdon just couldn't carry it off on her own. What was missing was a real diva supermodel, a British equivalent to US host Tyra Banks.

"Naomi was really excited, but pulled out because she couldn't reach an agreement over logistics or the amount of time she would have to commit.

The proposed show format would have the 39-year-old British supermodel take on a group of aspiring models, offering advice and choosing the deserving winner along the way.

Naomi Campbell's appearance on the show is expected to relive the said competition between her and fellow black supermodel Tyra Banks who hosts "America's Next Top Model" since day one.

Pulling out a hosting job on the reality modeling competition, Naomi Campbell has also turned down the prospect of reviving her career with a turn on British TV.

Known for having anger-management issues, it could have been exciting to see how Naomi Campbell mingles with the model contestants, some of whom might just be as "diva" as her.

Anti-Wrinkle Bra At Paris Lingerie Show

2010-01-11T06:38:00.006-05:00

A new anti-wrinkle bra that can iron out crinkly cleavages as a woman sleeps will be unveiled at the Paris lingerie show on January 23-25.

"The Dutch designed cupless anti-wrinkle bra by Decollete is supposed to be thrown on at bedtime keeping breasts apart to prevent the formation of feared crinkles that appear in the night."

Aside from the anti-wrinkle bra, there is also a smart Slovenian brassiere whose foam cups expand with body heat when the wearer works out or flirts. Lisca's "smart bra" have cups made of memory foam that ebbs and flows with body-heat, said to be a NASA patented technology from the 1960s.

Also highly-anticipated in the upcoming lingerie show is the range of French lingerie called Milkshake that is made of milk proteins fabric that contains 10 amino acids to hydrate the skin.

Then there's Brazil's LZ with an ultra-light bra that weighs in at 67 grammes (two ounces).

These new lingerie innovations are among the many high-technology designs that will be presented during the end-month Paris trade fair.

"High-tech's playing a growing role in underwear. Take ultra-sounds for example, now used as well as laser technology to cut and construct garments without seaming or stitching," said the fair's fashion manager Sophie Morin.

The Paris fair is expected to draw in 20,000 lingerie types from more than 100 nations with more than 500 brands to showcase.

Angelina Jolie "Overshadowed" St. John

2010-01-08T06:01:00.008-05:00

St. John, upscale and luxury American brand for formal wear, has replaced Angelina Jolie with a new model because she "overshadowed the brand."

Angelina Jolie has not appeared in a St. John advertisement for over a year at least. She has been dropped out by the clothing line when her huge contract run out. But St. John still blamed her for "overshadowing" the brand.

In the words of St. John's chief executive officer Glenn McMahon:

"(Jolie) overshadowed the brand. We wanted to make a clean break from actresses and steer away from blondes and cleanse the palette."

To introduce the new look, they hired the redhead supermodel Karen Elson.

"We needed to show a modern point of view of St. John. We have evolved" McMahon said.

Photographed by Greg Kadel in a bare studio for the spring campaign, Karen Elson stunned in pale-white skin and purple-red hair. The ads were directed by executive vice president of design George Sharp and will be launched in the February issues of Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Harper's Bazaar.

"St. John is moving forward," as the company puts it.

According to McMahon, the print media buy for St. John is up slightly and he is in talks about digital outreach, spending on which he predicts will be up 15 percent.

But people who know St. John, as much as they know Angelina Jolie and Karen Elson, believe that the problem is not on using celebrities to represent the brand but on the fact that St. John's target demographic is old, rich women.

So instead of using even amazingly beautiful women like Angelina Jolie or Karen Elson, the brand should put much older celebrities or models like Carmen Dell'Orefice who will look stunning and aristocratic in its ads. On the other hand, if St. John is serious about reaching a younger classy demographic, the sophisticated but not gossip-magnet Daria Werbowy might do the trick.

