MODEL CITIZEN: KATE WALLACE


Meet Kate Wallace. The fifteen-year-old Canadian model that one of the industry's top model forecasters called "just pure beauty" on Ones2Watch. This pretty young thing has an aura that emanates sheer perfection, and an elegance that is all her own. The brilliant brunette is an intelligent girl, top of her class and an absolute joy to be around. According to O2W, her agent described her as both "bright and mature", and just by taking a look at her, you can tell that this one has the whole package!

Check out my interview with her.

NM: How old are you?
KW: I'm 15, 16 in March. I Can't wait! Haha.

NM: What agency are you with?
KW: I'm with Chantale Nadeau and Sutherland Models.


NM: When did you first start modeling, and how did you break into the industry?
KW: I started when I was 14. I was originally acting, but it was a problem because I was too tall for all the roles (well that and the fact that I can't act) so people always told me I should go into modeling. I never really took them seriously, I mean I never thought that I was pretty enough to be one of the amazing girls in those magazines, but then my friends girlfriend Lee Dares was a model, and she told me I really should go into it. Again, I didn't take them seriously, but after a year of being sent numbers and pushing me to at least look into it I decided it might not be a bad idea after all. I used to be pretty shy so it was a pretty huge step for me, but I fell in love with modeling- its so much fun!

NM: What do you love most about it? The most exciting part?
KW: Definitely meeting all these new and interesting people. I feel like when you are in your teens and still a kid, it's easy to live in a bubble. Modeling has given me a taste of the real world, or better yet, the fashion world.

Photo: Owen Bruce


NM: Do you want to pursue a career in the fashion industry?
KW: Oh definitely, I've wanted to be a fashion designer for as long as I can remember! It has always been a passion of mine to design.


NM: I agree, it would definitely open up a lot of doors! 
KW: Yeah exactly, and lots of new experiences, good and bad, but you learn from both.

NM: For sure. So you said you've always wanted to be a fashion designer, where do you see yourself ten years from now?
KW: Well I want to pursue modeling after high school, and then go to university so I guess by that point I'd be in university. It has always been a dream of mine to go to Parsons in New York for fashion design, s hopefully I'll be there!

NM: Definitely work on that! You would be great! Hopefully one day I will be wearing your line.
KW: Yeah! Thanks, that would be so cool, haha!




NM: We recently saw you in the Canadian Aritzia ad campaign for fall/winter 2010 (see photo above), what was your favorite shoot that you have done thus far?


KW: Oh man haha, there have been so many! The aritzia shoot was really exciting because we shot it at night, so that was a new and fun experience. I always have loads of fun shooting with Owen Bruce, recently we went up to my paretns farm for a shoot. That was a lot of fun because that's where I grew up, now I have pictures of myself in the exact same places when I was only three, so it's fun to compare. Then there was my shoot with Koby which was amazing, they did all these amazing tatoos in the post-production. The pictures turned out amazing and being on set with everyone was so much fun, I don't think I've ever laughed that hard in my life! [View the Aritzia ads and collection here.]

NM: Where do you want to go next with modeling?


KW: Hopefully travel. My ulimate goal is to end up in New York but I'd like to see the world first. I've heard it is a life changing experience and I think I'd learn a lot from it.

NM: I would definitely agree with that. Where would you want to go most?
KW: I'd love to go to Paris and New York. I've heard Singapore and Tokyo are both amazing too, but really anywhere. Hopefully somewhere warmer than Canada though!


NM: Thanks Kate, always a pleasure!
KW: Thanks so much Nadia, great talking to you!

CHRISTIAN DIOR HAUTE COUTURE SUMMER 2010




Adorned with top hats and riding crops, John Galliano unveiled the Christian Dior Haute Couture Summer 2010 Collection at Paris Haute Couture Week yesterday. Inspired by all things equestrian, the riders- erm- models sported long side-saddle riding skirts, polo sticks, and top hats set upon oversized updos. Tailored to precision, the jackets were swathed with the bold shades of this spring and summer, with red, black, white, and hunting pink making the most prominent appearances. Many of the jackets were tailored at the waist, some with belts to buckle them in place. Black gloves covered the hands of the models, and silver and black buttons studded the blazers. Collared necks, English plaid, and thick pleats were common attributes, as the regal couture collection reigned supreme.

