The designs featured above were created by the company A QUESTION OF. A QUESTION OF is a company selling organic fair trade T-shirts that are produced in Tanzania, Africa. A QUESTION OF was founded in 2008. The company focuses on fair trade as well as the production of organic, environmentally friendly products. The factory in Tanzania which produces these products operates under fair and ethical conditions which is awesome! I love their designs. Take a look:
5 Preview is another really awesome company. Unfortunately, I could find little information about them. However, do take a look at their website by clicking here.
Source: 5preview.bigcartel.com, aquestionof.dk
The country of France is currently deciding on whether or not to pass a law requiring retouched photos to be labeled as such. One could compare this label to the labels found on packs of cigarettes. These labels serve the purpose of informing you of the fact that the product in which you have just purchased is harmful to your health. I would consider excessive photo retouching just as unhealthy as smoking so to me this makes perfect sense. It also turns out that The U.K.’s Committee of Advertising Practice (this committee is responsible for the country’s code of advertising), just received a report which was authored by more than 40 academics. This report recommends that there be put a ban on Photoshopped ads targeted at girls younger than 16. Experts say they have found a link between unhealthy behavior in young adults who are exposed to digitally perfected models, according to WWD.com. Geeze, how surprising! So, while I go to bed praying that Healthcare Reform gets passed in the Senate tomorrow morning (read more about this matter by clicking here) I also certainly hope that laws will be passed around the globe that put restrictions on these foolish, unrealistic standards that women are expected to live up to in the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, etc. that are in part created by photoshopped models. On that note, I am now going to go eat a load of carbs and I intend to feel fantastic about myself while doing so. Please feel free to take a look at this fantastic V Magazine editorial featured below which shows women of different sizes – I love diversity! Happy Holidays everyone!
“We’d like retailers to realize that their customer base is women. It’s like, who do they think they are? Making women feel less sexy and less beautiful than we are. Why do they think they have the right to do that? And it’s so unfortunate. Look at how it impacts the entire world, and how we feel about ourselves.” – Sonia Ossorio
Who else is thinking about what to wear (or who to wear) for New Years Eve? I’ve been thinking about it for weeks now but seeming that I still have absolutely no idea what I will be doing on New Years, I just can’t decide what type of dress I will want to wear. These floor length options would be great though. Take a look:
Source: VMagazine.com, stylecovered.com
I was recently interviewed by designer J. Elquist. He’s so much fun! Take a look at the interview here.
From the
Photographer Steven Meisel, recently created a spread for Italian Vogue which is said to have been inspired by Twitter and other social media/networking websites. The spread features supermodels Gisele Bundchen, Naomi Campbell, Agyness Deyn and many more. So in light of this very candid, humorous layout in Italian Vogue I decided to show you a more candid version of myself. While I am no Supermodel, I am an avid user of Twitter and I do feel that Twitter has become so popular because any regular Joe can take part in talking/tweeting about whatever they feel is of importance. Featured below are my own Twitter photos. As you can see, I wear a lot of black. Take a look:
All clothing featured above (with exception for the dress in the second to last photo) is designed by Object Collector Items. My belt is from Forever21 and my sunglasses are from Aldo accessories. My rings and bracelets are all vintage finds.
More Steven Miesel’s photos:
For more, click here.
To add me on Twitter, click here.
Source: models.com
To add me on Twitter, click here.
Sources: models.com, jelquist.com
Please forgive me for my lack of posts. We are in the middle of final exams at my college and I’ve dedicated most of my time to that. I will return soon with writing (yes, actual writing) come next week. Until then, take a look at a few pictures from H&M’s Spring 2010 collection: 
Source: nitrolicious.com
The entrance to Euzkadi is impressive. So much so that the mosiac - which paves the sidewalk of its entrance - sort of lets you know that one is about to eat a really good meal. The L-shaped restaurant serves Basque cuisine and this place does not only offer incredible food, it also has a romantic setting along with a wait staff who are all very friendly and knowledgeable about the food they serve you. While you wait for your food to be served, I suggest that you entertain yourself simply by looking at the ceilings of the restaurant. The ceilings are covered with paintings of running bulls. Bulls are very prevalent in Spain, or so I have been told and this art work is so illustrative that I had a tough trying not to look at it all of the time. I went with a friend of mine and we simply asked our waitress to “serve us whatever you think is best” and she did not disappoint. About 15 minutes later, what are called ”tapas” arrived which consisted of a plate of dates wrapped in bacon with an almond nut on the inside, along with duck meatballs and fried goat cheese which was glazed in honey. These dishes were such a refreshing, pleasant surprise. I absolutely recommend this place. I can not wait to go back. Euzkadi is located on 108 East 4th St., New York, NY 10003.
