Model behaviour for a good cause

They are worth millions but worked for $180 a day to create a testament to Australia's top runway model or catwalk talent.

The 10 women, led by Victoria's Secret model Miranda Kerr, are considered the most in-demand of home-bred models. They appear on the cover of tomorrow's issue of madison magazine, which has joined with retailer Witchery to raise money for ovarian cancer research.

Joining Kerr were current Vogue Australia cover girl Catherine McNeil, Alyssa Sutherland, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Pania Rose, Nicole Trunfio, Elyse Taylor, Skye Stracke, Jessica Gomes and Sarah Stephens. The cover and an 11-page spread were shot by Australian model photographer Ben Watts, brother of actress Naomi Watts, in New York in July.

The pictures will also appear on billboards and in TV commercials, which air from tonight.

madison editor Paula Joye said that, despite their success, there was no "diva" behaviour on set. "Everybody got on with the job and got along famously," Joye said. "Aussies are easy to deal with. They all did it for shoe money."

Ovarian cancer kills about 800 Australian woman each year, with no early detection tests.

From tomorrow, Witchery will donate all proceeds from sales of the white shirts featured in the campaign to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

News Sources:- Caroline Marcus (October 12, 2008)
http://www.smh.com.au/news/lifeandstyle/fashion/model-behaviour-for-a-good-cause/2008/10/11/1223145696434.html

Models are too skinny for my size 10 styles, says fashion designer

One of Britain's leading fashion designers has reopened the skinny models debate by revealing she struggled to find models big enough to wear the clothes in her latest fashion show.

When Maria Grachvogel set about preparing her catwalk show at Claridge's this week, she requested size 10 models, only to find that most agencies could only provide models size 8 or smaller.

It was stark proof that in the five years since Grachvogel last staged a catwalk show the accepted standard model size has shrunk from an 8-10 to a 6-8. Sarah Doukas, founder of Storm model agency, said earlier this year:"There is no doubt that in the past few years the girls at the top end have become thinner. You'd have to be a fool not to notice it."

"It was tricky finding models in a size 10," Grachvogel, 39, who has a boutique on Sloane Street, west London, and is stocked in around 15 other boutiques, said this week. "Most of the girls we saw were at least a size smaller than that. I make all my samples in a size 10, and it's nice to be able to show them on a body that fills them out.

"I have always been someone who would request that model agencies send me their curviest girls. But this time even they were too tiny to fill a pair of size 10 trousers and make them look great."

Grachvogel's experience adds a designer name to those of supermodels Kate Moss and Karen Elson as part of a growing number of voices from within the industry speaking out against size zero culture. Commenting on her "waif" years to Interview magazine in August, Moss said she "never liked being that skinny".

The same month Elson spoke out in Vogue magazine about the industry's irresponsible attitude to young models. "I remember I came back from a job in Paris and the stylist said to me, have you been eating too many croissants?" she said.

Model agents have pointed to the shrinking size of catwalk samples as the reason why the girls and women on their books have shrunk.

Most fashion model designers make their samples using a single "fit model" whose measurements tally with the contemporary catwalk model.

"I prefer not to use a fit model, but instead to make size 10 samples and then try them out on as many women as possible. Most of the women I work with in the studio and shop are a size 8, 10 or 12, and they all try the clothes on. That way, I can find the cut that will fit and flatter most body shapes," Grachvogel said.

Retailers who sell Grachvogel's trousers have dubbed them "magic pants" for their ability to flatter almost all women. "I work with the body, not against it," said Grachvogel, who founded her label in 1994 and counts Angelina Jolie and Marie Helvin amongst her client list. She also designs a budget range of clothes and furniture for online catalogue Oli.

At her Claridge's show the "jabot" - a ruffled organza neckpiece which can turn a simple blouse into an evening look - was being heavily promoted as a tool for credit crunch glamour.

At the side of her catwalk, Grachvogel was pointing out the models she had found with what she calls "a bit of shape". A model sashaying in across the Claridge's drawing room in a satin crepe catsuit caught her eye. "She's got a proper bottom, that one," said Grachvogel approvingly.