The next set of gals after the equestrian dolls displayed Galliano’s evening collection, dressed head-to-toe in what looked like ruffian garden party gowns. Drawing inspiration from the era of “The Gibson Girl”, these delicate pieces emulated style icon Millicent Rogers of the early 20th century. With booties cropped just above the ankle and exceedingly large hats bearing veils and feathers, these frocktail dresses were my favorite out of the entire show. Embellished lace and tulle in gorgeous pastel shades were just the ticket to match the beautifully big-haired porcelain dolls upon which the clothes were paraded. Some dresses were once again belted, and many skirts had the bunching-and-hanging quality that I adore. Some of the latter skirt-and-blouse pieces did not quite win my heart, but alas, the prior ones were so overwhelmingly breathtaking that I can forgive the final few.
As for the last set of couture, Galliano wowed the crowd with his cunningly sculpted ball gowns that drew gasps from the mouths of the front-row showgoers including Dita Von Teese and Kylie Minogue. Plum, caramel, jade, and rich burgundy gowns stole the show with ravishing ruffles and bows on many of the pieces. My favorite of the gowns was the beige and caramel piece worn stunningly by Magdalena Frackowiak, her arms veiled in elegant, three-quarter sleeve white gloves. Although not my favorite of his work, the ball gowns were extraordinary. With the mix of his equestrian inspiration, early 20th century glam, and bewitching ball gowns, it is easy to say that recession of not, John Galliano will never lose his magical touch.
Have a look at my four favorites below, from the second set of couture inspired by "The Gibson Girl".




VIVA LA JUICY


I just got this perfume, it is absolutely amazing. It smells quite like the Betsey Johnson perfume, just with more vanilla and a heightened feminine feel. Not to mention, I always love the Juicy Couture ads - and Canadian supermodel Lisa Cant.

FRONT ROW AT ARMANI PRIVE


The front row at Paris Haute Couture Week (via GraziaLive).

JOHN GALLIANO PAYS TRIBUTE TO HIS HEROES

From Sherlock Holmes to Bunny Rogers, couturier John Galliano pays tribute to his heroes. Take a look!

SPOTTED: TAVI BACKSTAGE AT CHRISTIAN DIOR

Thirteen-year-old prodigal fashion blogger Tavi Gevinson of Style Rookie backstage at Christian Dior interviewing Norweigan model Siri Tollerod. The photo was snapped by New Zealand blogger, Isaac Hindin Miller, confirming Tavi's presence at the haute couture shows, although we are still unsure who she is covering the shows for, possibly for Pop Magazine? (Image via @IsaacLikes)

LEFRANC FERRANT HAUTE COUTURE BEFORE THE SHOW

Lefranc Ferrant haute couture en avant-première. Look 1-4.
via VogueFranceLive

DVF TO LAUNCH HOME COLLECTION

Decor and bedding and bath, oh my! Designer Diane Von Furstenberg is launching her first-ever home-design collection with Springs Global. Available on her website, the collection is set to launch in department stores by next January. As a DVF fan myself, I am looking forward to seeing her floral prints and earthy ornamentation adorning a sheet set (Spring 2009, anyone?).

Photo via Harper's Bazaar

FYI: FASHION FOR HAITI

AMERICA’S FASHION INDUSTRY LAUNCHES “FASHION FOR HAITI”

CAMPAIGN TO RAISE FUNDS FOR VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE

Proceeds to Benefit Clinton Bush Haiti Fund

January 25, 2010—In response to the devastating January 12 earthquake in Haiti, the fashion industry has pulled together to organize a nation-wide effort to raise monies for the victims of the natural disaster. A $25 “Fashion for Haiti” T-shirt will go on sale February 12 at retailers across the country with proceeds benefitting the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, which is raising funds for immediate, high-impact relief and long-term recovery efforts to help those who are most in need of assistance.

