Top German Model Eva Padberg to Become Fashion Ambassador for Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz presents a new face at first Fashion Week in Berlin


Top German model Eva Padberg is taking on a new role as brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz. The sought-after star model is to represent the Stuttgart-based premium car brand at future international fashion and lifestyle events. Eva Padberg will make her debut appearance in this role at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin which is being staged for the first time in July.

“Berlin and Eva Padberg both epitomise a modern and young lifestyle,” Dr Olaf Göttgens, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars pointed out. “The Mercedes-Benz brand has always been known for its innovative approach, its timeless and emotional design and its unique allure. Which is why Eva Padberg is the ideal fashion ambassador for our brand.”

As Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador, Eva Padberg will become the face of Mercedes-Benz’s long-term commitment to top-class fashion events. The star model has a special place in today’s fashion industry. She has dazzled the world on the catwalks of Milan, Paris and New York in fashion shows for Chanel, Versace and Armani. She has featured on the cover of glamorous fashion magazines and in major advertising campaigns. She is also making a name for herself as a presenter, actress and voice-over artist and is an official ambassador for both UNICEF and SOS Children’s Villages.

Eva Padberg’s first appearance as brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz is very high-profile. The multi-talented model appears on all of the posters and official publicity materials for the first Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin.

Mercedes-Benz commissioned renowned photographer Marc Trautmann for the fashion shoot in Berlin, and the pictures feature the model with an elegant Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Coupé to emphasise the close links between the worlds of fashion and cars.

A special venue is being constructed alongside the Brandenburg Gate for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin. The four-day fashion event in Berlin is set to become one of the key dates on the international fashion calendar, which until now has revolved around London, Paris, Milan and New York –where Mercedes-Benz also has made its mark as a title sponsor. Berlin promises to be a top-quality event, with internationally renowned fashion designers poised to show their latest collections. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin also offers creative young designers a platform. The attractive, vibrant city has a reputation as an independent and inspiring creative centre for the young, unconventional figures of the fashion scene. Eva Padberg, who spends a good part of the year in Berlin, loves the atmosphere.

Eva Padberg will make her first appearance as the new face of the Mercedes-Benz brand at the inaugural Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin, which will take place between July 12 and 15, 2007. From 2008 two fashion events will be staged in Berlin every year – in January and July. The top model will also represent Mercedes-Benz as brand ambassador at other important international events where emotion and experience are key factors.

For further information about Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin, go to: www.mercedes-benzfashionweekberlin.com

Source: DaimlerChrysler

Wet and wild Britney's latest fashion disaster

Forget chart-topping hits, Britney Spears is quickly clocking up a record number of fashion faux pas.

The latest in a very long list of missteps came after the singer her stopped off for a swim in LA - her soaked bikinis left embarrassing wet patches on her aqua blue sun dress.

Britney Spears appeared oblivious to the wet patch on her top

But that didn't dampen her spirits: the mother of two eventually changed into a white dress and was all smiles took her top off - her Mini convertible, that is - for a spin around the city.

Leaving fashion aside, Spears, who is attempting to revive her once stellar pop career, recently got given some tough words of advice from Simon Cowell.

On Good Morning America, Cowell fired off his suggestions to the pop star: "Go home to your family."
He said: "[Britney's] still one of the most talked about pop stars on the planet."
"She has the X-factor because people want to write about her. She's not conventional, she's not normal."
But, he added, she currently "can't handle the tension and the pressure."

Fergie, the Duchess of York may judge American fashion reality show

Fergie, the Duchess of York, has been approached to be a judge on a fashion reality show.

American TV bosses are in talks with the 47-year-old Sarah to judge aspiring models on reality show Project Runway, hosted by Heidi Klum.
The British version of the show, called Project Catwalk, has featured Liz Hurley and Kelly Osbourne.
"Sarah is a style icon here. The people behind Project Runway think she'd be perfect as a judge,” the Mirror quoted a TV source, as saying.
“They think she'll bring style, grace and elegance to the program,” the source added.
The source also added that Sarah is very keen to do the show and is sounding very enthusiastic about it.

Lace, a shinbone among Depp's ideas for pirate fashion

You might think that Johnny Depp's pirate character in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies would have had other things to worry about, but, apparently, a lot of thought went into his wardrobe.

Disney is releasing the first two Pirates films, The Curse of the Black Pearl and Dead Man's Chest on Blu-ray discs this week. Among the extra features are fashion commentary. Some tidbits from costume designer Penny Rose and props master Kris Peck:
The lace tied around Sparrow's wrist was a suggestion from Depp, who wanted a few points of interest. "This is an old piece of lace and in a conversation with Johnny, we decided that it was a trophy piece from a young lady," said Rose. The bone in his hair is a shinbone from a reindeer.

The green ring ¡ª one of four Sparrow wears in the movies ¡ª is one that Depp bought for himself in 1989.

Katie Holmes faces challenge from wannabe porn star

Katie Holmes is facing a peculiar challenge - A small town hottie from Illinois, who recently changed her name to Katee Holmes, wants to debut as a porn star with a film that shows her being deflowered.

The blue eyed 18-year-old Katee is a student at the Fashion Institute of Design in Orange County, Calif. She stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 122 pounds.

Katee got in touch with Shy Love, an adult film veteran who runs Adult Talent Managers and has a Myspace profile with her creative ideas.

"I know it's pretty extreme to lose my virginity on camera, but I like the fulfillment and excitement I get from watching porn, so I figured [a movie] was the best place for me to lose it.

"How many people wished they could relive their first experience, if not to remember it but to learn from it, right?"

The Katie Holmes camp is not amused. Katie did a topless scene in the film The Gift (2000) but following her marriage to Tom Cruise she has studiously maintained her image.

"It's a really cheap shot," a rep for Katie told Page Six

"It's really kind of sleazy, using her name like that," a friend added.

Love, who is now managing the wannabe porn star says, "Katee is using the name as a tribute to Katie, who has always portrayed an innocence in everything she's done, beginning with 'Dawson's Creek.' "

Love has her own creative ideas on how to ramp up to the actual deflowering should take place.

