From Benjamin Kanarek Blog

I am sure you have all seen those adverts saying, “…become a top model…”.  Or “You can become a model in only 6 weeks…” etc.

I find it sad and pathetic that so many kids and parents fall for those solicitations.  I can only imagine how much money is tossed out the window by so many those hoping to become models via the Modeling Schools offering fame and fortune in the fashion business.

So for those of you reading this and hoping to become models, let me edify you to the reality of the business.

There is no school out there that can make you that promise and keep it.

Modeling Schools

To become a model the reality is the following:

If you are over 5?-9? or 1m 75 cm around 14-16 years of age or even younger.

Have a unique look that breaks with convention.

A classic conventional look that is really commercial.

Have been discovered by a credible model agency scout or recognized fashion photographer.

A fashion magazine editor has discovered you and sent you to one of the above agencies or other credible agencies in the major modeling centers.

Have been to see the credible model agencies around like Elite, Ford, Next, IMG, Marilyn, One Model Management, Folio, Select, Premier, Modelwerk, Viva, etc. and they have accepted you for their roster.

All modeling agencies worth their weight, will teach the models the necessary talent to survive in the business.  They will warn them against certain career pitfalls, who and what to avoid, teach them how to walk for runway work, as well as some of the more important aspects of posing and attitudes needed to approach a photo and video shoot. Of course there are other types of modeling that I have not mentioned, like hand, leg, body, extra work, glamor, erotic, people, lifestyle etc. modeling that falls under a very different category and doesn’t really require the above attributes.

Perhaps schools wishing to teach poise, posture, social graces, table manners, walking gracefully etc. should just advertise themselves as Charm Schools.  At least then those wishing to learn the above would be well informed. If none of the above situations apply, I suggest that you save your money and invest in other aspects of your capabilities and pass GO and save your $200.00. One day you might want to pass this on to those seeking your advice.

Comments are welcome

From adderall slinger to internet sensation to record deal rapper, new pop culture icon Kreayshawn further cements her image on the new cover of i-D magazine.  Her ovary pumping swag (her words, not ours) is captured above via two toned hair, gold star emblazoned eyelashes, finger tattoos, and a triple toned leopard print manicure.  All bad ass you say? We thinks a not.  Her Debbie Harry haircut, ski slope wardrobe, and constant cat references (Gucci Gucci ends with a meow and refers to catnip, kitty cats, and kitty litter), however vile they may be, make us think that she’ll grow out of her rapper phase and turn into one crazy cat lady.  Either way, we are having a love affair with her right now so…here’s a style slideshow!

Not a stranger to modeling (at age 3 she signed with Ford Model and she modeled for Lindsay’s 6126 clothing line). LA Director Alexis Borges said “Ali represents the future face of fashion and will be a photographer’s dream with her chameleon like beauty” (Just Jared).  Check out these pics of Ali and let us know what you think!

When hair is wet it is the most fragile and vulnerable to breakage. Wet hair, should be treated with care almost like a 100 year old piece of lace, this is because your hair becomes much more stretchable and when tugged, it may cause healthy hair to turn into hair that is damaged and full of spilt ends—and who really wants to touch breakable hair? No one.

Color treated hair, should always be maintained and frequent in conditioning. Using a color treated repair shampoo and conditioner will not only maintain the color but also protects the color from the sun’s harmful rays with UVA protectant—Yes ladies, go the extra cents to take your hair to the next level. This also means staying away from the 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner.

Getting out the shower… Females… Never “ put towel over your head and start rubbing against the hair” instead dab/pat or gently scrunch (for beach tousled hair) with your towel. A cotton pillowcase or towel may come in handy as it takes away static, which causes hair to frizz up. Putting some leave in conditioner can also soften and detangle the hair (but remember not on the roots!). Also, leave your hair to air-dry before going straight to the blow-dryer, doing your make up first will give you less heat time and more air time.

 Next time while in the shower think of these simple tips and it can take a huge difference in your hair’s strength, texture, color and volume. Happy scrubbing everyone!

