Discover How to Become Rich, Famous & Successful With a Modeling Career

The road to becoming rich, famous and successful in modeling is not for everyone though. In the old days you had to be extra extra skinny in order to become a rich and famous model. Today however there are far more modeling avenues that entice many looks and body types.

You may have looked at a fashion magazine and have a pretty good idea of what modeling is. To get a good look into the requirements of modeling you may want to catch an episode of Americas Next Top Model. Most of the models on the tv show are high fashion models, but you may be wanting to get into another type of modeling like plus size industry. Modeling is everywhere we go and look. Only you know what kind of model you could be but be truthful with you self.

Before you jump into pursuing a modeling career you need to make sure your are doing it for the right reasons. If not you will misguide yourself and will not make it to where you want. If you think modeling is a good way to jump start your singing or acting career you best think about it again. People with this attitude rarely make it very far in modeling. All the top modeling professionals frown upon people like this everyday. To become rich, famous and successful in a modeling career you will need to have dedication and passion.

If you are male you will need to step outside of your shell to succeed. You see more female models than you do male models. Do not let this get you down by thinking you have to display big muscles. Modeling has went through many changes since the early days. Over time new genres, styles and looks have been added with even more on the way. You just might have that new style consumers are trying to find. You just never know in our ever changing world.

To be successful in a career of modeling you will need a high level of self confidence and ambition. No matter if you are female, male or what your body type is. When you enter into modeling you will have to work extra hard to be be transformed into a popular well known face. Be careful not to get ties up with an agency that does not treat or handle their clients honestly and respectfully. Every good agency will not need you to give them money. They will earn money once you land your first modeling gig.

When you find open calls make sure you go and do not talk yourself into not going no matter what you are thinking. Just do it. You see an open call is just as good as open houses where interested models are invited to be interviewed. You need to dress in clothing that will exhibit your body type and features. You will also want to pick an outfit out that is fashionable. This is your chance to prove yourself to the representatives of the agency. You will not stand out to them if you just wear your normal everyday clothes. To become famous you have to act like your famous in order to become rich, famous and successful in modeling.

Has Bollywood/Modelling industry in India become the flesh trade centres.

It is very shocking to see & hear the incidents of young girls who aspires to be models or cine stars but instead of achieving their dreams they become the victims of those self interested persons who forces them to enter into flesh trade & rendering them with the option of either being with it or end with life or returning back to their homes with shattered dreams or to become the heroine of blue film. Bollywood as the name suggests looks very glamorous from outside but inside it is polluted and has even crossed the danger mark. Many young actors come to this dream world from far flung places to become actors without knowing the realities. They know that that becoming actors is as easy & once they reach bollywood would become actors overnight. They forget the bitter realities of this dream world. When they reach the Bollywood they are subjected to every type of hardships. The most badly affected are the females who are sexually exploited & promised to get a chance to act in films. Many such instances have come into lime light. It is hard fact that females who want to make big has to make big compromises & has even to share their bed with these so called producers & vice versa. This is true in modeling industry also. Bollywood & Modeling industry is becoming the flesh trade centers where talent has no meaning only there is value for flesh. Bollywood & Indian modeling industries has to seriously think on this subject & to take some immediate measures to stop these kinds of things to happen else these industries will be considered, as the flesh centers were the talent has no meaning & only thing, which has importance, is human body. We have to change this image & return the dignity of this huge industry back to that image which was in past. Hope the concerned persons will act on it & will come with some concrete measures to stop these types of things to happen. In the mean time our youths also has to take some precautions so that they do not fall under the trap of these vested interested persons.

Highest-Earning Supermodels of 2009 (PHOTOS)

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen makes the biggest bucks of all. Gisele has been on the top since 2006. Top of the list in 2009 was again Gisele Bundchen, pulling in an incredible $35 million.
Who are these top 10 highest-earning Supermodels of 2009? Just how much money did the world’s top Supermodels make in 2009 and why?
These top 10 Supermodels of 2009 in order of cash they raked in are: Gisele Bundchen; Heidi Klum; Kate Moss; Adriana Lima; Doutzen Kroes; Karolina Kurkova; Natalia Vodianova; Carolyn Murphy; Daria Werbowy; Miranda Kerr. Check out the details:
Of course, in order to be in the top 10 of the Supermodel’s list you have to stand, walk, scowl, wear what you’re told, and get most of your clothes off when required… but you have to be impossibly thin and beautiful too, and carry yourself with an attitude that rakes in the cash! These are the rarities of these incredible beauties. That’s why they are on the top among the fashion models and therefore called “Supermodels”