"She comes to the porn world completely natural - with a perky pair of A-cup breasts that are far too perfect to have been constructed by any doctor. And she's not just a porn virgin, but an actual never-been-kissed virgin," she says.

A spokeswoman for Cruise told Page Six, "Obviously, Tom would support Katie in anything she decides to do about it."

Fashion Frisk: Petra Nemcova and Claudia Schiffer at the AmFar AIDS benefit at Cannes

Twenty-something Petra Nemcova gives us the chills. Not only does she rock the pages of Victoria’s Secret and Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues wearing little, but she does it on red carpets too.

Where Cannes is hands down the most prestigious film festival to debut one’s film, the AmFar AIDS benefit is the hottest charity event in that festival. On May 24th, 2007, the Annual AmFar’s cinema Against AIDS gala was sponsored by Bold Films, The M-A-C AIDS Fund, and The Weinstein Company. A bevy of A-list stars pay premium dollar to attend a dinner whose profits raise millions for AIDS charities. The event was hosted jointly by Sharon Stone and Harvey Weinstein, whose company was one of the sponsors. The evening was highlighted by a live performance by Liza Minnelli and celebrity speeches, one of which was from George Clooney. The AmFar guest list overflowed with top designers, actors and A-caliber socialites.

Among the attendees were Jean-Paul Gaultier, Roberto Cavalli, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell,Mischa Barton, Bar Rafaeli, Ivana Trump, Naomi Campbell, Petra Nemcova and Claudia Schiffer.

While all of the looks oozed glamour and sophistication, two such items caught our attention:
Skin Flick

Claudia Schiffer first caught the public eye as a teenager in a Dusseldorf disc, after which she was promptly signed by a modeling agency who basically sent her on the path to stardom. The blue-eyed blonde, clocking in at a towering 5’11, set the runways on fire and then went on to grace more than 900 magazine covers, more than any other model in history. Yes, it definitely pays to be Claudia. After affairs with magician David Copperfield and Tim Jeffries, Schiffer settled down to life in London with now-husband producer Matthew Vaughn.

Granted her fifteen minutes of fame are over, but what a 15 they were! Which brings us to this “dress”. We know Schiffer likes to pay homage to up-and-coming designers, her way to helping out the industry that gave her fame, but sometimes the best intentions go wrong.

The dress, a full-length nude-colored number, pretty much reminds us of a body stocking. As if that weren’t enough the bits of fabric trailing from the back, the clashing white bag and silver wedges confu se the whole look. It’s as if she planned to rip off the bottom hem and skate to a number for Stars On Ice after the event ended. And while flesh-toned costumes are always a hit on the ice, they don’t rock the scene at Cannes, where color always rules. So we have a pretend dress fighting with a white bag, and metallic wedge heels. Far be it for us to point out the obvious, but someone just might go to Schiffer and tell her she isn’t wearing any clothes. Not a triumphant moment for the otherwise stunning former Guess? girl. Perhaps she could go to fellow model Petra for some fashion tips.

Shooting Star
20-something Petra Nemcova gives us the chills. Not only does she rock the pages of Victoria’s Secret and Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues wearing little, but she does it on red carpets too. The girl knows when to bare it and when to wear it.

While the Czech’s usual style patterns after the Italian and Spanish with high heels, faded denims and tops with frills, chiffon and floral designs, she opts for something more breathtaking in her latest charity cause. Already the patron of Happy Hearts, her organization devoted to helping tsunami-affected areas, Nemcova does one better by gracing the AmFar event for AIDS, another world-class event. Nothing seems to stop Nemcova, and recently split from singer James Blunt, the model outshines all of the women in this dazzling strapless silver gown with a plunging V-neckline, set off by stunning highlights.

We have yet to witness a misstep by this young star of the runway, who’s got years of A-list events ahead of her. Well played, Petra.

Naomi says no one can 'measure up' to Kate Moss

Supermodel/actress/singer Naomi Campbell has made it clear that her fashion interest lies with her catwalk pal Kate Moss’s designs only.

The 37-year-old’s reaction came as Moss and model/designer Lily Allen have launched their fashion collection at the same time.

At the De Grisogono party in Cannes, Campbell insisted that no one can ‘measure up’ to the waifish beauty.

"Lily who? People are always trying to compare themselves to Kate, but none measure up. There's only one Kate Moss,” the Mirror quoted Campbell, as saying.

The ‘Baby Woman’ singer also revealed that she has picked up lots of pieces from Moss’s Topshop collection.

"I've bought loads of pieces already,” she said.

Allen’s New Look collection was launched in New York, but was a flop as compared to Moss’s collection, which is setting records for its sale and has become a buyers’ favorite.

Celebrity Watch: Sanjaya Malakar and Sister Shyamali at American Idol After Party

American Idol Castoff Sanjaya Malakar was spotted with sister Shyamali looking a casual chic and color coordinated!

American Idol castoff Sanjaya Malakar was at the season six after party with sister Shyamali wearing a trendy black and white combination button down shirt to dress up his casual look.
Shyamali was also in black and white bold print skirt and white ankle ties. The white tweed jacket completely throws off the summer theme.

Sanjaya spared us his questionable hair styles this time but Shyamali looked slightly frazzled.

Fashion Frisk: Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Jordin Sparks at the Season Six Finale of AI

On finale night, Sparks lived up to her name, wearing a showstopping low-cut strapless black gown and drop earrings to boot. With such a huge victory for one so young, we know this is just the first of many big moments for her.

A new winner for American Idol was crowned on May 23, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California. The hit reality television show which features talented singers every week has been a ratings juggernaut for Fox network, as well as the launching pad of many an aspiring singer. Three young women at the event made a stylish arrival on the carpet and showed us why American Idol could also be called “Fashion Idol”!