And if St. John really wants to move forward, the brand should not attach itself to Angelina Jolie when introducing the new look. It has been more than 18 months since the A-list celebrity has appeared for its advertisement. St. John should not make reference to her or Angelina Jolie might once again overshadow the brand, with her name.

The 36th People's Choice Awards Love Vampires

2010-01-07T05:47:00.015-05:00

The 36th annual People's Choice Awards have chosen vampire flicks as its big winners. "The Twilight Saga," "True Blood" and "The Vampire Diaries" ruled the ceremony held last Wednesday night at the Nokia Theatre.

"The Twilight Saga" bit hard with four trophies including the favorite movie, franchise, and on-screen team for Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner who played the most-loved characters of Edward, Bella, and Jacob. Taylor Lautner also received the breakout male actor award.

Meanwhile, HBO's "True Blood" won the favorite TV obsession award as CW series "The Vampire Diaries" received the award for favorite new TV drama.

Vampires aside, other winners from the TV world included "American Idol" as favorite competition show, "Glee" as favorite new TV comedy, "The Big Bang Theory" as favorite TV comedy, "House" as favorite TV drama, and "Supernatural" as favorite fantasy TV show. Steve Carell won the favorite TV comedy actor award, Alyson Hannigan as favorite TV comedy actress, Hugh Laurie as favorite TV drama actor, and Katherine Heigl as the favorite TV drama actress.

For the movie category, Sandra Bullock was the favorite movie actress and Hugh Jackman was the favorite action star. Miley Cyrus received the favorite breakout movie actress award while Jim Carrey was awarded as the favorite comedic star. Sandra Bullock's "The Proposal" was also awarded as the favorite comedy movie while "Up" received honor for favorite family movie. "Inglourious Basterds" was the favorite independent movie.

Winners in music category included Lady Gaga as the favorite pop and breakout music artist, Keith Urban as favorite male artist, Taylor Swift as female artist, Carrie Underwood as country artist, Mariah Carey as R&B artist, Paramore as favorite rock band, Eminem as favorite hip-hop artist, and "Run This Town" by Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West as the favorite music collaboration.

Awards in other categories included "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" as the favorite talk show, "Dog Whisperer" as the favorite animal show, and Ashton Kutcher as the favorite web celebrity.

Queen Latifah hosted the ceremony for the fourth consecutive year, kicking off the show with a jazzy number while appearing in spoofs of "Twilight" and "Paranormal Activity" throughout the show.

The awarding ceremony also featured performances by Mary J. Blige, Cobra Starship and Nicole Scherzinger. Debut footage from "Clash of the Titans," "Robin Hood" and "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains" were also presented.

"The only reason that any of us are up here is because of you," Johnny Depp told the audience. He not only received the favorite actor award but was also titled as "Actor of the Decade" for winning the award several times since the last 10 years.

Abbey Lee Kershaw Refuses To Walk In McQueen Shoes

2010-01-06T06:17:00.009-05:00

Wonder why top runway models Abby Lee Kershaw, Sasha Pivovarova, and Natasha Poly were no-show at the recent Alexander McQueen's Spring 2010 Show?

They chose not to hit the catwalk because they were too terrified to walk in McQueen's "Alien" shoes.

When it comes to wearing clothes and walking in them for runway shows, Abby Lee Kershaw is an expert. She is one of the few models who have earned quiet a reputation for catwalk disasters.

First, she fell at Rodarte's spring 2009 show because of the killer heels. Then she fainted at Alexander McQueen's spring 2009 show because her corset was too tight. And just last February, she almost fell at Rodarte show (again), injuring her knee and was forced to sit the rest of the season out.

So when Abbey Lee Kershaw (and her gang) took one look at McQueen's spring 2010 Alien shoes, she already knew that those are not meant for walking.

But of course, the trio are just few of the privileged models who are able to decline a famous runway show.

The McQueen's spring show did go on and nameless models sashayed the runway in Alien shoes. Though none of them tripped or fell to the floor, they still looked like crying — even behind the prosthetic cheeks and spooky makeup.