Author Archives: Catherine Balavage

Belvedere launches "Dream Job" to find golbal brand ambassador.

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Super-premium vodka brand Belvedere, owned by Moët Hennessy, has announced the launch of its worldwide “Dream Job” campaign. The successful candidate will be awarded the once in a lifetime job as a $100,000 Global Brand Ambassador role. Working alongside Head of Spirit Creation and Mixology Claire Smith, representing the brand on a global stage, the winner will travel the world educating bartenders on how best to enjoy Belvedere, and creating innovative and exciting cocktails.?

Bartenders, mixologists, and vodka enthusiasts from around the world will be invited to submit short videos to Belvedere Vodka’s official Facebook fan page showcasing their mixology skills, and demonstrating why they should be selected for the dream job.

After entries close on 15th October, a panel of experts will select a shortlist of UK and European semi-finalists who will compete in a series of cocktail-making and presentation challenges at an event hosted at a top London bar and judged by a panel headed up by a top industry name. Entrants will have to demonstrate their creativity and skills with challenges including creating ten Belvedere Vodka cocktails in ten minutes. ??

The top two semi-finalists will go through to the Global Final, taking place in Los Angeles on 15th December, with seven finalists from across the world appearing in front of a celebrity judging panel to be presented with the final challenge, before an overall winner is declared.??

Commenting on the “Dream Job”, Claire Smith, Head of Spirit Creation and Mixology for Belvedere Vodka said “We are thrilled to extend such a tremendous opportunity to so many talented bartenders and mixologists around the world; it is our hope that the competition not only unites those ?with a keen understanding of super premium vodka, but also inspires a higher level of innovation and creativity in cocktail creation that our new Global Brand Ambassador will help to ‘fine tune’ for our plans and projects next year.”?

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.

Lindsay leaves rehab: get the Loh-down on what she is wearing

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Yet more controversy surrounded Lindsay Lohan as she left rehab last week and was photographed wearing designer gear, clutching an energy drink and sporting a pair of V-MODA Crossfade LPs. As the pictures emerged, speculation grew as to whether Lohan had been paid to wear some of the following items:

* V-MODA headphones: £220
* Ray-Ban sunglasses: £100
* Hermes mini-Birkin bag: price unavailable
* RockStar appetite drink: £1.70
* Hermès belt: price unavailable

Our sources at V-MODA have confirmed that Lindsay was not paid to wear the Crossfade LP headphones, but instead picked them up from the Kari Feinstein gifting suite at the MTV Movie Awards. Keep on rocking Lindsay!

Zac Goldsmith on the Environment, Jemima and becoming an MP.

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Zac GoldsmithI met Zac Goldsmith through a friend. I found him so inspiring and genuine that I helped out on his political campaign. Not only did Zac get in, but he has taken time out of his busy schedule to give Frost this interview.

1 ) It has been about five months since you got elected. How are you feeling?

I’m still wondering how it happened, but thrilled to be able to turn promises into reality. There’s lots to do, on so many levels, but I have already seen that it is possible to make a difference as an MP.

2) Has becoming an MP been like what you thought it would be?

There are no rules. There is nothing stopping a new MP flying off to the Caribbean the day after the election, enjoying the salary and expenses, and doing absolutely nothing of any value. That’s why we need a proper recall process, where MPs who have lost the respect of their constituents can be booted out. It is for an individual MP to decide what sort of MP they want to be. I am still learning the ropes and figuring out how to be most effective.

Zac Goldsmith with Frost Magazine editor Catherine Balavage

Zac Goldsmith with Frost Magazine editor Catherine Balavage

3 ) Your sister, Jemima Khan, put on her twitter that voting Tory was ’embarrassing’. Did you tell her off?

No! It was a joke that was picked up by a mischievous journalist. She was a huge help in the campaign, and canvassed regularly.  

4) What is the main thing people can do to help the environment?