A Perfect Ten
Blonde bombshell Carrie Underwood who won American Idol two years ago, went on to break some major records with her powerful voice and sweet personality intact. She is the only American Idol winner in history to win all of the major music awards in one season: one American Music Award, eight Billboard awards, and two Grammys. The girl whose album struck pay dirt by going multi-platinum, strikes us again on the red carpet in this kicky gold bubble dress with metallic sandals. The gold in her outfit perfectly sets off an already attractive flaxen head of hair and one of the best figures to hit the Idol red carpet in ages. So when we’ve recovered from the controversial Sanjaya who lasted week after week with his strange hair and the ever-caustic Simon Cowell, we can rest our eyes on Underwood, who in this outfit, would make any man’s heart sing.

Hollywood Calling
Not to be outdone by fellow alum Carrie, Jennifer Hudson makes waves in a revealing LBD with strappy black heels. The singer-actress who had us spellbound with her soulful voice on the show, made a clean sweep of all the film awards with her role as Effie in Dreamgirls. The role won her an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA and a SAG. Although people may have felt she was upstaged by costar Beyonce, Hudson took it in stride. She became one of the first young A-list celebrities in Hollywood not to make an issue of her weight, instead embracing the curves and whatever came along with it. Unlike half of tinseltown which starves to fit into whatever designers make that season, Hudson stood her ground and became a trendsetter in her own right. With you, Jennifer, comes a whole new era where women don’t have to cater to Hollywood’s call for tall, thin and blonde. Post-American Idol you’ve amazed us night after night, with a stunning new dress sense and confidence to match. Cheers, Jen on a dress well worn!

Sparkling!
Seventeen-year-old Jordin Sparks owned finale night, not just with a beautiful ensemble, but the right to call herself an American Idol.

The teenager in recent weeks has traded in her Gap denims and Skechers footwear for more formal threads, specifically a black and green minidress handbeaded by Poppie Couture. She also veered towards designers Badgely Mischka, making it the first time a major couture house has custom-created for the show contestants. On finale night, Sparks lived up to her name, wearing a showstopping low-cut strapless black gown and drop earrings to boot. With such a huge victory for one so young, we know this is just the first of many big moments for her.

Victoria Beckham To Judge A Fashion Competition

Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham is set to judge a British fashion competition. The style icon, 33, will judge creations by hopeful designers at Graduate Fashion Week in London next month.

Beckham will interview fashion students and judge their designs alongside style experts Harper's Bazaar's U.S. editor Glenda Bailey, Lanvin creative director Alber Elbaz and British fashion chain River Island's managing director Richard Bradbury.
Graduate Fashion Week chairman Terry Mansfield says, "I had the idea of asking Victoria to be on of the judges earlier this year and when we met she was very interested in it."

"She has been involved in designing already and she is seen as a global fashion icon. There's no questions that her presence will also help the students get more attention globally and if I have helped to get a couple of students a few more jobs then I haven't done such a bad thing."

Janet Jackson reveals how she keeps in shape

Singing sensation Janet Jackson has given some tips on how to stay slim and sexy.

The American singer/songwriter/actress, who shed 60 pounds last year, revealed that she has to really ‘push’ herself to keep fit.

“I have a great support system to keep me on track… But I still don’t like working out. It’s hard for me. I have to push myself to want to do it,” US Weekly quoted Jackson, as saying.
The 41-year-old keeps a check on her weight by her clothes’ size.

“One thing that helps is getting my clothes altered to fit so I can tell when I gain or lose. I used to wear overalls all the time, and my mom said, ‘Baby, don’t do that or you won’t know how much you lose’”, she said.

As for how can someone maintain a sexy bod as her, the singer suggested that there is no need to get food deprived.

“If I can do it, anybody can do it. Eating light and clean helps, but you really shouldn’t think of it as a diet, otherwise you feel like you’re depriving yourself. If you crave something, you should have a little bit of it, then let it go and move on. Do a little exercise so you’re back on track,” she said.

Jackson however revealed that although she has self control, there are some ‘cheat days’ when she does not follow a balanced diet.

“It’s about control and it’s a balanced diet. Of course I have cheat days! Especially with my dancers, who love to eat. And after a hard day of work, they want to unwind and grab a drink, and alcohol is not good for my diet with all the extra calories,” she said.

“I try to have a glass of wine, but then somebody comes with a lemon drop and it’s so good. You feel like you’re drinking cough syrup or candy, and before you know it, the next day comes and you feel it. I make up for it with a few more reps when I lift weights,” she added.

The singer has revealed her diet secrets in the new issue of the magazine.

Heidi Klum calls her breasts 'Hans' and 'Franz'

Heidi Klum isn’t one of those women who refers to her breasts as 'her girls'. Instead she has given her twin assets male names.

The German supermodel revealed that she has named her breasts 'Hans' and 'Franz', as a tribute to her homeland.

“It’s been an ongoing joke for 12 years. When I began modeling I used to say ‘These are German breasts — one is called Hans and one is called Franz,’” The Sun quoted her, as saying.

The mum-of-three, who has been nicknamed ‘The Body’ for her stunning figure, recently became the face of jeans giant Jordache, after the company decided to drop British beauty Elizabeth Hurley for her.

Talking about the size-zero debate which has been raging in the fashion industry for the past few months, the supermodel and Victoria’s Secret ‘Angel’ also added that she wouldn’t starve herself to fit into clothes.

“I’ve never been prepared to do crazy stuff to be like a thin rail and fit into clothes,” Klum said.

Fashion Frisk: Katherine Heigl at the LA Premiere of 'Knocked Up'

Katherine Heigl disappoints us with a khaki outfit best suited for handling baby animals with Jack Hanna or going on safari in Kenya. All she’s missing is the hard hat!

On May 21st, 2007 at the Mann Village theatre in Westwood, California, Universal Pictures presented its’ film Knocked Up, starring Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogan. The film is a comedy about a pair of singletons who get drunk and share a one-night-stand, finding out later they are about to become parents. Katherine Heigl plays the role of Alison Scott, a young journalist who faces the choice of either raising the child alone or taking a chance on the father, a confirmed bachelor about whom she knows little.

