Model Watch Monday: The Girl with The Blonde Eyebrows

Meet Alyona Subbotina, the intriguingly awkward beauty that is captivating the industry with her intense eyes and je ne sais quoi attributes. Currently she has been based in Singapore (but originally comes from Kazahkstan) where she was working on building her book. How lucky are the photographers who get to test with her?

It might be hard to believe that she hasn't worked in any major markets, I am quite sure that her looks will make that happen in the near futures as she has now found herself in Paris. Her book has already gathered quite the key images any model needs to "make it" in the industry. Becoming the Muse of two top stylists in Singapore, Johnny Khoo and Jeremy Tan definitely was a plus. 

I have high hopes for this one as she looks completely different in every photo. The key in my mind to a top model is the ability to be a chameleon and Alyona's got it. Can't wait to see what will be in store with the rise of this newbie. 

xx-R

Check out more images of Alyona behind the jump. 

Karolina Kurkova: Versatile. Who Knew?

Karolina Kurkova is known for being a very sexy, Victoria's Secret model. She is a Czech, blonde bombshell with a 5'11" rockin' bod. She has walked the runway in the famous Victoria's Secret Fashion Show as a knockout angel and after having a baby in 2009, she returned to the lingerie powerhouse shortly after to grace the pages of the catalogue. Now, with a completely different look, you can see her in the latest editions of any fashion magazine as a model for Max Mara.

Though I have rarely seen Kurkova in any other campaigns, she has been in Ralph Lauren, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, Oscar De La Renta, Dior and Celine campaigns. Needless to say, this is the most artful look I have ever seen on her. She looks highly sophisticated and sharp. Her features appear precise.

Many models always look the same in every photo and with certain models, you don't notice because they are so stunning. Karolina Kurkova is that type of model. Her look for this campaign is unlike her typical sexy and gorgeous look, and it threw me off a little bit. I needed to take a second and take it in because I wasn't sure if it really was her. Then I noticed it was, and I was stunned. I thought, "Wow. This model really is versatile." That right there proves that she deserves her "Supermodel" status.

Text Alexandra Faye

Gaga's New Fragrance

Since coming on the scene Lady Gaga has been nothing short of a buzz word in the fashion industry, to put it lightly, and she’s done it yet again. In the last few days many of the major fashion blogs and newspaper sources reported a new fragrance in the works for Gaga; no news yet on WHEN the fragrance will be coming out, but the one thing we do know is WHAT it will smell like. Apparently the scents she’s going for are blood and…uhhh…semen? No, no…no need to reread that, you read it correctly the first time—blood and semen.

Ok first of all, I think it’s almost a little sad how un-shocked I was by hearing this. Yes, surprised to hear it the first time, but when Lady Gaga’s name is connected to anything, are you notalready bracing yourself for impact?

Secondly, although I’m sure all those “little monsters” will be running out to support their mama monster and support their no pants wearing community, I’m wondering how well this will really sell. I mean i’m sure the backers knew they were signing up for something off the wall, but how many people are really going to walk out the door smelling like a binged-out vampire with some sort of bird’s nest sex hair?

Thoughts?

Text Corinna Fabre

Junya Watanabe Fall 2011

I recently got in a debate with some of my friends that men’s fashion is much easier to navigate then women’s fashion: there’s much less silhouette to think about, less facets of a man’s physique, less styles to choose from, less trends as well….but I have to say, I am really enjoying where men’s fashion is heading right now.

On both the men’s and women’s runways this season and last we have seen a return to modestly featuring longer hemlines, more tailored looks, and all together a more pulled together fashion. When asked what is the most important thing about a guys look to me? I CAN NOT handle baggy pants; the four second moment it had is so far gone the dust it left in its tracks have settled. Maybe that’s why I love this more tailored, respectable look so much. That’s not to say there can’t be an edge to it, but I hate to tell you guys, butt crack is NOT an accessory.

That being said, one of my favorite shows to come out this season for men has been Junya Wantanabe who’s looks for men this season were equal parts nerdy school boy and cleaned up street punk. I loved the prints in the men’s sweaters and their stripes and paneled pockets (a definite edge). Over all, there was no a look in the show that I wouldn’t have pulled out and put on my (imaginary) boyfriend! Yay for the return of the well dressed gentleman!

Text Corinna Fabre

The Oversized Watch

Turn on any Rachel Zoe episode or blog stalk for twenty minutes and you'll notice one leit motif that cannot be escaped: the oversized watch! A turn for the traditional has shown up in the fashion world as of late with tailored slacks and structured bags making an appearance on both the runway and the sidewalk. Though the oversized watch re-appeared a couple years ago with the Michael Kors and Rachel Zoe fashion and style houses but now they're catching on with the average fashionista.

If you're going to invest in a time piece there are two rules:

1) Go for both a gold or silver band and a leather piece
2) Go BIG or go home! Don't grab a puny feminine piece. Shop the men's department and have a link taken out if you need to! Make sure the wrist fits nicely and the watch face is extra large.