What we do at home, at work and in our communities is important. But the real change is still going to come about because of political decisions, so the most important thing we can all do is get involved in politics – at any level. Even simply putting pressure on your MP is useful.

5) What do you think it the most pressing political issue at the moment?

The big long term issue, the cloud hanging over us, is the environment. We are cashing in the natural world and we cannot go on doing so indefinitely. But the immediate, overarching issue is the economy. If we don’t sort the deficit, we will be spending more servicing our debt than we do on education, and we would almost certainly see the cost of borrowing rise – for individuals and for businesses.

6) Why do you think you inspire young people so much? You had lots of volunteers who believed in you.

I had some wonderful helpers, and a magnificent team, which meant that the campaign was vibrant and fun. I was very lucky.

7) Do you think you it would have been harder to get elected without the scarily talented Ben Mallet?

Absolutely. Aged 15, Ben Mallet volunteered to establish a Conservative Future branch. By the time of the election, it was the biggest in England. I don’t know how he did it, but he is a phenomenon and a treasure.

8) Tell me the premise behind your book ‘The Constant Economy.’

Crudely speaking, it’s a guide to creating an economy that puts a value on valuable things, like natural capital, and a cost on pollution, waste and the use of scarce resources. It’s about learning to live within our ecological means. The chapters are organised as ‘steps’. Collectively, they would take us absolutely in the right direction. Individually, none of them would require political courage.

9) What are you first thought about parliament as someone who is relatively new to it.

The ritual, the atmosphere and the process is fascinating and sometimes stirring, but I sometimes wonder how much of real value happens in the chamber itself. When I first raised an issue, after my Maiden Speech, I felt I was shouting at a troop of giggling baboons on the other side.

10) What’s next?

Other than making the most of being in Parliament, being able to campaign on issues from the inside for the first time, I have no plans. I will simply do my best.

Thank you Zac.

http://www.zacgoldsmith.com/

Angelina Jolie shines in Salt { Film Review }

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I have always been a fan of Angelina Jolie. Jolie is a brave actress, always breaking boundaries and leading the way for women to be different. In a world where most actresses won’t drink full-fat milk she is refreshing.

My other interest is spy movies. So you can imagine how excited I was at the prospect of Salt. Where Jolie plays a CIA agent accused of being a Russian spy. Jolie shines in a role originally meant to be for Tom Cruise. It suits Jolie to play a character that was originally for a man. In fact, maybe all the roles for actresses should originally be for men. If Salt is anything to go by, then they will have more meat to them. More depth. It would be interesting to see the two different scripts and see what changes were made.

Liev Schreiber is as amazing as always. Holding his own against Jolie. The film has enough twists not to be a bland action movie. The Russians may be the baddies again but the film rises above clichés.

Jolie’s stunts are amazing as well. Not for a women – just amazing. The fact that this is being bandied as the start of a franchise can only be a good thing.. It is off to a cracking start.

Catch Salt in cinemas now.

Dexter Season 4 Preview. { TV }

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I love Dexter. Not just the show, but the character. Now, I am not saying that this is right. And I don’t glorify serial killers. But if you had to choose one, Dexter is my man. Sometimes while watching the show I wonder if I should be laughing so hard, or relating so much.

In season 4 you see him trying to fit into ‘normal’ life. Becoming part of a community. Even having to be on neighbourhood watch after a vandal starts making trouble. The lone wolf trying to fit in…and having no clue how to. Even on a rudimentary level.

Dexter’s awareness that he does not know how to be normal makes him a psychopath, not a sociopath. Which cannot be said for his nemesis, the Trinity Killer (John Lithgow), Dexter must navigate his many lives as serial killer,  analyst, father of three, husband, and brother, yet still come out of the finale alive, with his secret intact. Will he manage?

John Lithgow is excellent as the Trinity Killer and Keith Carradine returns as the FBI agent trying to track him down.

Based on novel of Jeff Lindsay. This show is brilliant, original and dazzling.

Dexter is on, Friday 10pm on FX.