“The tragedy in Haiti has affected everyone and most of us individually have given money for relief,” said Diane von Furstenberg, President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. “However, I think it is now important to send a message and create a channel for funding from fashion as an industry.”

“The total devastation of Haiti is unimaginable. I am always amazed by the strength, talent and compassion of our industry and now more than ever it is essential we come together and help make a difference.” said Ralph Lauren.

“The devastation in Haiti has touched us all deeply,” said Tory Burch. “Now more than ever is the time to ban together and help them get back on the road to recovery.”

“As we watch the story unfold in Haiti, it is our obligation to act,” said Andrew Rosen, President & CEO of Theory. “We must move quickly to raise the much needed money and support for the relief efforts that are beginning now, and that will be required in the months and years to come.”

The initiative will move forward with the support of the fashion industry, including the entire CFDA membership, and carries the endorsement of fashion leaders Tory Burch, Kevin Carrigan, Francisco Costa, Oscar de la Renta, Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Andrew Rosen, Diane von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, Anna Wintour, Italo Zucchelli, among many others.

The “Fashion for Haiti” T-shirt logo was designed by Peter Arnell, who in 2001 created the now iconic mended heart logo for the “Fashion for America” fundraiser, organized by the CFDA and Vogue magazine, which raised $2 million after 9/11 for the Twin Towers Fund.
The black and lime green logo features the tagline “Hope Help Heal Haiti” underneath a block design of “To Haiti With Love,” with a map of the nation standing in for the word “Haiti.” The sleeve will be marked with the “Fashion for Haiti” slogan and the inside collar will have “CFDA” printed on it.

Coordinated by the CFDA, the short sleeve T-shirt will be manufactured by Theory under the “Fashion for Haiti” label. It will be available in women’s and men’s styles at retailers nationwide as well as online at www.cfda.com.

Information on how to order T-shirts can be placed by contacting fashionforhaiti@cfda.com. 
(via CFDA Facebook)

Thanks to Coco Rocha for letting us all know!

PARIS HAUTE COUTURE WEEK JANUARY 2010 SCHEDULE







Sunday, January 24th, 2010

7PM JOSEPHUS THIMISTER (See Invitation)

Monday, January 25th, 2010

10AM ALEXIS MABILLE (Garage Turenne - 66 rue de Turenne- Paris 3e)
11AM CHRISTOPHE JOSSE (Les Beaux Arts de Paris - salle Melpomène - 13 quai Malaquais - Paris 6e)
12PM ANNE VALERIE HASH (36 boulevard Bonne Nouvelle - Paris 10e)
2:30PM CHRISTIAN DIOR (30 avenue Montaigne - Paris 8e)
6&7PM ADELENINE ANDRÉ (JTM Gallery - 40 rue de Richelieu - Paris 1er)
9PM GIORGIO ARMANI PRIVÉ (Palais de Chaillot - 1 place du Trocadéro - Paris 16e)

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

10&12PM CHANEL (Pavillon Cambon Capucines - 46 rue Cambon - Paris 1er)
2:30PM STEPHANE ROLLAND (Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine 45 avenue du Président Wilson - Paris 16e)
3:30PM MAURIZIO GALANTE (See Invitation)
4:30PM ATELIER GUSTAVO LINS (10 rue Hérold - Paris 1er)
5:30PM DOMINIQUE SIROP (See Invitation)
7PM GIVENCHY (See Invitation)

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

10AM ON AURA TOUT VU (JTM Gallery 40 rue de Richelieu - Paris 1er)
11AM FRANCK SORBIER (Sotheby's - 76 rue du faubourg Saint-Honoré - Paris 8e)
12:30PM ELIE SAAB (Théâtre National de Chaillot - 1 place du Trocadéro - Paris 16e)
2:30PM JEAN PAUL GAULTIER (325 rue Saint-Martin - Paris 3e)
4PM LEFRANC FERRANT (Couvent des Recollets - 148 rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin - Paris 10e)
5PM MAISION RABIH KAYROUZ (38 boulevard Raspail - Paris 7e)
6:30PM VALENTINO (Couvent des Cordeliers - 15 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine - Paris 6e)

