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WEEK FOUR: CELEBRITY IMPERSONATIONS

I don’t like this shoot very much… It’s pretty tacky, only a few succesful shots. The styling on some of the girls were awful (more on that further down), and most of them didn’t look like the ones they were supposed to portray at all – I also think some got off easy (Marilyn Monroe, Diana Ross), while some were pretty cryptic and not iconic at all(Catherine Zeta-Jones, Nicole Kidman). 

Just so you know, here’s a list of who’s who:

April: Catherine Zeta-Jones
Camille: Diana Ross
Catie: Marilyn Monroe
Jenascia: Salma Hayek
Mercedes: Billie Holiday
Sara: Angelina Jolie
Shandi: Nicole Kidman
Xiomara: Grace Jones
Yoanna: Audrey Hepburn

Why were some given women they already look like, when others didn’t, you might ask? Well… I don’t know either. Anyway, on to…

1) Xiomara

Anyone else surprised? No one? Understandable, it has been what 6 years since this shot was taken. It’s absolutely divine. Never has Xiomara’s body looked this good, and I can’t believe I’d actually see her take control over the shot like this. I can’t get over how awesome her legs look. She’s so channeling Grace Jones, whom I think is one of the harder women to portray, what with her being out of her mind and all. But she’s owning her signature pose, and you don’t think twice about who she’s supposed to be. The skin color looks a tad fake though, but it’s not really a problem.

2) Mercedes

Another girl who channeled the energy of whom she’s portraying to perfection. The look in her eyes is so piercing, she perfectly embodies the melancholic feeling I always get when listening to Billie Holiday (which isn’t so often, but still… You know what I mean). Her body is stunning, I love the way she holds the microphone, and she’s even working the strange hair Holiday was known by. Nice with a return to form for Mercedes!

3) Yoanna

I might be nitpicking here, but isn’t this Katherine Hepburn’s signature pose (if she has such a thing)? I don’t recall seeing Audrey Hepburn sitting like this – I wish they’d made her up like Holly Golightly, then there wouldn’t be any doubt about who she’s supposed to be – not that there is any, really, she does channel the energy and elegance of Audrey pretty well. I love her face (she doesn’t look nearly as cross-eyed as she easily could have), and the legs looks great. And I love how she’s wearing ballerinas! Again, very Audrey Hepburnish.

4) Sara

I don’t know why, Sara just keeps coming in at number four with me. This must have been taken when Angelina was still crazy and starred in Tomb Raider, because I totally see that sort of energy from her. I love the cocked eyebrow, and how her arms are just hanging but still looking strong. She looks like she’s about to beat up the cameraman. I think the body pose could have been a bit better, but overall this is a pretty kickass picture. And, I’d love to have her stomach.

5) Camille

Well, she’s giving diva alright – I like the arms, and that she didn’t lose her neck, but sadly, that’s about everything I like about it. This is way more drag queen than it’s anything else, her hair looks like it’s a wig and it’s sliding off her head, and I absolutely hate the look on her face. She looks so unsure of herself, which is pretty not-diva like. This could have been so many others, it could have been Tina Turner with black hair, or Janet Jackson in 5 years, or Patti LaBelle… whenever. I just think she got lucky by having a woman who just comes to mind whenever anyone hear the word “diva”. And it’s a shame, because Camille could have done better.

6) April

The last four pictures didn’t look like their characters at all, so I’ll give extra points for taking on a  particularly difficult person or particularly horrid styling. And April sure got screwed over – since when has Catherine Zeta-Jones worn dresses that ridiculous? Or being, well, Asian? I know, Xiomara didn’t portray anyone with the same natural skin tone as herself, but this is just stupid. She does look more like The Voice Within-Christina Aguilera, but when you know who she’s supposed to be and disregard stuff like April being of an entirely different race, then it’s not a total disaster – at least, I kind of see it:

7) Shandi

Again, I don’t see Nicole Kidman at all. I definately see regal and stoic, which fits Nicole Kidman – but then again, regal and stoic fits zillions of famous women. You don’t know who it is when you’re just looking at it. On top of that, then I don’t like her body here… Her arms look grossly skinny. And what’s with the dress? I really don’t understand the styling on some of these girls, couldn’t they have given her something more specific? Something reminiscent of one of her movie parts or something? That dress is pretty unpersonal to me, but I don’t know, maybe Nicole has worn something  like this to an award show or something once. But move over Shandi, the worst styling award goes to…

Jenascia (eliminated)

When has Salma Hayek ever worn anything this stereotypically latina? I actually quite like the body pose, the curve of her back is awesome, I just don’t understand why anyone would photoshop her legs to look like one massive treetrunk instead of two normal-sized legs. But she’s modelling the dress pretty well. Anywhoo, the face is not good at all, and how is this – and how will this ever be – Salma Hayek? Terrible. And I blame the wardrobe people! This is such a lame representation of latin women.

9) Catie

Saying that she looks like a drag queen is pretty harsh, though I can see where Janice is coming from – it certainly has a kind of manly quality to it, but that’s not at all my biggest problem with this picture. My problem is, that Marilyn Monroe is one of the most famous and iconic women to ever walk the earth, and STILL she didn’t nail it. Some of the girls were assigned celebrities that we’ve already forgotten (Catherine Zeta-Who?), but everyone will be familiar with Marilyn Monroe 50 years from now – and still, the energy is so way off base. She looks way too much like an impersonator, though the styling is actually one of the better ones. Had Catie committed, she could have done so much better.