Text Hannah Morris

Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2011

As much as I stay up night in anticipation of runway shows, practically salivating on my keyboard while flipping through pictures from the days shows, to me, there is always one that trumps them all; the one that you sit in pure anxiousness at your computer, hitting the refresh button again and again until the pictures and video are uploaded…Alexander McQueen, did I even really need to say it?

The day the genius McQueen died was a dark day in my life, I mourned (I think everyone still is), so when they announced his successor I was a bit surprised anyone would even attempt to fill the colossal shoes they would need to fill. This season was the first that Sarah Burton’s first to step out on her own and show what she could do with the McQueen name.

The line featured a lot of heavy colors (reds, blacks, navy), as well as pretty heavy fabric choices, gold accents, and a leather half corset noticeably used throughout the show. The styling was very old-school sailor inspired with a heavy handed opulence that has been so prominent throughout the McQueen history.

The pieces were beautifully crafted and well put together, but to be honest…I was a little underwhelmed. To me it was missing a lot of the story and fairytale nature we have come so accustomed to seeing and I felt like a lot of the prints (especially the ink-blot like one) were so similar to past collections, with nearly the same silhouette, that it lacked an awe factor to me. All in all, still beautiful? Yes. McQueen? To me, not so much.

Text Corinna Fabre

Concert Wear

She circles the audience once, she circles them twice, flipping her hair at intervals and graciously heeding the traffic of concert-goers so as to ensure more stage time. She's obviously got the concert-prowling role on lock, but as her dress fits her like a metallic green sausage casing her efforts might just be fruitless!

With the announcement of Coachella's line-up and the onslaught of festival season nearing us, we should all begin thinking about what we'll wear! I'm all for comfort when it means wiggling for hours whether you're indoors or in the blazing sun, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice fashion! Let's talk about some standards and how to avoid festival faux pas!

Tis the Season for Romance

Valentine's Day is coming soon! This is so exciting because of the color scheme, the decorations and the hearts everywhere. Their seems to be a problem, however, because not too many magazines are advertising that Valentine's Day is in February. The holiday may be mentioned, but there aren't cute ads with romance, pink and red dresses, and beautiful flowers all over the place. Almost every year, there are ads and photo spreads like this, but they seem to be nowhere this year. I am completely disappointed about this because February is my favorite month for magazines. I LIVE for those ads and photo shoots. Therefore, I decided to look to Town and Country Weddings for the beautiful dresses and romantic photos. To anyone who has this same love as I do, check out this magazines, as well as any other type of bridal magazine. They are gorgeous. This dress, especially, by Romona Keveza, is absolutely delightful! Enjoy!

Text Alexandra Faye

Tattoos On Models

The other day, I was looking through Vera Wang's runway collection photographs for my other post, and I stumbled along one photo with a girl who had tattoos on her arms. I found this very interesting. I wondered if Vera chose this model on purpose. The most obvious tattoo says "Redemption". I wonder if this means something. Also, I wonder if models are turned down because of the tattoos they have on their bodies. Although, I have heard that if a casting director likes a model enough, they will simply airbrush the tattoo or cover it up through digital re-imaging. My friend was recently chosen to be a model for Hollister and he has a large tattoo over his rib cage area. He was afraid he wouldn't be chosen because of this, but he was told the tattoo would not be a factor if the casting agent thought his look was right for the job. The main reason I chose this topic was because I have never noticed a model with a tattoo before.

You tell me your thoughts!

Text Alexandra Faye

Spring 2011 Collections

So I don't know about you, but I am getting super excited about the new collections coming out for Spring. I am especially excited for designers such as Michael Kors and Vera Wang because I know they will have exquisite pieces. Check out Vera Wang's Spring 2011 collection from her latest runway show. With the silk eggplants and the soft pinks and blacks, grays, metallic grays and whites, I couldn't help but blush. I can't wait to see more beautiful pieces for the season.

Text Alexandra Faye

Cubs: The New Stars in Fashion

Take out your latest January cover of Harper's Bazaar and look in almost every fashion magazine you own for the current Bvlgari ad campaign and what do you see? Little cubs. Lion cubs and jaguar cubs... nestled in the arms of model, Lily Donaldson and actress, Julianne Moore. I wonder if this will be a new trend.

Ironically, about the Bvlgari ad is that the billboard was banned in Venice, Italy because of Julianne Moore's nudity. The photo was named "too racy and inappropriate" according to The Huffington Post.

Cubs are cute! And you can barely see her body! I find the concept artistic and beautiful, especially because of her pale skin against the colors around her. I see nothing wrong with this. Of course I was thrown off at first, but these ads stand out. They do not blend in with other brands.

Text Alexandra Faye

Zac Posen Pre Fall

It happens to everyone, a song pops in your head from many moons ago and all of a sudden it’s all you can listen to over and over and over. All of a sudden it’s not just a blast from the past, but the new theme song to your life; for me this time around it’s Fiona Apple’s “Criminal”. Listening to it for the 9,546,231th time while perusing the new Pre-Fall lines and…EUREKA, the perfect combination. Ok to be more specific I have to let you a little farther into my twisted mind…there is one line in her song in particular that I both want to encapsulate and find funny: it’s a sad, sad world when a girl will break a boy just because she can”. LOVE IT.

