“Lagos defies logic. It’s an immensely frustrating place to be. The corruption, homophobia and traffic are a joke, and everything else seems fake, broken or breaking. But the young people are delicious. The models are heavenly, and the way they dance to Nigerian ‘dancehall’ is mind-boggling. No one got paid at this fashion week, but no one seemed to care either. There’s nowhere else like it.”

The models truly are heavenly as Nigeria’s greatest natural resource is clearly its stunning youth. Literally, pluck any girl from the low-rent, no budget knockoff of America’s Next Top Model — imaginatively titled Africa’s Next Supermodel — and throw her on the runway or the cover of Italian Vogue. And the men, while hopelessly narcissistic, kind of have the right to be — just take a look at the part of the episode where some male models discuss the endowment of Nigerian men. Cocky doesn’t even begin to describe it.

Check out the season finale of Fashion Week Internationale below and make sure to catch up on any episodes you might have missed:

Cambodia

Las Vegas

Colombia

Islamabad/New York Full-Figured Fashion Week

- Speaking of the Obamas, the campaign’s Runway to Win e-commerce site went live today, featuring designs by Proenza Schouler, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Alexander Wang and —  for kicks — the House of Dereon. [Runway to Win]

- Will wonders never cease? A Top Model contestant actually becomes a top model. ANTM‘s Cycle 10 reject Fatima Siad — the second coming of Iman — landed Hervé Léger‘s spring 2012 campaign. [The Cut]

- Blue Ivy Carter is officially a hitmaker. The less than a week old diva-in-training is the youngest person to enter the Billboard charts, riding on the coattails of daddy Hov’s “Glory.”  No one’s ready for this baby’s jelly. [People]

- Calvin Klein and his jailbait lothario Nick Gruber are apparently “on a break.” Guess Calvin finally put Nick down for his nap. [NYDN]

- Indie Music Style Star Azealia Banks is going Gaga, working with the Lady’s right-hand queen Nicola Formichetti on her latest video. [Fashionista]

- Nike‘s agreed to pay a group of nearly 4,500 Indonesian factory workers $1 million in overtime, which roughly comes out to the price of a pair of Air Jordans per worker. Congrats. [The Cut]

- Lingerie models stripped down to their skivvies in Paris’ Musee d’Orsay as part of a publicity stunt for panty purveyor Etam. Museum officials, however, were not amused. Mostly because they did it without getting permission to film in the museum first. [Huff Po]

Photos: Homotrophy, Homorazzi, Homotography (sense a theme?) and YVY Mag

And as a special treat, here’s some behind-the-scenes action from the “Dieux du Stade” and German Cosmo calendar shoots.

Tapping his considerable resources, ALT has secured a gown worn by Oscar-winner Penélope Cruz to a Met Costume Institute Gala from Oscar de la Renta; a black  sequined wrap dress from Diane von Furstenberg; a coat trimmed with feathers and plastic fringe from Prada‘s fall 2007 collection; an evening column — what other kind of column is there? — from Tom Ford‘s first eponymous women’s collection; and a pair of blue satin Manolo Blahnik shoes from Sex and the City: The Movie.

In addition, the exhibit will include a video display showing Blahnik making milkshakes on The Martha Stewart Show, music from 2001: A Space Odyssey in the background and either Oscar de la Renta’s Live in Love or DVF’s Diane “wafting through the ventilation system.” But if you can’t make it down to Georgia for this multi-sensory experience, fret not. In December, Talley’s and de la Renta’s Joaquín Sorolla and the Glory of Spanish Dress will open at Manhattan’s Queen Sofia Spanish Institute.

And of course there’s always next year when you can apply for admission to ALTCADOYPF. [NYT]

Girls were screaming, flailing, falling and overacting all in an effort to rise to the challenge of shooting with one of the top posers in the game, but in the end Cycle 5′s Bree Scullark was dismissed. Her wailing and slapstick-like performance from the shoot ultimately turned off Tyra, Nigel, Coco and ALT but considering Bree’s one of the only Top Model girls who actually works, methinks she’ll be fine.

Photos: Styleite

Lauren Hutton (Nov. 17, 1943) That signature gap has been captivating audiences for four decades. both on and off the runway. Hutton easily transitioned from model to actress with roles in American Gigolo and The Gambler, but never forgot where her roots lay. Lest we forget, our senior citizens can still turn it.

Photo: Life

Photo: Roxanne Lewitt / Obsession Photo

Ostroff will be Condé’s first president of entertainment as it hopes to ween the Nast off the teet of advertisers and start rolling in that Hollywood dough. Though projects like The September Issue and America’s Next Top Model, featuring a be-caped André Leon Talley, already give CN a multi-media presence, the publisher’s not getting any money from it. Which is where Ostroff comes in.

“This is all content that Condé Nast should be able to build a library with in some way — even if it’s in partnership with other companies,” said Ostroff. “It could mean films, it could mean documentaries, it could mean television shows, it could mean digital series or digital content, it could be digital channels. And it could be across all platforms: Cable channels, cable broadcast networks. It ranges across the board.”

In that case, allow me to pitch my first — of many — Condé Nast-themed shows. Picture it, The Golden Gossip Girls, starring Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington as Blair Waldorf and Serena Vanderwoodsen, respectively (naturally)…50 years in the future. It’s got Emmy written all over it…or at least People’s Choice Award scribbled somewhere on its side. [NYT, WWD]

Wilhelmina Cooper (1939-1980) Before starting her own modeling agency in 1967 (yes, that Wilhelmina), the Dutch-born Cooper appeared on some 300 magazine covers, and still holds the record for most covers of American Vogue: 27. Though Gwyneth Paltrow is slowly sneaking up on her.