Model castings are one of the most important parts of a fashion or beauty photography editorial or print advertising campaign.  Those of you having to have cast for a job probably understand how complicated the whole affair can be.

Casting protocol and logistics are changing all of the time and the necessity to see a model in the flesh so to speak is less important than most of you might think.

Highly evolved internet technology has changed the dynamic considerably. Access to information about the model and how she appears on screen, provides all of the decision makers a much wider gamut of information about her-him than ever before. If the pertinent information about the model is up to date, that information can be even better than a real on the spot casting. However, the responsibility falls on the model agency to provide the most up to date information on the models dimensions, hair color and cut, skin condition etc. so that the client can make an accurate assessment of the model they are casting.

Some of the questions we ask model agencies are what is her REAL shoe size, weight, height, hair color, length of hair and skin condition.  In most cases the agencies will be forthright and honest when confronted directly.  Don’t trust a comp card for the information, as it is already outdated when you get it. The model could have had a hair color change the night before your shoot for another clients needs and you will not be informed until she shows up, unless the agency is really on the case, this will rarely happen.  So you have been warned.

Real castings are often needed in the following cases.  The model has come in from another city or country and is available for a limited time only. The model is a new be and hasn’t any images at all or just a few snap shots. She has had a radical re-looking and nothing in her book represents her new look. It is a beauty capping and the skin is very important as the client wants to use minimal retouching. The client has honed down the preliminary casting to a few models and now wants to see the real deal (at their expense if the model is out of town). Once the model has been hired and need to do a pre-show fitting, as I have illustrated with a pre show Jean-Paul Gaultier model fitting.

If you are new to casting, get ready to be disappointed. In most cases, models are required to come to castings with little or no make-up and what you see in the flesh is nothing like what you saw when you scrutinized her on the web.  It is often as radical as night and day.

However, with the understanding of image usage and rendering in that chosen media, most good casting directors and photographers can see what the potential of the model is with all of the available information on the net which includes video, snap shots, tear sheets, skype conferencing calls etc. and in fact, many prefer to see how models are rendered in the format they will be exhibited in.

With new 3D technology coming to the forefront, virtual castings will become the norm and “real” castings will be done as part of the finalization process and for the fittings only.  In fact, fittings will eventually be done virtually as well, using outerwear templates to determine exact sizing and fitting parameters.

My recommendation is to compile as much info on the model as possible via the net and when convinced of your edited choice, than call in the choices for your finalization process.  This is a real time saver, unless of course you are casting for a speaking roll.  Now that is an entirely different subject. Or is it?

For more info on these crimson creations, tweet at me @iamsamlim

A Few Interesting Tips from Benjamin Kanarek Blog by Frédérique Renaut

There are some interesting adages one might wish to use in describing relationships with model agencies. I have dealt with all of them and the one thing I can say is this; It is not so much the model agency, but the bookers who work for the model agencies that will leave you a lasting impression about them.

Now that may seem obvious, but it really isn’t at all, as bookers move from agency to agency more often than passengers on a subway line. Yeah, I am exaggerating, but it is very often. Thus, when you think you have built up a solid relationship with a booker at an agency and find out that she left for another, the reality of this move is worse than you might imagine. Not only have they left the agency, but quite often, come of the talent from that agency leaves with them. Not add insult to injury, being that the politic in model agencies are what they are, there is a good chance that trying to establish a solid working relationship with another booker may be problematic, as they may be jealous that you didn’t give them your time and decided to book via someone else.

The above example is not an exaggeration, as I have experienced this time and time again.

Something else you must be made aware of is a kind of bait and switch technique, that is used often to get you to book a model with less notoriety than that with whom you really want to work with.  How does that work you ask? Well, let’s say you are casting for “So & So” magazine. You ask for suggestions for girls available for the magazine. They send you 8 or 9 models and in that choice there are a couple of Top Models. You get all excited and say, yes, please put an option on so and so for “So & So” magazine. They say, “we will try, but in case they are not available, why don’t you also consider so and so as well”. Most photographers won’t want to be impolite and generally say, perhaps why not.