Here’s the top 10 highest-earning Supermodels of 2009
Gisele Bundchen
Top of the list is Gisele Bundchen, pulling in an incredible $35 million last year, bringing her estimated fortune to about $150 million. Standing, sitting and walking about are the skills which bring her the most cash, largely through being the ‘face’ of a host of brands over the years from Ralph Lauren to Victoria’s Secret. However, she also has a line in sandals, which is the most-sold Brazilian flip flop in the world. Gisele has also tried her hand at acting, with a small role as a catty co-worker in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’.
Heidi Klum
Next in line is Heidi Klum, an impressive businesswoman and mother of four who certainly worked hard enough for her $14 million last year. ‘The Body’ is well-paid for her clothes-horse work, but has also made her mark presenting (and executive producing) Project Runway and Germany’s Next Top Model. She has also designed a series of clothing lines, ranging from men’s clothes to shoes, jewelry and swimsuits. She has two brands of perfume, and still has time to paint and write. Oh and did I mention her acting..

Kate Moss
Kate Moss, Croydon’s favorite Supermodel is next on the list, making $7.5 million. She is more famous for her rocky not-so-private life, but she also finds time to be the face of loads of brands including Rimmel London. She has been a huge hit designing and modeling a range for Topshop. Her forays into the music world have been more of a mixed bag, with DJing, singing and appearances in music videos greeted with varying amounts of praise.



Adriana Lima
Adriana Lima, is next, earning $7 million. She is best known for her work as a Victoria’s Secret Angel which has kept the cash coming in for nine years now. She also received great reviews for playing herself in ‘Ugly Betty’, which is apparently harder than it looks, and is a regular fixture in lists of the world’s sexiest women.
Doutzen Kroes
Doutzen Kroes takes fifth place, earning $6 million, again most famously as a Victoria’s Secret Angel… anyone spot a theme? She has been the face of a number of brands including Gucci, and the Calvin Klein Eternity fragrance.
Karolina Kurkova
Karolina Kurkova is next on the list, earning $5 million. The former… you guessed it… Victoria’s Secret model is still in great demand and has graced more than 20 Vogue covers. Recent moves however have seen her stray into acting, including a role in GI Joe: The Rise of the Cobra this year.
Natalia Vodianova
Natalia Vodianova is in seventh place, making $4.8 million. In addition to her busy modeling assignments, she designs and models lingerie and has appeared in numerous films. Her finest hour however must have been co-hosting the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest.
Carolyn Murphy
Carolyn Murphy, is eighth, earning $4.5 million. She was named model of the millennium by Vogue and has spent eight years promoting Estee Lauder, among other things. She is still probably better known for a tape of her and her ex-husband leaked onto the internet in 2006.
Daria Werbowy
Daria Werbowy, made $3.8 million in her 12th year of modeling (at the ripe old age of 26) primarily as a top ranking runway model.
Miranda Kerr
Finally there’s Miranda Kerr, at $3.5 million. Another, shock horror, Victoria’s Secret model, and girlfriend of Orlando Bloom. She is also launching her own line of organic skincare.

BFW 2010: Gothic Look at Bangalore Fashion Week (PHOTOS)

Bangalore is hosting the second edition of Bangalore Fashion Week from January 26 thru Jan 31.
The first day kicked off in style with models presenting designs of the big names in Indian fashion industry.
A total 30 designers are showcasing their creations in the second edition Bangalore Fashion Week  named Second Edition BFW 2010.
Creations by designer Arshi Jamal, Vipin Batra, Ishita Singh, Amita Sharma, Swapnil Shinde, to name a few, were presented on the first day ofBangalore fashion week 2010.
Bollywood actor Mugdha Godse presented a latest creation of renowned Indian fashion designer Swapnil Shinde.
An Indian model also presented a creation of designer Amita Sharma. Several models presented several designs by Ishita Singh on the catwalk on the first day of BFW 2010.
THe first day saw Swapnil Shinde’s gothic-themed collection. Shinde showcased exquisite western gowns sequenced with Indian flows and cuts. This specific collection was inspired by a lot of gothic influences. “But at the same time I had to make sure that it is wearable, and it’s not too over the edge and extremely crazy,” Shinde said.
Designer Rehanne also showcased her collection of evening gowns.
The second edition of the Bangalore fashion week boasts big brands, which include Shantanu and Nikhil, Abdul Halder, Namrata G and Ramesh Dembla.
Milanese designer Claudia Antonini is also expected to launch her brand in India during the event.
Here are some photos of BFW 2010 on the first day:

Bangalore Fashion Week: Bollywood Big Names to Walk BFW 2010 Ramp

Celebrities, models and designers thronged day two of the Bangalore Fashion Week 2010 in Bangalore, India.
Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone, Preity Zinta, and Mugdha Godse are some of the big names that would be walking the ramp.
The focus on day two was on shimmering silks and jewel colours.
Shantanu and Nikhil, Abdul Halder and Preethi Chandra were among the 30 designers, who presented their Winter/Spring creations at the fashion extravaganza.
Chandra’s collection mixed glamour with flower power, as models took to the runway in sequined hot pink tunics and dip-dyed indigo blue maxi dresses, with headbands over their 1970s inspired wavy hair.
“It was a very close to nature collection. My prints usually are very natural, flowers and roses and it was a very feminine collection. So we made a lot of birds and butterflies as accessories,” said Chandra.
The show stopper for Chandra was none other the gorgeous Pooja Chopra, Miss India 2009.From ornate traditional Indian wear to flirty shift dresses, the collections brought together the best of the East and the West.
Abdul Halder said, “See, it’s time to give something new to the women, so they can feel that there’s a designer who can design only for women.”
The day ended with an after-hour party by Kingfisher.
Five designers will be presenting their collection on the 30th, the third day of BFW, along with a brand show.
Claudia Antonini’s first unveiling in India, will be part of the Finale of the ongoing Bangalore Fashion Week, this Sunday, bringing back glamour of the 1950’s Hollywood stars.

Kim Kardashian’s “Unretouched” Bikini Pictures (PHOTOS)

Kim Kardashian’s ‘leaked’ pictures of herself posing in swimwear before the photo shoot was even over has hit the internet. Some of them can be seen below.
These bikini photos are courtesy Kim Kardashian’s tweets which said: HOT HOT HOT! Not even retouched yet!”. The tweet was done by Kim Wednesday with a series of pictures of herself in a tiger-print bikini.
“I am tweeting from the plane. I love this! They just gave us 2 die 4 ice cream sundae!,” she tweeted Tuesday night.
And the day before, “OK I have a photo shoot in 2 days and it’s not funny how many beignets I have eaten, this is not ok!”

Fashion Trends: Lower the better

The latest in fashion trends is the flesh-flashing trend which is the exposed skin between cropped top and hip-hugging jeans started by Mariah Carey cutting off the tops of her jeans and continued by Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

It is a season where everybody is showing off tummies and belly buttons and low-cut jeans are the jeans of the season. The look began several years ago with the popularity of belly-button piercing and the rise of midriff exposure. But as shirts crept up and midriffs became less shocking, the focus began shifting south.

The biggest advantage of the low-rise look is, it visually lengthens the torso and has a slimming effect. And, by picking a short or long top, women can control the amount of skin they bare. "With this belly-baring fashion gaining more popularity amongst pop diva's and stars, the fashion is likely to spread more rapidly coz women like to copy their role models" says Kabir, designer, who adds, "Low-rise is about an attitude and if you have the attitude to wear it, you can pull it off. It's about being sexy and really feeling sexy and feminine in a pair of jeans."

And with stores such as Levi's still filling racks with low-rise offerings, the lower belly is likely to make a continued appearance through fall and beyond.

However not all can carry off these fashion trends. Low cut can be hard to wear if you have a fleshy lower abdomen.' You can't have a lot hanging out,' says Nikita, model, 21, 'A little bit hanging over is cute, because women usually have a little bit of a paunch; they don't naturally have flat tummies. But you don't want stuff hanging over the sides.'

Women attempting the pelvic flash should remember that the look works much better when they're standing up. So, when sitting down, adjust yourself to be sure that your belly isn't drooping over the top of your low-slung pants.

Also, if you're going for the low-cut trend, consider it your duty to make an appointment for a bikini wax first.

INDIA: Late-night TV too hot for government to handle?

After AXN, it's FTV. The government has returned to moral policing, banning the fashion channel's transmission or retransmission for alleged obscenity.
Apparently, the channel's programme Midnight Hot was airing skimpily dressed and semi-naked models, going against the norms of good taste and decency.
This is the second time the channel has run into trouble of this kind; on the previous occasion the decision was reversed after the channel promised to follow a code of conduct.
So can over-the-top fashion be considered obscene? And is censorship the answer? Everything has to be viewed in context, say most fashion pros.
Says designer Anita Dongre, "I'm completely against banning channels. I too think that skin show on the ramp is obscene, but if it's lingerie, then how else do you showcase it? Banning or suppression is counter-productive. We tend to get agitated over small things like this. What's this furore about? The government is just trying to grab some attention."
Ambika Pillai, who's been doing make-up and hairstyling for various fashion weeks and shows, says, "What they are doing is quite crazy. I think it's time everybody grew up. There's enough happening in our movies. The channel is an entertainment channel. It's one channel that's got its pulse on the fashion monitor. Why should you take away that just because of one show? And if the rest of the world can see lingerie shows, why can't we?"
She believes that showcasing the body is certainly part of fashion, but everything has to be done with refinement.
"Obviously, displaying butt crack is not fashion. If a designer's concept of a kurta is sheer and he wants to show breasts, he could do that by making a model wear a fashionable bra inside or skin coloured lingerie. No model wants to show off their private parts, that's for sure,"she adds.
Model and scriptwriter Sameer Malhotra says, "I have a clear understanding of censorship. I come from a place where my parents have taught me to police myself. I do not agree with the government's decision on issues such as this, but what can you do about it? Everybody has a right to freedom of expression as long as it doesn't hurt anybody. What damage can a fashion channel do? If you are concerned about young people watching it, then it's the parents who should be doing the controlling."
He doesn't think it's about obscenity at all. "It's the way you show it. It's all about a designer's intentions. Shocking nudity is a big no-no. The legendary Raj Kapoor once said, 'I show women under a waterfall; I think it's pure and you see it in a vulgar manner.' I think it has a lot to do with the intention of the persons involved,"says Sameer. Model Bhawna Sharma thinks it's much ado about nothing.
"I mean there's so much content in Bollywood movies that's obscene. Why don't they ban those? Both men and women today wear plunging necklines in movies and to parties, so how does it matter? I think we should find better things to do!"