News Sources:- Jess Cartner-Morley, fashion editor (Saturday October 25 2008)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/oct/25/kate-moss-grachvogel-fashion-size-zero

New Zealand

Last week I flew out to New Zealand for some fashion shows over there. I had such a great time! The client flew over a whole bunch of us and we all already knew each other so it was just like one big catch up with some shows thrown in!
We stayed at The Heritage Hotel in Christchurch which was a really nice hotel and we had massive rooms which went over two levels.
We managed to squeeze in a bit of sightseeing too. We spent an afternoon at Akaroa and another day at the Hanmer Springs. My favourite part of the whole trip was watching the baby lambs playing in the feilds, they were too cute for words!

Akaroa

Sands film in line for seven awards

Hunger, the debut film by artist Steve McQueen about IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands, has been nominated for seven British Independent Film Awards.

Turner Prize-winner McQueen's film has more nominations than The Duchess, starring Keira Knightley, and Happy-Go-Lucky, the latest movie from Mike Leigh.

Hunger is up for Best British Independent Film, Director, Debut Director, Screenplay, Actor, Supporting Actor and Technical Achievement.

The awards also see Thomas Turgoose, the teenager who made his name in This Is England, up for Best Actor against established names like Colin Farrell.

Grimsby-born Turgoose, who was plucked from obscurity while hanging out at a youth club just a few years ago, is nominated for his role as a runaway in Somers Town.
The Duchess, based on the biography of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, has four nominations including Best Actress for Knightley.

Sienna Miller is up for Best Supporting Actress for her role opposite Knightley in The Edge of Love, the film based on the two women in poet Dylan Thomas's life.

Happy-Go-Lucky has three nominations, including one for Best Actress for Sally Hawkins, who played the lead role of a school teacher in the film.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, adapted from John Boyne's best-selling novel set in the Holocaust, is also up for three awards.

Asa Butterfield, an 11-year-old from Islington, north London, who plays German character Bruno in the film, is nominated for Most Promising Newcomer. David Thewlis, who stars in the movie, will receive the Richard Harris Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Film.

News Sources:- http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest-celebs/2008/10/28/sands-film-in-line-for-seven-awards-115875-20847977/

Alyson Hannigan Is a Mother-to-Be

The actress and her husband will welcome their first child next spring.

It’s official, How I Met Your Mother star Alyson Hannigan is pregnant, reports People.com.

According to the magazine, Hannigan’s rep, Megan Moss, has confirmed that the 34-year-old and her husband, Alexis Denisof, 42, are expecting.

Can you say happy anniversary?

As icing on the cake, the news of the pregnancy comes just a week and a half after the couple’s fifth wedding anniversary.

Reportedly, Hannigan and Denisof were married on Oct. 11, 2003 at the Two Bunch Palms Resort near Palm Springs.

The couple will still have plenty of time for preparations, as the due date for baby isn’t expected to be until sometime next spring.

Considering how the couple met, fans will probably wonder if they will come up with a bewitching name for their first child.

Hannigan reportedly met her husband while playing the ever-lovable bookworm turned witch, Willow, on Buffy the Vampire Slayer during the show’s 1999-2000 season.

Since her Buffy days, the actress cum fashion model has been very busy starring as bank geek/nymphomaniac Michelle in all three of the American Pie movies. She also starred in the recent comedy, Date Movie.

Congratulations!

Written by: Jessica McCumber(22-Oct-2008)
News Sources:- http://thecelebritycafe.com/features/21039.html

Anne Hathaway and Scarlett Johansson Nominated for Gotham Awards

Independent film award ceremony honors Anne Hathaway, Woody Allen, and many others on Dec. 2 in Manhattan.

Anne Hathaway may have had troubles in her personal life, but she is flourishing in terms of her professional career.

The 25-year-old actress cum fashion model has been nominated, along with her cast mates, for the film, Rachel Getting Married, for best ensemble performance at the Gotham Independent Film Awards.

According to the IFP, the ceremony takes place Dec. 2 in Manhattan and honors Woody Allen’s film, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, which stars Scarlett Johansson and Penelope Cruz for ensemble performance and breakthrough actor.

Executive Director Michelle Byrd said, "2008 has proven to be an extremely strong year for an immensely diverse group of filmmakers tackling a range of subjects and forms in new and dynamic ways."

One of the films sweeping nominations was Ballast, which was a Sundance favorite and shows how one man’s suicide affects three other individuals.

This year’s breakthrough actor nominees include Rosemary DeWitt (Rachel Getting Married), Rebecca Hall (Vicki Cristina Barcelona) and Melissa Leo (Frozen River).

Written by: Joe Thomas(20-Oct-2008)
News Sources:- http://www.thecelebritycafe.com/features/20939.html

The Kate Moss Guide To Partying

The style legend gives out her top tips...