Source: www.euzkadirestaurant.com
Ida (the model featured above) litterally left me stunned following my viewing part of her portfolio. What a stunning, versatile young woman. I absolutely had to contact her because there were five simple questions in which my mind absolutely needed answered by her. After all, how many models get asked questions? No one really cares what a model likes or what they want because it is not part of their job description. They’re in a sense just beautiful, fragile objects and so I sensed that Ida was both surprised and delighted when I asked her if I could ask her questions. She was very shy about her english language and she made sure that I was aware that english was not her native toungue. I found her quite charming and I absolutely related to her shyness. Ida’s first language is Danish and despite having traveled to Milan, New York, Paris and various other locations she makes sure that one is aware that she is in fact Danish. I think she is dynamite and after having signed with 2PM Model Management, appearing in ELLE Magazine, Armani ad campaigns, etc. I am obviously not the only one who feels this way.
Ida was so kind to answer the 5 lingering questions in which I had for her. Take a look:
1. Ida, how did you start modeling?I went to an open casting for a television program about “being a model” here in Denmark, that the agency 2PM arranged. I was 15 or 16. And it was my mom that thought I should give it a try. It’s funny, but I guess that all mommies believes that their kids are something special… I got chosen and then it all went from there. I got a lot of jobs and went to live in Milan as the first place, after New York and then Paris and now i’m based in Denmark, but travels a lot still.
2. You have a very unique look. Please tell me about your personal style. Who do you find inspirational in regards to style?
Looking at people on the street and in shops… It’s usualy second-hand-shops I prefer. And then I think I always try to make my outfits look funny in some kind of way. I find it very boring wearing to simple or classic clothes.
3. You are also a DJ. How did you get in to music? Which do you like better? Modeling or DJ’ing?
A lot of my friends were Dj’ing, back then, when it all started. . But the thing that really got me into doing it, was that I got a girlfriend that was a Dj. So she taught me how to do it, what CD players to buy and all that stuff. . She talked about that we could go play together, and yeah….that was a big motivation for me. So I did whatever I could to learn it as fast as possible. And after a couple of months we had gigs everywhere… So that was really great! About modeling, I was really excited when I got the Armani campaign in Milan a couple of years ago… But I have never really enjoyed the work though. Some jobs are nice of course, but to do castings in other countries is horrible. So I never really want to do that! I think it’s a boring job a lot of times. But the money is good. And that’s what has kept me doing it for around 6 years now….
there is almost no money in the DJ gigs, but I really love that job!! So yearh….. 
Both jobs are good, but in a different ways. One makes me happy and one gives me money and of course dj jobs can be boring as well, when I have to play at clubs where I can’t play the music I LOVE the most.
4. You are from Denmark but travel a whole lot. What are you favorite things to do and see when traveling?
Oh yes, I do….Ehm…I love to go out on clubs. Especially in Germany ’cause they have the hottest clubs and dj’s playing almost every night.
In New York or just in the US in general I’m not crazy about going out because of the dj bookings at the clubs, they are very mainstream I think. But then it’s a fantastic city to go shop in and they have a lot of really nice restaurants there. And of course a lot of nice fat fat food, that I eat too much of already ☺
5. What is your favorite item that is in your wardrobe and why?
Uh, I have a lot of favorite things…. I have so much clothing. But I guess at the moment it must be my fur vest as I got from my grandmother, I love that one a lot… And I have a lot of really nice hats that I wear a lot too, I think hats always makes the clothes look more interesting.
Source: complexgeometries.com
On November 18th, the Red Cross accepted blood donations from students at my college. I refused to take part in the blood drive. I refused to take part in the blood drive because a few weeks before I learned that gay men cannot donate blood. Gay men cannot donate blood because they are gay and the FDA feels as though they would be a high risk blood donation despite the fact that all blood gets screened for HIV, viral hepatitis and any other disease in which could be transferred via. a blood transfusion.
I was ridiculed for this decision but I stand behind my beliefs. The FDA created this ban because they wanted to prevent the spread of HIV. In 2006, Red Cross stated that they feel as though the ban is “unwarranted” but as an organization they have not pushed for the ban to be lifted. Despite the shortage of blood donations, the organization has done little to fight for the gay man’s right to donate blood. According to MSNBC, the Red Cross provides nearly half of America’s blood supply and so I feel as though if they truly wanted this ban to be lifted, then they could lobby for it to be so. Prior to donating blood, all men are asked if they have had sexual intercourse with a man since 1977. If the man answers “yes,” he is sent home. That is disgraceful.
The FDA considers a gay man’s blood a liability and that is not right. The truth is, that anybody’s blood can be infected and so no one should be treated any differently than any other person despite their sexual orientation.
