Monthly Archives: September 2010

The Sin of Envy…and Some Other Sins {Ceri's Column}

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Man alive, that green-eyed monster is an awfully selective beast. He lives just above my cerebellum, right next door to the gnomes that run my conscience and sense of shame. He occasionally feeds on the gnomes and wotsits but mostly on the painfully huge talents of others.

There’s many a person who turns me a grassy hue when I consider their ability or achievements. Seth “I created, voice and often write for my own selection of massively successful animated sitcoms that is watched by millions worldwide” MacFarlane is one. Matthew “So yeah my voice is kind of samey in my songs but I seem to shit innovative modern rock classics without any need for laxative AND play my axe better than anyone in the rockesphere right now” Bellamy is another. Rick “Holy shit I’m lucky that everyone is Rick Rolling each other or I’d have probably stuck my head in the oven a loooong time ago” Astley is not one.

There are a few people around who don’t stir the beast in my bonce. For some reason, Eddie Izzard and Robert DeNiro don’t. I admire them, I wish I possessed a trillionth of their respective talents but I don’t envy them. They’re…too good.

Robert Plant – Too good

Bill Hicks – (was) Too good

That bloke on E4…y’know, the voice-over dude – Too good

Richard Dawkins – a fundamentalist atheist and painfully over-exposed pop “philosopher” who’s stunning lack of logic, understanding of the basic tenets of Religious language and an annoyingly snappy dresser….shit I’m well off course here.

What the hell was my point?

Oh yes…uh…Usain Bolt – Too good. Yeah, that’ll do.

Martian Fighting Machines Crushes Cars {Entertainment}

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Some martian fighting machines have apparently been trampling on cars in West London according to these pictures. ‘Well that’s outrageous’ I imagine you say. As if that’s not enough, they’re visiting towns and cities all around europe and…putting…on…a…musical!

Aiding them are x-factors Rhydian, Liz from the Atomic Kittens and Jason Donovan acompanied by a 11 foot high 3d hologram of Richard Burton.

I am not making this up…

[War of the Worlds Musical]

Monsoon Lingerie – Winter Blossom AW10 {Style}

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Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that we should shroud ourselves in black or cover up. Monsoon agrees whole heartedly and has brought to the high street their Vintage Collection – a feminine winter blossom lingerie and sleepware range.

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With muted blue-grey tones and blush pink satins it’s the perfect antidote to winter blues.

Left: Blossom Satin Print Bra, £35

Lace, and printed satin with padded cups.

Below Left: Matching Briefs, £18

Full lace back and blossom print satin.

Right: Blossom Cami Set, £55

Cotton and Silk with a blush pink lace trim.

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Left: Blossom Robe, £75

100% Silk with Contrast printed sash belt.

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Right: Blossom Chemise, £55

Cotton silk mix with adjustable straps.

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For Stockists, ideas on what to get me for Christmas or more info [Monsoon.co.uk]

Catherine Balavage interviews Prince Cassius. { Style }

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How did you find out about the Best-Dressed List? Were you nominated? How many entrants were there?

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting it. It began by my sister, who had sent my photos that I took with Annette Schimek to both GQ and Esquire magazine. When I got a call from both publications that I was shortlisted from thousands of applicants, it was really overwhelming and very exciting. I felt utterly inspired and celebrated for conveying my distinctive look. Currently Esquire magazine is out nationwide and GQ comes out 9th September. I remember talking to someone from the publication and was told they had over 15,000 entries each.

-How do you choose what to wear in the morning? Do you plan in advance?

Hmm. I have several of favourite cloths, especially from Brooks Brothers, Hackett, and Gant, so most morning you’ll find me wearing it. I’ve never planned in advance to wear anything apart from special occasions when I know I need to dry clean some cloths.

– What did you dream of becoming when you were a child? What profession you wanted to do.

I always dreamt of being a firefighter or working in fashion. Having no fashion influences in my life that was slightly harder so I dreamt of saving people and being a firefighter.

– How would you define fashion?

My personal style is a combination from 70-80’s era and the quintessential preppy modern man. Preppy is synonymous with sharp in many ways, and as such it is important to keep it somewhat classic and tasteful .The biggest influences in the way I present myself & trends come from Michael Jackson (thriller years), Art, 80’s glam, big hair, Blazers and Elegance that is, the signature of my representation. I believe everyone should create their own visual style and uniqueness to be identifiable to others.

