My Favorite Great Supermodels Of All Time – MOUNIA

My readers, who are largely from the Caribbean, must have been wondering when I would mention a black or Caribbean supermodel on my list. Well, the moment is here! The first black muse of Yves Saint Laurent, fashion pioneer, the incomparable 1970s supermodel, Mounia!

Born Monique-Antoine, Mounia is a native to the beautiful French Caribbean island of Martinique where she worked at the airport in Fort-de-France as an announcer & she was also an on-ground hostess at Orly airport in Paris. After being hired by Givenchy as a model, in 1976 an important American client walked out of Givenchy because Mounia modeled a suit in front of her. One of the many racist moments she will experience. After that incident, Mounia began to work with other designers such as Emanuel Ungaro & Karl Lagerfeld. Lagerfeld hired her to do Chloe & his own line. When he took over Chanel, he hired Mounia for that house as well. She became the first black model to present the Chanel collection.

She was then chosen by YSL for her exotic features, flawless complexion & poise. She was also the first black model Yves Saint Laurent used in his haute couture shows, & was considered his favorite model. In fact, Laurent had an extreme liking for black models. He was one of the first designers to employ them, giving opportunities to other black models such as Iman & Naomi Campbell who both would also become icons in their own right.

In a 2008 article in W Magazine, Mounia recalls, “I was his first black muse…He helped open the door for black models. Sometimes I was his confidante, and I would sometimes inspire his creativity. He called me Moumounn. The collection that made me a celebrity was the one inspired by Porgy and Bess. I wore a pink pantsuit and a boater hat. I walked to ‘Summertime’ and really took on the character of Bess. Catherine Deneuve stood up and started clapping. The everyone stood up and called out ‘Bravo!’ Yves Saint Laurent peered around the curtain – a thing that he had never done before – to see what all of the commotion was about. The people were shouting ‘Bravo, Yves Saint Laurent!’ and ‘Brava, Mounia!’ He took me in his arms, and we kissed. This for me was history.”

After that, Mounia booked her first cover with WWD (Women’s Wear Daily). She would continue to book 14 other magazine covers & 27 pages in French Vogue. This was unheard of for a black model at that time! She was even a favorite with Versace, but Mounia would be YSL‘s muse for almost a decade & working almost exclusively with him. She retired from modeling in the 80s & became an acclaimed artist, having had her works displayed in galleries across France, the Ivory Coast, Monaco, Japan, Guyana & her homeland of Martinique. Mounia also became the first black model to write a book about modeling, entitled ‘Princesse Mounia’.

Mounia getting ready backstage with Yves Saint Laurent

An ad campaign Mounia did in 1979 for YSL

My Favorite Great Supermodels Of All Time – NADJA AUERMANN

A platinum blonde, blue-eyed beauty with legs for miles! This German stunner is one of the most successful models of all time. And you won’t believe her secret!

Born to two successful bankers in West Berlin, Nadja Auermann never actually thought of becoming a model. In fact, her original desire was to be an architect or to pursue a career in politics. However, after leaving school with the equivalent of a high school diploma, she had decided to be a waitress until she made up her mind on what path she should take. A woman suggested she try modeling, & as fate would have it, she was discovered by a scout while sitting in a coffee shop in 1989. Her first gig? Posing for a travel catalogue. Not very glamorous, but unknowingly to her, she would go on to work for the most elite of fashion & become one of the highest paid model ever.

In 1990, she signed with Karin’s Models in Paris. Unfortunately, that agreement did not work out to her expectations so she left Karin’s Models & signed with Elite Model Management (Paris). She immediately started working for French Vogue & got her first ad campaign with Benneton. But Auermann wasn’t really being noticed nor causing any kind of buzz in the industry. So when it was time for the upcoming ready-to-wear shows, guess what she did?? Her secret? She went PLATINUM BLONDE! That’s right! This supermodel known for her gorgeous platinum blonde tresses is NOT a natural blonde. (However, she has gone to brunette in most recent times.)

It worked! Since her new do, everyone from Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani & Hermès came knocking! Fashion designer Valentino once commented on her physical resemblance to Marlene Dietrich. She would also go on to appear iconic Versace campaigns shot by Richard Avedon which shows her with Kristen McMenamy, Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell & Stephanie Seymour in different shots modeling mini skirts. She has also appeared on countless covers & editorials of different fashion magazines, such as American, British, French, Italian & German editions of Vogue, W, V, Harper’s Bazaar & i-D. Just to name a few.

