Archive for the 'Marketing Moguls' Category

Industry Updates

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

Yesterday, Love Magazine tweeted this photo of model Agyness Deyn sporting a much, much shorter ‘do.  Her GI Jane inspired buzz actually looks pretty cute on her, maybe the fact that she is a model has something to do with her ability to look hot with a buzz!

Agyness Deyn, Love Magazine

Now Hollywood’s elite toddlers like Suri Cruise, Kingston Rosdale, and the Jolie-Pitts can add another fashion label to their closets. Gucci has plans to launch a kids line this June. The kids collection will first debut in Italy, and eventually make its way into 40 other retail stores worldwide.

Several dresses and outfits owned by the late Princess Diana will be up for auction in London this June. Of the more desirable items up for auction is a black taffetta Emanuel dress which Diana wore at the age of 19 when she made her first official appearance with her then fiance, Prince Charles. And experts are estimating that dress alone might go for over £50,000! Also up for auction is that famous chiffon blouse Diana wore for her engagement photo, estimated to bring in about £15,000, along with sketches of her wedding dress. Even that famous black dress she wore to a charity ball at Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City back in 1981 is going on sale. The items are being sold by designers David and Elizabeth Emanuel, who often created couture pieces for the Princess.

Pixie Geldof, Peaches’ little sister, landed a modeling gig for Henry Holland’s new H! Collection for British retailer Debenhams.  Apparently she and Henry are close friends and the designer dubbed the 19 year old his muse for the collection, which he hopes will “increase accessibility to my designs and create a high-fashion yet wearable range with widespread appeal”.

pixie geldof

It appears as though the economy and fashion retailers are starting to make their comeback. Louis Vuitton is reporting an 11% increase in total sales in the first quarter. They also boast sales were up 10% in fashion, 12% in cosmetics, 20% in booze and 34% in jewelry.

For most women, there’s nothing better than the pairing of food and shopping.  Ralph Lauren has announced that he will be opening a sprawling 13,000 square foot new store in Paris, which will also be the unveiling of his new restaurant simply titled Ralph’s.

Rocker chic model Alice Dellal, is putting her musical talents to work by forming an all-girl rock group.  The band, which is called Thrush Metal, includes fellow models Emma Chitty and Laura Fraser as well as Isabella Ramsey, niece to Earl of Dalhouise. Thrush Metal is keeping their music gigs very hush hush, which means one of two things: they suck or they’re so good they don’t want to blow the world’s minds just yet… stay tuned!

Alice Dellal

Women are known to spend a lot of time shopping, but did you know the average woman spends nearly THREE years of their lives shopping?? According to new research by OnePoll, women spend over 25,000 hours shopping for clothes, food, accessories and household goods. On average, women were found to make about 300 shopping trips. Even window shopping takes up time with an estimate of 51 trips being made without purchasing anything.

The fashion world was buzzing when it was discovered that the guidettes of Jersey Shore were shooting a spread for Harper’s Bazaar. And now, it’s finally here! In the May issue, Snooki, Jwoww and Sammi looked pretty darn good, especially for them and their usual dreadful Jersey Shore attire.

Jersey Shore, Harper's Bazaar

The Latest Fashion Gossip

Monday, April 5th, 2010

Kimora Lee Simmons appears in her new fragrance ad for Baby Phat’s latest cheap fragrance titled Dare Me and it appears as though she had her ad retouched! Instead of beginning with prestige distribution like her past fragrances, this will go straight to mass-market vendors, like Walgreens, Target, and Kohl’s. Prices range from $12 for a travel-size bottle to $28 for a full ounce.

Kimora Lee Simmons

Karl Lagerfeld is featured on a limited edition Coca-Cola Light bottle and he’s getting his favorite models Coco Rocha and Baptiste Giacobini to pose in the ads for the beverage.  French retailer Colette is selling the moderately priced $5 bottle of Coca Cola Light that features the Chanel icon’s silhouette. The high fashion bottle comes in a limited edition box that includes a bottle-opener that is hidden in a secret compartment.