Averages
1. April (3.0) 1/3/2/6
2. Shandi (4.0) 3/5/1/7
3. Sara (4.0) 4/4/4/4
4. Yoanna (4.3) 5/6/3/3
5. Mercedes (4.3) 2/8/5/2
6. Jenascia (5.8) 7/2/6/8 – Eliminated week 4
7. Catie (6.3) 8/1/7/9
8. Heather (7.6) 6/9/8 – Eliminated week 3
9. Xiomara (7.8) 9/11/10/1
10. Camille (7.8) 10/7/9/5
11. Bethany (10.5) 11/10 – Eliminated week 2
12. Anna (12.0) 12 – Eliminated week 1

Eliminations
Anna: 1
April: 0
Bethany: 0
Camille: 0
Catie: 1
Heather: 0
Jenascia: 0
Mercedes: 0
Sara: 0
Shandi: 0
Xiomara: 2
Yoanna: 0

WEEK THREE: LAUNDRY SUSPENSION OVER HOLE

I LOVE this shoot. It certainly has it fair share of weak photos, but the concept is fantastic, the wardrobe is gorgeous, and the good pictures are VERY good. The first three or so pictures are some of my favourites of the entire season.

1) Shandi

Amazing picture! Everything is working – the strong arms, the legs are perfect, I love how the jacket looks, the hat and the overall Alex DeLarge feeling of the outfit. Her hair and make-up is awesome – perfectly fluffy, you can really tell how the makeover has affected her confidence already. Love it. Perfect for the theme, I want to run out and get that outfit. Actually, I don’t have anything else to say about this piece of awesomeness.

2) April

I love how in control April is – she is aware of every limb, nothing is just dangling. Look at her legs! And her right arm! Stunning. I can’t find any closeups, but from the look of things, her face (and especially her eyes) are fierce as hell. She kind of looks like she’s a superhero or something. Love it. I wish I had anything more, but I really have no negatives on this one. Another awesome picture from April.

3) Yoanna

To quote an annoying judge-to-be, she’s all busted up like a broken-down doll (forgive me if I didn’t get the quote all right, but my brain turns into goo whenever Mr. Jay opens his mouth). The way she holds on to the rings is awesome, the bent legs look great, and the look on her face reads as if she hangs over huge holes for a living. Yoanna’s first knock-out photo, and it’s done pretty damn well.

4) Sara

Another stunning shot… Wow I love this shoot. Love her profile – well, actually I love pretty much everything about Sara’s appearance, and her profile is no exception. Her hair is very cool, and I love the wardrobe. She also shows no sign of fear whatsoever. I love how it looks like she’s sitting down. I do not love that her right leg is kind of amputee, and the body shape isn’t quite as perfect as the others… But the attitude in her face and everything make up for it.

5) Mercedes

Her body is amazing. Very high fashion, she looks in control – look at her legs, they need a line, and then they form an almost perfect square. Awesome. Her face isn’t quite as good as the four above her, though – she looks more uncertain and, strangely enough, still too aware of what she’s doing. Her jaw looks quite clenched. Everything else is damn awesome, though. Brilliant photo. I hate ranking these kinds of shoots, where the upper tier is insanely close.

6) Jenascia

I kind of love this one… It looks a bit like a movie poster. My main beef with this picture is her left arm. I feel like it’s just hanging there, like she doesn’t know what to do with it. I wish she put it on her hip or something. Her legs also look a bit short, the angle could have been better… That being said, I absolutely adore her right arm, and her facial expression. Very dramatic. Overall a pretty great picture, but still quite a step down from the first pictures, which were all different grades of excellent.

7) Catie

This is so awkward it almost works… But something about it bothers me. I’m not crazy about the legs, they look out of proportion. I’m digging the arms though… She looks in control, in spite of looking a bit teary eyes from throwing a hissy fit. I wish her left arm was a bit more bent, it’s a bit dull looking, and she doesn’t really show any energy. Still a pretty picture, albeit a bit bland.

Heather (eliminated)

She looks incredibly short here… Her legs don’t work as well as Mercedes’, though they are similar, I think it’s the feet not being pointed that do it. I’m not at all a fan of the still left arm, it looks forced. The right arm is good though, and the face is okay – not as bad or commercial as I would have feared Heather to be. But not even remotely in the same league as the rest of the girls. This is only pretty.

9) Camille

And so we’ve arrived at the two terrible pictures. She looks SO confused, it’s not even funny. Her mouth is hanging open in an extremely unflattering way, and it’s a double amputee. Terrible. It gets points for the arm holding on to the ring, which looks strong, and I’m in love with the wardrobe - except naturally from the leather leggins, I hate that stuff. Anyway, pretty dreadful.

10) Xiomara

Her left leg is seriously amputated. God I hate this picture. Her entire midsection is gone missing, she’s staring blankly at the ring, shit, even her left arm looks short. Why are you doing this to me Xiomara? I don’t even care if she didn’t get any direction, this is unforgivable.

Averages
1. April (2.0) 1/3/2
2. Shandi (3.0) 3/5/1
3. Sara (4.0) 4/4/4
4. Yoanna (4.7) 5/6/3
5. Jenascia (5.0) 7/2/6
6. Mercedes (5.0) 2/8/5
7. Catie (5.3) 8/1/7
8. Heather (7.6) 6/9/8 – Eliminated week 3
9. Camille (8.7) 10/7/9
10. Xiomara (10.0) 9/11/10
11. Bethany (10.5) 11/10 – Eliminated week 2
12. Anna (12.0) 12 – Eliminated week 1

Eliminations
Anna: 1
April: 0
Bethany: 0
Camille: 0
Catie: 0
Heather: 0
Jenascia: 0
Mercedes: 0
Sara: 0
Shandi: 0
Xiomara: 2
Yoanna: 0

Que a internet tende a aproximar grupos de interesse comum a gente já sabe.  Hoje vou falar de blog de um desses grupos que é uma verdadeira obra-prima, inspirada em Botero: o Mulherão. Um  blog que fala de maneira leve e divertida sobre beleza, saúde e intimidades das mulheres que vestem manequins maiores que 44.