Photo: The Fashion Spot

- Notorious recluse, Rei Kawakubo of Commes des Garçons offers a rare interview with the Wall Street Journal. [WSJ]

- V Magazine offers a special preview of its 72-page Elizabeth Taylor tribute, styled by Carine Roitfeld and shot by Mario Testino. In it, Stephanie Seymour channels Liz and at least a few of her eight marriages. [The Cut]

- A gift from the retail gods? The Barney’s Warehouse Sale has been extended through Wednesday, September 7th. [Racked]

- Legitimate organization (?) Cosmetic Executive Women (U.K.) will honor old-school diva Joan Collins for being “a true cosmetic executive woman” and “a wonderful advocate for the beauty industry.” [WWD]

- According to recent statistics released by Match.com, Manhattanites are 3% more interested in dating someone from Brooklyn than someone from Manhattan. [Refinery29]

The burning questions you hear when walking past the magazines in a bookstore, drug store or bodega. The thoughts that come to mind when you page through the glossy, celebrity-filled pages of Cosmopolitan, Shape, GQ or Glamour. The answers come in the form of digital plastic surgery. In addition to the dietitians, trainers, stylists, hair and makeup teams and radical pressure to uphold the skewed and artificial American standard of beauty, behind every celebrity is a talented and seasoned retoucher. With the help of Photoshop, faces are contoured, cleavage is shadowed, fat is sucked away and muscles are defined with the strategic use of a few very powerful digital tools. Read more…

Exasperated by these repeated questions and the strange, modern-day beauty ideals in our country, five FashionIndie editors went under the Photoshop knife. That’s to say, we were pinned, tucked, pulled, chopped and airbrushed by the very talented photographer Christopher Hall to show you that, with the right team, anyone can be on the cover of an American magazine.

We decided to duplicate the poses of contestants on an America’s Next Top Model poster. As you scroll down, you will see the FashionIndie editors – Samantha Lim, Jessica Lapidos, McArthur Joseph, Lester Brathwaite and me, Amanda Gabriele – before and after the edits. The BEFORE images have the original backgrounds, the AFTER photos were pasted onto plain white. It can be difficult to see the changes without examining the large versions of the photos, so we encourage you to click on each one and check out the work we had done. Watch us transform before your eyes.

Now we are America’s next top models.

What is the moral of this story? No one is perfect, everything you see on magazine covers is fake and it’s easy to look “perfect” when you have Photoshop as a crutch. If you have any questions about these photos or post, tweet at me @CrystlMeatballs.

Fab photos and retouching by Christopher Hall Photography.

Poor Lindsey Wixson. The teenaged super in training fell about four times on her catwalk down the runway, eventually crawling her way backstage where Naomi was no doubt there waiting with motherly open arms rather than brandishing her usual cat-o-nine-tails to punish Wixson’s lack of coordination. After all it was charity! The audience didn’t mind and even cheered as the young model was engulfed in a sea of fabric on her numerous tumbles.

Then along came Whoopi.

After Tyra spoke — with obvious bemusement — about a girl’s foot getting mangled after tripping on a rose petal (first hint that you should hang up the stilettos) during the Top Model finale, Whoops Goldberg subtly brought up the models falling at Fashion for Relief to the shock and amusement of the live studio audience.  Joy, always the voice of instigation asks if something was wrong with the show itself…

But Tyra’s too smart for that.  She plays it off, explaining that, “Sometimes it’s the runway. Sometimes it’s the floor. Sometimes it’s the shoes. And sometimes it’s the damn model.” Behar, like a dog with a bone, won’t let it go, saying “It can’t be the damn model cause too many of them had fallen…” before the ladies erupted into a cacophony of squawks and squeaks at each other. But amidst the chatter we hear Tyra say, “I wasn’t there…I don’t know.”

Ay, that’s the rub. Tyra might not have been in Cannes for the Fashion for Relief show, but that doesn’t mean she didn’t drop by earlier to grease the runway and saw off some heels to re-pay Naomi the snub of not getting invited. Is this all conjecture and hearsay? Of course. Is it all true? Eh, maybe. But the ball is in Naomi’s court. And that bitch does not play fair. [NY Mag]

- Daphne Guinness insists that she’s not Dita von Teese, referencing her upcoming stunt dressing for the Met Ball in Barney’s store window on May 2nd. She insists on modesty, saying that she’ll be “getting dressed behind something.” Guinness will of course be wearing Alexander McQueen to honor the late designer’s Savage Beauty.  [NYT]

- When you make Time‘s 100 Most Influential People list, dying your hair red is apparently front page news, especially if you’re a renowned purse ambassador for Chanel like Blake Lively. [Refinery29]

- Speaking of Chanel, PoshGlam takes a look inside of celebrity stylist Anya Sarre‘s quilted Chanel bag, which is decidedly more posh and glam than the insides of our bags. [PoshGlam]

- If like me you’re wondering what kind of rug Prince Charles will cut at the Royal Wedding, wonder no further: it’ll be a funky rug. [Styleite]

- America’s Next Top Model is returning for its 145th cycle and Tyra‘s bringing back “models who became breakout characters and who had the most memorable stories from past seasons,” i.e. the top models who have nothing better to do. Which is pretty much all of them. [USA Today]

-

Check out the top 5 posers and vote for your favorite on Facebook! The winner gets a spread in Italian Vogue, a $100,000 contract with IMG and a medallion made of Swarovski crystals and various semi-precious metals with “Baddest Bitch” engraved on it.*

*Or something along those lines.

Shot by Ellen Von Unwerth, Tyra took time out of her busy smizing schedule to write the accompanying story. Ann looks incredible and brought that weird, angular posing that kept her at the head of the Top Model pack to the pages of Italian Vogue. All Ann needs now is a few high profile runways next season and she’ll land the cover by the end of the year. So ALT speaketh, so shall it be.

Photos: Stylite

Stephanie Seymour (July 23, 1968) As a muse for the late Richard Avedon, Stephanie Seymour created some of the best fashion photographs of the 90s, then upped the iconic ante when she strolled down the aisle as Axl Rose‘s bride (the two were dating at the time) in Guns and Roses‘ classic “November Rain” video. Though supermodels appearing in music videos was nothing new in 1992, very few looked as perfect as Seymour in that epic wedding dress. Perhaps a little too rock & roll for a royal wedding, but I would at least consider it, Kate Middleton.

Claudia Schiffer (Aug. 25, 1970) Reminiscent of a young Bridget Bardot, Claudia Schiffer’s sultry good looks catapulted her to supermodeldom in the early 90s. Though she made a comeback in a series of gorgeous ads for Salvatore Ferragamo in 2007, don’t expect to see Schiffer on a runway anytime soon; the German stunner maintains that she’s “very shy.” I’m the same way until I get a little liquor in me, hence, we just need to booze up Claudia and throw her — heels first — onto that catwalk. ASAP.

Heidi Klum (June 1, 1973) The ultimate Victoria’s Secret Angel, Klum hung up her wings for good in 2010 to focus on her thriving businesses: in addition to producing the Peabody Award-winning Project Runway (yeah, Heidi Klum has a Peabody), Klum has tried her hand at design, acting, painting not to mention re-populating the world with the help of her virile husband Seal…seriously, Heidi’s been pregnant nonstop for like the past ten years. I’m just going to say it, someone needs to separate those two.

