Sunday News Roundup
November 15, 2009 by Ricardo Antonio Canales
Filed under News
A FIRST FOR FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA
First Lady Michelle Obama makes history again. She is the first First Lady to grace the cover of Glamour Magazine. Glamour also recognized Mrs. Obama’s efforts to help mentor young women. Mrs. Obama says being a mentor is a rewarding experience and brings purpose to her life. In addition to being a power of example, Mrs. Obama is also a powerful force in fashion. Michelle Obama is a fashion icon.
One big fashion moment for Mrs. Obama was the night of President Obama’s inauguration. Our new First Lady didn’t just show up at the Neighborhood Ball…she arrived. As you probably remember, jaws dropped when Mrs. O appeared on stage in a floaty, one-shouldered Jason Wu gown. She helped put Wu on the fashion map and gave us all a preview of what was to come. Mrs. O often wears American designers and Givenchy and Lanvin, too. Like most people, Michelle Obama enjoys a good deal. Our First Lady also shops at Target! All hail the First Lady of Fashion.
THE BEST OF SPRING 2010
The current issue of WWD takes us through some of the best designer collections for Spring 2010. From Balenciaga to Versace, take a look at what you will want to wear next season.
FORMER “MODEL OF THE MOMENT” MOVES ON
She’s earned millions representing luxury brands Hermes, Prada, and many more. In 2006, Allure magazine anointed Gemma Ward as the “model of the moment”. Now Gemma’s new look has stirred up an old controversy in the modeling industry: Weight.
Fact: Gemma Ward has gained weight this year (some say lots of it). The latest photos of the Down Under beauty show Ward is obviously heavier since her time as a regular on the runway.
Gemma Ward vanished from the modeling scene in 2008. Multiple reports say Ward took a break because she was devastated by the sudden death of one-time boyfriend and fellow Aussie Heath Ledger. Sources close to the model believe she was so distraught and heartbroken that she turned to food for relief.
This week, a spokesperson for Viviens Modeling Agency confirmed that Gemma Ward resigned and has no immediate plans to return to the runway.
What is interesting is that there was a time when Ward was criticized for being too thin. While Ward’s exact weight was never really revealed during her time on the catwalk and in front of the camera, what we do know is that she is 5′9″ and reportedly was once asked to ‘plump up’ for a fashion show. The latest photos of Ward made headlines around the world and generated a barrage of crude jokes and negative responses. Did the backlash contribute to her decision to leave modeling?
A model’s weight continues to be a controversial issues for the industry. Fashion leaders are taking steps to help. In 2007, The Council of Fashion Designers of America launched the Health Initiative designed to promote a healthier environment for young models. While many models today are indeed healthy, still some critics argue the fashion industry needs to further examine the message conveyed on runways and in magazines: thin is in. The next generation of Gemmas are watching.
MORE MODELS LEAVING THE CATWALK
Is Supermodel Naomi Campbell ready to end her catwalk career? The British beauty said, “I don’t see myself doing every show, everywhere.” We saw Naomi during London Fashion Week, but it remains to be seen if this was indeed her last runway appearance. Don’t worry about Naomi,she has plenty to keep her occupied.
She is set to embark on a reported $2 million dollar vacation with her hunky billionaire boyfriend Vladislav Doronin.
Another supermodel not coming back to the catwalk, Cindy Crawford.
JIMMY CHOO IS HERE
The wait is almost over. The brand new Jimmy Choo for H&M line hits stores November 14th. Am I the only one super excited about this? The H&M collection features clothing for women — a first for Jimmy Choo. Another first, Jimmy Choo for men. Nothing in the entire line is over $300. Yes the economy is a bit shaky, but you’ll be standing firm (and tall) in gladiator-style platforms for $199.
A remarkably similar pair at Jimmy Choo.com will cost you $750. Jimmy Choo is the latest high-fashion brand to partner with H&M. For Spring 2010, H&M teams up with Sonia Rykiel.
LADY MCQUEEN?
Lady GaGa is about to take the world by storm and she could get some help from fashion designer Alexander McQueen. He could contribute designs for GaGa’s world tour. We know the two work well together, McQueen closed his Spring/Summer 2010 show with her new hit single “Bad Romance.” In the music video, Lady GaGa proves why she received the ACE Stylemaker Award in October. Many McQueen pieces are represented, including those sinsiter platforms from the show.
See for yourself: “Bad Romance”.
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