Jungle Fever
Katherine Heigl, no stranger to Hollywood, red carpets or relationships, leaves us a little lost in this beige ensemble we can only call confusing. After a brief liaison with “Roswell” co-star Jason Behr, she is now engaged to musician Josh Kelley, whom she first met on a shoot for a music video. Thanks to her role as the hot Isobel Stevens on Grey’s Anatomy, Heigl jumped from 57 to 39 on the AskMen.com’s Top 99 Most Desirable Women. Now, knowing that, and seeing as she is a former child model, we get very demanding of her. Meaning to say, when you’re blessed with good genes and acting talent, why throw it all away on a khaki outfit best suited for handling baby animals with Jack Hanna or going on safari in Kenya? All she’s missing is the hard hat! Not that looking after wildlife isn’t a noble cause, but it surely has nothing to do with pushing an A-list star on the world stage. Did she think she was sizzling in a conservative way? Or was she due at a parent-teachers’ meeting right after the premiere?

In any case, when she scorched the Oscar red carpet, it makes us weep looking at her sartorial spiral downward. The hair pulled back, the demure makeup, and the short-sleeved dress complete a look. Just not a film premiere look. It makes the cameras fall asleep, and frankly, we can’t blame them. Hopefully, the film she’s promoting will fare better at the box office than her outfit.

Knocked Up opens in theaters nationwide on June 1st.

Victoria Beckham to judge at graduate fashion week (uk)

It has just been announced that Victoria Beckham will join the judging panel at this year’s Graduate Fashion Week. Victoria will sit alongside American Harper’s Bazaar’s Glenda Bailey, designer Alber Elbaz and River Island managing director Richard Bradbury.

Graduate Fashion Week takes place from June 3-6 at Battersea Park Arena in central London, with the team of judges deciding who will win the prestigious River Island Gold Award.

For more information about the event visit http://www.gfw.org.uk/

Kelly Brook has a bad shoot day

English model Kelly Brook, 27, had a bad shoot day in Miami caused by an unholy combination of rain, wind, washed up seaweed and hordes of salivating paparazzi eager to see her disrobe.

The seaweed on the usually gorgeous South Beach resulted from the big surf caused by the wind and the photog gathering was unusually large because Kelly for good reason topped the FHM 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2005 list.

In the end it was decided to put off the sexy calendar shoot to another day when the conditions are more favorable.

Fortunately for Kelly her fiancé Actor/director Billy Zane was at hand and helped her laugh off the ordeal. The two trotted back across the sand to their hotel just a few hundred meters away.
On a different note Zane recently told Daily Express that he and Kelly follow a 'strict two-week rule' when they are away from each other.

"We don't allow long separations from each other," he said.

"We try to keep a two-week rule. One will travel to the other and take turns," he added.
Staying apart for long duration is really not the couple's cup of tea.

"Absence can make the heart grow fonder, certainly, but you can't fall into the trap of spending too much time apart," he said.

The lovebirds, who met on the set of Survival Island, are set to marry later this year after a three-year courtship.

Celebrity Watch: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in Cannes

Brad gets down to business, dressed in a conservative gray suit, white oxford shirt, and smoky brown Ray-Bans. Jolie complements him perfectly in a brown short-sleeve summer top, a black pencil skirt, peep-toe heels and aviator shades! Seriously chic!

The Cannes film festival, the most prestigious of festivals, recently screened A Mighty Heart, a film based on the book by Mariane Pearl describing her late husband Daniel’s research efforts on terrorism in Pakistan before being murdered in 2002. The film stars Angelina Jolie, is produced by boyfriend Brad Pitt and directed by UK director Michael Winterbottom. It received a warm reception during screening, to say the least. The beautiful pair was accompanied by Mariane Pearl, who appreciated the film and their work in it. Pitt was incidentally also promoting another film of his, Ocean’s Thirteen.

Tres Jolie
While we missed them at Oscars, the item certainly make up for lost time in this telling portrait of the duo at work. Never losing sight of the fact that the world is an eternal red carpet for such high-profile stars, Pitt hits it right as does girlfriend and former Academy Award winner Jolie.

Brad gets down to business, dressed in a conservative gray suit, white oxford shirt, and smoky brown Ray-Bans. The outfit says, serious but not stuffy. Trendy but not taking it too far. He doesn’t shout out his movie star status and instead wisely steps aside to support the movie’s somber theme. Jolie complements him perfectly in a brown short-sleeve summer top, a black pencil skirt, peep-toe heels and aviator shades! Seriously chic. What we love about her outfit is that it goes quite well with her partner’s, but doesn’t totally blend in. If this isn’t a Mr. and Mrs. Smith moment, we don’t know what is. One could certainly picture them walking down midtown Manhattan in this look, and fairly easily we might add:
Five stars for a look well played!

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Liz Hurley dropped as face of jeans giant Jordache

British beauty Elizabeth Hurley has been dropped as the face of American clothing company Jordache.

And, to add insult to injury, Jordache has signed on German supermodel Heidi Klum as their new face instead.

Hurley had signed on for the company just last year.

Klum shot a new advertising campaign for the jeans line last week with Rush Hour director Brett Ratner behind the camera.

This is the second contract that the Brit beauty has lost.

She was dropped as the face of fashion label Monsoon in late March for someone younger.

Hurley had signed a six-month deal worth a million pounds with Monsoon, but with half of the period over, the company decided not to renew her contract in June thanks to poor sales that dominated the firm’s accounts, despite their "Create A Storm" ad campaign.

Beyonce Inks Deal With Giorgio Armani for "Emporio Armani Diamonds"

Beyoncé Knowles is set to be the face - and voice - of Giorgio Armani's new perfume, Emporio Armani Diamonds. The 'Dreamgirls' star will lend her looks and vocal talents to a TV advertising campaign, after being handpicked by the revered Italian designer.