I am not saying that people should not donate blood – I just felt that I did not want to donate because if I were to donate my blood, then I would still be participating while supporting an organization whom I feel participates in discrimination. I was not willing to be a part of that and while I asked others to respect my decision, that was not granted to me. Some called me a “killer” and other said that I along with my opinions were “stupid”. It was hard remaining calm throughout the day and some will no longer speak to me due to my decision. However, I am proud of myself because I did what I felt was right. I intend to take this no further but I hope that others will respect my decision from now on. I feel that donating blood is a generous thing to do and I both support and respect anybody who decides to participate in a blood drive but until every healthy American can participate in this voluntary act of generosity, I will not participate myself.
For more information as to how and where you can donate blood, please click here.
From the
You know what I like about the whole M.O.D (Model Off Duty) look? The fact that the looks in which are often seen on a female “off duty” model is often simple yet when you see her there is no mistaking that she is indeed a Model Off Duty. Your average runway model is usually much skinnier than a regular woman but other than that, they’re usually in attire that could easily be obtained which I think is so cool. Here’s an example:
Model Off Duty, Jac Jagaciak:
For shopping guides and direct links to where all of the items above can be purchased, click here.
Sources: thecw.com, msnbc.com, redcross.org, objectfashionblog.com
The photo above is a preview the first issue of 31 Rue Cambon, the first Chanel magazine which Oliver Zahm art directed and designed for Karl Lagerfeld. The magazine is named after the first Chanel store and it is to be distributed worldwide in all of the Chanel stores.
ALEX & CHLOE
Bracelet, $68.00, Tote, $24.00
Source: Olivier Zahm
I have not featured a Designer of The Week in a long time. There is good reason for that; I simply have not found many designers whom I found interesting enough. Forrest and Bob changed all that. As I was reviewing their website, I was shocked to learn that Forrest & Bob is only a year old brand. The company has created one of those brands where I truly just want to wear everything – that is so rare! Forrest and Bob’s collections are simple and sexy. It is so incredibly European too. Take a look at my favorite pieces from F&B’s collections:
Forrest & Bob offers an affordable clothing line for women (a men’s collection is set to launch in 2010) as well a shoe collection and an accessory line. The company was co-created by former model, Vibe Sørensen and she works with three other designers on the F&B collections. Despite Forrest and Bob being such a young company, I truly feel as though they will become extremely successful in the near future. The company has already ventured in to an international market offering an online shop and shipping across the globe. I wish them the best of luck because their designs are truly incredible and promotes a sense of encouragement regarding personal style.
You can shop these looks and more here.
Sources: thelipstickdiaries.com, google images.
If Pakistan Fashion Week seems less glamorous than New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week that is because it is. Pakistan is attempting to become part of the international fashion market and despite continues delays due to threats of bombings and the fear of terrorism, the organizers and models still wanted fashion week to continue.
According to Time Magazine, Pakistan has tried to enter the fashion market since 2007. However, terrorist attacks and the assasination of Benazir Bhottu contributed to their not doing so until now. The 2009 show was actually delayed when militants attacked a military base just a few days before the shows were scheduled to begin. Numerous models, 700+ attendees and 32 designers participated in fashion week despite fears of a possible attack. I find that to be very brave and I think that takes a lot of courage for people to do. This should be recognized and Model, Nadia Hussain, agreed but also voiced her opinion, “Unfortunately, it is the bad side of Pakistan that gets everybody’s attention….” she said. Ayesha Tammy Haq, the events organizer added that the event should be read as a “gesture of defiance to the Taliban.”
This gesture is well received on my part. I am excited for Pakistan and I hope that they participate in many fashion weeks to come as it is so thrilling to see fashion that is not considered truly western because that’s what fashion is all about; change, culture and expression.
Sources: NYMag.com, Time.com
Vogue, 1991. 
I find total inspiration in this photo from Vogue. It’s old school but the girls look so tough. I am going to hunt for a long, pink cotton skirt and a gold chain belt.
One of my favorite blogs BLEACH BLACK has teamed up with Urban Outfitters creating the limited edition accesories in which are featured below. Take a look:
Shop the looks here.
True Inspiration…
Have you ever wondered where designers find their inspiration? I often wonder about this. Fashematics feels that designers get inspired by the things featured below. How humorous. Take a look:
Source: Stylecovered.com, bleachblack.com, urbanoutfitters.com, fashematics.com
Marie Claire just featured a better preview of the Rodarte for Target collection. The collection will be available in Target stores nationwide next month according to New York Magazine. Take a look:
I absolutely love the skull tunic to the left! What do you think?
So, I went to the thrift store the other day and found the denim jacket below for $3.99. Yes, $3.99. It’s very 90’s maybe even 80’s and I was teased to death for wearing it. However, it was so comfortable and I love it! I paired it with black skinny jeans and black platform shoes as well as a dark lip, several rings and my Marc Jacobs bag (not shown here). Take a look:
Source: www.nitrolicious.com
I love Louis Vuitton’s brocade design
Sources: VMagazine.com, obsessedwithshoes.com, style.com