Mulherão - um blog de peso

O blog é um sucesso e recebe visitas de mulheres de várias idades, em setembro foram aproximadamente 90 mil acessos (momento inveja saudável!). E a partir dele nasceu o Dia de Modelo Plus Size, evento no qual as participantes fecham um estúdio, maquiagem e fotográfo e produzem um book profissional de arrasar quarteirões. Em São Paulo, o evento já chegou em sua terceira edição e depois te ter passado pelo Rio de Janeiro, os planos é passar também por Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Brasília, Paraná e Campo Grande.

A revista de moda Brigitte em 2010 vai preferir pelas "mulheres reais"

As mulherões estão com tudo em cima e a magreza excessiva vem perdendo seu glaumour. A revista de moda alemã Brigitte anunciou que a partir de 2010 vai trocar as modelos magricelas por chamadas “mulheres reais”. E na França, uma deputada lançou um projeto de lei para que os editorias de moda tragam uma legenda alertando sobre os riscos da magreza excessiva.

Por aqui nós também estamos saturadas desse culto exagerado pela magreza. Não é que a partir de agora vou abusar do chocolate e esquecer a academia, nada disso. Na verdade, nada em excesso é saudável, inclusive peso. Nem vamos condenar as magrinhas e longilíneas, também não é fácil ser Olívia Palito da turma. Só quero que as diferenças sejam respeitadas e apreciadas, afinal a beleza é algo relativo depende de quem a contempla. 

Quem curtiu o assunto, leia também o post da Mel sobre a modelo plus size, Whitney Thompson, que linda e poderosa ganhou o America’s Next Top Model e desbancou as magricelas da competição e o post sobre a campanha da real beleza da Dove.

To learn more about Cycle 8’s winner Jaslene Gonzales, visit her bio page here. Photo credit: David Anthony Photography.

I was standing outside the station, looking around for the photographer who was picking me up. We were going to her flat to take the photos as the studio would be too busy, and being new in the business, they didn’t want me to feel uncomfortable. Out of the corner of my eye I see a woman heading in my direction and as I turned to take a better look, I prayed to myself that it wasn’t her. She was tall, willowy and pretty much the very definition of perfection.

‘Elana?’ she asked. Fuck my life.

Here I am in my now very dirty white jacket and brown purse with black boots on. Dumpy, no make up and I probably smell like mold because of the crappy washing machine. Of course it’s my luck the model/photographer/photo editor would be a beautiful size 00 Eastern European. Of course.

We started walking to her flat and I tried my best to not stare at her. She asked me what sort of things I had with me. ‘You brought make up with you, yes?’ she tilted her head at me.

‘Yes, I just didn’t really know what sort of look we should go for.’ She took a few glances at me before saying that it should be a sexy smoky glamorous look, of course. Of course. She looked at me again and said my hair would look better wavy or curly. I explained that I wanted to bring my GHD so we could do it there just in case because it could give me really nice curls pretty fast as opposed to a regular curler that takes ages and doesn’t work on my half the time.

‘It’s not about being fast. Don’t worry about it. No one is in a rush here, we can take as much time as necessary. The most important thing is that you have to look good. It has to look good, you know?’ Well, I can’t say I get that very often.

So my super skinny agent and my super super skinny and tall photographer pretty much took over everything, as if I didn’t know what was sexy. I mean, I know I am new at this, but I am not a novice in the art of seducing a man!  I had a vision of what the photo shoot would be like. How I would wow them with these looks that I had. Sexy in the garter and black robe, demure in my lacy stockings and lacy underwear set. Poses I had chosen to hide this and that. Make this look longer, thinner, etc. But no. They had me down to my very skivvies, no easing me into it. Practically naked right from the start and sitting down, you know, so my fat can smush together in one lump over my legs. Very sexy. Very demure, oh yes. So to say the least, I had never felt more unsexy before in my life.

Please don’t get me wrong though. They were very nice the whole time. Very professional and just concerned about making me look good. I am meant to be making them money after all.

The photo shoot was long, hard, frustrating, and uncomfortable. I can see why the girls from American Next Top Model break down. There was so much make up and I was put in such uncomfortable positions and told to do such uncomfortable things I was put off the whole time. I couldn’t make myself look and think about sex when they keep going, ‘Face to camera more, face up! Smile! Sexy, fun, flirty, young! Move forward more! Stretch this out, Move this, push your breast together more!’ etc. Over five dress changes, most of which I was pretty much nude for (and yes, it was still over five dress changes because of undies and shoes, garters, fur coats, etc.) I felt that I wasn’t looking very good the whole time and they were just being nice about it all and not wanting to say the truth. When the photographer uploaded the pictures, however, I was surprised at how good I looked in most of the pictures. It just goes to show you. I really prefer to be behind the camera taking the pictures than being in front I requested to have a mirror behind her so I could at least see how I looked and she wouldn’t have to direct me so much, but she said not to worry about it. I swear we could have taken a whole half hour off the time if they just gave me the mirror!

‘Have you tried to lose the weight?’ T said nonchalantly, ‘ because if you did, you would be perfect. You would be like model.’ I blushed and explained to her that I have always tried, but with my health conditions, it was over 45% harder for someone like me to lose weight, especially in the tummy area. ‘Well, you should look into it, really.’ Yes T, I know. ‘But it’s ok, you know? Because men…they like different things. You never know what it is they really want. They are very weird like that Some men…are very rich, nice jewellery, nice clothes, nice cars, but they go for these dirty girls with not nice clothes, you know? So, I know many men will like you still. You will make yourself and me a lot of money!’