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

from 11AM-6PM (See Invitation)
BOUCHERON, CHANEL JOAILLERIE, CHAUMET, MELLERIO DITS MELLER, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

FYI: VERSACE LAUNCHING MOBILE PHONE


Italian fashion house Versace has announced they are going to jump on the technologically-driven bandwagon by adding themselves to the list of designers who have launched a luxury mobile phone. Versace has made plans with ModeLabs Group for the design, manufacture, and distribution of the new phone, but a design has not yet been released. It will be revealed at a private showing to a select group of clients during Paris Haute Couture Week, which kicked-off today. The phone will be unveiled to all in the spring, but no word yet on the price. [Reuters]

FYI: BRITISH GRAZIA IS NOT PLEASED WITH THEIR VIEW AT CHRISTIAN DIOR HAUTE COUTURE

The editors over at British Grazia do not seem pleased to be sitting behind the front-row thirteen-year-old Tavi Gevinson and watching the Christian Dior couture show through her headpiece. The young blogger is sporting a pink Steven Jones bow-hat at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week. Images via British Grazia Twitpic.

LOLA BY MARC JACOBS

Flowering from it’s vase-like bottle, the Lola by Marc Jacobs perfume is what critics have been calling “the older sister” of Jacobs’ last perfume, Daisy. Though some found the bottle overdone, I found it to be a perfect reflection of the classic eclectic and quirky Marc Jacobs style that we all know and love (who else can get away with making mouse flats?) and delightfully outlandish next to the rest of the boxy perfume bottles. Not to mention, with Karlie Kloss as the face of the campaign I knew it had to be absolutely splendid, because if the model reflects the product, what wouldn’t be to love about Lola?
What do you all think?

REBORN PROCESS: MODEL HYONI KANG GOES VINTAGE

Ford Supermodel of the World 2007 winner, Hyoni Kang, is adding to her long list of achievements by adding “entrepreneur” to the roster. We have all seen her in campaigns from Lacoste to DKNY. Now, the Korean-born model has teamed up with a stylist, Aeri, and J, a photographer and the New York editor of Vogue Korea to open up a vintage store in SoHo this past Christmas. While J manages the business aspect of the store, fittingly named Reborn Process, Aeri and Hyoni find vintage pieces throughout the country and re-make them in their workshop. Also the model for the line, Hyoni calls the new venture, “a vintage reform and remake store.” Hyoni and Aeri will also design their own line of tees for the store, but otherwise, every piece in the store is one-of-a-kind and unquestionably unique. As a fierce vintage fashion lover, I personally adore the idea. From what I have seen on the website, the pieces are wholly amazing, and very Vogue-like chic. Check out the website or drop by the shop at 35 Crosby Street in New York City. 


GISELE GIVES GENEROUSLY TO HAITI RELIEF


Yesterday, top model Gisele Bundschen wrote a check for $1.5 million to the American Red Cross to aid in the Haiti earthquake relief. According to Forbes, Bundschen is the highest-paid model in the world and holds a standing in the entire entertainment industry as the sixteenth-richest. This philanthropic fox also acts as a goodwill ambassador for the UN Environment Programme, and has countless of other charitable and humanitarian activities to add to her long and impressive resume. What a sweetheart!

FROM POTTER TO PRORSUM





From Potter to Prorsum, Emma Watson has evolved from a young wizard to a sheer goddess. In these shots from the Burberry Prorsum Spring 2010 Campaign, Emma looks like a gem in beige and pastel trenches with waist-cinching belts and busy collars. And as if the boy candy doesn’t suffice, Emma is adorned with arm candy featuring the latest of the Burberry Prorsum bags for the spring. Be it a movie shoot or photo shoot, Watson brings forth her indwelling magic on all sets.


FYI: NICOLE RICHIE ON PROJECT RUNWAY

Check out this sneak peak from Nicole Richie of her appearance on Project Runway. Can't wait to see the episode! How do you all think she will do? Do you like the idea of Nicole as a guest judge on Project Runway? After all, she is the designer of House of Harlow 1960, and she does have excellent taste. I guess only time will tell. Take a look below!