I did leave off with a paragraph on the state of modelling in 2011, and I will wait until the year ends to make a review of it, so stay tuned.
Also, if I haven't replied to your emails, its because my inbox hasn't received any mails for the past two weeks and has a technical problem.
So if you need to contact me, whether for questions or advertising purposes here is the email: stylemauritius@live.com
So now I will be addressing the questions that were the most popular on the previous article:
1. Why is Katia Moochooram not on there?
Wait until the end of the year for the Modelling 2011 review! I'm not blind to her face on billboards, campaigns etc everywhere.
2. Why are Gold Models and One Models not on your list?.
The agencies I have mentioned are completely fashion centered :Women/Men Revolution Agency, Secret Models, and the HEAT models division (though they do some company advertising that I did not take into consideration here-I based myself much more on what I saw this year, such as the HEAT Fashion Tour).
Now having said that, an interesting point emerged from the comments. Fact is, we are not in the international scene here, so it would be unfair of me to only consider agencies that are 100% in fashion.
In that case, Carrera Model Management, One Models and Gold Models are definitely included. They fill out all the requirements for credibility, work hard to get contracts and defend the rights of their models.
3. Why is Secret Models there? Aren't they too new to be featured?
I am not ageist. I think that even though this is a new agency, they have accomplished a lot more than other agencies have done in years, with numerous press releases and photoshoots, and their models are given a lot of exposure such as Chandre whose face is everywhere these days, recently in this week's Lifestyle.
4. I have never heard of Women/Men Revolution Agency before. Are you just putting them there because you know these people personally?
I would never favour anyone, because my work is to write the unbiased truth for all of you guys. I am not giving anyone free press. Although you may not have heard of this agency, the directors-Karen Nicolini and David Stafford-are the ones who have trained the best models here, and conform to strict international standards so that their models have the best chance to make it internationally.
And what came out as a result of the discussions, comments and so on:
The creation of a Modelling Agency Syndicate is primordial if we want to set things straight and move forward. Each agency will need to specify what models it represents, what type of modelling it offers. There should be the eradication of monopoly of contracts, and payment rules and guidelines established.
Spring/Summer 2012 Trends
1. Hawaiian & Floral Prints (with edge).
Where: Altuzarra, Peter Pilotto, Prabal Gurung, Christopher Kane...
How to wear it: I think this is easiest. Just mix a flowing, unstructured elements with something sharp. And as for where to find it? You could try the shops, but I would say head to the bazaar.
Altuzarra Peter Pilotto Prabal Gurung
2. The Olympics-an athletic feel.
Where: Lacoste, Helmut Lang, Derek Lam, Rag&bone, BCBG Max Azria, Alexander Wang, Yohji Yamamoto, Stella McCartney....
How to wear it: Athleticism was present in S/S 2011 too, so the key to this look are the accessories: zips and panelling, a sporty neckline or an athletic silhouette. As bra tops were such a hit this summer, I would suggest pairing a bra top (no, not a bra. A bra TOP) with a loose maxi skirt (preferably one that a) has pockets b) starts at the navel, it gives a more structured effect than one that starts at the hip). Bra top too much? A cropped jumper should be perfect.
Lacoste Alexander Wang Yohji Yamamoto
3. Sorbet colours
Where: Jason Wu, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Osman...
One of the prettiest and most popular was lime green, a perfect colour for the bronze Mauritian woman.
How to wear it: Just wear it, but please do NOT match your make-up to your outfit).
Jason Wu Marc by Marc Jacobs Osman
4. The 1920s (made modern)
Where: Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Etro....
How to wear it: The 1920s was characterised by androgyny: Waistlines now lay on the hip, costume jewellery, slim silhouettes and cloche hats.
Gucci Ralph Lauren Marc Jacobs
5.The 1950s
Where: Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier...
How to wear it: It was the return of the 'sweet wife', a revival of the romantic style.
Prada Dolce&Gabbana Christian Dior
6. Cultural bohemian (with predominately Spanish roots).
Where: Thakoon, Oscar de la Renta, Matthew Williamson, Moschino, Carven...
How to wear it: Think and research on Spanish culture, especially on Spanish fashion and art. It's those prints on heady orange and yellow that make it work.
Thakoon Oscar de la Renta Matthew Williamson
7. Dark Folklore
Where: Pucci, Junya Watanabe, Yves St Laurent, Miu Miu...
How to wear it: It's basically cultural bohemian, above, gone dark. So that implies a deconstructed look with plenty of movement, some folk prints with a darker colour palette. I saw a skirt that exemplifies this in Ibiza at Bagatelle the other day.
Pucci Junya Watanabe Yves St Laurent
8.The Ocean
Where: Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy...
How to wear it: Imagine you are a mermaid. You are swimming in the sea, where light is transforming the water into a luminescent heaven. You note the forms of life: anemone, leaf/lettuce coral, fish and their bright scales, the gentle movement of the tide against their bodies which make them ripple. Once you have embodied the feeling, you see how to wear it. Materials that seem to ripple in the light, that let in light, that are constructed in such a way that they move fluidly across the skin, or are constructed to ripple as you walk. It's much more than the obvious wearing of pearls.
*Note*I will be working this trend today at the Fashion House Summer Fashion Show.
Alexander McQueen Giorgio Armani Alexander McQueen
9. Clinically sharp neutrals-fused with some romance, fluidity, prints and colour.
Where: Narciso Rodriguez, The Row, ACNE, Emporio Armani, Marni, Dries Van Noten, Chalayan, Comme des Garcons....
How to wear it: Look for sharpness in cuts, and pair with something slightly deconstructed/printed/colourful. Example: A stiff white shirt+loose trousers that have a touch of colour running through them+flat wedge.
Narciso Rodriguez Comme des Garcons Chalayan
10. African roots/Fusion
Where: Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Bottega Veneta, Ann Demeulemeester, Hakaan...
How to wear it: That's an easy trend to work-lively animal prints, ground/earth colours, loose tunics. But I also like the mosquito net feel seen at Ann Demeulemeester, just don't go wrapping yourself in the fabric.
Donna Karan Ann Demeulemeester Michael Kors
11. Ladylike romance
Where: Philosophy, Calvin Klein, Erdem, Rue du Mail, Valentino, Louis Vuitton...
How to wear it: For the hems, don't go above knee length, keep a simple, slightly loose silhouette in pastel colours.
Louis Vuiton Philosophy Calvin Klein
All images courtesy of Style.com
Next week: The Fashion House Summer 2011/2012 Fashion Show!
Have an awesome week and weekend
xoxo
Alex
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