Kate Moss (Jan. 16 1974) The kittenish face of “Heroin Chic,” Kate Moss’ arrival in 1990 sparked a sweeping change in the world of modeling. The glamazons of the 80s and early 90s now seemed outdated compared to the 5’7 Moss when she appeared in The Face magazine, shot by the late Corrine Day. Notoriously private — she rarely gives interviews — Kate Moss is still the most ubiquitous face in modeling of the past twenty years. As a regular in ad campaigns and a favorite muse for many photographers, Moss also practically owns the cover of British Vogue. Despite her amazing career, Kate has had her share of ups and downs…both fueled heavily by cocaine.

Photo: Harper's Bazaar

Tyra Banks (Dec. 4, 1973) Tyra Banks started off a rail-thin high fashion model before morphing into a voluptuous swimsuit cover girl, then a Victoria’s Secret Angel, then a fat-ass Emmy-winning talk show host and the professional smizer/creator of the now international Top Model series; in short, she is the ultimate model as mogul. And while I and a generation of other girls have learned everything we know about modeling from Ms. Banks (admittedly it took me a while to figure out how to find my light), she still has a few tricks up her sleeve (or in this case, turban), such as this shot from Vogue Italia’s iconic “Black Issue.”

Gisele (July 20, 1980) The last of the true supermodels, Gisele came along during the wave of Brazilian bombshells in the late 90s. With her athletic body and distinctive horse trot, she’s stayed at the top of the model heap for the past ten years, earning the one-name recognition to which all supers are entitled. Though there are several heirs to the throne (Karlie Kloss, Chanel Iman, Coco Rocha, Hilary Rhoda, Agyness Deyn, Anja Rubik, Jessica Stam, the list goes on and on…), the queen is not abdicating anytime soon.

Photo: Models.com

Lauren Hutton (Nov. 17, 1943) That signature gap has been captivating audiences for four decades. both on and off the runway. Hutton easily transitioned from model to actress with roles in American Gigolo and The Gambler, but never forgot where her roots lay. Lest we forget, our senior citizens can still turn it.

Photo: Life

Grace Jones (May 19, 1948) Part supermodel, part mental patient, part disco/New Wave/dancehall queen, Grace Jones is an enigma, wrapped in a question, wrapped in a kimono. Her distinctive style and personality are a constant source of inspiration, from musicians like Rihanna and Lady Gaga to magazine editorials, who find her a favorite subject in particular. And is it any wonder? That type of crazy comes along but once in an androgynous moon.

Beverly Johnson (Oct. 13, 1952) Bev Johnson’s name will go down in history as the first black woman on the cover of U.S. Vogue. The 1974 cover was groundbreaking as Vogue has and continues to be and probably will always be the definitive fashion bible. Johnson’s entree into the big leagues was a watershed moment for models of all diversities. Bev was only 22, so when you peak that early I guess the only way you can go is Def Jam’s How to Be a Player.

Photo: Racked

Janice Dickinson (Feb. 15, 1955) Our second Top Model judge (but first, in terms of service rendered), Janice Dickinson is all but unrecognizable today after the full facial transplant she’s had done over the years. But at her peak in the 70s, she was darkly exotic and really the definition of drop-dead gorgeous — looking at her older pictures I literally want to kill myself. In 1979, she claimed she coined the term “supermodel” (though the credit is often given to Andy Warhol a decade earlier) when her manager told her that she shouldn’t work so hard because she wasn’t Superman. Janice’s response: ”I am not Superman. I am a supermodel.” And then she threw a drink in his face and preceded to make out with him. Classic Dickinson.

Iman (July 25, 1955) With her long, graceful neck and statuesque beauty, Iman looks like she was actually plucked out of a Somalian village and thrown on a runway, but in reality she was discovered by photog Peter Beard while she was studying political science in Nairobi. Upon coming to New York in 1975, however, she happily played along with the myth that Beard had discovered her as “a teen tribeswoman tending 500 cattle and sheep in a Kenyan game preserve.” What followed is one of the greatest careers in modern fashion history: a muse for Yves Saint Laurent, Issey Miyake and Calvin Klein, an entrepreneur and the one woman (or man) to tame David Bowie.

Photo: Styliiista

Jerry Hall (July 2, 1956) After dropping some acid at a party, Jerry Hall was convinced she could make it as a model. Hailing from Texas, she was the All-American girl of the 70s, who just happened to do some very naughty things with some notable Europeans; chief among them Mick Jagger, from whose superstar loins was spawned their pillow-lipped progeny, supermodel-on-the-rise, Georgia May Jagger. It’s clear that in this case, she definitely gets it from her mama.

Wilhelmina Cooper (1939-1980) Before starting her own modeling agency in 1967 (yes, that Wilhelmina), the Dutch-born Cooper appeared on some 300 magazine covers, and still holds the record for most covers of American Vogue: 27. Though Gwyneth Paltrow is slowly sneaking up on her.

Photo: The Fashion Spot

Veruschka (May 14, 1939) The Countess Vera Gottliebe Anna von Lehndorff was forever immortalized in Michelangelo Antonioni‘s 1966 classic Blow Up, writhing around on the floor, turning, giving and generally destroying everything in the room. At 6’1 with size 13 feet, some might say she was tranny…”some” like me. Either way, before Lidna refused to get out of bed for $10,000, Veruschka was making that in a day. Go. Head. Tranny.

Jean Shrimpton (Nov. 7, 1942) Shrimpton was a sensation almost immediately when she started modeling in 1960 and is perhaps the world’s first supermodel, despite Janice Dickinson‘s drunken claim to the title. One of the most iconic faces and bodies of the 1960s (her slim figure earned her the nickname “The Shrimp”) Jean caused a stir in 1965 when she wore a mini-dress on Victoria Derby Day in Melbourne. It was so easy to cause a stir back then; now someone has to smuggle blood diamonds just to get some attention around here.

Naomi Sims (1948-2009) Before there was Naomi, there was Naomi. The first black supermodel, Naomi Sims worked overtime to break into what is still a largely racist industry. With a little help from Wilhelmina Cooper, Sims officially made it when she appeared in an AT&T commercial in 1968 wearing a Bill Blass ensemble. And I bet she never threw her phone at anyone…no, she probably did.