– Do you have a favorite designer?
I have several of favourite designers but my top designers are Gant, Hackett, Oliver Sweeney, Police, Paul Smith, and Brooks Brothers.

– What did modelling give you?
I began modeling as one of the hosts for a boutique store then it lead me working with one of fashion well known names such as face-hunter and vogue photographers. I was always intrigued by the industry but after a year I realized it wasn’t something I wanted. It definitely made me stronger and thicker skinned in this industry.

– How did modelling change you?
Modeling never really changed me but it gave me an insight of how the industry worked. You certainly had the glamorous side of fashion and then the other side. I was always focused and remembered what my mother always told me “never change, always remember your background”.

– What makes a designer?

I believe it’s someone with self-taught skills, in formal design or art, education with a strong background and passion. However, there are many aspects of the profession. Working as a fashion designer can just as well mean supervising a design team. To be a designer takes a lot of time, dedication and hard work. Not to mention living just above the poverty line for several years.

– What is your message in design/fashion?

My message for anyone who’s interested in the fashion world would be do your research, know what your getting yourself into, be passionate, always think outside the box, be creative, and read magazines, educate yourself in this industry.

– How would you define who you are?

I’M A
Bow Tie, 80’s Glam, Skinny Jeans, Afrocentric,
Oxford shoes, Preppy, Blackberry, Mix and Match,
macbook and something practical,
KIND OF A GUY

-What is your favourite outfit or items and why? Do you have any style icons that inspire you? Who are your favourite designers and why?

My personal style is a combination from 70-80’s era and the quintessential preppy modern man. Preppy is synonymous with sharp in many ways, and as such it is important to keep it somewhat classic and tasteful .The biggest influences in the way I present myself & trends come from Michael Jackson (thriller years), Art, 80’s glam, big hair, Blazers and Elegance that is, the signature of my representation. I believe everyone should create their own visual style and uniqueness to be identifiable to others.

My favorite outfits are my Gant and Dunhil Blazer, Hackett Bow tie and Oliver Sweeney & Hudon shoe. Those clothing to me are a sense of my true identify, the colours are rich, and materials are spectacular yet fabulous.

-Do you have any plans for if you win? How are you finding the media attention?

I would see myself as a spokesperson for an organization, charity or a designer, as well as being role model to the younger generation, as well for many people that have overcome many challenges throughout their life coming from a third world country.

The level of public interest it’s offered me has been overwhelming. Its still hasn’t sunk in, I guess. I definitely started noticing it within the short space, the glances on the street, people approaching me asking to take a picture with me, the members of the public recognizing me. It’s been really phenomenal and exciting at the same time.

Thank you. Best of luck.

SeeSaw: The best way to watch TV online. { Review }

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Does anyone watch TV on an actual TV anymore? Well, yes. However, more and more TV is watched online. BBC iplayer. Channel 4’s 4od. These are all great. But what if you want to watch all your shows on one site? You get SeeSaw. The iplayer only has BBC shows. 4OD only Channel 4. SeeSaw has everything. It’s the best in online content.

I can catch up on Come dine with me, Spooks and 30 Rock to name just some of the great shows. It’s simple and easy to use. Has a mix of free and paid-for content, and the web-based application will work on any browser on the Mac and PC and streams content, i.e., TV shows, directly to your screen either in a window or full screen format. It’s all safe and legal and over 3500 hours of the content is free.

You can rent a series for £9.99 or an episode at £1.19. You can also share your shows with your friends on Twitter and Facebook. SeeSaw is brilliant. I am addicted. With winter on the way I will certainly be doing the ‘Tight Tuesday’ offer they have started. You can rent an entire TV series for 99p. It’s a weekly promotion, on Tuesday, obviously. You get to vote for the TV show you think should be selected the following Tuesday – and share your vote with your facebook friends to encourage them to follow suit. Go check it out www.seesaw.com/tight-tuesday

Sign up to SeeSaw. Staying in is the new going out.

http://www.seesaw.com/

How Equity Is Helping Models At Work {Careers}

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Equity has opened its doors to Models and a new catwalk contract has been introduced in time for London Fashion Week (starting later this week on the 17th)

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It seems impossible that in 2010 in the UK there could be areas of work uncovered by contracts, established breaks or health and safety procedures. It seems more unlikely still that it happens in one of the most glamorous, expensive and envied industries: fashion. Although the fashion industry is subject to the same standards and employment laws as any other area of business it has long operated as if under separate rules, working to its own high artistic standards but with little thought for issues such as the minimum wage or employee’s rights. In the fight to get to the top, standards of employment law fall by the wayside.