Modeling-Careers-In-India--The-Glamorous-World-Of-Fashion.

Which is the most happening sector these days in the entertainment

category? Now please dont say the obvious, Indian movie industry which is growing rapidly day by day in such a manner that I couldnt even find a proper simile in context with it. Anyways, the crux of the matter or at least this opening is, we are here refereeing to the glam cousin of Bollywood and these days you can say the resource pool for Bollywood, the Indian Fashion fraternity. Modeling Careers In India are on an all time high.

Reason for this is very apparent. Easy money and quick fame makes it the most lucrative career options for many people who have big dreams and want to make a name of themselves in the entertainment industry. There is no restriction of age, education, marriage or any other such hindrances which can be found in a regular corporate world. The glamour quotient of course is the main reason for pulling many aspiring female and male models in India.

By lately there has also been a trend in recent years for the super models and upcoming beauty queens to join the moviedom. It is being considered as a free entry ticket to the dreamland of Bollywood. And what a successful outcome one has seen from the glamour world itself. There is Aishwarya Rai, Lara Dutta, Arjun Rampal, Sushmita Sen, Milind Somasn, Dino Morea, Tanushree Dutta and many more of such names who have walked the ramps before finding a permanent abode in Bollywood.

In fact, nowadays there are movies being made describing the true reality behind the functionality of fashion world. Madhur Bhandarkars choice of subject in itself proclaims how huge this industry is right now. Priyanka Chopra, a former model and Miss World herself is acting in it. It throws light on the various options available for the youngsters in the field of modeling. Latest model news confirms that in the current years the industry would see another booming period which will offer tremendous career opportunities to many hopeful aspirants. Hot Indian models are finding takers everywhere round the world after all!

The History Of Indian Fashion Industry

In the indigenous Indian tradition, stitched garments were not known or used at all. The art of sewing was unknown to the early Indians, and that it was an import from outside. Serious and early students of Indian costumes, like Forbes Watson, have stated, mostly on the authority of other scholars, that the art of sewing came to India only with the coming of the Muslims.'
The 'timeless' Indian dress of men, thus, consists of garments that use no stitching, garments in other words that, as Forbes Watson says, "leave the loom, ready for wear". The Dhoti, the Scarf or Uttariya, and the Turban, which have never really disappeared from any part of India, belong to this category, and their marked visibility in India could have led one erroneously to conclude that the early Indians did not use any sewn garments.
Likewise, for women, the Dhoti or the Sari as the lower garments, combined with a Stanapatta or breast-band for covering the breasts, forms a basic ensemble, and once again consists of garments that do not have to be stitched, the breast-garment being simply fastened in a knot at the back. And the Dhoti or the Sari worn covering both legs at the same time or, in the alternative, with one end of it passed between the legs and tucked at the back in the fashion that is still prevalent in large area of India.
The Amirs and the Maliks and other officers at the Sultanate courts are described as wearing "gowns (tatailyat),jakalwat and Islamic qabas of Khawarizm tucked in the middle of the body" and short turbans which did not exceed five or six forearms. Of other Amirs we learn that they were as well dressed "as the soldiers except that they did not use belts and at times they let down a piece of cloth in front of them after the manner of the sups.
From the earliest period of Indian proto-history, the Harappan culture, the evidence about textiles and dresses is scant but not unimportant. The survival of an actual fragment of cotton cloth, and the upper garment draped around the body like a shawl as seen in a sculpture, offer interesting examples, although it is difficult to give to these pieces any kinds of names.
The veil that women still use so extensively in India, something like the dupatta or odhani of modern times, has its early prototype in the Vedic period, and various words signifying the same article of apparel are used, with differences between one and the other that may not be easy to identify. Minor differences and modifications apart, this dress seems to remain as a standard 'for women for an uncommon length of time, not only because women's dresses tend to be more conservative but also because these garments together belong to the 'timeless' garments of India.
When it comes to head-gears, there are many names that one comes upon, including usbnisba, kirita, patta, veshtana, vesbtanapatta, sbirovesbtana. The manner of wearing the turban evidently varied as much in ancient India as it did in medieval. The range of turban-styles that we encounter is reminiscent of the many styles in the 19th century, each style having a specific name for it as recorded by Forbes-Watson." However, there are close-fitting caps that one finds soldiers and some foreigners wearing in Indian sculptures and paintings. Exceptionally every head was covered by a turban.
There are specific references to the clothing of religious men, special mention being made of the sanghati or double chadar that the Bhikshuks of the Buddhist orders were meant to wear. This was combined with an antarvasaka or loin-cloth and a dupatta or loose upper garment, also called the uttarasanga. Short tunics are also heard of, but not seen too often. At the same time, drawers of the kakshya types, stitched and worn quite tight around the loins, especially by soldiers and men needing to be active in their movements, the prototypes of the later jangbias, make frequent appearance.