Kristen McMenamy & Nadja (right)by Richard Avedon for Versace’s campaign Spring 1995

Nadja on Harper’s Bazaar September 1994

One of the many Versace campaigns Nadja (first from left) was featured in

My Favorite Great Supermodels Of All Time – MARISA BERENSON!

Dubbed ‘the girl of the 70s’ by Yves Saint Laurent himself & being the granddaughter of one of the most iconic fashion designers to ever live, Elsa Schiaparelli, Marisa Berenson was destined to become one of fashion’s favorite darlings. Also, her maternal grandfather was Count Wilhelm de Wendt de Kerlor, a Theosophist & psychic medium.

The New York native was known for leading an extremely extravagant lifestyle, which came to no surprise as her parents’ extraordinary friends included iconic stars such as Dirk Bogarde, Greta Garbo & Audrey Hepburn, who were guests at the family’s lavish Christmas parties. Diana Vreeland, the legendary editor-in-chief of American Vogue was also another regular at her parents’ soirees. And being the granddaughter of a Count probably also gave her severe social leverage.

Berenson’s signature wide eyes & spiky eyelashes rose to popularity in the 60s but she later landed the July 1970 issue of Vogue. Since then, she appeared in numerous fashion layouts in Vogue in the early 1970s & her sister Berry was a photographer for the magazine as well! She was often called ‘The Queen of the Scene’ due to her frequent appearances at nightclubs & many social events in the 70s, & was another close friend of the famous artist Andy Warhol. (Warhol liked to surround himself with the most beautiful & influential of characters, usually models & actresses. He too was a very prominent socialite.)

The spectacular beauty of Lithuanian, Italian, Swiss, French & Egyptian ancestry, later became an acclaimed actress with many prominent film roles in movies such as Death In Venice, Barry Lyndon, Praying For Time & Cabaret (for which she received two Golden Globe nominations, a BAFTA nomination & an award from the National Board of Review).

My Favorite Great Supermodels Of All Time – CHINA MACHADO!

This next supermodel is a living legend. Inspiring. Revolutionary. Game-changer. She embodies those very words.

China Machado was born Noelie Dasouza Machado in Shanghai, where she grew up until moving to South America, then finally to Paris where she met Hubert de Givenchy. Machado was a singer at a nightclub in Paris when she met Givenchy & immediately became a model for his atelier. She then quickly became one of the most requested runway models in the 50′s & the highest paid model in Europe at that time. She would work with a designer for three months, as they would create dresses specifically for her. That’s how the industry worked at the time, and China got the most work.

In September 1958, she arrived in New York. She instantly met with the then-editor of Harper’s Bazaar, the influential Diana Vreeland, who put her in a fashion show right away. Machado opened the show & was spotted by legendary photographer/artist Richard Avedon, who she would go on to work with exclusively for three years as one of his models for Harper’s Bazaar. She gave up modeling & became one of Harper’s Bazaar senior fashion editors & styled many of Avedon’s ads including the Revlon ‘Unforgettable Women’ campaigns. Machado made an appearance in the revolutionary fashion show of Palace de Versailles in 1973. This show revolutionized the outlook of runway fashion. But it wasn’t until 2011, when she was offered the opportunity to return to the spotlight by signing with IMG Models at 81 years old! Making her the oldest signed AND working model in history. Since then she has been photographed many times over for magazines such as New York Magazine, Vogue & Harper’s Bazaar.

Now, this isn’t the first time Machado has broken the mold. She was also the first non caucasian model to grace the cover of a fashion magazine, gracing the front of Harper’s Bazaar in an image shot by Avedon in 1959. Machado is also internationally recognized as the world’s first Asian supermodel! THUS, making her more than worthy of making my list of great supermodels of ALL TIME!!

Bow to the legend that is China Machado.

How she looks nowadays. NO PLASTIC SURGERY

from a spread she did for FASHION Magazine in 2012

One of Avedon’s shots of Machado

The game-changing cover of Harper’s Bazaar(1959)featuring Machado as first non caucasian cover model

Harper’s Bazaar June 1961

My Favorite Great Supermodels Of ALL TIME- Bianca Jagger!