She's the ultimate party poster girl for a generation. An icon whose effortless style has millions of women trying to copy her look.
But super model Kate Moss has always stayed tight-lipped about her formula for a classic night out. Until now, that is.
She may have promised boyfriend Jamie Hince that she'll calm her partying ways but here the 34-year-old spills the beans on making things go with a bang.
From drop-dead make-up to what to put in your purse, Kate's secrets will inspire party girls everywhere.
And with more than 15 years hard partying behind her, there's nobody better qualified to tell us how to have a Kate time...

Getting ready..

I get my girlfriends round, put on music and have a drink.
You need "impact" make-up. Smoky eyes are always, always a good look. Then all you have to take out is black eyeliner, keys and money.
Be brave and try a new hairstyle. It can transform your look and inspire a new way of looking at your wardrobe.
And if I'm going dancing, I wear the highest heels and the shortest dress.

What to wear..

Make the best of your body just like any female model or male model. If you have great legs, show them off with a short dress and heels or skinny jeans.
If you've got a large bust, avoid high necklines.
Wear what suits you best, rather than following trends.
I don't think of things as outfits, I throw together what feels right for the night. I don't necessarily plan.
And never try too hard. Mismatching can add a personal touch to an outfit.

What to do..

My favourite nights out are ones with lots of friends around. I also love going to gigs.
At the moment I enjoy going to Punk in London on a Thursday with Queen of Noize, they always play a great eclectic mix. I like to dance to rock'n'roll and happy house.
I've always had great, and probably my most memorable, nights out and some brilliant parties on my birthday, particularly my 30th.
My favourite drink is a vodka and tonic.

What not to do..

Don't dance with men who can't dance. I prefer to dance with my girlfriends.

3 FAVES

1 Kate loves the blue sequin dress she wore on her 30th. It was owned by Bond Girl Britt Ekland.
2The red satin dress Johnny Depp had made for her 21st. He slashed the hem to make it short.
3£60 pansy-print dress from her Topshop collection. Perfect with sandals or tights and heels.

News Sources:- http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/10/20/the-kate-moss-guide-to-partying-115875-20821452/
By Jenna Sloan 20/10/2008

Madonna Premieres - Filth and Wisdom

Usually she’s happy to let her husband Guy Ritchie handle the film directing duties, but last night Madonna showed off her own skills with the premiere of her directorial debut “Filth and Wisdom” hosted by the Cinema Society and Dolce & Gabbana.

The Material Girl arrived at the Landmark Sunshine Theatre in New York City to a warm welcome of celebrities, fans, and of course the paparazzi.

Madge looked amazing in a conservative-yet-sexy long-sleeved black dress with a ribbon belt and a pair of black peep toe handgun heels.

"Filth and Wisdom", scheduled to hit theaters this Friday, October 17th, is a schizophrenic comedy about three crazy flatmates living desperate lives in London, England.

News Sources:- Celebrity Gossip

24 Year Old Kerri Lands Model Role

Kerri Parker, a glamour girl who grew up in Mattishall is hoping that her role alongside Simon Pegg in new comedy film "How To Lose Friends And Alienate People" will catapult her to a future career in acting.

Kerri only appears briefly on screen alongside Pegg but she has commented that she enjoyed the experience of fashion model and hopes it will lead to greater things.

She goes on to say "I play a celebrity model which was quite easy for me considering that is what it do anyway. I have seen a couple of trailers and I am in those for a few seconds and my friends and family are all ringing me saying they have seen me. Apparently after my filming had finished the director was trying to find me for some more scenes but I couldn't do it because I was unwell. It was great fun though spending two weeks with Simon Pegg. He was always singing and shouting and dancing and making everybody laugh."

What makes this feat even more impressive is that Kerri has had no formal acting training, and when you consider that she has already also appeared in the Bourne Ultimatum and The Dark Knight it makes her achievements even more incredible.

Kerri also stars in "Inconceivable" starring Andie MacDowell will be released soon in the UK in which she has a speaking part.

Posted on Monday, 06 October 2008 01:42PM by Editor :- UK Model Agencies

Tupperware Campaign

Last month I was flown down to Melbourne to shoot a Tupperware campaign with photographer Gerard O'Connor and the advertisements have finally come out all across Australia!
It was a crazy shoot with circus themed costumes and over the top makeup.

With my Tupperware Advertisement on the street in Sydney