History Of Fashion

Any account of historical Indian costumes runs into serious difficulties not for want of literary evidence or of archaeological and visual materials: of both of these there is a fair measure that is available. The difficulty arises when one tries to collate the information that can be culled from these sources. The descriptions in literary works, for all their great poetic beauty and elegance, are, in the nature of things, not precise and one has to guess and reconstruct. Sometimes the descriptions are so general that they can fit more than one costume quite different from each other. All this is not to say that a broad, general idea cannot be formed of the kinds of costumes worn in the ancient, medieval or the late medieval periods in India. What one is denied is the possibility of going into the many subtleties that Indian costumes possess. Their range is remarkably wide, according to the great size of the country, and geographical differences, and the bewildering diversity of its ethnic groups is added the complex factor of the coming in, at regular intervals, of foreign peoples into India at different periods of time and in varying numbers. The costumes that these people brought along did not stay necessarily apart from the mainstream of Indian dresses - that one could have dealt with - but, with the Indian genius for adaptation and modification, these costumes become altered, even metamorphosed, and eventually assimilated to the broad, native Indian range of dress. One has, therefore, to sift and isolate, and then relate and bring together, the evidence available which is not the easiest of tasks in the context of Indian history where material culture does not always get the attention it does elsewhere. Through sharp analysis of Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Hindi, as much as Arabic and Persian sources, they have brought within reach a rich body of material. The inherent difficulty in the matter of interpreting this material and relating it to surviving archaeological and visual evidence naturally leaves some matters obscure, and others open to controversy. But a very substantial body of information has been collected.
A question that needs to be disposed of rather early is whether, in the indigenous Indian tradition, stitched garments were known or used at all. From time to time statements have been made that the art of sewing was unknown to the early Indians, and that it was an import from outside. Serious and early students of Indian costumes, like Forbes Watson, have stated, mostly on the authority of other scholars, that the art of sewing came to India only with the coming of the Muslims.' This statement needs no longer to be taken seriously. As has been established, not only was the needle and its use known to Indians from the very beginning of the historic periods that we know of; the art of sewing was practised, and one comes upon clear and early references to stitched garments that leave very little doubt about the matter.' It is possible that the view that "before the invasion of India by the Mohammedans, the art of sewing was not practiced there" was formed not on the basis of any historical or scholarly inquiry into this matte but simply 'observation': observation of the dresses of two different categories of people, those who were far more rooted in the Indian soil and could thus be taken as representing the long Indian tradition of wearing costumes in a particular fashion, and those who could be linked with outsiders' who came to India late, and visibly preferred different kinds of dresses. This observation could only have been superficial; besides, clear distinction needs to be made between the knowledge of, and the use of, sewing. It is possible perhaps also to draw a distinction between what, in the Indian context, can be designated as "timeless" costumes, and those that are time bound". The 'timeless' Indian dress of men, thus, consists of garments that use no stitching, garments in other words that, as Forbes Watson says, "leave the loom, ready for wear". The Dhoti, the Scarf or Uttariya, and the Turban, which have never really disappeared from any part of India, belong to this category, and their marked visibility in India could have led one erroneously to conclude that the early Indians did not use any sewn garments. Likewise, for women, the Dhoti or the Sari as the lower garments, combined with a Stanapatta or breast-band for covering the breasts, forms a basic ensemble, and once again consists of garments that do not have to be stitched, the breast garment being simply fastened in a knot at the back. And the Dhoti or the Sari worn covering both legs at the same time or, in the alternative, with one end of it passed between the legs and tucked at the back in the fashion that is still prevalent in large area of India.
But the preference of Indian men and women for these garments, rational and understandable in the context of the generally hot Indian climate, does not afford any proof that for long periods of time the Indians knew no other garments than those which "left the loom, ready for wear".
It is not easy to make out everything in Alberuni's description, but there is little doubt that he is referring to a dhoti when he speaks of 'turbans used for trousers', and a kaupina when he is speaking of 'a rag of two fingers' breadth bound over the loins. But the amusing reference to 'trousers lined with as much cotton as would suffice to make a number of counterpanes and saddle rugs' is not easy to make out. Possibly he is referring to dhotis of considerable length and fullness that were tucked between the legs and at the waist behind.
Similar problems arise with the accounts of Chinese writers. Wherever they speak of costume, not too much is added to our information although there is much precision and detail when it comes to their description of the trade in textiles from different parts of the country. This is understandable because one of the principal concerns of the many travellers to India was trade precisely of this kind, sometimes in these very materials. All the same, the information made available is not without interest, and one notices carefully the comment of someone like Chau j ' u-kua, the inspector of foreign trade in Fu-kien in the 12th century, concerning the dress worn by the ruler of Malabar: -"The ruler of the country has his body draped, but goes bare-footed. He wears a turban and a loin-cloth both of white cotton cloth. Sometimes he wears a white cotton shirt with narrow sleeves".