I was sitting at home one day, going through various fashion magazines as I usually do & I came up with the idea for this list. To list great supermodels that I feel have passed through the industry & left something unforgettable.

Inspiring, legendary, revolutionary, muses, glamazons & game-changers. All of these are words used to describe the following models who have graced the most prestigious runways & magazine covers, inspired top photographers or have made monumental changes within the industry over the years. Please keep in mind that this list has been listed at random & not numerically judged. Each model will have her own individual post.

Let’s start with BIANCA JAGGER!

Bianca was mostly known as a style icon & for her marriage to legendary rock star & frontman of The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger. Bianca was also a prominent jet-set celebrity of the 1970s, known particularly as a close friend of famous artist Andy Warhol & one of the most frequent patrons of the famed Manhattan nightclub Studio 54 which has been a hub for fashion’s elite social scene.

The Nicaragua native who stands only at 5ft 6in, also starred in films/tv shows such as Flesh Colour, All You Need Is Cash
(also known as The Rutles), Miami Vice, Street Hawk, Hotel, The Colbys & Success.

Bianca is now a Council of Europe Goodwill Ambassador, Founder & Chair of the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation, Member of the Executive Director’s Leadership Council of Amnesty International USA & a Trustee of the Amazon Charitable Trust. She has touched on controversial topics such as genocide, the war in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, the war on terror, war crimes against humanity, crimes against future generations, the former Yugoslavia, Sri Lanka, Central America, Iran, Iraq, India, children and women’s rights, the rights of indigenous peoples, climate change, the rainforest, renewable energy, corporate social responsibility, the ensuing erosion of civil liberties and human rights & the death penalty.

Bianca on the cover of Vogue, March 1974

Bianca at nightclub Studio 54

Bianca on the cover of Vanity Fair, November 1986

Bianca in British Vogue, December 1974

Kesia Estwick: KISS+Girl 2013

 

Barbadian fashion designer Kesia Estwick does it again!! She’s whipped up another fab collection of KISS+Girl!

I don’t need to tell you who Kesia is if you frequent my blog & keep track of the local fashion scene. If you don’t know who she is, you better get with it. Kesia is the biggest thing when it comes to fashion of the youth in Barbados, with her edgy sexy looks & that Caribbean bad gyal attitude. Her ‘KISS Girls’ bring it right!! ALL are models from Barbados.

 

For all posts on Kesia, click http://dredecarlo.wordpress.com/tag/kesia-estwick/

Check out the new stuff. Here’s the link so you may view more of Kesia’s work - http://www.facebook.com/wearKISSGIRL

 

See anything you like? DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE FACEBOOK PAGE TO SHOP! http://www.facebook.com/wearKISSGIRL

Supermodel Joan Smalls Impresses In Prabal Gurung Campaign!

The Puerto Rican native supermodel, whose full name is Joan Smalls Rodriguez, continues to prove that she is not just a flash in the pan. Joan copped the campaign for Prabal Gurung Spring/Summer 2013, which comes as no surprise as the pair seem to be quite close friends.

Joan was also the model who opened the Prabal Gurung Spring/Summer 2013 collection runway show, so it was definitely no surprise that she was chosen to be the face of this campaign. Joan has become somewhat of a muse for the Nepalese American fashion designer.

Joan is ranked the #1 model in the world, since September 2012, on the revered Models.com.

Joan with fashion designer Prabal Gurung

Interview: Model & Former Miss Barbados World Contestant, Paige Warren

On the runway at BB Fashion Week 2012

I’ve had my eye on this new Bajan it-girl for quite a while now. She first caught my attention when she was a contestant in 2011′s Miss Barbados World Pageant. She may not have placed in the final placements but this bombshell did make a huge impression on not just me but the rest of the fashion industry in Barbados.

Since then, Paige has been a regular on the fashion scene, but made her big debut at BB Fashion Week 2012 & was a definite favorite among designers as well as the press. She even managed to continuously wow the crowd with her stunning looks, composed demeanor & subtle sex appeal. I just had to interview this rising star!

So, here we go!!

1. How would you say being in Miss Barbados World has changed you?
Being in Miss Barbados World has made me more poised, confident and focused, it was a great experience for me and the training helped me a lot.