Thank you. Thank you very much. Yes, you took me on because men are weird and some may not like a regularly gorgeous girl such as Ms. Photographer. I’m the girl for the freaks out there. Great.

They will have finished retouching the photos soon and will send me copies and print out a few for me to keep. I will post some up for you to see. I will, however, blur out my face, sorry kiddos.

xx

I am currently enjoying a New Zealand brand of chocolate called “Whittakers” as I compile this list of my Top Thirteen ANTM photos ever. (13 because there are 13 ‘cycles’ dummy!)

13. Cycle 7 – its the Babin Twins, Michelle and Amanda. I loved this photo shoot and I am fascinated by twins in general.

Siamese Twins

12. Cycle 13, the ‘petite’ models cycle, includes some of the best photos ever taken on ANTM. Stay tuned for more from this bunch.

Ballerina Rae

Oh...Shandi

Elyse... the most successful ANTM alumni yet.

9. Cycle 6 had so many strong contenders for the title. I often think Sara was overlooked in this shoot. The controversy surrounding her ‘copying’ Joanie’s poses overshadowed the fact that her photo is exquisite and in my opinion, outstrips both Joanie and Danielle’s photos by a long shot.

Elephants.. need I say more?

Adrianne in one of my fav shoots ever.

7. Cycle 9. Jenah was not one of my favorite contestants, however there is no denying she was the star of this shoot. Her photos stood out as the most unique of the bunch in this shoot which had endless possibilities.

Rockin' Rock Climbing

6. Cycle 4. Simply beautiful.

Brittany looking effortlessly beautiful.

Yep.. another one from this shoot.

Gorgeous despite the cheesy parameters of this shoot.

Hair Wars.

Nicole Nicole Nicole.

Exquisite... and Renee is being so creative here.

Cycle 8, Renee. Now I know that Renee wasn’t everybody’s favorite. Hell, she wasn’t mine either but I must express my opinion on this matter loud and clear. Renee was utterly and completely ROBBED of her chance to compete for the title. I didn’t dislike Natasha or Jaslene, nor do I contest that Jaslene may have still ended up winning even if she was pitted against Renee directly in the Final Two. But seriously, go and re-watch the last 2 episodes with Renee in them. Natasha literally GAVE UP in the Aboriginal photo shoot. I totally understand why Dion was sent home that week, but you’d think the Judges have amnesia or something from week to week. How could they forget so quickly that Natasha essentially SHUT OFF during that week’s photo shoot? Her performance the following week was simply NOT ENOUGH to make up for it. My personal opinion is that by this point in the competition (if not earlier) Tyra knew who she wanted to crown and she didnt want to take any chances pitting Jaslene against Renee directly on the Final Runway Challenge. If you look at the two girl’s porfolios they are neck and neck, possibly with Renee edging out just ahead because her photos were improving vastly each week while Jaslene was getting stuck in one, albeit strong, facial expression. The absolute BULLSHIT excuse that was pulled out of Nigel’s ass that Renee looked OLD was as transparent as glass. Renee.. you should have been allowed to at least compete for the title in the final round and for that I rant. RANT.

I have some honorable mentions for photos that I love but I simply didn’t love MORE than the above 13. In no particular order….

Cycle 1, Adrianne

Cycle 9, Jenah

Cycle 3, Nicole

Cycle 1, Adrianne

Cycle 10, Fatima

Cycle 6, Joanie

WEEK TWO: SHOES FOR STEVE MADDEN

While one of the weaker shoots of the season, I was actually surprised to find that most of the shots were still pretty good. They’re still very basic and such, and none of the shots would probably end up on my best of the season-list, but good. They had to choose their own best photo, which seemed silly since no one but (I think) Camille did it right, but anyway.

1) Catie

I am in love with her legs… Great positioning and they look amazingly long. Her styling is good too, and I like how she brings attention to the shoes with her right hand. The body shape is just gorgeous as well. I wouldn’t have minded the shirt to be a little longer though, but I only find that distracting after having looked af the picture for a while. Her face is great as well… I didn’t like her makeover very much, she looked beautiful with long hair! Her face is stunning, seriously Twiggyesque.

2) Jenascia

Pretty much everything about this photo works. The peek over the shoulder is great, though does her eyes look a bit uneven to anyone else? I actually don’t mind there not being a neck, I think it works for this pose. The shoes look great, the legs look great, and do I love the arms and hands! She manages to make the entire body look very effortless, though that can’t possibly be a comfortable position. Her hair is perfect too. Very good photo.

3) April

Another great picture – are her shoes the same as Jenascia’s? Anyway, I love how you notice them right away. It’s as if the entire body is pointing towards the shoes. I love that the face isn’t showing, which certainly makes the entire picture pop, and you kind of have to look at it twice. Her body is amazing as well – I don’t remember April as having such a killer body, but what do you know. I’m not crazy about the lower half of her left leg, which is missing, but other than that this perfect is pretty perfect.

4) Sara

LOVE this pose – the entire wardrobe, the shoes, the left arm sorf of-maybe-kind of-pointing towards it, the shoes are very much the centre of attention, and you want to go buy some. It looks like she’s just fallen into the pose, very – well, not-posey. The one downfall is, that I’m not crazy about the face… She looks, in spite of the spontaneity, like she’s second-guessing herself. But still, definately one of the top photos of the week.

5) Shandi

She looks like Avril Lavigne in this. The lower half looks great… The shoes pop, they’re the first thing you notice (even tough they are black on a black background), but there is something off about the upper half. The bend in the torso looks pretty strange, and the hands are placed terribly. Still an okay picture, but definately one of Shandi’s worst pictures throughout the competition. I don’t think I would have used THAT much black everywhere – the dress, the boots, the background, everything.