Coco Roca & Baptiste Giacobini

Rock & Republic announced that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The privately held company expects to continue day-to-day operations and plans to refocus on its shoe and core apparel businesses.  Although this may be sad news, the label hasn’t been the picture of financial health for months. It canceled its fall 2010 Fashion Week show and ended distribution of its makeup line.

May 2010 issue of Harper’s Bazaar Australia features Lily Allen on the cover.  The unique cover features a sketch of the music artist by artist David Bromley and the artwork looks great. The sketch is a unique and beautiful idea for a cover if you ask us.

Lily Allen in Harper's

Target is launching a New York pop-up shop April 15 for its Zac Posen collaboration more than a week before the line hits stores nationwide, on April 25th. The Zac Posen preview will only be open for 24 hours with garments ranging from 16.99-199.99.  Check out Posen’s chic line here.

Zac Posen for Target

Black Sweater dress is $49.99 & Brocade Tie Dress in Floral Print - $74.99

Remember Daniel Vosovic from Project Runway season 2?  The ex-Project Runway contestant who first appeared on the show during its second season and also won the All-star show last year enjoyed good reviews for his first solo Fashion Week show in New York this February.

Daniel Vosovic Daniel Vosovic

Colcci has released Gisele Bundchen’s first photo shoot post baby Benjamin.  The 2010 Fall/Winter campaign features Bundchen looking phenomenal for just having a baby only 3 months ago.  Although she looks great, she also looks tired in many of the photos.

Gisele Bundchen

Model Behavior

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Lisa Marie Presley’s model daughter and granddaughter of Elvis Presley, Riley Keough is in the latest issue of Dazed & Confused looking beautiful. The 20 year old rocks her editorial, check out some of her hottest shots below.

Riley Keough: Dazed & Confused Riley Keough: Dazed & Confused

Tom Ford has been looking to build his highly anticipated women’s wear team. And now it looks like he’s found two recruits to join his staff.  Rumor has it that Ford has contacted Caroline Tixier, a ready-to-wear designer for Givenchy and Pablo Coppola who designs accessories at Alexander McQueen.

After Lindsay Lohan practically destroyed the label with those heart shaped pasties and other classless designs, fashion lable Ungaro is looking for investors to get them out of their $25 million+ debt. The label has already been slashing expenses, by closing their Madison Avenue store, but that wasn’t enough to help their finances.

Restaurateur Barton G. Weiss has transformed the late Gianni Versace’s Miami beachfront mansion into a hotel. The Villa by Barton G is a 10 room hotel, where Gianni was killed back in 1997 and will cost at least $2,100 per night.

The Villa by Barton G The Villa by Barton G

The Villa by Barton G The Villa by Barton G

Vogue Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour and designer Michael Kors were on the list of speakers at the 13th Annual Public Forum presented by the Harris Center at Massachusetts General Hospital held at the Harvard Business School.  Entitled “Health Matters: Weight and Wellness in the World of Fashion,” the forum addressed the actions being taken to reduce weight issues and eating disorders in models.  Wintour specifically brought up the positive strides the industry has been making to ensure models’ health which include setting minimum age requirements, banning booze and tobacco backstage during fashion shows and reducing hours for younger models.  Some talking points include “We are all responsible for the models’ health,” she declared in her speech. And Michael Kors further addressed the age issue in models by promising not to use models under the age of 16 in his own shows.  Another speaker included Russian supermodel Natalia Vodianova who spoke up as a model herself and dealing with anorexia, making the very sad and honest statement: “It is very hard to have a feeling of stability. Anorexia is sometimes the only form of control these girls have.“ However, the forum ended on a positive and hopeful note as Vodianova stated,
“It’s in fashion now to be healthy.”

Brooklyn Decker isn’t the only SI model landing lingerie gigs, former Sports Illustrated cover girl Bar Refaeli is the latest SI babe to shed her clothes for Passionata lingerie’s Autumn/Winter campaign.