2. Were you as mentally prepared for it (Miss Barbados World) as you thought you were?
I was definitely not mentally prepared for Miss Barbados World as it was my first pageant experience ever and it was more challenging than I had envisioned.
 

3. What is your fondest memory of the pageant?
My fondest memory of the pageant was the group dinner we had a couple weeks away from the crowning night. We generally spent a lot of time together but at dinner we finally got to relax and bond as a family.

4. You’ve become quite a regular face in the fashion industry since the pageant. Would you say the pageant has helped propel you into that spotlight?
Miss Barbados World gave me visibility which I’m grateful for but after the show I got my portfolio in place to further my modeling career.

5. You were a definite favorite at this year’s BB Fashion Week. What was that experience like for you?
As it was my first time at BB Fashion Week, I really enjoyed it because I love the runway and it was a chance for me to model for international designers so I can’t wait for future opportunities.
 

6. Who was your favorite designer at BB Fashion Week, and why?
I loved all the designers but one of my favorite designers at BB Fashion Week was Charles Dieujuste from the USA, his line of clothes were so modern and the colors were so feminine and fluid. I loved it.

7. Do you plan on taking modeling to the next level & aim for an international career?
Yes I do plan on taking modeling to the next level; in 2013 I aim to be an international model and to be signed by an international agency.
 

8. Anything coming up that we should be expecting to see you in?
Let’s just say you should be seeing lots more of me in 2013!
 

9. Let’s talk fashion. How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is very funky fresh chic.
 

10. Do you have a favorite trend/look right now?
My favorite look now is studded clothing, high waist pants, skirts and boots, anything hardcore but still very chic.

11. What’s the one thing you can’t do without when it comes to your wardrobe?
The one thing I can’t do without when it comes to my wardrobe is high waist short jeans! I’m so in love with these!
 

12. Any guilty pleasures?
My guilty pleasure is I snack way too much!

Swimsuit competition, Miss Barbados World 2011

Jamaican Top Model Jeneil Williams Lands Jean Paul Gaultier Campaign

International top model Jeneil Williams is no stranger to receiving coveted jobs in the fashion industry, but the Jamaican stunner has possibly landed her most memorable gig yet! Fashion giant Jean Paul Gaultier chose Williams to star in his latest campaign alongside Ginta Lapina, Hannelore Knuts & Maria Kashleva.

The Spring/Summer 2013 campaign, shot by Sebastian Kim, showcases the models portraying some of Gaultier’s most groundbreaking pop culture muses, Madonna, Boy George, David Bowie & Grace Jones. Jeneil was chosen to portray the edgy, androgynous Grace Jones. Lapina wears a rendition of the iconic conical bra designed by Gaultier that Madonna made famous during her 1990 Blonde Ambition World Tour, Williams sports an androgynous black suit which is reminiscent that of one Jones had worn, Kashleva goes for the New Romantics look Boy George made famous, while Knuts evokes Bowie during his Ziggy Stardust years.

Jimmy Choo Chooses Jamaican Top Model Jeneil Williams: Resort Campaign 2013

Jimmy Choo, who has become quite the staple for women’s fashion around the world, has chosen international top model Jeneil Williams as the face of the Resort 2013 ad campaign, as shot by Solve Sundsbo.

Williams was made known when she won the now popular Caribbean Supermodel Search by Pulse Models Jamaica, headed by Mr. Kingsley Cooper. Mr. Cooper has also made a name for himself for spotting talent. Williams is not the only model to receive international acclaim through his model search.

Models such as Carla Campbell (first Caribbean model on the cover of Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit Issue), Nadine Willis (known mostly as former face of Gucci) & Jaunel McKenzie (former #1 black model worldwide) have all benefited from Cooper’s competition & are all signed to some of the world’s top model representation companies.

Jeneil has worked with many other fashion giants such as United Colors of Benetton, Diesel & Lanvin, and has appeared in magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Teen Vogue, Russian Vogue & even the historic all black issue of Italian Vogue which featured the industry’s most revered black models of the past & present.

British Supermodel Agyness Deyn Retires At 29

Widely known for her boyish charm, the Manchester born supermodel Agyness Deyn has decided to retire from the modeling world to focus more on her love for acting.

