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Fashion Chat: ANTM

“Ridiculous”

What happened to America’s Next Top Model (ANTM)? During New York Fashion Week (NYFW) Fall 2012, I bumped into Ms. J and Nigel Barker, and I chased them down for interviews like any self-respecting fashion blogger, for dirt on the show of course. All of my requests were denied. They simply basked in the glory of their reality fame, posing for photo opts, and sitting front row. Well, who knew that only days after NYFW ended, ANTM would announce their dismissal from the show? I can see why they stopped talking, who wants to talk about the ex.

ANTM Cycle 19

antm-19-judges

The Blonds – Front Row – Fall 2012 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Tyra Banks would be the only remaining staple in the show. I have avoided writing about this show because; I really had nothing to say—until now! How do you take a show that gave us all a peek inside the world of a working model, exciting photo shoot locations, gay gold judgment about fashion, and make it crap? Ask Ms. Banks; she can give you the recipe.

ANTM_cycle_19_cast

30-Finalists-ANTM-Cycle-19-College-Edition-americas-next-top-model

Tyra Banks & Rob Evans – ANTM season 19 Photo Promotional 1

I didn’t really watch season one of ANTM for one reason, Tyra Banks. As a kid, I watched her on “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and I realized why some models should just look pretty, please don’t talk. I was only a kid when I first saw Tyra, she graced every wall in my room, next to Naomi of course, yes Tyra was stunning. As a black kid growing up in small town Alberta, Tyra made fashion accessible to me. I watched her glide down runways, and grace every fashion cover. I collected everything, like crack to a strung-out-hooker, and Tyra was my drug. Then she played a guest role on my fantasy husband’s show, looking like a strung-out-hooker, yet still fabulous, and spoke… “No, you ruined everything.” After that, I never wanted to hear Tyra speak again. Who knew that on May 20, 2003, I would be eating my own words—ANTM debut.

antm-cycle-19-college-edition photo shoot

antm-cycle-19-college-edition-2

Everyone in school was talking about one show—the drama, the photo shoots, and yes backstabbing—the perfect show about modeling. Deny if you will, but we all know by season two we were hooked like that hooker on her pipe. We knew their names, invested in their story, and got pissed to see our personal pick go home. However, we watched to see the transformation of one girl plucked from obscurity, and into a runway star. Well that never happened, but we still watched to see if one of Tyra’s girls would become a “Top Model.” In the end we overlooked the minor success of a handful of girls, because the show was at least entertaining and informative about modeling 101.

Bryan-Boy-on-Americas-Next-Top-Model-ANTM

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Okay, so what is my conclusion? Lets use comparison. Tyra is like mother who has a baby, takes time off to raise her new child, and heads back to work: “The Tyra Show.” With talk show duties, her child, ANTM, was able to develop some independence outside of her watchful eye, but for some reason as baby grew mommy wanted to quit her job and come back home to watch over baby again: “Hello mommy, I am already in middle school now. I’ve experienced drugs and gotten to third base, a little late for rules now.”

antm-cycle-19-college-edition photo shoot

First, the show never produced a “Top Model,” fine that is okay. Second, Tyra became the centerpiece. Third, in the words of my favorite judge, the original Ms. J, Judge Judy, the show became “Ridiculous.” What made ANTM fun was that it respected fashion and the modeling industry. With cycle 19, I feel like I am watching that strung-out-hooker hit rock bottom, and it is not pretty. A scoring system, WTF, is this ANTM or Ms. Universe?

ANTM Cycle 19

30-Finalists-ANTM-Cycle-19-College-Edition-americas-next-top-model

Tyra interjected too much of herself into the show, forgetting that these girls want to be models, not your puppet. The show never produced a major talent in the industry, so I guess you want to remind us that you were once a “Top Model.” Therefore, ANTM has become your mouth piece, just when I wanted to hear what you had to say, now like your guest spot on “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” I just want you to shut up again.

What do you think of cycle 19? Please leave your comments below.

2012: 09/21
CATEGORY: Fashion Chat
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Fashion Chat: Miss World Canada 2012

FASHION IS FUN!!

Miss World Canada 2012

Okay, please take this in the right way. I am not a bully. One of my favourite shows is Fashion Police. I love how Joan Rivers slashes and burns looks to the ground. Fashion is fun, you take it off at the end of the day, so get over it. Tomorrow you can always try again.

Miss World Canada 2012

Miss World Canada 2012 (May 13, 2012) is a wonderful and charitable organization, that promotes young women to aspire to heights of glory on a world stage. Now, let’s talk fashion!! I have never been to pageant before, so I had no idea what to expect–WTF!!! Hideous dresses from head to toe, I don’t think I liked anything. These girls are very young and accomplished, they spend most of their time saving the world, and making me feel bad about my days of shopping and yoga. Therefore, I can not pin blame to these girls for their fashion disasters–that award goes to the pageant stylist (who shall not be named).

Miss World Canada 2012

Prom Queens on crack seemed to be the theme. I was blinded by way too much sequins, taffeta, and embellishment. This group of dresses made RuPaul’s Drag Race look tame. My fellow companion made the best comment, “I didn’t know this was a Halloween show.” I understand a pageant is not a fashion show, but where is the wow factor. These young accomplished girls deserved better styling. ”Hello, grab a steamer people.”

Miss World Canada 2012

Miss World Canada 2012: Attendee (Interesting)

The swimsuit part got male libido racing and cheering for half-naked contestants, but the swimsuits were lack lustre. With Victoria Secret ruling runway skimpy, it’s not hard to steal a few glamour ideas from the angels–I am sure they wouldn’t mind. A beach ball and sun hat, please, my grandmother has better styling at the beach. Where the fuck is the show?!?