Refaeli: Passionata

It has been announced that Alexander McQueen will find his final resting place on the Isle of Skye, where his ashes will be scattered in the upcoming weeks.  Even though the designer was born in London, his brother Michael said “he felt at home when he was in Scotland.” The Isle of Skye is also where his father Ronald was born, which is where he and his five siblings will travel to fulfill the designers wishes.

Dave Franco, a younger and even more attractive version of his big brother James Franco, is posing pretty in Death + Taxes magazine.  Check out this gorgeous up and coming model!

Franco, Death + Taxes magazine Franco, Death + Taxes magazine

People’s Revolution publicist Kelly Cutrone can now add best selling author to her resume because her book If You Have To Cry, Go Outside is currently holding the #21 spot on the New York Times bestseller list.

Plus size model Tara Lynn graces the pages of French Elle magazine and she looks stunning in her spread.  It is a nice and refreshing reminder that beauty comes in ALL shapes and sizes.

Tara Lynn: French Elle Tara Lynn: French Elle

Latest Fashion Industry Updates

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Poor Agyness! Beautiful runway model Agyness Deyn took a tumble on the runway at Naomi Campbell’s fashion show for Haiti. While walking the runway for Naomi Campbell’s charity fashion show, model Agyness Deyn fell not once, but twice! However being the professional model that she is, Agyness managed to shake off her fall and take it in stride.  As you can see, even the best models in the business make mistakes on the runway.

A young and sexy looking Kate Moss poses in her new ads for Longchamp. After 20 years in the modeling business, Kate Moss proves she still has what it takes to be a supermodel.

Tuesday, February 9thBrazil celebrated Dia Nacional da Roupa de Baixo or National Underwear Day. Brazilian fashion mag Finissimo celebrated what they declared as the day dedicated to underwear. And from the pictures, it is no mystery why there are so many beautiful Brazilians on the runway, it appears as though everyone in Brazil is GOREGOUS!

images courtesy of Gustavo Froner, courtesy of Finíssimo

New developments have been announced in the death of beloved British fashion designer Alexander McQueen.  News out of London states that just a day before the funeral for his mother Joyce was to take place, Alexander McQueen took his life by hanging himself in his London flat. Those that were close to McQueen have said he wasn’t coping well with the death of his mother and the 10 days following her death he had locked himself away.  During this time, it is believed that McQueen spiraled into a deep and dark depression.

Last Thursday night, celebrities took the runway in New York for The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection 2010 Fashion Show in support of heart disease. Heidi Klum was there to support the cause and looked absolutely beautiful on the runway as usual.  Klum work a sexy gown designed by John Galliano.  Kim Kardashian also took to the runway in a Marchesa grown, an anomaly for this print model. Kimora Lee Simmons also made an appearance on the runway for charity, donning a dress she designed from her soon to be launched collection titled Kouture by Kimora.  Simmons’ appearance at the event leaves us wondering if she will be making a comeback in the modeling industry.

As we have previously heard, Vera Wang will be lending her creative talents to create skating costumes for the Winter Olympics.  On Tuesday, male figure skater, Evan Lysacek, wore one of Wang’s looks she designed for him. Lysacek recently revealed that he will be donning 5 total looks designed by Wang in Vancouver.

Kate Moss and her rocker fiance Jamie Hence announced that they are working on a play based on a model’s crazy drug infested life. A source blabs: “Jamie is addicted to playwriting and is always jotting down scenes. He mentioned the idea to Kate, based around the lives of her and her friends, and Kate leapt at the chance to get involved.”  However, others in the business worry that the play may reveal intimate details of the business that may upset others.

Kelly Osbourne spent last week modeling during New York Fashion Week in both Betsey Johnson’s show and in Naomi Campbells charity runway show. Betsey Johnson decided to give the lovely Kelly Osbourne a mustache while she walked the runway during her fashion show this weekend.  We aren’t so sure what the mustache is supposed to represent, but we like Kelly’s fierce facial expression.

Stefan Gosatti, Getty Images

Dakota Fanning is growing up.  The soon to be 16 year old posed for a spread in the latest issue of Vogue Italia looking like a high-fashion model, complete with painted-on eyebrows!