To me, Zac Posen’s line embodies the line (well really the whole song), so perfectly. It such a fascinating mix of deep colors and tough feeling silhouettes and sexy, feminine lines. Every dress drapes over the skin of the models in such an alluring way that even just looking through the lookbook pictures you can’t help but feel…if only I could wear something like that, I could take on the world in that dress. Even the furs he plays with are done with such luscious and luxurious colors that they scream coquette.

As a final note, it has to be said that while all the girls he chose for the lookbook did a wonderful job, I thought Hilary Rhoda REALLY killed it.

Text Corinna Fabre

A Fashion Fête

Stylist Rachel Zoe in her own closet.

For those of us still chugging away at college degrees, "back to school" time doesn't have the same allure it used to. If I have to drag my ass to class I at least want to look put-together, but this year particularly frigid temperatures have got me worried...Will I start the new year with a glamorous bang or fall into an Ugg-filled slump?

The remedy for such a pickle: a wardrobe party! Grab your best girlfriends (or guys!), a bottle of wine, and some good lighting, and host a little party of sorts to plan your outfits for the next week. Have your friends provide input on possible pieces, and model each out-fit (with accessories) for them. Then, hang up the outfits in a special spot in your closet and you're ready for the week! Reserve, of course, creative license to mix things up later in the week depending on what inspires you!

Now, I haven't ever had the foresight to pick out my clothing more than a day in advance (and that was a huge feat) but I know people who have and they say it makes mornings so much more delightful! More time for my coffee and grapefruit? I'm there!

Text Hannah Morris

Tory Burch Pre-Fall 2011

This years pre-fall lineup has proven to be nothing short of divine, but the season's standout is definitely Tory Burch. Burch has come a long way from her signature embellished flats for fall with gloriously mis-matchy, boho get-ups. Some of the gems of the collection include a 70's wallpapery floor length frock and great fur collared coat reminiscent of Margot Tennenbaum.

There's a different, less polished air to Tory Burch's new collection and according to an interview on Style.com, Burch described her line as "a little Parisian Chic". I love the solid, bright, block prints of Burch's past but the new toned down patterns are a welcome change. The best part? How easy it will be to integrate a piece into my closet!

Text Hannah Morris

Helmut Lang Pre-Fall

Helmut Lang is hands down one of my favorite designers ever, and this Pre-Fall season is no exception. His lines always encapsulate everything I wanted to be: edgy, androgynous, street-chic. The kind of girl you don’t want to mess with, but looks too cool not to talk to. His designs this season feature a lot of the same elements we have seen in the past, because really Helmut Lang wouldn’t be Helmut Lang without a strong dose of leather.

However, flipping through this pictures this season the line features a nice amount of beautiful draping, which gives a nice softness to the otherwise structured collection. Also, the colors, ranging from a wonderful soft gray to a warm semi-terra cotta brown, are a really great palette to transition between winter and spring. Really, these clothes speak so well for themselves they need very little accessorizing; that would be a kin to telling Picasso he needed a little glitter…sure to get you nothing but tossed in an asylum. My favorite part about the designs? Whether present or past collections, the story line stays close enough to the heart that they can be mixed and matched seamlessly.

Text Corinna Fabre

Duck Boots

Imagine: you're throwing the biggest party of the season. You have your outfit sorted and hair ready to go...then, what's that noise? RAIN? The first thought (sadly) that comes to mind is the state of our shoes - you don't want your heels covered in mud nor have soaked feet from the downpour. Well ladies, there is a solution. The duck boot. While the name may crack a smile, the only person laughing at the end of the night is you and your fashionably dry feet. The half heel, half rain boot is a new trend noticed on celebrities such as Olivia Palermo and Christina Aguilera who are staying dry while looking great on and off the red carpet. When Tommy Hilfiger introduced us to the duck boot in his Fall 2010 RTW, his peppy footwear looked fabulous with leggings and bright colors such as solid reds or camels. Made with suede, rubber, and leather laces, Hilfiger's boots go for $298, but many retailers are selling them at reasonable prices such as Lesportsac, $98. So go ahead, jump in the puddles, with your adorable duck boots - you will no longer want to sing the rain away.

Text Jessica Moy

"Pink Wig, Thick Ass, Give "Em Whiplash"

I change fashion icons like I change my underwear; with the rising and falling of the sun my picture perfect model may range anywhere from punky street wear the likes of Brody Dalle, to the soft and haute styling of Sarah Jessica Parker. One person, however, I’m obsessed with is Nicki Minaj…and I mean obsessed. Each time I see her I fall a little more in love with her outlandish personality and wild clothes and hair. To me she is all the shock and awe of Lady Gaga without the pretentious showboating that comes with a lot of Gaga’s looks (hey, just one girls opinion).