A source told the New York Post newspaper: "They have known each other for seven years, and Armani feels Beyoncé represents the glamour and glitz of the fragrance."

The 25-year-old beauty will reportedly sing "an old American song" in the commercials. This is Beyonce's second fragrance deal according to archived news found on SoJones.com. On the fashion site, Beyonce's House of Dereon clothing page, linked news articles reveal the pop and R&B singer formerly signed a deal with Tommy Hilfiger. The 'Crazy In Love' Singer inked and launched a "True Star Gold" fragrance deal with Hilfiger in 2004.

The world-kwown sexy symbol and mega-star has also featured in advertising campaigns for L'Oreal, Pepsi and McDonalds. Emporio Armani Diamonds is set to hit shelves in September.

Sexual liberation comes out of the closet in Pakistan

It sounded good on paper. But I didn’t grow up in Pakistan, and that was all I could say to justify it afterwards. And it did: mini-skirts, bar dancing, sweaty men with chiselled bodies: a sexual revolution in the making! Why not? Screw the ramp, the prima donnas that hardly made the height standard, this was performance art. This was fun. And Levi’s 501 was all about fun, right?

We were launching the new Copper Collection recently in Karachi, getting hot and dirty and sweaty: what Dolce and Gabbana did with bikinis back in '99. But their willowy models were alone in a desert landscape in a stripped down jeep. We bronzed our bodies and stripped down in front of an audience of (frustrated) men, sans ramp, platform or stage: just a spotlight to keep the potential groping at bay.

Choreographer Fareiha Altaaf was there, along with her rival Imran Kureishi, to see Fahd Husseyn’s choreography debut. The fashion show was set up at Yousaf Bashir’s industrial art space The Commune. Once an LA-based designer and personal friend of Madonna, Sheryl Crow and Claire Forlani, Yousaf Bashir returned to Pakistan after a degrading interrogation under Homeland Security: he caught their suspicion when he didn’t show up at the 2002 Oscars.

Yousaf was determined to create a platform for emerging artists, which was exactly what The Commune was, except that it was totally dry. I had to rub down a sexy man’s sweaty body in front of 400 people, without a single drop of booze in my blood. The night was opened by Co-ven, an angry underground band from the 90’s, who have re-emerged on the rock scene a decade later, sounding softer, looking cleaner and practicing health consciousness. And then came the school girl strip tease. I also laughed and hooted, like everyone else.

It didn’t hit me until I watch the Coyote Ugly sequence. Two girls in halters and mini’s do a bar number a la Jessica Simpson, slutty stilleto boots and all. And then a couple is sitting on the floor. He gets up, zips us his fly and winks at her. She smiles and rubs something off the corner of her mouth. This wasn’t about fashion or performance or art or even about fun. This was about filling up the fantasies of every brand manager, security guard, photographer and architect in the room. You see, sex is great, as long as it’s at arms’ length: performed by white people on TV or behind tightly closed doors. But bring it out in the open, throw it in people’s faces, and you’re either facing an arrest warrant like poor Richard Gere or receiving “make friendship” requests on Orkut the next day. So, we’re swinging, and in more ways than one. We’re swinging away from the past, away from Zia and fundamentalism and guilt, into a “liberal” future: another extreme which is hardly moderate or enlightened, yet.

Dolce & Gabbana Shield Sunglasses

Part futuristic and all trendy, Dolce & Gabbana Shield Sunglasses will certainly set you apart from the rest. The plastic frames are detailed with silver toned D & G cut outs on either side.
They are so bold and have such presence that you could literally wear a top, jeans, heels and these glasses will set off the rest of the outfit.

As an added bonus, the oversized frames will help to cover any all night partying that you may have done.

Also available in black. Price: $265.

$300,000 fashion raid

A HYDE Park high-fashion boutique had more than $300,000 worth of clothing stolen early today.Thieves used a sledge hammer and bolt cutters to smash the front gate and glass door of Xile fashion store on Unley Rd about 4am.

Police said at least two men were involved in the heist of handbags, men's suits and women's jackets.

The most expensive imported items stolen include a gold Cavalli jacket valued at $4500 and a $5000 Versace handbag.

Manager Sandy Porcaro said there is a huge demand for the products on the black market.

"It is extremely upsetting," she said.

"This is pretty identifiable stock.

"I imagine they came in and cased-out the place beforehand because the targeted all the new season stock."

Ms Porcaro said some of the stock had to be ordered internationally 18 months ago making it "almost impossible" to replace.

"Racks of Dolce & Gabbana suits were taken and they range between $2000 and $2800 each," she said.

"We have very good security here but there's only so much you can do."

Detectives and forensic investigators examined the scene and it is believed the burglars made earlier attempts to gain entry to the building through the roof.

The robbery comes only three months after thieves smashed their way through the front door of Alexis George Boutique on Unley Rd.

About 130 hand-made designer dresses valued at more than $200,000 were stolen.

Police arrested two men and seized almost 100 of the stolen dresses after help from the public led them to raid a house in Holden Hill on March 21.

Police said the dresses were being advertised on E-bay and sold with the original store labels still in tact.

Versace and TAG to design luxury interior for private A319 jet

Italian fashion house Versace and Swiss business aviation services firm TAG Aircraft Interiors have secured their first interior design project for an Airbus A319 corporate jet.
The A319, one of the largest private aircraft available, is for a European client and will go into service in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Versace will design the aircraft interior, which will have 16 seats in a four-compartment arrangement: salon, galley, business office, and stateroom with en suite bathroom.

It will feature executive armchairs embossed with Versace’s signature Greek fret motif, furniture made of the best materials, and exclusive finishes and luxury detailing spanning the four cabins of the aircraft.

Versace and TAG Aircraft Interiors joined forces in April last year to create an interior design service for private jet owners. Versace is responsible for all aspects of content, design and style, while TAG Aircraft Interiors manages the sales, marketing, logistical and technical aspects of the completion contract.