6) Yoanna

I am, as always, in love with her face – Yoanna has one of the most stunning faces in ANTM history, and she obviously looks great in profile as well. It looks as if she’s holding an invisible baby. The body, however, is all wrong… There is no shape at all and, while she succeeded in bringing attention to the shoes, it seriously looks like her right leg is sprouting from her arm. Had she twisted her lower body it might have helped, because as it is, it’s a mess. A hot mess, yes, but still a mess.

7) Camille

I love Camille’s body… She’s really making her legs look longer than they are, and you do notice the shoes (how can you not? They’re large, white boots). However, the pose is too sexual for me… There are too much focus on her breasts, which are in the middle, and I’m not crazy about the alluring look on her face. And I’m definately not crazy about her having no arms – I can understand her losing her right arm, but the left one seriously should be showing. I’ll give her extra credit for even having the body she does though, it looks awesome.

Mercedes

Good things first: She models the shoes well, which is what drags this one up from being one of the very last ones. They look good. The rest is pretty dreadful, though. Her arms look very uncomfortable and tense, like she’s been laying there forever. And don’t get me started on her face – actually, I’ll get myself started on the face. What’s wrong with it? What is she looking at? Is she looking and, in utter horror, realising that it’s world-renommed photographer Gilles Bensimon? Or Mrs. Jay? Or is she channeling Xiomara’s runway-face?

9) Heather

Something is very weird about this shot - the shadows around her midsection blends in with the background too well, it looks like her stomach is nonexistent. Her face is one big questionmark, the hair is weird and, while her legs are nice, they are placed so that it looks like she’s sitting on the toilet. You don’t notice the shoes either, though she has her hand on her ancle to emphasize them. This is not at all a good shot.

10) Bethany (eliminated)

Another too sexual picture… This looks like a shoe model in a porn movie – no one models shoes like this in real life, since no one is noticing the shoes, but her ass. Her hands look totally weird and claw-like as well, they’re not twisted in a flattering way at all. Her mouth even looks out of proportion to her face, it looks a bit like she’s an excessive amount of Jokerish lipstick. Ew. Good riddance.

11) Xiomara

Again, I hate to put Xiomara this low, seeing as she’s the epitome of a sweetheart and all. But damn, this is dreadful. First, she looks terrified. Not a goot way to sell shoes. Second her legs look kind of scary as well. They look way too big, and the lower half of her pants are waaay to large, so the small shoes drown in them. Actually, the clothes in general are pretty terrible. She went down to the docks, saw what the prostitutes was wearing and stole it. Horrible, horrible ad.

Averages
1. April (2.0) 1/3
2. Sara (4.0) 4/4
3. Shandi (4.0) 3/5
4. Jenascia (4.5) 7/2
5. Catie (4.5) 8/1
6. Mercedes (5.0) 2/8
7. Yoanna (5.5) 5/6
8. Heather (7.5) 6/9
9. Camille (8.5) 10/7
10. Xiomara (10.0) 9/11
11. Bethany (10.5) 11/10 – Eliminated week 2
12. Anna (12.0) 12 – Eliminated week 1

Eliminations
Anna: 1
April: 0
Bethany: 0
Camille: 0
Catie: 0
Heather: 0
Jenascia: 0
Mercedes: 0
Sara: 0
Shandi: 0
Xiomara: 1
Yoanna: 0

Image :: cwtv.com

I guess I got distracted on Wednesday night (November 18) — and perhaps the day after, too.

Somehow, I completely forgot to mention Nicole Fox’ win of ANTM Cycle 13. This means that she is the first ever winner in the show’s experiment with shorter contestants.

Congratulations, Nicole!

If you missed the final episode, which 2.7 million watched last week, or just want to see it again, you may view it on www.cwtv.com.

Also, check out some pics from the Beverly Hills ANTM finale party.

Annalynne McCord

Stephanie Pratt

Katie Gill

Tameka Jacobs

Nicole fox crushed her competitors to become America’s Next Top Model.

It had to happen evenutally. . . a winner of ANTM who actually deserved to win.  Did Ty-Ty slip up?  Was her talent so overwhelming that it would have been criminal to deny her?  (No, that’s happened a bunch of times). Maybe, in a cycle of non-models it was important to give the only one with potential a chance. (No, the winner always finishes last).

Tyra

Fear.  Elation.  Excitement.  Bewilderment.  Hunger.  These are only some of the sensations that Tyra Banks likely felt when Oprah Winfrey announced that she would be leaving her daily talk show sometime in 2011.

While I’m excited that Tyra can now set her smize on the prize — Oprah does possess the largest audience of any daytime talk show — I’m also fearful, elated, excited, bewildered and hungry when I think about another season of “America’s Next Top Model” and how this news might affect the greatest show in the history of television.  If Tyra sets her smize on becoming the next queen of daytime, will ANTM suffer as a result?  Will she choose one show over the other?

Dear Zob in heaven!  I don’t even want to think of what it would be like to live in a world without ANTM.

Estreno nueva sección: “Petite Lines” ofreciendo algunas de las noticias que acontecen en el mundo de la moda (y alrededores) durante la semana, en sólo un par de líneas.

Con ustedes, la primera edición:

• Enciende tu Motto: “Nada sabe mejor que estar delgada“ dijo Kate Moss y estalló todo … y todos.

pic: Corinne Day

A estas alturas Miss. Moss debería saber el impacto que producen sus palabras, ¿no lo creen?