Founder of Top Modeling Agency Passes

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Nina Blanchard, the founder of an internationally known Hollywood-modeling agency whose roster included Cheryl Tiegs, Christie Brinkley, Shari Belafonte, Rene Russo, Cristina Ferrare and Catherine Oxenberg, has died.  Blanchard died of cardiac arrest last week at the age of 81.  She was a onetime TV makeup artist, casting director, and modeling school executive director.  Blanchard started the Nina Blanchard Agency in 1961 on her own, booking talent for television commercials, print advertising, and runway modeling.  Her agency was described in the Los Angeles Times in the mid-80s as “the best-known and richest of its kind outside Manhattan.”  Eileen Ford, a close friend and founder of Ford Models, shares a similar sentiment stating, “There’s no question she was the best agent in California.”  Moreover, Shari Belafonte, daughter of singer Harry Belafonte, said Blanchard “was driven and she was tenacious, she was a force to be reckoned with.”  In 1995, Blanchard co-authored “The Look”, a tell-all novel about the modeling business.  Also that same year, Blanchard sold her agency to Ford Models and has remained a quiet contributor to the fashion and modeling industry ever since.

Nina Blanchard

Fashion Icon Dies: Alexander McQueen

Thursday, February 11th, 2010
McQueen in Design Studio

McQueen in Design Studio

Thursday, February 11, 2010 Alexander McQueen was found died in his home in London, England; although the police did not directly comment on the death, the case is not being treated as a criminal act - according to The Associated Press. Mr. McQueen was an English fashion designer that accomplished many things is the fashion industry, including being one of the youngest designers to achieve the title “British Designer of the Year,” which he received in 1996 and three more times by 2003. During his time as a designer he was the head designer for Givenchy, held a partnership with the Gucci Group and designed for many other brands, including Puma.

“McQueen influenced a whole generation of designers. His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs,” said Alexandra Shulman, the editor of British Vogue. “At one level he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashions shows that mixed design, technology and performance and on another he was a modern day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over.”

In the weeks to come Mr. McQueen was set to premier his new collection at the Paris Fashion Week.

Lady Gaga Fashion Revolution

Monday, February 8th, 2010

More often than not Lady Gaga is on the worst dressed list or is under media scrutiny for her fashion choices.  Despite the many critiques Gaga receives for her fashion choices, many praise her for her bold fashion statements. No matter how often Lady Gaga lands herself on “worst dressed” lists or is scrutinized for her fashion choices, she continues to fearlessly strut her fashion risks.  In fact, many designers such as Armani are even vying to create one of-a-kind looks for the pop star.   Lady Gaga definitely appears to be leaving quite the impression on the fashion industry, as we have seen from the latest Spring 2010 runway shows.  It appears as though the singer’s fashion trends are even influencing some of the world’s greatest fashion powerhouses.

Lady Gaga’s New York Fashion Week Body Suite

Chanel Mimics Gaga’s Hair on the Paris Runway

Armani likes Lady Gaga’s Bubbly Dress

Is Valentino inspired by this Lady Gaga Zoro-like ensemble?

Yves St. Laurent Borrows Lady Gaga’s Edgy Leather Look

What’s Going On In Fashion Today

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Juicy Couture founders Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy are stepping down from their label after 7 years, but are expected to stick around as creative consultants.

Photo courtesy of New York Fashion Magazine

Photo courtesy of New York Fashion Magazine

Versace is cutting 25% of their workforce in an effort to break even by 2011.  This means they will be shutting down both their US press offices and accessories factory in Milan.

Photo courtesy of New York Fashion Magazine

Photo courtesy of New York Fashion Magazine

Nicole Richie models her own yet-to-be released line titled Winter Kate in the UK’s upcoming March issue of Marie Claire.

Photo courtesy of Marie Claire Magazine

Photo courtesy of Marie Claire Magazine

Kate Moss goes GRAY! At the launch of her Longchamp handbag collection, aging supermodel Kate Moss debuted a new do complete with gray hairs.

