Sunday, September 18, 2016

Quirky Beauty - The New Faces of Modeling


We are so used to the blank stares on the lengthy line of fashion’s runways as the model clones parade by without any hint of individuality or even the slightest suggestion of sensuality or femininity.  To be honest, it has not in any way been the fault of the models, but rather demanded by designers and brands to keep the focus on the fashion rather than the models.  This has been the trend for over a decade and just like fashion, trends ebb and flow, and finally the pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction, to the “cult of personality” which gave rise to the supermodels in its first round in the early nineties.  And we couldn’t welcome it more.  

Runway models before that era were called mannequins for good reason: they were not meant to be distinct in any way, but to be thin, elegant, and basically a walking dress form.  This trend was repeated in the early part of this century as a counterpoint to the supermodels who became oftentimes as relevant and influential as the designers and brands themselves.  The models were so indistinct that celebrities took over many of the magazine fashion editorials, covers, and campaigns.  Agencies have been full of these seemingly interchangeable models that were so void of any individuality that these women could never have built a career standing out from the pack.  The rise of social media and “influence” is having such an enormous impact on the industry as a whole that the model-clone trend is crashing and disappearing.  Brands now hire models based on their social media influence and personal style, and the only way she can build a huge personal following is by embracing her uniqueness and being a larger-than-life personality. 


Scouts hunt far and wide for different, often un-definable beauty, looks that break with  traditional ideas of beauty, and sometimes models without any seemingly normal perception of “beauty” at all, but who rank high on the influence scale.  Agents and scouts are actively encouraging models to be more than just a clotheshorse, as it broadens their appeal and social influence if they have other skills, talents and abilities.  Acting, singing, music, athletics, surfing, dj-ing, cooking, blogging, designing, dancing, being genetically or ethnically ambiguous, all add to a model’s potential for wide appeal.  Just like club kids, indie actors and musicians inspired designers like Marc Jacobs in the early nineties, doing something while modeling on the side is a valid part of a model’s personal brand-building, which is essential in a successful career.  What was in the past a distraction is now considered an asset.  Not only does it open the doors of the fashion world to a more inclusive, exciting, creative section of the population, it is infinitely more appealing to a wider audience as it reflects the world around us, and not some other-worldly ideal. 


Everyone now cultivates their own brand on their social media, creating their visual identity, defining what fashion means to them, and its place in their lives.  Quirky models who are unique, ethnically ambiguous, extremely tall, or not so tall at all, are racking up mileage on fashion runways and in campaigns.  Dreads, afros, super wide-set eyes, large noses, androgynous, gap-toothed, and long-faced models are having an impact, and allowing us to look at fashion from another perspective, not only on the runway but in editorials and campaigns as well.  

We always think that fashion sets the trends and is a step ahead of the curve in its edicts and dictates, but now the industry is being influenced.  Just like the rest of us. 

#models and social media #quirky models  #quirky beauty  #new models #new faces  #changing beauty standards  #cult of personality

Monday, September 12, 2016

Model Crush Monday - Kendall Jenner!


September US Vogue Cover:  check.
Estee Lauder beauty contract:  check.
Calvin Klein campaign:  check.
Multiple appearances as opening and closing model in the top shows including Chanel, during international fashion weeks:  check.
Regular editorials and covers worldwide:  check.
Supermodel status:  confirmed.

Kendall Jenner is everywhere in the media and has been for many years, but as a certified supermodel for a mere two years.  With 18 million Twitter followers and 65.4 million on Instagram, Kendall is in a league all her own, raking in more influence than the very fashion and beauty brands she promotes.


Digging her heels in at her family’s first attempts to start her on a modeling career, Kendall was shy and awkward, making her pretty much like every other teenage girl.  Only this teenage girl grew up in the eye of the media with the eyes of the world watching her every move.  Having the perfect girl squad of Gig Hadid, Cara Delevigne, and Hailey Baldwin, all realizing their own dreams of modeling and acting gave her the confidence to own her potential.  While we would almost expect doors to fly open and great exceptions to be made in facilitating Kendall’s career, the opposite turns out the be the reality.  Kendall is known for being fastidiously professional, punctual, without attitude, and for having high expectations for herself, earning her modeling accolades on merit, not connections.  Recently ranked as the third highest paid model by Forbes Magazine, it is a pretty sure bet that we'll see those long legs and big brown eyes for years to come.  If anyone was positioned to change the interaction between the fashion industry, modeling, and the media, it’s Kendall, rewriting the rules as she goes.  All the way to the top.

Kendall’s Instagram   @kendalljenner

#Kendall Jenner  #supermodels  #girl squad  #Kendall and Gigi  #top supermodels of 2016



Thursday, September 8, 2016

Yours, Mine, Ours! What is the Real Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Products?


It’s a known fact that men’s skin care and hair care products cost significantly less than women’s, but why?  Women are spoiled for choice when it comes to beauty products and the only way brands can get our attention is with enormous marketing initiatives, costing them a lot of money, the expense of which is past along to the female consumer.  Research shows that women will pay more!  So who’s to blame: the brand, or us?

Lots of women know that when it comes to certain products the only real difference might be just the packaging.  However, there are some facts to consider when debating whether or not you should use a man’s product or a woman’s.  Men’s skin is thicker with about 25% more collagen that women’s, so some ingredients found in men’s products can be too harsh on our skin.  These skin differences also mean that our skin loses moisture more quickly, so women’s products are more likely to address these hydration concerns.  Men have more oil producing sebaceous glands making them more prone to acne and breakouts, so their products often contain ingredients to combat the excess oil in their skin.  Shaving exfoliates men’s skin so an aftershave balm or moisturizer needs to contain a good SPF to protect the newly exposed layer of skin.  Fragrance is also a key difference in men’s and women’s products but a lot of women actually find it alluring to have a more masculine scent in their body care products. 

Here are some men’s skin care products that women swear by, and wouldn’t trade for their feminine counterparts:

Yours, mine, ours.  Some things are just better shared.  Don’t be afraid to pay less! 

#men's products vs women's products #women using men's skincare products #why women should use men's products