Well you are now only a few days away from the shoot. You have a good 2nd option on those two Top Models. Well lo and behold, guess what happens? A couple of days before the shoot, you find out that they are NOT available and you are basically forced to take their second rung of models. You ask, “Why not confirm them or put them on 1st option?” Well, one of the techniques is to always give a 2nd option, in case the model gets called for an Ad Campaign, which pays a lot more than “So & So” magazine. Of course, if you can confirm the girl, that is the best bet, but still will not guarantee the booking. They will always find a way out if necessary.

My advice, is to put as many options as possible on the girls you like and hope that at the end of the day, one of them turns out to be a go for your “So & So” Magazine Editorial. Or better yet, if you can afford a casting director, go for it. They have tons more leverage than you do.

Oh yeah and one more very important point. The photographer IS the client, especially when casting for an editorial or an ad campaign and thus should be treated as such. In some places that is NOT the case which I and many others find infuriating at best!

More to come about model agencies later.

Source Benjamin Kanarek Blog

He is none other than Rick Genest, aka Rico, aka Zombie Boy, aka the muse of Mugler’s and Gaga’s Nicola Formichetti.

As Formichetti told Hint, “I had his picture on my wall forever. I saw it one day on Google. I thought it was amazing Halloween make-up done by Peter Philips or something.”

We all know by now that that shit is permanent. Well, Formichetti went on to find Zombie Boy’s true identity and to find him on Facebook, and whisked him away to Paris (having paid his near 20 thousand dollar fines for sleeping in the street, and also having gotten him a passport in record time), to have him model in his debut men’s show.

Now that you’ve seen the before and after, which way do you prefer Rick Genest?

Link Love: The Cut

Winner: “I wish I knew how to turn this darn thing on!” – Sarah McAdams

Second Place: “….What Would Bowie Do?” – Stace ShyArts Psyhk

Honorable Effort: “iii GO HARDCORE..but in style.” – Manda Goldberg

See all our entry’s HERE.

**Stay tuned for another Model Thought Bubble contest soon!

Head over to our Facebook page and caption THIS POST. The best entry will be featured on Fashion Indie’s homepage tomorrow!

[Freja Beha Erichsen in Vogue Paris shot by Inez & Vinoodh.]

Winner: “OMG – the Chocalate I ate is melting me. Curse those calories!” – Botanical Beauties and Beasties

Second Place: “this is the last time i put hallucinogenic mushrooms in my salad” – Gary Cook

Honorable Effort: “I am going to murder a hoagie later” – Lauren Winston

See all the entries on Fashion Indie’s Facebook Page.

**Stay tuned for another Model Thought Bubble next week!

Head over to our Facebook page and caption THIS POST. The best entry will be featured on Fashion Indie’s homepage tomorrow!

Winner: “merman. merMAN.” – Gary Cook

Second Place: “Practicing on the marlin before I have to tackle a real land shark” – Nancy Reid

Honorable Effort: “The ventriloquist swordfish and his dummy…” – Stephan Swanepoel

See all the entries on Fashion Indie’s Facebook Page.

**Stay tuned for another Model Thought Bubble contest soon!

Head over to our Facebook page and caption THIS POST. The best entry will be featured on Fashion Indie’s homepage tomorrow!

Winner: “Flowers, flowers, flowers. I’ve got flowers on the brain.” – Sarah McAdams

Second Place: “Those roses are heavy, hope they don’t fall off!” – Stacey Joosten

Honorable Effort: “Why have one flower, when i can have them all. Why have one love, when many can love me more.” – Maria Cestone

See all the entries on Fashion Indie’s Facebook Page.

**Stay tuned for another Model Thought Bubble contest soon!

Head over to our Facebook page and caption THIS POST. The best entry will be featured on Fashion Indie’s homepage tomorrow!