The period of the Sultanates in northern India is marked, once again, by much interest, both on the part of the Indian writers, and of the newly arrived Muslims in matters concerning fabrics and dyes and costumes. But the earlier difficulty of accurately interpreting this information persists, for even though long lists become available, these remain confined to names for which we have no pictorial equivalents in the matter of costumes, and no analytical descriptions in respect of fabrics and the like - in the paintings from the Sultanate period, an area in which our knowledge has increased remarkably in the last quarter of a century or so, there is much that one can observe, but to give precise names to costumes still remains difficult. One can at best try and find relationships between terms for costumes or verbal descriptions, and the dresses that we see men and women wearing in Sultanate period paintings, whether of the Indo-Persian style or those that we associate with western India, principally Jaina paintings produced in Gujarat and Rajasthan. When one makes the effort, however, interesting results sometimes emerge. Thus, in the paintings of the Laur Chanda in the Prince of Wales Museum of Bombay, or the Aranyaka Parva of the Asiatic Society of Bombay, or the recently discovered Devi Mabatntya in the Himachal Pradesh Museum at Simla, the long-sleeved kutia-like garments made of fine cotton material, with fastenings at the right or the left, come remarkably close to the early description by Alberuni of the kurtakas worn by Indians which have lappets with 'slashes' both on the right and the left sides. But this kind of close correspondence is not always easy to establish in other articles. The Varna-ratnakara of jyotirishvara of the early 14th century, the Prithvichanda-charita also of the 14th or 15th century, and the compilation by Sandesara, the Varnaka~Samuccaya, have remarkably long and detailed lists of stuffs known to India in that period, but there is no correspondingly detailed information on costumes. An interesting development at the same time is that certain Persian writers,- including Amir Khusrau, begin using Hindi words, or words of the vernaculars, in their descriptions of Indian fabrics. in his usual engaging style, thus, Khusrau speaks of 'cloths that redeem the past life, decoration of the person and ornament of the body likejbanbariali and bibari - that are like a pleasant gift of a springtide and sit as lightly on the body as moonlight on the tulip or dew drops on the morning rose'. Khusrau's enthusiasm for Indian fabrics, especially the fine muslin's manufactured in Deogiri, far exceeds his notions of precision in the matter of description, but whatever he says is never without interest. Thus, writing of Deogiri in A.D. 1322, he says:" 12
The fineness of its cloths is difficult to describe; the skin of the moon removed by the executioner star would not be so fine. One would compare it with a drop of water if that drop fell against nature, from the fount of the sun. A hundred yard of it can pass the eye of a needle, so fine is its texture, and yet the point of the steel needle can pierce through it with difficulty. It is so transparent and light that it looks as if one is in no dress at all but has only smeared the body with pure water.
When it comes to a description of the costumes worn by the Sultans or the notables at any of the Islamic courts of north India, the flavour changes completely, for the writers, nearly all of them Muslims of foreign extraction, suddenly seem to move into a world of terms and articles that they are familiar with. Thus, while ibn Batutah might write in very general terms of the costumes worn by Indian women ('the women of this city and of the whole coast do not wear sewn cloths but only unsewn garments. They form a girdle with one of the extremities of the garment and cover their heads and breasts with the other.), the description by Umari of the dresses worn by the notables of Delhi suddenly becomes animated and more vivid:"
The linen garments which are imported from Alexandria and the land of the Russians are worn only by those whom the Sultan honours with them. The others wear tunics and robes of fine cotton. The make garments with this material which resembles the robes (makati) of Baghdad. But these latter as also those called wasafi differ very much from those of India as regards fineness, beauty of colour and delicacy.
Most of their Tartar (Attar) robes are embroidered with gold (muzarkasa bi-dhabab). Some wear garments with both sleeves having a tiraz border of gold embroidery (zarkasb). Others, for example the Mongols, place the tiraz inscription between the shoulders.
It is in this very strain that we have other descriptions from this period, Firuz Shah T'Ughlaq and his courtiers wearing different kinds of dresses. The Sultan himself is said to have worn a kulab costing a lac of tankas which once belonged to his predecessor. In public audience, he is said to have worn a barani with embroidered sleeves, but in private he wore a shirt. The officers are said to be wearing silken robes in public and shirts in private life. Again the Amirs and the Maliks and other officers at the Sultanate courts are described as wearing "gowns (tatailyat),jakalwat and Islamic qabas of Khawarizm tucked in the middle of the body" and short turbans which did not exceed five or six forearms. Of other Amirs we learn that they were as well dressed "as the soldiers except that they did not use belts and at times they let down a piece of cloth in front of them after the manner of the sups. The judges and the learned men wore ample gowns (farajiyat) that resembled jaradiyat (striped material from jand, Yemen) and an Arabic garment (durra) (a garment opening in front and buttoned)