Photo: Life

Twiggy (Sept. 19, 1949) A boyishly short haircut in 1966 shot Leslie Hornby to superstardom as the international supermodel, Twiggy. At 5’6 and only 91 lbs at her discovery, she ushered in a new concept of female beauty and a whole rash of eating disorders. A tradition she continued as a judge on America’s Next Top Model.

Photo: Life

Peggy Moffitt (1939) My personal favorite 60s model, Peggy Moffitt was the original edgy girl. With her dark bangs and dark, Kohl-line eyes, she had one of the most distinctive looks of the decade. As a model, muse and eventual collaborator of Rudi Gernreich, she was immortalized when photographed in his topless bathing suit, the monokini, in 1964. How’s that for a stir, Shrimpton!

Donyale Luna (1945-1979) Peggy Ann Freeman escaped the slums of Detroit for the glitz and glamour of New York City. Here, as Donyale Luna, she was exotic and intriguing whereas in Detroit she “wasn’t considered beautiful or anything.” At 6’2, with her already striking features and ultramarine contacts, she was in high demand, scoring the cover of British Vogue in 1966. Donyale lived like, partied like and dated rock stars and died like one when she OD’d in 1979. Then 6 years later she was reincarnated as a sassy fashion blogger (Ahem!)

Penelope Tree (1950) The ultimate 60s “It” girl, Tree was the daughter of socialite Marietta Tree and British member of Parliament, Ronald Tree. When Diane Arbus took some photos of Penelope, her parents threatened to sue the photographer if the photos were ever published. Nonetheless, The Tree became rival to the Twig and inspired John Lennon, when asked to describe her in three words, to respond: “Hot hot hot! Smart smart smart!” Meanwhile, that’s either 2 or 6 words. Pull it together, Lennon.

Photo: Refinery29

- Dov Charney has been accused of behavior even despicable by his loose, scumbaggy standards. What could that possibly be, you ask? How’s about subjecting a young girl to sex slavery for her 18th birthday (allegations AA denies). Happy Birthday — slip on this muzzle!…The Charlie Sheen Story. [Racked]

- “Artist” Richie Budd has encased a bunch of not completely unattractive frat boys behind Plexiglass in the exhibition, “Come on Guy” (one must assume) for the sake of art. And also for the sake of perverts who have been banned from every other peepshow in town. [Refinery 29]

- Kate Middleton to wear Alexander McQueen at wedding? Reportedly, the princess-bride-to-be consulted British Vogue‘s EIC, Alexandra Shulman over the momentous gown. All hail the McQueen! [The Cut]

- Matthew Morrison‘s album art was clearly dug up from a never released early-90s Richard Marxx project. Meanwhile, shelve this easy listening snoozefest and give me Amber Riley‘s record, ASAP. [Just Jared]

- Kanye West will not be attending Central Saint Martins after all, it seems. According to a CSM spokesperson: ”He isn’t coming to study the MA course but he did visit the college regarding a separate issue last week.” I hope that “separate issue” involves renaming the college Central Saint Kanyes. [Vogue.co.uk]

- Recession, resmession! Is there even a recession anymore/does anyone even care? Well Michael Kors certainly could give two shits. He’s opened his largest store in the world: a sprawling 7,000 square feet in Paris. [NYT]

- And at the Paris opening of his new store, Mary J. Blige “confirmed a year-old report that she will portray Nina Simone in an upcoming biopic” by covering a Simone classic. I’m officially starting my Oscar pool early this year. [NYT]

- Miss J. Alexander once famously said (on one of the 62 cycles of Top Model): “Fashion has no sympathy or empathy.” Well, if you’re John Galliano, that may not be absolutely true. [The Cut]

- Walking lab experiment James Franco has been tooling around with supermodel Agyness Deyn and has uploaded some of their kooky exploits on the Twitter. [Oh No They Didn't!]

She walks, she vamps, she finds her light…then gives. Shot and styled by Alexi Lubomirski and Belen Antolín, respectively, you could skip 15 cycles of Top Model and just look at this story to learn how to model. And it doesn’t hurt that the boys get totes naked.

Photos: Homotography

[Above: Crystal Renn]

1. Crystal Renn

Crystal Renn is leading the charge for plus-sized models. Renn, a size 8, posed for five major ad campaigns and seven French Vogue spreads last year alone.

2. Whitney Thompson

You may remember Whitney from America’s Next Top Model season 10 – she won the entire competition. Whitney went on to pose for Forever 21, Saks Fifth Avenue, People Magazine, Seventeen Magazine and a host of other fashion ads and editorials.

3. Marquita Pring

Marquita is a Ford girl who wears size 41-35-46. She’s been featured in Vogue, Vice, Tush, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle.

4. Kate Dillon

Ms. Dillon’s schoolmates dubbed her “Overweight Kate,” and the teasing took its toll. Kate became severely underweight though she won third place in Elite’s Look of the Year contest, earning the then-17-year-old a $75,000 contract. Kate’s malnourished and two-cigarette-pack-a-day lifestyle eventually made her fed up with modeling. She quit the business and moved back into her parent’s house. At the suggestion of a friend, Kate returned to modeling after a short break – this time as a plus-size model. She’s enjoyed modeling more ever since.

5. Gitte Lill

In addition to plus-size modeling, Gitte is also a dancer. The Norway-born beauty is backed by the Ford agency.

6. Natalie Laughlin

W magazine has hailed her as one of “the brightest stars,” and The Wall Street Journal writes that “people in the industry say the brown-eyed, 5-foot-9 model, size 12-to-14, is at the top of her game.” I can’t disagree. Natalie was featured as Liz Claiborne’s “Elizabeth” girl, and she’s earned the title of “Cindy Crawford of plus-size models” by some industry folks.

7. Alyona Osmanova

Alyona didn’t start out as a plus-size, but she was moved into the category. She’s earned a long list of career achievements, including walking for Marc Jacobs, Prada, Chanel and Givenchy. Alyona’s been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Dazed & Confused and a host of other top-tier magazines.

RPDR:3 is basically what happens when you take the bastard child of America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway and American Idol, throw a wig on it and let it run free in size 12 heels on subscription cable.

Last night’s episode, “The Queen Who Mopped Christmas”  introduced us to the 13 queens who would compete for the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.”

Before they could even put down their purses, Ru showed up to give them their first challenge: a photo shoot with super hunky photog  and A-Lister Mike Ruiz. The queens had to jump for their love, posing on a trampoline while making it look both easy and sexy. The winner of the challenge was Raja, a lanky lady whose style will make you go Gaga.

Tyra would be proud.