Deyn said to UK publication The Independent, “I’ve not done any for a good long while now. I think it was about four years ago when my feelings were changing towards the industry. I didn’t hate it, but I was yearning to do something different. I was on a gradient. It was a gradual thing.”

Deyn has already had experience in the world of film, appearing in films in 2010. That year, she starred in the short film ‘Mean to Me’ and played the role of Aphrodite in ‘Clash of the Titans’. She will be in a supporting role in the upcoming film ‘Pusher’, which premieres next month. Starring alongside Richard Coyle, this will be Agyness’s first major film role.

Bajan-British Model Syria Edghill Cops Contracts!

You may remember this stunning beauty from one of my recent posts of her placing 3rd in this year’s Miss London Pageant & as a contestant in the Miss England semi-finals. Unfortunately, Ms. Edghill did not make the finals of Miss England but she was swooped up by London-based agency D1 Model Management.

Syria, an accountants and finance student, has been modeling since she was 16! After being scouted by fellow Bajan, former IMG model & Miss Barbados Universe 2005 Nada Yearwood, right here in Barbados. Syria cites supermodel and TV personality Tyra Banks as her inspiration. She has trained with Bodens Youth Theatre and has already landed parts in British soap operas EastEnders and Holby City, and a Spring Break commercial on Nickelodeon. I believe Syria is destined for a bright future with great heights.

Congratulations Syria! Knock ‘em dead!!

Bajan Model Rocks LONDON FASHION WEEK ’09!

Barbadian beauty, Syanne Patterson, blew the roof of this year’s London Fashion Week Spring/Summer ’09!!

She donned the designs of Pierre Garroudi, for his Spring/Summer 2010 Ivory Collection.

Recently, Patterson also copped a modeling contract with British model management company, Leni’s Model Management, after many years of modeling in her homeland Barbados, since her teens.

 

Go on girl! We’re proud of you. KEEP ON DOING YOUR THING!!

xoxo

-Dre DeCarlo.

Dre DeCarlo’s List of Top Models in Barbados ’09

**Please keep in mind that this list is based on performance and NOT the amount of jobs or level of experience!**

RANDOM ORDER…

Alyson Holder (Flawless Management- BARBADOS)

Imogen Cooper



Shannie (Gadal Model Management- BARBADOS)

Deneise Dennis (Flawless Management- BARBADOS)

Kari McCarthy

Kenyah Hope (Gadal Model Management- BARBADOS)

Sedia Jackman

Photography compliments: Logan Thomas, Khalil Goodman, Adrian Richards, Jaryd Niles-Morris and Marcus Art.

Interview: International Model RAMA DIOUF

This African VOGUE cover girl has started to make strides within the European fashion industry and continues to wow all those who are fortunate enough to grab a glimpse on this Senegal-born beauty.

Here’s a look at an exclusive interview that I conducted with her.

 

 

What is your full name?

Rama Diouf, but you can call me Rama

 

When and where were you born?

Ho good question, let me think… I was born in Dakar in 1986,
Sénégal, West Africa. Hot sun, soft sand, beautiful sea and baobab
tree!

 

Where did you grow up?

I lived in Dakar from the little sunshine I was to my 21st birthday !
And I think I grew up a bit to 6′ (183cm). Then, my studies took me
to Paris in France where I’ve been living so far

 

When did your interest in modeling start?

Fashion has always been a passion. In 2006, I participated in the first
edition of “Ébène Top Model” with Katoucha Niane. I never forgot what
she said to me : “Ho, she has a beautiful body!” (laughs). I then tried the
famous Elite Model Look in 2007 ; I was published in the Senegalese
magazine “Relax” ; but I took a break, because my studies in computer sciences took all my time…

 

 How did you get started?

Well, can I say as a free-lancer first?(giggle) In Senegal, but it really
started in France. I did many fashion shows for young fashion
designers, TV commercials (Orange, Smartbox, etc.). I met a lot of good
photographers and did some contests, like “Miss Earth France 2009“
beauty contest where I was elected 2nd runner.

 

Was it a rough journey or did things just come along for you?

It was very rough. I had to fight my way in this industry. I would say
80% of failure at castings, time consuming, but fun and… Hey, it’s
fashion!

 

What and when would you say was your breakthrough point?