• Losing Her Religion: Jane Aldridge , autora de Sea of Shoes, se cansó de los comentarios ofensivos en su blog (que era muy delgada, que era muy joven para fumar, que su vida iba a terminar mal, etc.etc.)  y quitó la posibilidad de que sus lectores/haters dejaran mensajes. También decidió publicar toda clase de fotos “ofensivas” para que Facebook diera de baja su perfil.

Jane Aldridge (foto de su Facebook)

Aunque no me guste Lady Gaga, tiene razón al decir que LA FAMA ES UN MONSTRUO y al parecer ni los famosos bloggers están excentos de sus consecuencias.

• Realidades Paralelas:  dos reality shows americanos terminaron sus temporadas esta semana y a los dos se los acusa de “fraude”:

American’s Next Top Model, el ciclo producido y conducido por Tyra Banks propuso durante su última edición que participen sólo aspirantes a modelos “bajitas” o “petites”, las concursantes medían entre 1.50 m. a 1.70m.

Tyra y las petites (cwtv.com)

¿La ganadora? La bella Nicole de 1.70 m., la más alta de la competición y a la que más de una vez se le pidió que posara para que pareciera aún más alta.

Nicole, la más alta entre las bajas (pic.: cwtv.com)

Según este sitio, el concurso entero fue un engaño a los espectadores y a sus concursantes,  sobre uno de los premios, la representación de la ganadora en una prestigiosa agencia de modelos, dice: en Whilemina’s Models no existe un agente específico que representará a la ganadora ya que no tienen una división de  ”modelos bajitas” y no tienen planes a futuro para que esto suceda. El contrato adjudicado por WMA para la ganadora de  ANTM no será exclusivo, es un acuerdo simulado para el ganador. Además, la agencia no tiene esperanzas de cualquier comercialización real de una modelo de baja estatura en la moda editorial, comercial o pasarelas.

Parece que cierta parte de la industria sigue cerrando puertas a todas aquellas mujeres que no sean el prototipo de supermodelo. Es díficil luchar contra un gigante.

Project Runaway también ha terminado esta semana: el ciclo de aspirantes a diseñadores que conduce la alemana Heidi Klum finalizó mostrando las colecciones de las tres finalistas en la semana de la moda de New York en Bryant Park, con acusaciones constantes de “ella copia mis diseños” hechas por la flamante ganadora a otra de las finalistas durante varias semanas (acusaciones que el jurado desestimó y sus compañeros tampoco respaldaron)

La ganadora y el mentor: Irina con Tim Gunn (mylifetime.com)

Ahora parece que la acusadora también ha sido acusada teniendo que modificar a último momento una de sus prendas de la colección por utilizar/”copiar”  una imagen que no le pertenece, no sólo eso a la hora de modificar la prenda volvió a hacerlo, reproduciendo frases recopiladas por la New York Magazine de su artículo “Razones por las que Amamos Nueva York“.



pic: Project Rungay 

Es un hecho: la realidad muchas veces supera la ficción.

• Gone to soon: La joven modelo surcoreana Daul Kim ha fallecido esta semana, en su úlimo post titulado “Say Hi To Forever” (dile hola a la eternidad) de su blog “I like Fork Myself” hay más de quinientos comentarios de sus admiradores.

Daul Kim en el backstage del desfile de invierno 09 de Roberto Cavalli (style.com)

• Este jueves fueron entregados los Prix de Marie Claire en la Embajada de Francia en Madrid y los galardonados fueron:

Categoría Internacional:

Mejor diseñador internacional: Frida Giannini – Gucci.
Mejor colección de accesorios: Roger Vivier.
Mejor modelo: Lily Donaldson.
Mejor fotógrafo de moda: Mario Testino.
Mejor campaña publicitaria: Burberry Prorsum.
Premio a toda una carrera: Tommy Hilfiger.
Mejor trayectoria como modelo: Helena Christensen.

Categoría Nacional:

Mejor diseñador español: Ailanto.
Mejor diseñador novel español: Teresa Helbig.
Mejor trayectoria empresarial: Suárez.
Modelo del año: Jon Kortajarena.

Todos los ganadores de la noche (foto: Marie Claire)

De la mano de los autores de fashionisima.es, e-coolsystem y marieclaireweb se pudo seguir el acontecimiento via Twitter, con fotos incluídas. Entre los asistentes se encontraban el prestigioso fotógrafo Mario Testino, las modelos Helena Christensen, Martina Klein y Lily Donaldson, el diseñador Elio Berhanyer, las “celebridades bloggeras” Pelayo de Kate Loves Me y Gala de Amlul y muchos más (algunos de los cuáles me pregunto que influencia o relación tienen en el mundo de la moda)

Toda la crónica de los premios puedes encontrarla aquí.

Oh la la … el Glamour! ( oh no, cierto que esa es otra revista )

• Agente -no tan- Secreto: El espectacular show anual de la firma Victoria’s Secret sucedió también este  jueves en Nueva York y contó con la reciente madre de su ¡cuarto hijo!, la increíble Hiedi Klum -quién dio a luz hace casi seis semanas- y por primera vez con una  modelo asiática en su desfile.

Liu Wenn, la primer modelo asiática en la pasarela de Victoria's Secret

¿Las mejores fotos?  Sin dudas las del talentoso Tommy Ton, fichaje estrella del portal style.com y autor del blog Jak & Jil.



Todas las fotos de Tommy Ton para Style pinchando aquí

• ¡ B u e n   f i n  d e  s e m a n a  !

Playboy’s Miss November 2002 was actress and model Serria Tawan, seen here in the centerfold posed as a voyeur.