“there is an expectation of working for long hours to earn little money, putting up with nudity being demanded in photo-shoots, sexual harassment from photographers. In the early part of a model’s career, often in their teens, this work will be for free.”

Slowly and surely this is beginning to change. At the end of 2007 Equity, the Union for performers in the entertainment industry, agreed, at the request of two pioneering models, Victoria Keon-Cohen and Dunja Knezevic, that models working in the fashion industry should be eligible to join the Union. In 2008 Equity formed a Models Committee to take forward the concerns of the founding members: the lack of protection models have at work, and the lack of recourse when anything should go wrong. In such a competitive profession there is an expectation of working for long hours to earn little money, putting up with nudity being demanded in photo-shoots, sexual harassment from photographers and few, if any, breaks or refreshments. In the early part of a model’s career, often in their teens, this work will be for free as they build up their portfolio.

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The Equity Models Committee now consists of 7 models and Hilary Hadley, the Union Officer. Their current campaign is focused on addressing the lack of professional credits for models work in editorial shoots and websites. The Committee has also been involved in the work to establish the first ever catwalk contract, which will be in use for this coming London Fashion Week (17th to the 21st September). Created through Equity with the British Fashion Council, and other members of the Model Programme, a body set up to ensure the well-being of models during London Fashion week, the contract sets out the minimum terms and conditions a model should expect when employed to walk at a catwalk show.

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This new contract sets out minimum rates of pay including holiday pay, fitting fees, breaks, refreshments, health and safety requirements, changing areas that provide privacy (models are usually expected to change in full view of the catwalk show’s staff) and agreements on nudity/semi-nudity that must be made before the model is booked to work. As well as providing what should legally be there, the new contract also provides models with respect, acknowledging their work as a profession rather than expecting individual, often very young girls, to accept whatever working conditions are offered.

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This new contract marks the beginning of the end for a self-regulated industry. In an environment where models are the lowest in the pecking order and are expected to work without complaint in the hope of becoming one of the lucky ones and making good money, the new Equity Committee provides support, legal assistance and new regulations to make what should be an enjoyable and profitable career safer and more in line with modern employment practices.

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For more information on Equity and if you are a model seeking union representation, please click here.
by Alexa Brown

Alexa Brown is an actress and model, and a member of the Equity Models Committee.

Smut {Ceri's Column}

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People-watching and eave’s dropping are things I should do more often. These border-line peeping-Tomish pastimes often yield little snippets of gold…hold on, what the fuck is a “snippet of gold”? Is that possible? Am I mixing my damn turns of phrase again… anyway; it’s a great tool for a comedy writer. I try not to look suspicious or blatant or paedophilic when engaging in this important activity. Just the other day I was inadvertently listening to a most wonderful moment.

I was busy loitering in the park, pretending to read a newspaper. I spied a gentleman speaking on his mobile phone. It was clamped so tightly to his ear hole that he must have booked a one way ticket to brain tumourville. He was deeply embroiled in a spat with his significant other. I think her name was Melanie…shit man, he said “Mel”…could’ve been Melville. That doesn’t matter.

“No. No. Look I…no, you’re twisting my words, Mel. Now you’re just lying, for Christ’s sake! Look, she doesn’t even come by anymore. She said her hours have changed and I just don’t see her. No, I do not have her number. So what if she’s pretty? Oh my god, YOU just said she was pretty! Don’t get fucked off just because I agreed you stupid idiot.”

There was a pause

“Did you come? Cool. See you after work.”

After I was done sniggering, I thought, “Hang on, he’s in a park. What is he a ranger?” As he got up to walk passed me, I saw a badge on his shirt confirming this. Shit.

by Ceri Phillips

Downward Facing Cat {Miscuit Tin}

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The downward facing dog cat is not a yoga pose I’d personally chose to do whilst precariously perched on a balcony ledge. That doesn’t deter this chilled kitten… Kawaii!!!!