Miss World Canada 2012

The male, and female host, also did not have much going on in the style department. Another attendee and presenter, Mr. World Canada, showcased a shiny Jersey Shore outfit, a hot mess, it looked like a condom with legs–I am an equal opportunist when it comes to bad fashion.

Miss World Canada 2012

The highlight of the “show” was when Bollywood entertainer gave the host a dance lesson. Finally, taking home the crown was Tara Teng. Good luck in your future competition Miss. Teng, if you need a stylist, call me.

Tara Teng: Miss Canada World 2012 Winner

MC.

Please take all my comments in fun, remember I am a fashion blogger, not a good-will ambassador, I leave that work to Angelina Jolie.

2012: 05/16
CATEGORY: Fashion Chat
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Fashion Chat: Onassis

Mere Mortal

Hello all, I’ve been a bit M.I.A.. With finals in front of me, and a jammed back schedule behind me, I’ve discovered, I am a mere mortal. Sick in bed, nursing my wounds with food. Of course my mind drifts to clothes. What can a mere mortal buy when stuck in bed. My mind went straight to one of my favourite boutiques in New York: Onassis

Onassis Clothing -New York, NY

Guilty, I am one of those people who pretty much hates everything in my closet at the end of a season, so I pretty much want everything new. One thing I love to wear is designer clothes, and I’ve been known to splurge on designer duds. However, my credit card does not always agree, but I love clothes. I like to mix high and low clothing because it looks fresh and non-pretentious. Hence, I am always looking for the right pieces to fill in my season gaps.

Onassis Clothing -New York, NY

When it comes to fashion, Women rule the world. The choices are endless for women. Men on the other hand are left with very little choice. For creative style, designer duds always seem to be the way to go, but what do you do when you don’t have an endless bank account? Onassis clothing caters to a real male’s wardrobe. Fantastic basics with classic design. I spoke with Josh Garcia, Onassis marketing director, and Andreu David, Onassis creative director about their design philosophy. Andrew also gave me a look at his must-haves for the season. I didn’t get to do much shopping, while at New York Fashion Week, but I had to make a stop into this clothing oasis. Before you get started on your Onassis shopping spree, you have to B-line to their wonderful café in the back, a shopper needs full energy!

Onassis Clothing -New York, NY

Club Monaco, Zara, and H&M have always been a great back-up for guys who want style at a reality price. Well, I found my new favourite reality clothing spot; Onassis is an amazing clothing boutique based in New York. Therefore, you know the style is relaxed and cool. I picked up a few things myself. They also have a boutique in Tokyo, which is a must stop destination in the city. Onassis clothing is also available online, which brings New York to your door step. Problem solved for my mortal moment.

Onassis Clothing -New York, NY

2012: 04/03
CATEGORY: Fashion Chat
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Fashion Chat: Jeanne Beker

“What You Takin’ bout Willis”

If you told me I would be talking to Fashion Television Host Jeanne Beker one day, I would say your smoking crack. Well light up the pipe because, I am in a haze. Recently during NYFW Fall 2012, Reem Acra show, I had a moment to chat with Fashion Television host, Jeanne Beker, about her career and fashion insight.

Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012

Let’s start with the show, Reem Acra, Fall 2012. say what?!! Yes, not many of us our familiar with this designer. Well let me tell you who does know Reem Acra: Madonna, Taylor Swift, and Jennifer Lopez. Madonna wore Reem Acra to this year’s Golden Globe Awards, and won, well best dressed for me, and Jennifer Lopez has also been seen in a Reem Acra creations. The collection was sexual, sensual, and fun; the models were confident walking down the runway. Also, Reem Acra has an amazing Bridal collection that is on par with Vera Wang. Here are some looks from NYFW Fall 2012.

69th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals: Madonna Reem Acra

taylor-swift-nashville-symphony-ball-2011-reem-acra-dress

2012 Univision Winter TCA Breakfast: Jennifer Lopez in Reem Acra

Back to Ms. Beker. What do you say when your faced with a women you’ve grown up with your entire life. Living in rural Alberta, she was my only connection to the fashion world. Over 25 years in the business, and still going strong. Hence, you will see how nervous I was speaking to Fashion Television’s talk Queen.

Reem Acra: Runway Fall 2012

First, I must say she was delightful. To be honest I’ve had my eye on her job forever, plotting my move to conquer, however after meeting and chatting with her I concede. I will be more than happy to find my own way, as Jeanne is the master of her craft. Growing up, my battle was between Tim Blanks and Jeanne Beker, both Canadian, and both covering fashion. Tim always seemed to be on point about his assessment of each collection: smart, insightful, and exact. Meanwhile, Jeanne felt more free and unrehearsed. I met both during NYFW Fall 2012, and I respect them both as trail blazers for Canadian fashion coverage. Both put Canada on the map, as champions for fashion. We may not have pockets as deep as Americas, but damn it, we’ll help you sell shit and expose you to the world. “Well done!”

Reem-Acra-Fall-2012-Bridal-Collection

I must have done something right in my life, at some point, because as I think back and wonder how, not only do I get to share space with Jeanne Beker, but she is standing in front of me talking. I hope you enjoy my backstage interview with Jeanne at Reem Acra. I skipped interviewing the designer, to wait and speak with Jeanne, it was a toss-up, but I am glad I did.

JeanneBeker-nophotographer

2012: 03/14
CATEGORY: Fashion Chat
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