The contestants were then given $50 and 10 minutes at a thrift store to find pieces that would go into creating their best holigay couture. Amidst a sea of shade and despite a breakdown or two, the queens got their tucks together in time for the runway.

Wilhelmina Slater herself, Vanessa Williams joined PJ Runway alum Santino Rice, Michelle Visage (Ru’s old co-host on 90′s relic, The RuPaul Talk Show) and Mike Ruiz (with guest Santa, Bruce Villanch) to judge the queens on who best embodied the principles of CUNT – Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent.

Raja won again, this time with a look reminiscent of Vivienne Westwood and a walk that would put most supermodels to shame. Meanwhile Venus D-Lite and season 2 cast-off Shangela had to lip-synch for their lives to Vanny Williams’ own “The Right Stuff.”

Things got a little ugly — eyelashes and wigs flying everywhere — and though Shangela was the first to be eliminated the last time she hit the stage, she proved the better woman this time around and Venus had to sashay…away.

Raja is clearly the front-runner for RPDR:3, but my money might be on one Ms. Manila Luzon who gives epic face.

This promises to be a fierce season, full of the backstabbing, weave-pulling and bitch-slapping that the best of reality TV can only aspire to. Welcome back, Ru. And may the best tranny…

WIN!

Link Love: RuPaul’s Drag Race

The power of clothes to transform one’s sense of self, i.e. the makeover effect, has been explored for ages. Shaw’s Pygmalion, every cycle of America’s Next Top Model, Nicole Richie…and one of the best examples is director Irving Rapper‘s Now, Voyager.

For the love of god, does anyone have a set of tweezers?

Garnering one of her 11 Oscar nominations, Davis plays perennial spinster Charlotte Vale. Charlotte is dowdy, has an unruly brow, drinks clandestinely to cope with life (no judgement there, sister) and has never met an unflattering floral house dress she didn’t like. Constantly under the thumb of her overbearing mother (the wonderful Gladys Cooper), Charlotte has no hope or confidence.

No, these aren't shoulder pads. Why? Jealous?

That is until she meets psychiatrist Dr. Jaquith (Claude Raines) who rescues Charlotte from her despair and instills in her a heretofore unknown sense of self-worth.

Feeling better, and with a new wardrobe in tow — courtesy of legendary costume designer Orry-Kelly – Charlotte embarks on a cruise where she meets handsome Jerry Durrance (Paul Henreid). The two fall in love thus completing Charlotte’s transformation, but there’s only one problem: the bastard’s married.

This isn't the only thing I'm good at sucking on if you catch my drift...

She and Jerry decide to take the improbable moral high road and ignore their love for one another, continuing on with their lives as if nothing has happened.

That's right, the bitch is back and she 's wearing sable.

Charlotte returns home, swathed in fur and defiance, and immediately begins speaking her mind, causing her mother great unrest. During one of their many spats, Charlotte’s mother unexpectedly dies from a heart attack, spurring Charlotte to run back to the aegis of Dr. Jaquith’s care.

Did I just wander into a middle school production of 'The Hours' and are you mini-Virginia Woolf?

There she happens to meet Jerry’s introverted daughter, Tina. Seeing herself in the shy, homely girl, Charlotte takes Tina under her wing and helps her to come out of her shy but still rather homely shell. Now inseparable, Charlotte, with Dr. Jaquith’s permission, takes Tina home with her for a visit.

"Don't let's ask for the moon; we have the stars."

Charlotte throws a party upon her return and who should make a surprise guest appearance but the still-married Jerry Durrance? He is exceptionally pleased by Tina’s transformation, aided by the now fully-realized Charlotte. Though still in love with one other, she and Jerry realize that theirs is a love that can never be and decide to end the affair for Tina’s well-being, as well as their own.

In movies, a makeover signals a character’s development; a change in their attitude and outlook. But isn’t the same true in real life? Cutting your hair after a particularly hard break-up or traumatic experience is perhaps the most clichéd act you could think of…but it can also be tremendously liberating.

Buying a new wardrobe can be exciting but also empowering because it not only changes the way you see yourself, but the way the world sees you.

Charlotte Vale’s life was one of quiet desperation, but seeing herself not as a unibrowed ugly duckling but as a beautiful, stylish woman, helps her to see the world in a new way.

Too bad she had to muck it up by falling in love with a married man. Way to go, Hollywood.

Molly Sims

Sims got her start as a Victoria’s Secret runway model, but soon transitioned to a Sports Illustrated bikini babe and is best known as a Cover Girl model and for her peppy Old Navy ads. In 2009 Sims launched a line of jewelry, Grayce by Molly Sims, sold on graycebymollysims.com. It has taken off, and now sells through Henri Bendel and a handful of boutiques, including Scoop, Ron Herman and Matches London. Items in her new collection retail for between $135 and $795 (at full price). Sims also starred for five years on NBC’s Las Vegas, and has appeared in various big-screen titles.

Elizabeth Hurley

The former Estée Lauder model, now 45, launched a swimwear line, Elizabeth Hurley Beach, in 2005; it now includes tunics, sarongs, shorts and kids’ wear. In 2009 she began manufacturing food products with ingredients grown on her 400 acres in the Gloucestershire countryside. Elizabeth Hurley Food’s organic snack line is sold at London retailer Harrods. Hurley raises her own pigs, cows and sheep at her farm, and sells their shanks at butchers across Britain. She recently partnered with Prince Charles’ organic food company, Duchy Originals, though the new line has yet to hit stores.

Cindy Crawford

The original supermodel, now 42, known for her Clairol and Pepsi campaigns, among others, had a hugely successful line of workout videos. In 2005 she partnered with HM Richards on an eponymous line of home furniture, sold through retailers like Rooms to Go, Art Van and Raymour & Flanigan. She recently partnered with JCPenney to sell a home décor line and a mid-range jewelry collection, One Kiss. She also has a line of anti-aging skincare, Meaningful Beauty, and a branded shoe collection sold through European retailer Deichmann. Crawford still strikes a pose for the likes of Omega Watches and Russian department store TSUM.

Elle Macpherson

In 1990 Elle “The Body” Macpherson, best known for her record five Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition covers, teamed with Bendon Limited Apparel to create an eponymous line of intimate wear, now a global seller. The line, which includes maternity bras as well as lingerie, has been so successful that the bombshell now out-earns her best years as a supermodel, with an estimated yearly $10 million paycheck. Now 47, Macpherson also has a line of skincare, The Body, sold in Europe. MacPherson took over as the host of Britain’s Next Top Model, and also serves as executive producer.