Jaslene named ‘America's Next Top Model’

Beats out Russian immigrant Natasha for modeling contract, more

Jaslene Gonzalez, the 20-year-old online college admissions advisor from Chicago, won the eighth season of CW reality show "America's Next Top Model" on Wednesday. She beat out Natasha Galkina, the 21-year-old Russian-born college student from Dallas. Renee Alway, the 20-year-old stay-at-home mom from Maui, was eliminated earlier in the finale, with the judges commenting that she photographed noticably older than the other two.

As part of her prize package, Jaslene was awarded a modeling contract with Elite Model Management, a $100,000 contract with Cover Girl Cosmetics, and a six-page spread and cover photo in Seventeen Magazine.

In the finale, Jaslene and Natasha faced off in a fashion show in Sydney, Australia. At one point on the runway, Natasha's skirt slid to her feet, but she stepped out of it and kept walking, and was praised by the show's judges for making it look planned.

According to the judges' final discussion, the decision was close. Legendary 1960s model Twiggy called Jaslene's photos "some of the best of all of the girls'," but went on to say "they're both lovely girls."

Jaslene had tried out for the previous season of "Top Model" but was not chosen. "I think that shows to all young women, if you have that drive, keep going," she said of her second chance.

Both women were praised for their strong ethnic cultures, and Natasha gave part of her final thank you speech in Russian, while Jaslene delivered part of hers in Spanish. She also noted "I'm the Latin spice here. I'm not your girl next door but I'm your girl down the block in your hood."

Model Tyra Banks hosts and co-produces the show.

Nail art becoming the newest fashion accessory

Nails can say a lot about a woman, so it's no surprise that many more women are expressing themselves through nail art. It's been a popular art form for centuries, starting with the ancient Egyptians and many African and Middle Eastern cultures that use henna to paint their nails.

But today, there are so many more things a woman can do to portray her beliefs, favorite sports teams, holidays and social networks. Manicured nails have, in fact, become personal statements, not just something that makes a woman feel good about herself.

"I think nail art is just another way of accessorizing," says Barbara Johnson, a nail technician in Melbourne, Fla. "You get the right earrings, you get the right necklace, and a lot of people like their nails to match their outfit."

Johnson, who's been doing nails for 23 years, says she's freehand painted just about everything on nails and toes.

"I've done nail art for some clients going to the races in Daytona," she says.

"I'll do something like the number '24.' I've done checkered flags. It's kind of fun, and they get a kick out of it."

One of her most daring designs?
"A Burberry purse print on a nail," she says.

Overall, the holidays and weddings are the busiest times for nail art, according to Johnson. And there is a growing demand by women who want to treat themselves to nice nails, period, not just nail art.

According to Nails magazine, 71.1 percent of full-service salon owners have seen an increase in customer demand for nail care in 2006, and women getting nail art run the gamut in age. In fact, women ages 36 and older make up more than half of all nail salon clients, according to Nails.

Nails can be matched to a print or design in a dress, said Johnson, referring to a new technology where photos and dress fabric swatches can be transferred to a small decal, which can then be transferred to a nail.

Women are increasingly opting for intricate designs on their toenails, such as gel glitter, according to Rust.

'Da Vinci' Star Audrey Tautou To Play Fashion Visionary Coco Chanel In French Film

French actress Audrey Tautou, the slight, dark-haired star of ''The Da Vinci Code,'' will play fashion visionary Coco Chanel in a new French movie.

French director Anne Fontaine told Le Film Francais movie journal that she is working on a tale about Chanel before she became famous, and that Tautou would star.

''I wanted to follow the interior path of this young woman who was poor, without education, but who had an uncommon personality that was ahead of her time,'' Fontaine said Saturday. Shooting will start in early 2008.

Besides Fontaine's film, two other Coco Chanel projects are in the works. Director Daniele Thompson is in the early stages of a biopic, and William Friedkin (''The Exorcist'') is working on a film about Chanel's relationship with composer Igor Stravinsky.

Actress Marina Hands, who played the title role in a recent French adaptation of D.H.

Lawrence's ''Lady Chatterley's Lover,'' is set to star in Friedkin's film.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment NewsNetwork)

Heidi Klum is the new face of Jordache

German model/actress/singer Heidi Klum has reportedly been signed as the new face of clothing company Jordache

She will also remain Victoria’s Secret Angel for another season of ‘Project Runway’.

The 33-year-old recently posed for Jordache’s new jeans line. The campaign was shot by Rush Hour director Brett Ratner at Chateau Marmont hotel in West Hollywood in a large suite.

An eyewitness told Star exclusively, Heidi was topless for the shoot but covered her private parts.

“She was topless the entire shoot and she looked amazing, you can't believe this woman has had two children. Her humps were in perfect shape. And she was not shy — everyone got a peek at them.”

Jordache manufactures apparel including shirts, jeans, and outerwear. The brand is known for its designer jeans that were popular in the late 1970s.

Celebrity Watch: Kate Middleton paints the town

Single life seems to suit Kate as does socializing with the elite circle she has entered. She has carved an identity all her own, with her stunning taste in fashion as well as appearances at all the right events.

It hasn’t been very long since the break-up of England’s most famous couple, Prince William and former sweetheart Kate Middleton. But as she handled the press well during their time together, she continues to handle it now that they are apart. Nothing phases this girl! Instead of opting for a holiday in Mystique, Kate took some personal time off, returned to work at Jigsaw clothing chain and has been seen hitting London’s hotspots. She has carved an identity all her own, with her stunning taste in fashion as well as appearances at all the right events.
The Single Life

Seen here in a recent photograph taken May 17th, Middleton rocked the social scene at Boujis, a nightclub in London’s posh South Kensington district, frequented often by the royals, including William and his brother Harry with girlfriend Chelsy Davy. Kate made quite an impression on clubgoers in a trendy black-and-white satin dress with hair pulled back. Not long ago, she was also seen quaffing chilled champagne in the VIP section at the Badminton Horse trials and also sporting a white lace frock at a friend’s book launch held by Asprey’s jewelers. Single life seems to suit Kate as does socializing with the elite circle she has entered. New acquaintance Tara Palmer-Tomkinson was heard advising her to “keep her chin up” when facing the media. Seems like she’s taking it literally!