A Letter to Kelis Abt Her Donkey Costume

Dear Kelis,
You look like an ass. Don't take that the wrong way, but you look like a donkey in this costume, and it is purely owing to the clothes rather than your lovely figure. It pains us to break the news to you, because we and the rest of the fashion world covet those Alexander McQueen hooves shoes on your feet, and have sick dreams in the night about putting them on and trying to walk around the city in them. That said, we must all look up to you for wearing these shoes out and not falling down, a task previously accomplished by Daphne Guinness and Lady Gaga. Yet therein lies your problem: You are not Lady Gaga, and this attempt at avant-garde fashion doesn't compare to her get-ups. The ears crown of fake thorns on your head is like a sad attempt at Gaga's signature bird's nest for the face or unicorn hairdo. And the latex bodysuit is so close to your skin tone you look almost naked, which is how an animal might frolic through a field. And the gray tail — an astounding Über-trend fusion of gray hair and the ponytail braid — might make a great whip for unruly party guests, or lasso for the bartender when the open bar gets too hectic, but generally distracts from everything else you have to offer. Especially the shoes, which should be the stars of this ensemble. You don't have to try to one-up Lady Gaga's style to be successful! It might get you attention, but have confidence that your other gifts are worthy of shining more brightly.

Acting Up

Hartley got to Central Station nearly an hour before his train was due to leave. A lifetime in the theatre had given him a healthy - indeed excessive - sense of punctuality; a lifetime of unwanted cups of coffee, obssesive checking of the time, yet another turn around the block before that all too often pointless, nerve-wracking audition.

Hartley was 75 - pretty fit for his age, legs holding up, memory still ticking over nicely, - though the occasions for obsessive punctuality were now rather fewer. But he was a creature of habit and couldn't change now.

He repaired to the restaurant, purchased a coffee and a blueberry muffin, tried and failed, to find a litter-free table. The coffee was awful, the muffin was stale - but the coffee was always awful, the muffin always stale. Hartley refused to let himself be annoyed. His visit to the city had not been without its pleasures. He had recorded a series of television voice overs - his rich baritone and faultless diction extolling the virtues of a popular make of Japanese car. Lunch with an old actor-chum, then a film - regretably not utilising his own talents - had rounded out an agreeable day.

The irony of it, Hartley thought, as he bit into his muffin. These days a good voice was only prized for its ability to sell the outpourings of consumerism. The ability to reach the back row of a two thousand seat theatre counted for nothing any more. That's what microphones were for.

Hartley was a good actor, although the calls on his talents were now infrequent. But really, he thought draining his awful coffee, he'd had a reasonably good career. He was a jobbing actor. Something to be proud of. But he'd never had that break-through part. Not for him Leo Mckern's Rumpole, Warren Mitchell's Alf Garnett, even Tom Baker's Dr. Who. Still, he he could flog Japanese cars with the best of them.

He headed for his platform, deviating only to quickly check the remaindered bookstall.

Just as the train was about to pull out a man ran down the platform, jumped aboard as the door slammed shut and sank into the seat next to Hartley.

"Cutting it a bit fine", he said.

"Indeed", Hartley replied. "A close run thing".

The man - forty-ish, amiable looking - gave him an amused glance.

This brief exchange served as an adequate ice-breaker and they chatted their way through the outer suburbs and into the countryside. Having satisfactorily disposed of the sad state of the railways, country versus city living and the idiocy of American foreign policy, his neighbour asked Hartley what he did - or had done - for a living.

Hartley hated telling people he was an actor. He was not ashamed of his job. Not in the least, but he had long tired of reactions running the gamut from "what have I seen you in" to "how do you learn all those lines".

So in situations like this he simply selected an occupation from a former role. Bit risky, of course. You say your a doctor and find yourself meeting the quizzical gaze of a heart surgeon. But he'd never been caught out and it was a harmless enough game, Hartley felt. It amused him, and he'd given some damn good performances too.

