Model of the Day: Vanessa Kanbi

Scottish model Vanessa – currently signed with Premier – has been shortlisted as  Model of The Year at the prestigious Scottish Fashion Awards.

Winners will be announced at the event on June 15 at Glasgow's Science Centre.

NY Fashion Week in Black and White

Now the Fall 2011/12 shows are over, lots of articles are being written about what we’ll be wearing in 6 months time. This isn’t one of those articles; we’ll do a trend report later in the year. It makes us sad to think about Winter when Spring has barely begun.

An article on jezebel.com caught our eye as it detailed how racially diverse NYFW was. Some bright spark over there got the abacus out and counted up how many black, white, Asian and Latina models were used and by which designer. Made for an interesting read.

Melodie Monrose at 3.1 Phillip Lim

In a nutshell the just ended New York Fashion Week (NYFW) featured the least racially diverse cast of models since 2008. NYFW featured 137 designer runway shows and presentations and 5,269 different outfits were presented. Of those, over 84% were modelled by white women. Black models were used 384 times, Asian models 323 times and non-white Latina models 79 times.

Hereith Paul at Diane von Furstenberg

Designers who cast diverse models included 3.1 Phillip Lim, Diane von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler and Ralph Lauren.

And those that didn’t? The list is too long but it included Donna Karan, Hervé Leger by Max Azria, Jill Stuart, Rodarte and Vera Wang.

NYFW most frequently booked Asian models were Liu Wen and Fei Fei Sun who each worked 18 shows; Ming Xi who took part in 15 and So Young Kang and Tao Okamoto who each walked in 13.




NYFW most popular black model was Joan Smalls who walked in 17 shows. Brits Nyasha Matonhodze and Jourdan Dunn tied with 14 shows each. Dunn was the only non-white model to walk for Calvin Klein.

Read the full report here.

Some online magazine readers are saying they will boycott the designers who didn’t feature anyone of colour. Will you?

Life After The Catwalk

Modelling is a funny old business. We can’t think of many other careers where you peak as a teenager and retire in your mid 30’s. That said, according to TV documentary The Model Agency (Channel 4, 10pm), the girls can make between £5 and £15,000 a day. Yes – a day! The window of opportunity is relatively small but the girls stand to make a small fortune.

But what do you do when you hit the ripe old age of 35 and the newest 17 year old has stolen your crown? In a word – diversify.

Take a leaf from these ladies books who, according to Forbes magazine, were among the highest paid models in the world.

Tyra Banks

A former Victoria's Secret Angel, Tyra rakes in around £19 million a year thanks to her television endeavours. Her company, Bankable Productions, produces True Beauty (with Ashton Kutcher), Stylista, The Tyra Show as well as the worldwide franchised Next Top Model, which she hosts in America (which in our opinion is the original and best).





Iman 

Wife of David Bowie, Iman is famous for her revolutionary line of cosmetics for women of colour as well as for being a model. The 55 year old Somalian (who doesn’t look a day over 35) also has a home decor line, her Global Chic clothing and accessories collection and hosts The Fashion Show on US channel Bravo.






Gisele Bündchen 

Gisele was the highest paid model in the world for 2010, taking home almost £16 million. Another former Victoria's Secret Angel, Gisele lent her name to Brazilian flip flops Ipanema and earned herself over £5 million from the 30 million pairs sold in 2009.

She also launched environmentally friendly skincare line Sejaa in 2010 and owns the Palladium Executive Hotel in Brazil.

Despite giving birth in December 2009, just six weeks later she was on the cover of US Vogue and managed to keep her top spot on the list from last year with exactly the same earnings.

Model of the Day: Roberta Narciso

Hailing from Angola, stunning 18 year old Roberta was in the Top 15 at the Elite Model Look competition in Shanghai last year. Since then she’s worked for Vogue Italia and made her catwalk debut at Valentino at the Spring 2011 Paris Couture shows. Not a bad start!

Roberta Narciso

Roberta was the only black model to walk for Prada in their Fall 2011 show.  (Naomi Campbell and Jourdan Dunn are among the handful of black models to walk for the Italian fashion giant).  She also walked in the Gareth Pugh and Vivienne Westwood shows.

Prada Fall 2011

Vivienne Westwood Fall 2011

Signed to Elite Models, Roberta was featured in New York Magazine’s Fall 2011 Top Ten New Faces which hopefully means she’s in line for a long and distinguished career.

Joan Smalls in V Magazine

Joan looks stunning in a Pam Grier inspired shoot in V Magazine.

The shoot is introduced with ‘Don’t mess with Spring’s forceful and feminine woman. Decked in everything leather (with a touch of lace), she takes no prisoners in her approach to style. Supermodel Joan Smalls gets into the groove.’

We’re feeling the fashion and the retro vibe.

An interview with the lovely Sacha M’baye

We wish we’d got to do this ourselves! French/Senegalese male model Sacha M’baye was interviewed by Vogue.co.uk last month about his Burberry shoot with Jourdan Dunn (see that shoot here).