News Copyright © Sawf News. May not be reproduced without explicit written permission

Celebrity Watch: Fergie and HRH Sarah Duchess of York at 2007 Cipriani Wall Street Concert Series

The two Fergies took to the red carpet with somewhat different outfits, one completely juvenile while the other was her usual sophisticated self.

On May 17th, 2007, Fergie performed at the 2007 Cipriani Wall Street Concert Series in New York City. The Series was held as a benefit for the US Fund for UNICEF, the charity organization devoted to helping children worldwide. A key member of the audience was Sarah Duchess of York, better known as the ex-wife of Prince Andrew. The two women hit it off as both were on the same track, being major celebrities who just happen to have the same name.

Fergie, of course, is the lead vocalist of the Black Eyed Peas, who also recently launched her debut album “The Dutchess” in 2006, a tribute to the Duchess of York. She was recently placed at number ten on Maxim’s Hot 100 Women of 2007. With a voice unlike any other and legs a mile long, the lady could give other singers a complex!

Sarah Ferguson, also known as the Duchess of York, and the inspiration for the album, found name and fame by marrying and divorcing the Queen’s second son. Escaping the onslaught of negative media after her split, she moved to New York and started a new life. Not only is she a fixture in society circles, but she supports children’s organizations like Children in Crisis, and is the global RHMC (Ronald McDonald House Charities) Ambassador for World Children’s Day.

Fergie Street
The two Fergies took to the red carpet with somewhat different outfits, one completely juvenile while the other was her usual sophisticated self. Seen in this recent photograph on May 17th, 2007, Fergie makes a statement in a short white dress with sheer puffy sleeves and gold buttons down the front, with matching gold heels. While we’re all for strolling down memory lane, and think she probably wanted to fit in with the children’s theme of the event, dressing up like a kid didn’t suit her, and it didn’t do a whole lot for us either! The puffed sleeves make it look like she is about to sing at a five-year-old’s birthday, and not like a major A-lister on the music scene. Demure this dress certainly is, classy it is not. When you’ve got gams, it makes sense to show them, not hide them under yards of sad-looking fabric.

Sarah Ferguson was an altogether different story. While before she was known for being overweight and a notoriously bad dresser during Princess Diana’s lifetime, Sarah cleaned up her act by going to Weight Watchers and getting a much-needed wardrobe overhaul. The result? A glamorous single mother-of-two. She dons a low-cut black dress with matching black heels and wrap, and you can see she’s kept the weight off for good! Mark Twain once said that “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.” Clearly, Sarah understands this essential truth of our times, and isn’t afraid to use it! We rarely see her in anything besides designer duds, but at least they are wearable. Which is more than we can say for friend Fergie, who has a better body than Sarah but on this occasion chose not to flaunt it! All we can guess is that maybe she didn’t want to outshine Ms. Sarah, the muse of her first solo effort. If we had our druthers, the Duchess of York would take her new friend to Saks and burn the white dress so clearly not meant for her impeccable figure!

News Copyright © Sawf News. May not be reproduced without explicit written permission

Press Teleconference Call with America's Next Top Model Winner, Jaslene Gonzalez

As most of us already know by now, Jaslene Gonzalez is America’s Next Top Model and last night she walked away with a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl, a contract with Elite Model Management, and a cover and six-page fashion spread in Seventeen magazine. BuddyTV had the chance to participate on a press teleconference call with America's Next Top Model winner, Jaslene Gonzalez this afternoon, and here are some of the highlights from the Q&A session:

To start it off, when asked what it means to her to be the first Latina winner on America’s Next Top Model, Jaslene replied, “It means the world to me. Since the show started, I would sit on the couch with my mom telling her I want to be the first Latina, I want to be the first Latina…and look at me now, look at me now! I’m so proud.”

Jaslene says her Latina community has been very supportive and she hopes that her accomplishment can inspire other young, Latina women out there to pursue their dreams:
“I hope to be an inspiration to them. That’s all I want to be. I hope I can inspire people to pursue their dreams. We don’t see Hollywood from here, so we believe we can’t be in Hollywood. For all those Latina’s out there, go for it. Follow your dreams.”

Jaslene definitely knows a little something about following your dreams and about being persistent. Although she didn’t make the cut on Cycle 7, she wasn’t going to let that stop her from reaching her dreams. “I wanted to go back and [the producers] also called me back. So it was a mix of both of them wanting me back and me wanting to go back.”

“It’s just that this is what I wanted, this is what I’m happy doing; this is what fulfills me. I was always driven and always had the passion.”
When she was asked what made her want to improv her lines during the Cover Girl commercial, she didn’t exactly know how to respond at first, but that’s just because she didn’t understand the question: “What does improv mean? Sorry I don’t use big words.” Once she figured it out though, her response was: “That’s just who I am. I felt the need to speak Spanish, I’m bilingual, and I just felt the need to show them the Latin favor!”

So who did Jaslene think was her biggest competitors? She felt that Renee and Brittany were her toughest competitors and when asked what she thought about Renee not being selected to be in the final two with her, she said, “Hey, better for me. It was just Natasha, and that was easy. I felt like Natasha wasn’t competition for me at all. I felt that there was no competition.”

Here’s the quick and dirty on what else Jaslene told us on the press call:

What was the hardest challenge?
“I would say the acting. Although I would say women are naturally actors. But I don’t know how to act, I thought that was really hard.”

Do you have any tips for a great runway walk?
“Great posture. Chin up, great posture, and you’ll have a beautiful walk.”

Is there anything you’d like to tell your fans out there?
“I thank each and every one of them. I love them all. I want to thank them for their love and support.”

If you can do a cover of any magazine, what magazine would it be?
“I want to do the cover of Vogue. I would love to see myself doing the cover.”