Marissa Miller

The Victoria’s Secret Angel has also graced the cover of the 2007 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Fashion clients have included Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, DirecTV and True Religion jeans. In 2008 she launched a shoe line with skateboarder/surfer-oriented company Vans. In 2009 Harley-Davidson made Miller, 32, its first ever brand face; a co-branded clothing line is in the works. This year she became a “First Mate” for Captain Morgan Spiced Rum (playing the captain’s sexy sidekick in a viral video and commercial) and an NFL spokeswoman. In 2010 she designed a women’s paddle-up board for Surftech; it comes in pink and purple and bears the model’s name.

Erin Wasson

Since 2002 this former Victoria’s Secret beauty has been the face of Maybelline in print and TV ads worldwide. In spring 2009 she dovetailed her love of surfing and fashion by launching a line of eponymous beach-inspired women’s apparel through skating and surfing lifestyle company RVCA. Wasson also partnered with Mouawad (Heidi Klum’s jewelry partner) to brand a collection of chain-inspired jewelry, LowLuv, now sold in dozens of boutiques in the U.S, Canada, Europe and Japan. She is also an investor in 100 Lafayette, a hip New York City dance club. She recently raised $12,000 in an hour for Best Friends animal sanctuary by selling her designer cast-offs.

Heidi Klum

The Sports Illustrated swimsuit model turned Victoria’s Secret Angel hung up her wings in September 2010 after 13 years with the lingerie giant. But the gorgeous German, now 36, is busy as ever (evidenced by her $16 million take-home pay from June 2009 through June 2010). Stateside, Klum hosts the designer reality show Project Runway and, in her home country, Germany’s Next Top Model (Klum gets a cut of all her GNTM discoveries’ revenue.) The mother of four also hawks jewelry; an anti-aging skin care line, In an Instant; two maternity wear lines, Loved and Lavish; and gadgets on her website. In October she launched a line of fashionable sporty clothing, with New Balance, sold exclusively on Amazon.com.

Gisele Bundchen

This former Victoria’s Secret Angel and wife of NFL quarterback Tom Brady recently caused some controversy by saying that mothers should be legally required to breastfeed. The mostly highly paid model in the world, earning $25 million a year, has both high-fashion clients, like Balenciaga and Versace, and mass retail brands like H&M. Ipanema by Gisele, a line of sandals with Grendene, a Brazilian sandal maker, is available in 80 countries; her take from the 30 million pairs sold in 2009: about $8 million. Bündchen also owns a hotel, the Palladium Executive, in Brazil. Last year she founded Sejaa, an environmentally friendly skincare line.

(credit: Forbes)

Thompson, who is still modeling had a lot to say about some top designers and the general failures of a industry that preys on young girls, slave labor and unhealthy images of what is beautiful. Her words aren’t anything new, we’ve all been aware of this attitude for some time, but it’s interesting when such a public person comes out with stories.

On Karl Lagerfeld:

Karl Lagerfeld two years ago was saying the only people who care about plus size are the “fat mummies sitting on their couches eating crisps”. Now he’s shooting the plus issue for V, are you kidding? Really V, you forgot about that? I mean, it was a huge issue. And he has a Chanel line for plus girls and Crystal Renn’s in it and it’s so fake, it’s so phony and people just jump on the bandwagon. So I think it’s important to do research and be smart about the companies that you do support.

On “Naturally Skinny” Models:

The majority of girls who do runway shows are 16 and under. Agencies and designers look for girls who haven’t hit puberty yet and so we ship these girls in from Russia and Brazil and they’re 14 and they don’t speak English and these are the girls that I go to castings with. That’s fine, they’re all great and young and “naturally skinny,” when they’re 14 — most people are. But then once they hit puberty, 16 and 17, they have to do drugs, they’re doing cocaine, they’re smoking cigarettes all day every day, they’re doing the lemonade cleanse because if they don’t then they get shipped back to wherever they came from, and that’s just how the industry works.

A lot of girls get depressed, some girls commit suicide, some girls starve to death, literally, and we kind of just don’t pay attention to it in the industry. We don’t really talk about it, but it’s very common.

On Sample Size:

The samples are tiny to save money. Because when you make a sample, say there’s a Versace gown and it’s hand-beaded and it costs Donatella $40,000 to do. And she makes it for a size six, OK a model’s going wear it on the runway and it probably will never get worn again.

Well, wouldn’t it be smarter for her to make it in a double 0? Because she’s saving all this fabric, which means she’s saving beading, she’s saving work on the dress and it’s cheaper. She’s saving a lot of money by doing it at that size. And that’s I think where it started and basically where it stayed. It goes back to models having no rights or say in the industry and instead of fitting the dress to the model, they fit the model to the dress.

On Model Bookers:

Oh yeah, models get treated like crap. Worse than anyone. We get fed last, we don’t sleep, they treat you like nothing. When you think about it, everyone thinks modeling is so glamorous, but you don’t get to say what you wear, you don’t get to say how you look, what your hair color is, what length it is, where you live, what you do — you have no voice at all.

And the bookers — because I was a straight-size model growing up in high school, and my hips were always one inch too big — and, yeah, you have 45-year-old men saying, “You’re too fat.” You’re a teenage girl. It’s really disgusting. It’s an awful industry and, yeah, there is no soul in modeling.

Now that we know. What should we do about it?

Would love suggestions below the jump…

Not gonna lie to you, I’ve been slacking on my ANTM. Not because I’ve tired of seeing girls who will never, ever, ever be a top model being humiliated week after week by Tyra Banks and my illegitimate father, André Leon Talley.

I mean, that show is schadenfreude at its best.

No, rather, I simply forget when and where it’s on, which is understandable as I often forget when and where I am on a regular basis.

However, now that I know this nonsense is going on, I will make a definite point to catch up and tune in regularly.

Who in gay hell has a conveyor belt on a runway?

But the contestants on America’s Next Top Model try their very best to look good while pretending to take down members of Lucha va Voom, a type of Mexican Mask wrestling.

LINK LOVE: Styleite

The first plus-sized winner of “America’s Next Top Model”, Whitney Thompson is already proving she’s got more model potential than many of the shows thinner winners. She’s just booked this Target ad campaign for their new collection, ‘Pure Energy’. More catalog than print ready, the images are a refreshing dose of real women who shop the retailer. Check them all out below.

See full gallery at Envy!