First agency after 1 year of rough time, first job : Catwalk for the
Grazia’s Street Fashion Show in 2009. Then, I was scooted by 3 more
agencies in which I work today. One of them is Slides Models.

 

What have been your struggles within the industry?

Well, as you noticed, I’m a black model who works in France… which
means struggles! It’s not easy. The predominantly white community
cannot identify with a black woman as the clients said.
Once, I was filtered at the entrance of a casting. A woman took my
composite but did not let me see the client. On leaving, the designer
saw me and asked me to come with him for fittings…
Walking with a 33″ / 24½” / 35″ body and a height of 6′ don’t open all
the doors!

 

 

What is your main goal?

I would like to become a fashion icon, go as far as possible in the
fashion industry. My main goal? Reveal once again the concept of
“Black Beauty”. And as Barack Obama said, “Yes, we can!”.

 

What is your advice for those little girls watching you, wanting
to be fashion models?

Having the “right” body is something, but the “right” spirit is all. You
have to be passionate, available at all times and above all be able to
overcome failures. In summary, be motivated!

 

- first digital editing and last shot are from Mario Epanya ,
- Second is from Gilles Avenel,
- Third is from B-Rouss

Folks, contact Rama if you want to work with them.

Last but not least, you can discover a part of her work here :
http://www.ramadiouf.com :)

COMING SOON!: Interview with French Supermodel ELODIE PASSELAIGUE

COMING SOON! [pt.1]: Interview with International Model MELANIE RIBBE

SEXY…

..FIERCE….

..FLAWLESS

 

Please stay tuned for interview with German-born international model and former ‘Germany’s Next Top Model’ contestant, Melanie Ribbe…

 

more to come soon.

 

INTERVIEW: International Top Model Lee Kholafai

Standing 6″1′ feet tall and 165 lbs. and of Cherokee Indian, Persian, and Irish descent, Kholafai quickly began to book jobs working with a lot of great photographers. He has been featured in numerous editorials magazines, such as Genre and Vogue. His clame to fame came after doing high profile campaigns for Calvin Klein and International Jocking; and runway shows as well as a commercial.

What is your full name?

Lee Kholafai

When and where were you born?

I was born in Mobile, Alabama

How did you get into modeling?

I was scouted while vacationing in Miami when I was eighteen, while walking on the beach. I never pursued it until I broke my ankle playing football. I wasn’t sure if modeling was for me at first because I never really looked at myself as a pretty boy.

Was there always an interest in modeling?

No, not really. I was more into sports and cars.

Are you an independent model or are you signed with an agency/ies? If so, please name.

Yes, I’m pretty much represented internationally. I’m with Major Model Management in NYC, Vision in LA, Elite in Milan, Fashion Cult in Greece, and No.23 in Miami.

How long have you been in the industry?

I’ve been in the industry for a little over two years now.

Do you specialize in any particular area of modeling? (fitness, commercial, editorial etc.)

To be honest with you, not really. My book is very diverse with everything from high fashion editorials to Target print ads.

What are some of the major jobs you have done?

I like to think my major jobs are the ones where i appear on tv.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

stills from Kelly Clarkson’s ‘I Do Not Hook Up’ music video

 

 

 

 

 

What do you see yourself doing after modeling?

I always plan on modeling and acting as well. I also want to play with real estate a little bit.

What is your advice to aspiring models?
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas Edison.

Lee for Dolce and Gabbana

on the runway..

Lee walking for Russell Simmons

Lee Kholafai
Height: 6′ 1″ (185cm)

Waist: 31″ (79cm)

Shoes: 11

Hair: Dark Brown

Eyes: Brown

Inseam: 32″

Dre DeCarlo’s Top FASHION Photographers of Barbados

If you can’t handle it……

 

THEN DO NOT READ IT!!!…

Please note: the list is in random order..

Enjoy!

Jaryd Niles-Morris (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaryd)

 

Khalil Goodman (http://www.flickr.com/photos/khalilgoodman)

 

Logan Thomas (http://picasaweb.google.com/loganthomasphoto)

 

Adrian Richards  (www.flickr.com/photos/42427506@N00/)

 

*All photos are examples of the artists’ work

How To Wear The Latest Trends When You’re NOT A Size Zero

Now, not every woman is going to be a stick- thin fashion model figure. But that doesn’t mean that you’re not beautiful and that you shouldn’t be able to purchase the hottest threads.