Sacha and Jourdan in the Burberry campaign

He said: ‘I couldn't understand why I would be asked to come and see them - Sacha, Burberry boy? You must be crazy! I'm not sure if I can sit here and try to explain in words how it felt when I heard I got the job; just amazing.’

With a face like his, we’re not surprised he got the campaign!

Read the full interview here.

Arlenis Sosa Shares Beauty Tips

Dominican model Arlenis says the key to a good photo is being happy and having good energy. If only it were that simple!

An off duty Arlenis at NY Fashion Week

The Lancome spokesmodel was interviewed by Bella Sugar and not only is she stunning, she actually seems rather funny!

NY Magazine - Why Fashion Keeps Tripping Over Race

A very interesting article in New York Magazine’s Spring Fashion Issue. Written by black fashion critic and style writer Robin Givhan, the article discusses race on the runway, in the casting room and the magazine cover (or lack thereof).

Robin looks at the reception Michelle Obama has received by the fashion world, what it’s like being the only black editor or publicist in the room and the (in)famous closing at the Spring 2011 Lanvin show.

She interviews the wonderful Andre Leon Talley who says: ‘We’re supposed to be living in a post racial, non racial world. We’re just not there.’

Get the full article here. It is essential reading!

Model Beauty Tip

Vogue.co.uk asked up and coming models from agency Premier Model Management how they stay beautiful during the hectic fashion show season.

Leomie Anderson kept her advice short and sweet.

What's in your beauty kit during Fashion Week?

I use a facial scrub from Bioré and a non-scented facial cream to keep my skin in tip-top condition. As a black model I always bring my own hairspray to shoots as brands such as Elnette are not suitable for black hair no matter what the hairdresser tries to tell you! I recommend Lusters Pink Holding Spray as it is affordable at around £2.79 and doesn’t damage my hair.

What's the most useful tip you've learnt on the job?

Be confident and unique. Don’t try and imitate others!

Like we said, pithy and to the point!

Topshop Unique at London Fashion Week

There are some gorgeous clothes being shown at London Fashion Week but alas, most are out of our price range. Not so with high street favourite Topshop!

Topshop Unique are the only high street brand to appear on schedule at London Fashion Week. These are pieces we can pop online or to Oxford Street and actually buy without needing a second mortgage or having to sell an organ!

Ajak Deng in the Topshop Unique show

Their show was held yesterday and famous attendees included Alexa Chung, Nicola Roberts and even Her Royal Fashion Highness, Anna Wintour. A ringing endorsement (not that they need one) having Anna in attendance.




In true Topshop style, it was all a bit weird and wonderful and seemed to be inspired by Cruelle de Vil and 101 Dalmations with a dash of 1930s glamour thrown in.

Our favourite looks are:

Jeneil Williams

Leomie Anderson

Nyasha Matonhodze

Ajak Deng

Nyasha Matonhodze

Is Skin Colour Still an Issue?

Franca Sozzani, editor of Italian Vogue asked this question on her blog earlier this month.

She argues that with Obama in the White House, famous and respected black athletes, actors, musicians, historians etc – the lack of black models is simply down to laziness in research and the casting room and is not due to prejudice.

She says of Italian Vogue: ‘We continue to give it (black models) more space in the magazine and website. The truth is that real beauty doesn't care for skin colour or nationality.’

Agree?

The Black Allure - Vogue Italia

Wow – we are almost speechless. Hunt down the latest issue of Italian Vogue (try large WHS stores) for a simply gorgeous spread featuring some of the hottest black women we have ever seen.

Think Ajak Deng, Arlenis Sosa, Chanel Iman, Joan Smalls, Jourdan Dunn, Melodie Monrose, Rose Cordero - and that’s not everyone.

Shot by Emma Summerton and styled by Edward Enninful, the ladies have a kinda old school 1920's thing going on.

Stunning! Stunning! Stunning!

More shoots like this please!

Melodie Monrose in Interview Magazine

Melodie Monrose models key looks for Spring/Summer 2011 in Interview Magazine.  The editorial was shot by Solve Sundsbo and styled by Ludivine Poiblanc.

White, cream and beige are big for Spring. Looks good but might mean an expensive dry cleaning bill!

Snapped! and be Snapped

Snapped! is a new exhibition by British photographer Rankin at the National Portrait Gallery in London on February 11 2011. Exploring the imagery of women in fashion, his photographs feature women older, bigger and darker than those normally seen in advertising and editorial.

Sheila Atim in Stella McCartney

The Gallery will have special modelling scouts present for a live casting where you can be photographed by fashion and portrait photographer Alistair Guy and featured in i-D’s online style bible. So dress to impress! 

Snapped! is part of a project called All Walks Beyond the Catwalk which promotes the use of models of different shapes, sizes, ages and colours to show that you don’t have to be young, skinny, white and airbrushed to be as beautiful and fashionable.