Photo courtesy of Stylist.com

Photo courtesy of Stylist.com

Dior Does Haute Couture: Equestrian-Style. John Galliano traded in his usual skin baring fashion with a more covered look this time around. The models pranced down the runway wearing Victorian inspired equestrian fashions, and appropriately accessorized with veiled top hats and horse whips.

Photo Courtesy of Associated Press

Photo courtesy of Associated Press

Photo courtesy of Associated Press

Tyra Banks launches new season of America’s Next Top Model.  However, this season there is a catch… Tyra is looking for plus size models between 13 - 19 years of age, standing who are 5′9″ to 6′1″, and wear size 12 and up.

Photo courtesy of tyrabanks.com

Photo courtesy of tyrabanks.com

John Galliano gives men some unexpected shape during his menswear fashion show in Paris. John Galliano dressed his chiseled models up in some old fashioned corsets and shape wear.

Photo courtesy of fashionheroines.blogspot.com

Photos courtesy of fashionheroines.blogspot.com

Photos courtesy of fashionheroines.blogspot.com

Kelly Cutrone has her own TV show on Bravo and book. Fashion PR giant and The City’s resident biotch Kelly Cutrone is coming out with her book If You Have to Cry Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You.

Cindy Crawford is still looking gorgeous at 43 years old with 25 years of modeling under her belt.  She appears in the latest issue of Harpar’s Bazaar UK looking ageless.  And with two children, Cindy still has a stunning figure, further proving how she earned her Supermodel title.

Photo courtesy of Harpar’s Bazaar UK

Photo courtesy of Harpar's Bazaar UK

Photo courtesy of Harpar's Bazaar UK

Rising Star: Jakob Wiechmann

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Twenty-year-old, Jakob Wiechmann has broken out in the fashion industry with much ease. This rising star has managed to catch the eye of designers, editors, and spectators, alike. After making his first appearance at the Givenchy spring show in July 2008, Jakob has managed to find great success. In the same month, Jakob found himself being featured in Vmagazine.com, as the newcomer to the industry.

Jakob (left) backstage at Givenchy 2009 Spring Show

In the past year, young Mr. Wiechmann has partaken in ad campaigns, such as Trussardi and Lacoste; magazines, such as Dazed & Confused and AnOther Man; and even became the face of Givenchy.

Jakob Wiechmann Dazed & Confused Magazine

Now in 2010, Jakob is featured on the spring cover of German L’Officiel Hommes, which is photographed by Jens Schmidt. For Jakob Wiechmann the future looks very bright, although he has told the press that he plans to take part of the year off to continue his schooling.

Dan Aykroyd and PIA models promote Crystal Head Vodka

Monday, November 30th, 2009

On November 20 & 21, 2009 Dan Aykroyd was in Denver, CO to promote his new ultra premium vodka line labeled Crystal Head Vodka. The Premier Image models were called upon to assist in the event and helped Dan look his best! Jenny P. and Lindsay V. were the two models selected to put their best foot, whoops sorry, head forward.

The event took place at Argonaut Liquors, the Oak Tavern and Applejack Liquors all of which are located in and around Denver, CO. The event was highly promoted and drew a crowd of thousands throughout the duration. Jenny P. and Lindsay V. did a great job in not only representing Crystal Head Vodka but also shined bright for Premier Image Agency!

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Dan Aykroyd poses with the PIA ladies and Crystal Skull Vodka

Crystal Head Vodka is uniquely distilled and it also has a unique story of why and what the branding is all about.

Thousands of years ago, thirteen crystal heads were scattered across the earth - and they are greater and more powerful than anything we have the ability to manufacture today. Their workmanship is perfect: they contain no tool marks and have been cut against the natural axis of the crystal, defying the laws of physics. Some say they are artifacts from the lost civilization of Atlantis, some say they date back to the Mayans, still others say they were created by a higher intelligence.

Brought together, the Crystal Heads are said to contain vast knowledge and enlightenment capable of unlocking our most enigmatic ancient mysteries. Alone, each is believed to house radiant psychic energy, which has magical powers and healing properties.

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Dan Aykroyd always gracious with his fans