Which girls do you still keep in touch with?
“I keep in touch with all the girls. Renee calls me often. I had a special relationship with all of them. They’re all special to me.”

So what are you going to do now?
“Right now, I’m trying to shut off the whole reality TV star image. I went in there for a career, not to be a reality star. I want to showcase myself as a Top Model, not a realty star. I want to be known and respected as a model.

Who didn’t you get a long with on the show?
“I know me and Felicia had this little misunderstanding. But she was probably the only one that I distanced myself from. Her attitude was kind of phony and I’ve seen her on Yahoo! Buzz talking about me, so she just rubbed me off really bad.”

Who are you closest to?
“Cassandra and Dionne are very close to me.”

Can you describe your own personal fashion style?
“My style is very feminine and very…I’m the type of girl that if I like it, I buy it. I like to put on unique pieces. You will definitely find a lot of unique pieces in my closet. Designers…Versace, Gucci…but it’s so expensive! But now I can afford it.” (Laughs)

Have you booked any jobs yet?
“I’m meeting with my agent, but I already have jobs from the production team that I’m working on right now. But I’m waiting to meet my agent to give me more work. I’m moving to New York next month.”

Was there any point you wanted to give up?
“Yeah, it ran through a lot of our minds. The pressure was really, really high. One day you feel like you do so good, and then the next day in panel you hear the worse critiques. But we were all strong and we motivated each other to stay strong. It’s all about seeing how good you can take that criticism.”

What else motivated you to keep going?
“Knowing that I had a family back home that believed in my dream just as much as I did and knowing that I wouldn’t be happy going home not being the winner. And every step I realized I was getting closer and closer, it was pushing me harder and harder.”

What is your work out and diet routine?
“My diet is cheeseburgers, pizza, and fries. Every fat food out there is my diet. I’m blessed with good genes. I don’t work out at all. If anything, I’m trying to gain weight.”

Is it hard to balance your personal life? Family, friends, dating, etc.?
“Right now everybody in my life knows this is what I want, so this (modeling) is number one right now. I would never forget my family and friends.”

Do you have a boyfriend?
“I don’t. Career is first right now, modeling is my first love.”

Do you have any advice for young ladies who are thinking about going out for America’s Next Top Model?
“Stay true to yourself. Make sure you go in there knowing who you are. Believe in your dreams, have a good head on your shoulders. Perseverance will take you a long, long way.”

What was your worst moment on the show?
“My only bad moment was when I was crying on the phone to my mother when I was like I need to hear you guys, that I can still do this. When you’re under so much stress…you hear the criticism…you're competing with all these girls that are your competition. You want to talk to your family who love you for who you are no matter what.”

What did you think when the panel commented that you remind them of Janice Dickinson?
Hey that’s Janice Dickinson. You either love her or hate her. I love her, so I take that as a compliment.
- BuddyTV Staff Writer

The Fug Girls: How to Hire a Celebrity Fashion Designer

Desperate to join the ranks of retailers who've used celebrities for brand cachet, cheapie clothier Steve + Barry's has decided to follow up its first attempt — Sarah Jessica Parker’s fashion line Bitten — by partnering with actress Amanda Bynes. Who? Exactly. Either Steve + Barry only watch Nickelodeon, or the founders just haven't had a proper lesson in picking the proper celebrity to pimp their wares. Thank God we're here with some sage advice (after the jump). You're welcome, boys.

Pick Someone Who's Actually Into Fashion
True, budding designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen — whose line The Row is being sold at Barneys — have a history of trotting around town looking like they’ve dragged themselves out of a dumpster. But their passion for fashion is well documented by their appearances at couture shows and Fashion Week events. Showing up is half the battle, Amanda; simply saying you want to move to New York because it's chic (and while your roots are showing) does not make you qualified to design good pants.

Don't Get Duped By Fictional Fashion SenseJust because Patricia Field can stuff Carrie Bradshaw in something avant-garde doesn't mean Sarah Jessica Parker knows what she's talking about in real life. There’s a big difference between being able to pick out a pretty dress (or having a pink-haired crone do it for you), and being able to design one. No wonder bloggers are savaging SJP’s line before it's even in stores. We can't imagine how Bynes will fare given that her biggest onscreen fashion moment consisted of two "hilarious" montages at the same flea market in What a Girl Wants. Besides, Colin Firth is in that movie, so was anyone actually watching Amanda?

Avoid People Who Have Nothing Better to DoThe Bynes deal smacks of someone designing on a whim, which didn't work out so well for Nicky Hilton. The sulky heiress was best known for spending most of her time looking bored at parties until deciding to create her Chick line a few seasons ago. Considering Nicky’s total lack of charisma, her addiction to wearing the same shapeless black shirt several weeks in a row, and the fact that she had never given us any prior reason to believe she could design her way out of a paper bag, it's no surprise Chick flopped.

Bynes is generally photographed lounging around Los Angeles in nondescript jeans and tees. And that’s fine … if you haven’t been hired to shill a line based on your awesome fashion sense.
Find a Brainy Business PartnerWhat does Bynes bring to the deal, aside from maybe Colin Firth's phone number? The Olsens have been mini-moguls practically since they were in utero. Fellow wholesome starlet Hilary Duff started slow with lip gloss and cheap accessories before graduating to a clothes line for kids. And at the other end of the age spectrum, Madonna brought a lifetime of savvy. Her H&M collection was more benign than she is, but that's why it worked: Madge knew H&M shoppers needed a trench coat more than, say, a cone bra.

When All Else Fails, At Least Pick Someone People Have Heard OfSienna Miller's Twenty8Twelve line, designed with her sister, is mostly a bunch of drab, ruffled stuff Sienna herself would likely wear with leggings on the red carpet. Would we buy it? Two words: No. But given the enormous attention her controversial personal style has received in the last few years, it's logical that she tried. Conversely, we dare you to name even one thing that Bynes wore out of the house last year. We'll just pop out for the weekend while you're thinking. —The Fug Girls