Photographed by Arny Freytag and Stephen Wayda

Note how the light glinting off of the leg of the telescope in the foreground points up a strong diagonal beginning from the bottom left of the composition, that is then intersected by a cross diagonal from the upper left created by her posture and her hand holding one of her braids: together they make an arrow which draws the eye to the undressing couple in the window of the building across the street, who are positioned just above and to the right of the focal attention point of her breasts, making it even more difficult to miss them as the final critical element of the photograph. As your eye moves from left to right, reading the composition, it tells a story: there is a girl. There is a telescope. The girl is using the telescope to look at the couple.

The centerfold was a really good composition. The rest is all over the damned place. Any type of theme with set dressing, poses, or costuming is almost totally absent. Maybe the raincoat is to hint at her being a flasher to boot? Not sure. But it doesn’t get picked back up again even though it’s a fun little kicky erotic detail. Missed opportunity in my book.

From her data sheet

WHEN I GET OLDER:
I want a harem of guys like Hef has women. I want them all diverse. Variety is the spice of life for me.

Get it, girl! I like this lady’s style. If you’re looking to join that harem, you can contact her via her profile on the myspace. In several places on that page, Serria directs you to a website, http://askserria.com, but it is not up and running yet, as far as I can tell.

While the braids are lovely, I like her even better in the above pic, with a gently relaxed weave. She looks younger and very soft and romantic. Even without the bangs, I think this look works better for her than the long braids, and it seems she agrees, as she is apparently rocking it on the reg these days (see below). The only trouble is that it makes her look a lot like phony-evil-queen-witch “ANTM” Cycle 9 winner Saleisha Stowers, who my sister-in-law, husband, and I all unilaterally despise.

Left: Serria Tawan. Right: Saleisha Stowers.

That girl and a competitor, Bianca Golden, were unbelievably cruel to standout contestant Heather Kuzmich of Valpariso, Indiana, who had Asperger’s Syndrome for crissake and still mopped the floor with their jealous asses until Go-Sees, which she only blew because she was not being properly aided. Yes, I have every detail of every cycle of the Tyra Banks reality show “America’s Next Top Model” memorized, and may the good god strike me dead if I ever stop loving the parade of tears, catfights, and girl-girl showers that comprise that gory but gorgeous grand guginol.

Anyway, Saleisha and Bianca were rude, catty, and sneaky about Heather, not to mention super-jealous and totally ignorant of the qualities that made her outshine them week after week, and their insecurities drove them to taunt her and talk about her behind her back like they were twelve and not on national fucking television. Because of that I will forever despise their fake sticky-sweet smiles. Although I was on the Bergie’s website a while ago — just window-shopping; like I could possibly afford something from their store right now — and I know for a fact I recognized Heather modelling some of the dresses in the pictures, so in their snotty, sabotaging, difference-hating faces: time has told, success-wise.

Wow, I think I might need to write some more about Top Model another day. It would appear I have Things to Say.

In other news, Kristy Swanson was on the cover of this one. I have never even seen one episode of the television series, so to me it is she who will always be Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Even though vampires are lame, passe, and ridiculous as all hell, that movie is so great.

Down to two!  I’m happy with Laura and Nicole as the final two.  They were definitely the best of the bunch I think.  I’m rooting for Nicole.  Laura and Nicole, our petite finalists, receive scripts for another Covergirl commercial.

In her Covergirl photoshoot, Nicole looked ABSOLUTELY STUNNING.  Nigel said she modeled really well.

GORGEOUS

Laura struggled with her commercial.  However, Mr. J said she picked her energy up and made each take bubbly.  She slipped up a lot, but managed to put an OK commercial together.

Laura's final film

Of course, Nicole also struggled with her commercial.  Mr. J said she sounded snotty and stuck up.  This really threw her off her game.

Next, Ann Shoket and the Seventeen magazine (wooohoooo–> sarcasm intended) crew show up to get their cover shots!

Next up, RUNWAY SHOW.  As the girls practice their walks in the house, I can’t help but laugh.  They both suck.

Tyra does her one on ones with the girls.  She makes Nicole feel even more awkward for being that girl that cries in the bathroom.  Laura starts crying.  Blah blah blah.  Small town blah blah dyslexia blah blah country blah blah grandma…

WHAT?  Erin, Brittany, Sundai, and Jennifer will also be walking in the final Julia Clancy fashion show.  (So they can get seen and booked too?  How lame.  Winners don’t feel so special anymore…)  Consensus is that the eliminated petites want Laura to win.  The crowd is packed in, the girls are covered in glitter, and we’re ready to go!  (I’m really kinda digging the dewy, glistening, glittery look.)

Here’s my EXPERT opinion on the walking.  Nicole walks like she’s pissed.  Moving her shoulders all around like she’s skulking or stalking or something.  Laura walks like she’s cruising the mall.  There’s no power in her legs.  She looks like she’s just trying not to trip.  Then, they put sheets over the girls heads and send them out into the wind.  Sexy.  Except not really.  Also you can’t see the dresses.  Whose idea was that?  Then they send the girls out into the rain, created by sprinklers over the runway.  They look horrible with all that mascara running down their faces.  Like skeletal raccoons.

Tyra says the girls did good.  I did not think they were good.  Also, the girls don’t redo their makeup before going to the final judging.  They still look like wet raccoons.  Poor choice, Tyra.  Tyra calls Nicole’s skulky walk a signature walk.  I just think she looked awful.  In the commercial, Laura looked so forced.  Nicole was gorgeous.  Clearly, Laura is not a spokesmodel.  She needs to enunciate.  Nicole was very natural, but Tyra said she forgot to model.  (Whatever, she still looked SMOKING hot.)  Much to my chagrin, I really grew to like our final two shorties throughout the season.  I wish them the best as they start their careers.