Winner: “If you poop on me…. I swear to God I am going to make boas out of you!!” – Martín Jáuregui

Second Place: “Don’t even think about it bird. My nipples are NOT for eating.” – Sarah-Jane MacMillan

Honorable Effort: “All this just to get Jacks attention” – Diana Swanson

See all the entry’s HERE.

**And stay tuned for another Model Thought Bubble contest soon!

Head over to our Facebook page and caption THIS POST. The best entry will be featured on Fashion Indie’s homepage tomorrow!

Winner: “Out of my way, Alice! Sorry I broke your leg, but my peripheral vision in this dress is limited…” – P.A. Chodak

Second Place: “bath time again? i hate being a giant loofah.” – Edward Butts

Honorable Effort: “Oh dear all your complains and tribulations are so out of my fluffy-made of tulle ruffles-shell” – Ysah Coh

**Stay tuned for another Model Thought Bubble contest soon!

Photographed by Peter Lindbergh and styled by Nicoletta Santoro, the girl once named “Sexiest Woman Alive” by Esquire magazine dons sexy slips and lacy dresses to score a 9.9 on the “OMG she’s effin’ hot” scale. (Ten-point scale, of course.)

Link Love + Pics: FGR

Head over to our Facebook page and caption THIS POST. The best entry will be featured on Fashion Indie’s homepage tomorrow!

Hopefully, the bond between Master Lagerfeld and Miss Lively will not be broken based on such a trivial incident as Blake missing his grand show – a show in which she will be wearing most of the looks, a show that she will soon be representing. But no big deal, she’ll just catch up with Karl over dinner in Paris this weekend, and maybe get a sneak peek at the collection.

Link Love: Fashionista

Josh Linam: Mercedes Benz is such a cool company. What do you think of Mercedes-Benz as a brand?

Karolina Kurkova: Well it’s a very classic, timeless brand. It’s innovative. They always have the safest cars. It’s luxurious but subtle without being too flashy. And I think it’s wonderful that they’re creating this event and supporting all these different fashion shows around the world where people can show their work.

Yes, actually that leads into my next question – what does it mean for Mercedes-Benz to sponsor Fashion Week, which is the epicenter for all things stylish?

I think it’s a great collaboration. Mercedes-Benz is very stylish and modern; it’s innovative, and it’s luxury. And it goes very well with fashion. It’s about trends, the newest and best things. Also, Mercedes-Benz is a lifestyle brand. It’s just not about the cars – it’s what they represent. You’ll see a lot of people who are a part of fashion week, designers, models and celebrities driving the cars.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week incorporates some of the best technology around. How do you see technology changing fashion?

I’m always amazed how technology is pushing the envelope and how it’s changing so quickly. You can see everything online right away. The things that are happening simultaneously, everyone can see it. I have a fan page on Facebook. It’s amazing how quick things happen. It’s so instant!

Are there any drawbacks about technology becoming such a part of fashion?

Sometimes there’s not that mystery or surprise or privacy. Almost everything is out there. People want everything right away. Maybe it’s not the greatest for the young generation who spends so much time online. They get so much into that world, and there’s so much more to see outside the Internet.

What are your favorite fashion Web sites or blogs to check out?

Well I just got to meet this guy, Bryan Boy. He’s so crazy, but he’s very sweet, very real and so true to his roots. He’s from the Phillipines, and he still goes back there. He’s very trendy and he’s a big fashionista, but he’s not affected by it. He’s still a true, real person, and I can feel that. I think he’s fun, and I like his style.

Last question for you. What’s your favorite thing to wear on a night out?

Well, I don’t have just one look. I’m someone who dresses by mood, by the weather and by where I am, my location. It could be from jeans to boots to a t-shirt and leather jacket to a beautiful Hervé Leger or Azzadine Alaïa dress with flats or high heels. So I’m really someone who dresses by where I am. It’s got to be comfortable, look effortless and classic, and have a personality.