Amira Ahmed in Osman Yousefzada

At the moment it seems to be in fashion to use women of different shapes, sizes and colours – non model sized Beyonce walked for Tom Ford in New York, plus size Gossip singer Beth Ditto opened and closed for John Paul Gaultier in Paris and in London Giles Deacon, now Creative Director at Ungaro, closed his show with a 71 year old former model.

Daphne Selfe in Vivienne Westwood

We hope that this diversity continues and isn’t just a fleeting fashion moment. There are beautiful women of all shapes and colours out there and perhaps exhibitions like Snapped! will help change the narrow and limited portrayal of women in fashion.

Natasha Ndlovu in Matthew Williamson

Model of the Day - Herieth Paul

At 14, Hereith went to her local open-call casting and was signed immediately. Now aged 16, she is with agency Women Direct and walked for Philip Lim and Lacoste at the Spring 2011 shows.

Herieth Paul

Born in Tanzania and raised in Canada she features in Diesel’s latest campaign and walked for Lanvin at the Pre-Fall show last week.

Paul in the Diesel campaign

Uber photographer Steven Meisel shot her for  January’s Italian Vogue in the company of Freja Baha and Fei Fei Sun. We predict big things for this girl!

Paul in Italian Vogue

THE CHINA DOLL - Jasmia Robinson

The beautiful Jasmia Robinson entered our consciousness during her appearance on Britain's Next Top Model. She finished third in the second season of the television show. Things are really happening for the Londoner at the moment. Not content with the world of fashion, Jasmia is making forays into the world of music. Afro Boudoir caught up with her recently...

Afro Boudoir: What are you wearing today?

Jasmia: I am wearing a Lipsy dress  as well as a salmon pink t-shirt kind of jumper with tights and hot pants underneath and a Russian-style fur hat.

AB: What is your style sense?

Jasmia: My style’s quite quirky. I’m quite adventurous with colours. I like bold colours. I never limit my style at all. I go with new trends and I believe your style has to represent your personality and mine’s quite out there.

AB: What’s your fashion inspiration?

Jasmia:  I like Dalston and Hoxton. I like the trendy looks and vintage shops. I really like the style of Kate Moss and Tyra Banks.

AB: At what age did you discover your style?

Jasmia: I think you’re learning your style everyday. I don’t think I’ve still sunk into mine. I started getting fashion conscious at about 16. Before that, I was make-up conscious because I trained as a make-up artist and I used to go to school with different-styled eye make-up and blusher. I used to have a nickname, the China doll.

AB: Was that when you became interested in modelling?

Jasmia: Actually at that moment, I wanted to be a make-up artist. Then I watched the first series of America’s Next Top Model, I thought it looked quite intriguing. It really opened my eyes to modelling. While I was studying to become a make-up artist, they used to always select me to do all the demonstrations. I never understood why, but I quite liked it. After watching America’s Next Top Model, I heard they were doing a British one, so I thought I may as well apply.

AB: What was one thing that you learned on the show that you didn’t know before?

Jasmia: The main thing was knowing that I’m a canvas to be worked on and that it’s not Jasmia, so to let go of my jewellery and let go of my fashion sense and let someone else structure me.

AB: Describe the world of fashion in five words?

Jasmia: Fierce, Fantastic, Unique, Stylish and Vamp.

AB: You’re not just a model, you also sing. What sort of music do you sing?

Jasmia: Well, the style is dirty pop. We’ve given it a slogan Wiley meets Kylie. So it’s quite out there.

AB: Any plans for an album?

Jasmia: My first single will be released hopefully in February. I start performing this year as well. I’m so excited because it’s coming out of my box and it’s something so new.

AB: Have you always sang?

Jasmia: I used to be in a choir when I was younger. This is quite geeky, but at Christmas, I used to sing Christmas carols for old people. I wasn’t always a singer because I was quite shy. Modelling took me out of my comfort zone, since then it’s opened so many different doors for me that I never want to limit my opportunities.

AB: You’re also a dating coach?

Jasmia: I’ve been a dating coach or the first female Hitch (Remember the character of Will Smith in the film of the same name) for the last two years.

AB: What does that involve?

Jasmia: It’s really amazing actually because you see the change in people’s lives. I train women and men. I guide them on natural game. I also teach them how to control conversation, to formulate conversation, to add flirtation into the conversation and to be able to approach whoever they want. I personally take the women shopping and I give them make-up consultations too. 

AB: Can we nick a couple of beauty secrets from you?

Jasmia: I have a beauty tip actually - egg whites as a face mask. They are amazing. If you use it once a week and apply the egg whites to your face and leave it on for about ten minutes until it absorbs and dries, then wash off with warm soapy water and then use your night moisturiser. It works like botox and tightens the skin. Also put teabags on your eyes in the morning if you have bags. Or put spoons in the freezer and then place them on your eyelids.