LINK LOVE: OH NO THEY DIDN’T

Not sure who watches America’s Next Top Model still, but after seeing this video, I’m gonna have to DVR this shit. The poor contestant fell not once, but twice! Priceless!

I had never heard that Detroit has a Fashion Week, but apparently they do. I’m sorry that I didn’t cover this, maybe next year, since you know, as the website says it’s Michigan’s “only fashion industry event.” That makes it sound so much more sad than exciting.

This year’s week was sponsored by the CW and showcased designs by Reco Chapple of Bravo’s ‘The Fashion Show,’ and Bianca Golden from one of the millions of seasons of America’s Next Top Model.

If you’re actually excited about this, check out their site

]]> http://fashionindie.com/detroit-fashion-week-is-michigans-only-fashion-industry-event/feed/ 6 http://fashionindie.com/nutty-acting/ http://fashionindie.com/nutty-acting/#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:29:05 +0000 Aaron K, Nightlife Personality http://fashionindie.com/?p=60628

I’m always surprised at how busy and nutty-acting everyone gets during Fashion Week prep. Everyone is in a huff. I’ve seen a lot of models in Soho, they’re almost all in huffs. Except for the “It” models, you know like Ash and Jethro. I bet they’re never in anything like a huff, they’re only in magazines. Is Cole Mohr still “It”?

Anyway, I got invited to the model casting for Duckie Brown. It made me feel a little special, but whenever I told anyone they sort of laughed. Everyone thought I was trying out to be a model, I wasn’t. Duckie wanted me there to cast models, and pretend to DJ. I really like pretending.

It was self-defeating though. The casting, I mean.  I was the short, pasty, black-clad kid with grandma glasses and bad hair. Everyone around me was 6 foot tall, healthy, fit, and beautiful. It was awful, and amazing. Amazing because they were changing and naked and trying on great clothes.

Two boys I party with came on a go-see. Is that an official term? Go-see? Or did Tyra make that up for America’s Next Top Model? But, right, Jace and Harvey came on a go-see. It was nice seeing them out and about during the day. And I think both of them were cast, because they have amazing walks and are so handsome.

Oh. Did anyone see that Craiglist missed connection from Tuesday? A friend posted it to my Facebook. I think someone I know, a boy, gave a man a blowjob at the Box while his girlfriend watched. It all happened on the balcony, I mean, I must have been a few feet away. Was it you? Tell me the truth. I need the scoop.

I think it’s a good nightlife when things like this can still happen. It reminds me of Studio 54.

It’s so sad that the Ruff Club is ending. I don’t know what else to say. It’s the end of an era, or something. There’s a rumor that Peaches Geldof and Jethro Cave will be there. That they’re going to DJ. I love Nick Cave, and his son Jethro is amazing. I didn’t know that Peaches is still around. Can I have her job? What is her job?

P.S.

I forgot to mention I met Christopher Sauve and Julia Frakes yesterday while creeping Soho with Alex. Chris was the nicest, like so pleasant. Julia was a button, but I kind of think I squeezed her hand too hard. Alex thought her pants were a great Beacon’s find, but of course they were Erin Wasson. Nicollette said Julia was a downtown luminary.

I guess she must be if she’s curating a collection at Screaming Mimi’s for Fashion’s Night Out. I’m jealous, wish I was curating a collection.

Did you know that even the Disney Channel changes its New York programming before and during Fashion Week? I told you, nutty-acting. Everyone.

I booked at Projet F through Lifebooker, which is a dream seeing as I am completely unorganized in terms of thinking ahead to get my haircut.  When I want to cut my hair, I want to cut my hair, and Lifebooker allowed me to book an appointment and attend it three hours later.  The salon has an really cool vibe, with very clean black and whites and a good stereo system, plus full length mirrors, and great capes so you don’t leave the salon with hair all over your shirt.  

Projet F has only been around for about seven months, but is building up their name as Lifebooker gives customers a deal at an amazing salon with the some of the best stylists around.  New Yorkers of all walks of life are beginning to notice how great this salon really is, just as I was sitting there, Jaslene Gonzalez from Americas Next Top Model season 8 came in to say hello to her stylist and grab a few bags she left in their earlier.  

After telling my stylist, Anthony Fonseca, to just cut all of my hair off and showing him this photo of a basic idea, I went back to be shampooed. These weren’t your regular shampoo chairs, or your regular shampoo experience.  I laid down in the most comfortable chair ever, and a ten minute shampoo and head/neck massage.  Another Anthony that was shampooing me explained that they use this technique of massaging the head and neck (which feels amazing) to ensure that all of the nutrients get into your hair, and that not every salon does this. 

I then sat down to get my hair cut, and Anthony did an amazing job.  He listened to what I wanted, and also gave suggestions to how the photo I brought in could be workable for my face shape, and every day life.  He began chopping away and I felt completely comfortable as the inches fell to the floor.  He gave me a mirror to show see the progress, and I was overjoyed to see my new style emerge.  I got a quick blow dry and a splash of pomade and we all agreed, short hair suits me WAY better. I’ll definitely be going back to Projet F to refresh my cut, and would recommend any of their stylists for an awesome new look!

Check out their website, or you can even walk-in at 180 Lafayette St (Between Broome and Grand)

Here’s my before and after shots, what do you think?:

The new season starts on August 20th at 10PM Eastern Standard Time on Lifetime. One month, folks!

Jason Kibbler shot Jourdan Dunn for Vogue Russia, who displays her versatility in these shots.  From beginning to end, Dunn goes from high society (in Dior), to high jumping (and her legs look gorgeous, I might add).  The only thing I’m not crazy about in this jump is her left wrist…I think the America’s Next Top Model judges would probably agree.

SOURCE: Dunn Deal

Times are tough, and when it’s time to trim the fat its only fair that the once-famous supermodel, whose only real purpose is to make it look like it’s not really all about Tyra and provide shallow, empty commentary, should pack her bags and leave the house.

“The current state of the economy has forced shows to make major budget cuts industry wide,” says America’s Top Model executive producer Ken Mok, in a joint statement with Tyra Banks released Monday. “America’s Next Top Model is not immune to these financially challenging times. We’ve had to make significant cuts in every area of the production and, unfortunately, Paulina was a casualty of these cuts.”

Honestly, I don’t think it’s going to make a difference since the show is a joke anyway. They should’ve stuck with Janice even if she did talk out of her ass half the time, at least she was entertaining. So who’s up next…Frederique Van der Wall?

I honestly haven’t watched ANTM for a while, but thought that this photoshoot was very exciting, the models were supposed to ‘act’ their colors…not sure if they really did that, but the photos look amazing.