It’s all come down to this.  Tyra says this has been a long and beautiful journey.  Blah  blah blah.  America’s next top model is…

Oh, Tyra. So so so so so so so so crazy

NICOLE

Short dorks everywhere rejoice that they now have representation on the runway.  I’m sure they were really concerned.

Also, keep in mind, loyal readers, that new cycles of top model seem to come around every other month or so.  You won’t be deprived of Tyra’s crazy antics for long.

RD here, texting a recap on her phone and pretending she’s Gossip Girl for ANTM, only snarkier.

Now cut for your spoiler-free pleasure.

Spotted:
Ann Shoket. Too much Ann Shoket. Gilles Bensimon. Teyona. Eddie Murphy (no, really). And the final two Munchkins, Laura and Nicole Fox.

After a time-wasting sequence that took nearly two and a half minutes away from my life I could’ve used watching Modern Family, the Last Munchkins Standing prepared for their CoverGirl commercials, held in some weird Hawaiian version of the Twilight forest minus those bad-acting sparkly vampires. Teyonasaurus Rex also appeared from the forest after her brief hibernation between her last useless appearance on this show and the finale. Nigel also appeared to ruin the CoverGirl shoot with his massive chest hair. Speaking of: it was headshots and stumbled lines as usual. The only odd thing about the shoot: Jay’s green coat (jacket?). Which was green. And had a popped collar. And this is in Hawaii in late spring. I’m lost.

Ann Shoket showed up. I blanked out. The next thing I saw was the long-lost Gilles Bensimon photographing the Last Munchkins standing.

Tyra shows up at the house for one-on-ones with the Munchkins, which was already done on this past season of Britain’s Next Top Model, but because Tyra did it on this cycle, it was her idea first and she was the only person ever to do this.

At the runway show J and Jay decide to let the home audience know there are decoys in every season of America’s Next Top Model, only this season they didn’t bother hiding the ejected Munchkins with the other hired models so said Munchkins could have a water orgy on the runway. Yes, it’s cleaner than last cycle’s “mud” orgy (sans ridiculous glitter) and just as awfully yet hilariously bad. Also Bria Murphy, daughter of Eddie Murphy, was there. This is not remotely important, but she was there. Deal with it.

In addition to a water orgy, Ann Shoket, Eddie Murphy’s daughter and Teyonasaurus Rex showing up at the runway show, there was also a sequence where the runway models had to rip off a piece of fabric while walking towards a fan/wind machine, but sadly for them the legendary Haus of GaGa did fabric-wrapping better for the VMAs and the cover of the “Bad Romance” single. And Lady GaGa does not carry a wind machine around like Mariah Carey would.

After the atypical photo comparison and CoverGirl commercial was revealed (this cycle’s commercial was better than most, but still bad), Nicole Fox was announced as the winner. She did something cheesy after she won, which is attached below. Laura’s breakdown was really heartbreaking to watch, but I don’t like heartbreaking or winners’ portfolios, so you get Nicole Fox looking cheesy.

I promise updated recaps when my computer is out of the shop,

XOXO

RD

To learn more about Cycle 7’s Eugena Washington, visit her bio page here. To learn more about Brandon Showers Photography, click here.

Source: Brandon Showers

Source: Brandon Showers

Source: Brandon Showers

Source: Brandon Showers

Source: Brandon Showers

Nicole Fox
these are some of her portfolio:

Beauty Shot

PowerHouse

Jag såg på videon här nedanför tillsammans med Andreas (som, inte helt oväntat, hoppade av glädje över mambon) och sa i förbifarten till Jocki att en av flickorna i videon var lite lik Aminat från America’s Next Top Model säsong 12. Och min fine make visste vem jag talade om och kunde dessutom fortsätta diskussionen kring vilka andra som är kvar (vi ser på serien från Sveriges trea, det är ett avsnitt kvar) och vilka som inte borde ha fallit bort (vi gillade Fo).

Igår såg vi ett bandat avsnitt av Skräckministeriet. Och vi tycker båda att Inglourious Basterds är en av årets bästa filmer. Bara så ni inte tror att vi är helt insnöade på rosafluffig reality-TV…

I’m definitely not a fan of dry wine. Thursday’s are usually the best. I look forward to them, but tonight has been really dry and I haven’t enjoyed any of my usual shows. Well, here’s the break down.

America’s Next Top Model

Nov. 18, 2009 ANTM – Well, I stopped watching halfway through the season because I don’t think I can take it anymore. Everything is the same and there’s no intensity. I was rooting for Laura, but Nicole won. So, congratulations to the both of you.

Nicole wins America's Next Top Model/Photo Courtesy of the LA Times

Survivor

Survivor- Well well well, guess who found the immunity idol that was hidden under a rock? Yes, Mr. I-Secretly-Work-For-CBS himself, Russell. I. Knew. It. Laura has gone by by and the sneaky little Shambo and her little sidekick Russell are clicking their boots together right now. It seems as if the original Galu tribe is getting dumber and dumber. Unfortunately. Do I have a favorite player? No, but it would be wise to side with Russell these days.

Real Housewives of Orange County

Overall this episode was really dry. It was Jeana’s last episode and we were introduced to Alexis and her 18 carat ring. What?! Yes. Tamra was the usual bitch and admitted to being jealous of Alexis. Already? Yes, bring on the drama. I’m not sure what Alexis’s husband does but they’re very wealthy and I’m sure they’re not downsizing like the other housewives. Gretchen and Slade are fire every where they turn. I really hope things work out for them. He’s even reversing his vasectomy so they can have babies! They can do that??? I can’t imagine. Next week’s episode will be more interesting, I hope.

The new housewife/Photo Courtesy of Bravotv.com