Some of the summer’s trends and fall’s up-coming trends arn’t very ‘plus-size friendly’, if you know what I mean. However, there are ways for ‘non-zeros’ to wear the latest fashions.

Some of the year’s latests trends tended to vary, with major influences from every decade from the 70s onward, from cheap vintage pieces that are easy to find (like boyfriend jeans) to elegant couture that’ll cost an arm and a leg.

 

Such trends are:

1. Light-wash denim
2. Hammer pants
3. Motorcycle jacket
4. Skinny jeans
5. Strong-shoulder jacket
6. Cut-out dress
7. Leggings etc.

(eg. of the cut-out dress trend, worn by supermodel Natasha Poly <-- size zero)

 

(eg. of hammer pants, worn by actress Mischa Barton) Thin ladies might be able to get away with this but I say NO NO NO to the plus-size ladies. This is NOT a trend for you.

 

 There’s always a tweak to a look that conveys the same message, even if it’s not an exact piece that the designer made for the runway. Which is why alot of  ‘non-zeros’ have to wait until the trend trickles down into the department stores,  it is only then when the trend is tweaked a bit to fit the average-sized person (between sizes 8-14) because let’s face it, that IS the larger demographic.

most successful plus-size model, Crystal Renn

As for ‘hammer pants’, plus-size ladies HAVE to beware because these pants can make the hips appears much larger.  And let’s not get started on empire waist clothing! A garment with an empire waist also feels cooler and less restrictive, but if you’ve got large thighs.. well, it’s not your friend (alot of maternity clothing is also designed with an empire waist).

However, skinny jeans come in ALL sizes. For the ‘skinny bitch’ (ref.: diet book- ’New York Times bestseller’ Skinny Bitch, by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin) and the plus-size lady.

 

There ARE skinny jeans for plus-size ladies!!

 

“Skinny pants were made for a skinny girl, obviously,” says Cindy Weber Cleary, InStyle Magazine fashion director. “I recommends them for a boylike silhouette because they’re narrow through the thigh as well as the ankle.” Not a good idea for those ladies with thick ankles!

 

plus-size model and winner of America's Next Top Model Cycle 10- Whitney Thompson, who is a size 10

What I would also suggest for the ‘non-zeros’ is the pencil skirt (as seen above). It shows off that beautiful curvacious shape the ‘zeros’ may not have. Though walking needs to be done in short strides and entering and leaving a car gracefully takes practice, this fashionable piece is so worth it. And I know that some of you may say that it’s too restrictive but there are those that don’t hug you as tight. (Avoid a pencil skirt with trimming in the fronts and sides. The trimming will put more emphasizes on wider hips.)

One of the hottest 90s trends was back for the spring/summer ’09 collections; the denim jacket (Alexander Wang, Balmain, Marc Jacobs and Baby Phat). This is a great asset for plus-seize ladies as well, as it helps to hide those ‘non-zero’ arms.

Sundresses!!! Perfect for the plus-size girl. It flattering to most body shapes, it provides a feminine look that may be lighter and more comfortable than a skirt and blouse, or any other type of dress. Unlike pants or shorts, dresses can be figure fixers.

“Consider cardigans, ponchos and blazers as a workable layer for dresses… Baring skin doesn’t have to be intimidating. Draw attention to your shoulders, neckline, or legs to find the most flattering shape for your body type.”- said Jodie Michalak, writer for plus-size fashion.

And the PERFECT accesory; boots. Plus size ladies look HOT in boots, preferably knee-high.

Now, the classics; black and white vertical stripes and anything black.

Vertical stripes are great for elongating the figure and can make legs look like they go on forever! The trick is to not wear super thin vertical stripes close together. This will cause a visual sensory overload and you run the risk of looking like a wobbly optical illusion.

And, black, ANYTHING black works. Black is known for its slimming effect on ANY shape or size. Black is a slimming ‘colour’ because it “hides” the visible shape of your body and we cannot see the shadows created by ‘lumps’ and ‘bumps’ on black material. 

 

So, go my plus-size beauties, and show them what you got!!

-Dre DeCarlo for Kurama Magazine.com