Karolina’s newest, sizzling spread for Mercedes-Benz:

One obvious reason Karolina Kurkova has seen such success in modeling – she is outrageously beautiful. However, some may not know the real reason people love working with Karolina. The supermodel beams with positivity, and she is perhaps even a little bit of a jokester.

So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Karolina turned the tables on me in our interview. Right from the start she humorously tried to throw me off with a big smile on her face. (Clearly, it worked.)

Karolina Kurkova: Wow, you’re so handsome. So are you dating anybody?

Josh Linam: Well, I’m kind of new to New York City.

So you’re looking for the right people? Call me. I can help. Ohh, I can help.

Wow, thank you; that would be amazing! So I’m from Fashion Indie, and I just had some questions for you.

So wait, you’re saying you’re new to New York. Where were you before?

I was in Texas.

In Texas? You lived and blogged about fashion in Texas?

Actually I lived in Texas, but I was writing a different project. So yeah, I just moved and I’m pretty new to New York fashion.

So this is kind of your first, big fashion week?

This is the first!

So is it a little overwhelming for you?

It’s new. Everything’s new. Overwhelming a little, as far as the shows and the partying I think.

And the tent. Isn’t it beautiful how it’s done? It’s not just going from show to show. It’s almost like a creative space where people can work and talk and see shows and connect.

It seriously is amazing how they can transform it into such a functional space. I love Lincoln Center!

Don’t forget to check out Part 2 with Karolina, where Fashion Indie questions the supermodel about her new partnership with Mercedes-Benz.

[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.

Lookbooks is holding a New Faces event with an esteemed casting director this coming Thursday, February 3rd. If you think you’re ready for it, sign up on LookBooks New Faces or update your profile and include the following code “Ready for NYC Fashion Week.” under “My look is…“  We will review all submissions and notify you if you’ve been selected!

For this casting, the designers are looking for the following specifications:

Girls

Height: 5’9″

Bust 31″-34″

Waist 24″-25″

Hip 33-35″

Guys

Height: 6’0″ – 6’1″

Jacket 40R/L

Pants 32/34

Good luck to you!?

For the Spring 2011 campaign the supermodel was captured by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott in two different all-white suited outfits in which she truly looks glorious.

In the past Lara Stone was often styled in a little bit rugged or naive way, which matches her look quite well – especially due to the little gap between her teeth, which we love so much about her… But not so in this campaign, where she takes the role of a true classical beauty.

The Calvin Klein brand as well as her beautiful self couldn’t have come together in any better or more surprising way! What a great match!

Baby Bloom was born at an L.A. Hopsital where Miranda’s family joined in welcoming him as the newest member of the family. Healthy and carrying the genes of two insanely sexy individuals, this little boy was born a star.

Congrats to the new proud parents!!

Link Love + Pic: x17

So nonchalant Frida Gustavsson in leather leggings, a erfectly unbuttoned white oxford, and inspirational geeky glasses.

(photo credit: Elle)

… and the Fanning takeover begins.

See the video here.

LINK LOVE: Jezebel

Word has it Tom Brady is trying to beat out Gisele Bundchen for the role of supermodel. It has been announced that the football player is going to be the new face of UGG. Apparently Mr. Brady was approached because “he’s always been a fan of the sheep-skinned boots.” Don’t get me wrong, I love my UGGs, especially during the winter, but it never occurred to me that Tom Brady had a pair of his own to love. Can’t wait to check out this ad campaign, should be very interesting.

LINK LOVE: Cocoperez

It seems like Naomi can sell just about anything at this point. The supermodel, who has made quite a living selling clothing, is now appearing in a commercial to help sell her boyfriend Vladimir Doronin’s apartments in Moscow. I guess anything Ms. Campbell puts her face on can sell pretty well, the model even did a Dunkin Donuts commercial awhile back! Check out both of the commercials here.

LINK LOVE: Beauty Confessional

More on ENVY… Don’t act like you don’t like it,

I can just imagine you reading this and looking over your shoulders.

Thoughts?

ENVY