Fashion Show 3 Art

With TV shows like “Top Model” and internationally televised events like the “Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show” scorching up the rating charts these days, it seems like every young girl’s dream is to become a fashion model. And why not? After all, if you believe the hype then no job is as glamorous as that of an international model.

If you believe the hype then you think those girls in the magazines are living the high cheek-boned high life, globetrotting from one city to the next, dating celebrities, and getting paid tons of money to boot. If you believe the hype then you think it’s a life of glitz and free champagne.

It’s not.

In fact it’s a life of smoke and mirrors. Reality is most models are not rich… they’re more likely to be close to broke and up to their gorgeous eyeballs in debt (mostly to their agencies who pay for industry expenses such as travel and test photographs). They do get to travel a lot, but it’s usually in cattle class, not private jets.

And forget about living in an expensive mansion, most girls sleep in creaky bunk beds in overcrowded “models apartments” (think 2 bedrooms, 10 girls, 5 different languages, and several roommates with dubious concepts of hygiene). Don’t get me wrong, there are a few models who actually live the stereotypical life of glamour; about 1% of the girls out there do make tons of cash trotting around the world. But even they work their ridiculously good-looking butts off.

In general there is a shocking divide between the images conveyed in the magazines and the real life of models. The average fashion model living in New York City makes little money, spends her days being scrutinized and rejected by people significantly uglier than she, being ordered around by uneducated, cold-blooded morons who tell them to lose weight that doesn’t exist, and hit on by every photo assistant, banker, and homeless guy in town. After a few hours at the models’ apartment listening to the whines and yelps of her teenage roommates, she is then shuffled off by promoters to some “cool” nightclub, fed gallons of free alcohol, and hit on some more.

After a few months of this she is punted to another bunk bed in a strange, foreign market such as Taiwan or Athens, where she is scrutinized, ordered to lose more weight, and hit on by more foreign assistants, bankers, and homeless guys.
Now I’m not saying that modeling doesn’t have its perks.

And it goes without saying that some girls successfully use the profession as a stepping-stone to acting, college, and other pursuits. But the hard truth is that the world of modeling is an obstacle course of drug use, alcoholism, insecurity, eating disorders, and distorted values that very few girls are able to navigate successfully. Does it really pay to be beautiful?

Victoria Beckham has graduated from pop star, to fashion icon, to true designer. Her last few collections have been well received by celebrities and fashionistas alike and her designs seem to be going from strength to strength. This year, her Spring/Summer 2011 collection is feminine and striking with lots of beautiful figure hugging designs. Here’s what Mrs Beckham had to show the fash pack at New York Fashion Week.

Colour

Often seen in blacks and greys, Victoria Beckham went against type and opted for some bright and juicy citrus colours. Block colour mandarin dresses were showcased alongside deep and sumptuous purples, as well as bright yellow. Monochrome was also a key colour combination, with several completely white dresses, as well as black dresses, and dresses which incorporated both black and white. Different shades of pink were seen throughout the collection, from dusky pinks, to nudes, to deeper brownish shades. Shiny metallics were also a key part of the collection with the models wearing dresses in silver, shimmering blue and steel.

Style

Victoria’s show at New York Fashion week was full of feminine and sleek dresses. Her ladylike designs included sleeveless dresses with a belted waist and puff ball skirt. The collection boasted a new take on the shift dress which featured contrasting top and bottom colours that met in the middle in an arching curve. There were also long and stunning floor length dresses, some of which had a simple slash neck whilst others had a plunging neckline and a thigh high slit.

Spaghetti strap dresses with simple knee length designs were featured in shimmering materials, whilst studs were used to add interest to some of the shift dresses. The prom dress was showcased to great effect, with a beautiful heart shaped bodice and full skirt with simple striped detail. There were also dresses in a Grecian style which featured loose flowing material that was gathered over one shoulder and then hung down in folds.

Accessories

The models wore gold pointed court shoes with some these shoes including an ankle strap. The accessories were minimal; however, some of the models were sporting round retro looking dark sunglasses. The handbags on show included under the arm clasp bags as well as larger bags with straps and handles. The bags were smart and structured with crocodile texture as well as suede and leather finishes.

The Spring/Summer collection Victoria Beckham unveiled at New York Fashion Week was sleek and stylish. The crisp lines and minimal detailing made the collection distinctive yet very wearable. Her bold choice of bright colours ensure the collection is ideal for the warmer spring and summer months, whilst the monochrome pieces looked smart making them perfect for office wear. Her evening gowns were minimal yet luxurious, with beautiful swathes of sumptuous material. Victoria Beckham’s latest collection shows her to be a grown-up designer with a distinctive style which celebrates the feminine shape whilst avoiding anything twee of fussy.