LINKAGE: Ohnotheydidnt

Shot for the New Yorker in 1995 by the legendary Richard Avedon, this creepy shoot seems worthy of a concept for Americas Next Top Model. Featuring gorgeously style models that appear to have no idea that their loves are merely skeletons, Avedon creates many shots of sheer passion and romance. In agreement with WickedHalo, this shoot has a striking resemblance to the Corpse Bride, but with a ‘Corpse Groom.’ As creepy as these decomposed grooms seem, you can’t help but notice the beauty in each shot, and have a hard time looking away from the photos, no matter how gruesome the concept may be. Each shot brings the couple into a different scene, of love or catastrophe. There’s even a sex scene, which could perhaps be followed by the family portrait with the child as a very creepy doll, even more so than the skeleton. A few of the shots seem straight from a horror movie, but the concept overall would do Tim Burton proud.

GALLERY: In Memory of the Late Mr. and Mrs. Comfort

LINKAGE: Wicked Halo

Look Indies! It’s a stampede of candidates for America’s Next Flop Model. Yes childrenz, you read right, they stampeded like a hoard of cows tryin to get to the feedin trough at the Olive Garden, Moooooo! Not to volunteer to help in a needy community or to provide blood so there would be surplus for life saving purposes or to burn Anna Wintour in effigy, not important causes like that. No, these delicate young heffas straight grid-ironed and clawed and catted their way forward for the chance to bask in the glow of Tyra’s premium silky weave. I know Tyra’s gonna turn this into a “very special Tyra” episode and talk to the “victims” about how they overcame this “hardship” and it’s all gonna lead back to her. I mean really, must we push, everyone will have their chance to be told to go kill themselves. This is just ridiculous, I thought I was watchin’ a soup line in a 3rd world country and what’s pitiful is that most of these wannabes will be models when Satan starts up an ice cold lemonade stand in hell on the 4th of “Nevuary”. I would call them whores for attention but I gave up snarkiness for lent………………………so I won’t call them whores……………………I’m just not gonna call them whores……………………no, I’m not calling them that…………not whores………………………wait, what is lent again?

-Z’maji of HauteBlogXOXO

America’s Next Top Model producers must really be scrambling for guest judges. Clay Aiken has been scheduled to guest judge an upcoming 12th cycle episode of ANTM. Now, I can see an ex-model, stylist, personal trainer, talent agent…hell, even Brendan Fraser as a judge…but Clay Aiken?! Someone enlighten me, what does a shoddy musician know about models, fashion or beauty? 

Thanks Jezebel!

I don’t know how Clay Aiken is relevant to fashion, except for his incredible outfits in Spamalot (above).

But Tyra reportedly has him on board be a guest judge in an April episode of America’s Next Top Model.

From Entertainment Weekly.

For more, check out The Pipeline!

Okay, so Lowe is the new face for Marc Jacob’s Marc by Marc Spring 2009 campaign. Rumor also has it that she snagged the DKNY campaign, to be shot by The Sartorialist photographer Scott Schuman. Jacobs calls her “adorable” and and Fashionologie says Lowe could bring about “the death of size zero.” Compliments? Yes. Patronizing compliments? You bet.

Whoever thinks Daisy Lowe is a “curvy” model really ought to have their eyes checked. Let us assess the situation: 

Height: 5′ 10″

Measurements: 32.5″ – 25.5″ – 35″

Lowe is an A-cup, with a tiny waist, the average model hip measurements and a typical model height. She isn’t curvy at all. If anything, Whitney Thompson should be considered curvy and NOT plus sized. And the media wonders why eating disorders are so popular these days.

Thanks Fashionologie.

It’s a shame Elite couldn’t find it in their hearts to can “It” girl Harley Viera Newton. Yuck.

Thanks Fashionista!

Who needs Tyra when you’ve got Finlandian beauties decking it out for runway supremacy on Finland’s Next Top Model?  Seriously, this show looks hot!!!  I wish this wasn’t just a promo and the girls on this show actually had to beat the shit out of each other to win. Kind of like a Fight Club for waify model types.  Tyra, give the American people what they really want. WWF style battle royals!!!

]]> http://fashionindie.com/finlands-next-top-model-gives-us-a-real-catwalk-catfight/feed/ 1 http://fashionindie.com/top-model-takes-on-fashion-weeks-runways/ http://fashionindie.com/top-model-takes-on-fashion-weeks-runways/#comments Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:00:31 +0000 Marissa Moshell, Student http://fashionindie.com/?p=13389

Eugena Washington for Project Runway’s Jerell

Saleisha Stowers for Pamella Roland

Dani Evans for Project Runway’s Korto

Bianca Golden for Project Runway’s Korto

Naima Mora for Project Runway’s Joe

This past week, Top Model contestants decided to take on fashion week’s star-studded runways for the ultimate plunge! Straight from Tyra’s factory, the models were looking better than ever with a fierce take on the modeling front. Five of the contestants, Naima, Saleisha, Bianca, Eugena and Dani, stomped their pumps down the catwalk in a confidence sure to win them bold success. Several of the models appeared in the Project Runway showcase featuring designs mended by the talented Korto, Jerell and Joe, while others modeled for names like Pamella Roland and others. Though this is probably their extent of work since the judging panel, I have to admit, they don’t look half-bad.

Thanks to NYMag for the pics

Indies..Meet Tatiana Stewart. She recently moved to New York City to become a ballet dancer, but soon found her niche in the harsh realities of the modeling industry. We’ve recently been talking about the backtracking taken from a recent step in the right direction when it comes to super-skinny models. This is, yet again, another step in the wrong direction.

18 year old Tatiana is an accomplished young woman who came to New York looking for success in her talents. When she was scouted to model clothing in Abercrombie & Fitch she discovered yet another skill she could take into consideration. Well, at least she thought she could. This is no issue with the agencies; Ford, Click and Elite Modeling came to Tatiana’s beck and call, but picky designers, photographers and reality show casting directors can’t seem to be put in their place.

America’s Next Top Model showed a definite interest in Tatiana, but when screen tests rolled around and models were asked to lift up their shirts to bare their abdomens Tatiana was dismissed. Though the CW is claiming they don’t have weight guidelines, lets face it, to them, she wasn’t skinny enough to be a skinny model. The basics of her casting call advice have been to take her size four, six-two body and shrink it to a “loose size two”. That’s ten to fifteen pounds on an already super-skinny frame! What are they thinking!

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