Some months before Hartley had played a lawyer on television.

"I'm a lawyer", he replied. "Retired several years ago. Conveyancing, property law. Bit of criminal stuff".

The train was slowing down. The man glanced out the window.

"My station. I had you quite wrong then".

He stood and took down his briefcase from the overhead rack.

"Yes, I'd have said you were an actor. The voice especially. Still, lawyers are actors in a way, don't you think? Plenty of drama in a courtroom".

The train drew into the station.

"I'm a film director. Casting a feature at the moment. You study faces. On the train. Everywhere. Always on the lookout. Anyway, enjoyed our chat. 'Bye."

Katrina To Marry In 2012

Katrina Kaif is certain. She will get married in 2012. Until then, she wants to have a blast while doing all the projects she has lined up.
Her current films, Farah Khan’s Tees Maar Khan, Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar and Dostana 2 with Tarun Mansukhani will keep the lady on her toes this year.
That also means she has stopped looking for a new house. She states that first of all, she has a comfortable home so there is no reason to look for a new house. And anyway, she will be going to her husband’s home once she’s married.
Now, even though Katrina has a gut feeling about getting hitched in 2012, what she can’t be sure of is if the groom will be her current boyfriend Salman Khan or another actor or someone she hasn’t met yet.

A Funny Modeling Story

If you ever model nude for drawing, painting, sculpting or photography class. You know there funny this that will happen.

One day I had finished up working an open forum session and was getting my things together. One of the artist ask who was modeling the next time. I told him who it was, but he did not know her. One of the other lady artist did and her and I explain who she was and that she was a real good model.
We kept on talking gathering up our stuff and fixing the studio for the next session and were about to leave.

We shut off the light and were just about to walk out the door, when all of a sudden, the lady said to me. "OMG I think you forgot something." The others and I look around for a second then realize what she was talking about.

I had packed everything, including my clothes and was about to go outside wearing only my flip flops.

Good thing she notice because the others did not and the parking area is very public and it was a bright sunny day. We all know how shy I am.
Well maybe not be I could have gotten in to some trouble. We all still had a good laugh about it.

Varun Gambhir bags Fashoining the Future Award

All roads led to Pearl Academy of Fashion as the Dean of London College of Fashion, University of London. Mr Andrew Huges himself arrived at Pearl Campus, Naraina to felicitate Mr. Varun Gambhir, Winner of Fashioning the Future Award in an international competition organized by London College of Fashion, UK.

Varun a Fashion Merchandising Post Graduate student at Pearl Academy of Fashion, New Delhi was declared the winner in the category of “Role of Materials in a Sustainable Fashion Industry”. He was the only Indian finalist in these awards. He worked on the idea of producing a sustainable fabric and explored the technical & commercial viability of a fabric made out of recycled cotton paper. This fabric is visually attractive and at the same time provides a solution to many of our environment related problems.

‘Fashioning the Future Award’ is an international student competition run by the ‘Centre for Sustainable Fashion’ at London College of Fashion. Varun developed new eco friendly fabrics and proved that being sustainable does not mean compromising on style or quality.

Especially present on the occasion Andrew Hughes, Dean, School of Management & Science, London college of Fashion London (UK)said, "Fashioning The Future awards is a platform which brings together the global community of creative thinkers to give new ways to the fashion industry. I congratulate Pearl Academy who is behind the creation of such genius minds, giving new definition to the fashion industry”

“The awards aim to celebrate innovation in the ways in which we design, produce, consume and value fashion. These awards celebrate and empower the next generation of fashion professionals to employ creativity to challenge the current status quo and to redefine the shape and scope of the fashion industry”, he added.

The competition was open to all current students and recent graduates/postgraduate of a fashion related subject from any university or college worldwide. The theme for 2009 Awards challenged the fashion industry’s dependency on water, and the need to find radical ways to design, promote retail and consume fashion, which alleviates this chronic dependency. 40 billion gallons of water is being wasted in the production of clothes by fashion industries. With the aim to highlight this massive unsustainable dependence of fashion industry on this precious resource Centre for Sustainable Fashion came up with this theme.

Also present on the occasion Dr A.K.G. Nair, Group Director,Pearl Academy of Fashion said, “This was actually a challenge for those young blooming minds to come up with a technique by which wastage of water can be controlled and to strive for a better option in the fashion industry. The real pearl of the Pearl Academy of Fashion came up with an idea to make clothes from recycled cotton paper, which is made from old and ragged garments. As themes of environmental responsibility and ‘eco-friendly’ products gradually become more familiar to today's consumer, this new direction in consumerism is already taking hold in the world.”

Monica Rich Wins Fashion Group International Award for Fine Jewelry.

New Canaan, CT  -- Monica Rich Kosann, a fine jewelry and home accessory designer with a shop at Bergdorf Goodman in New York and a distribution that includes the finest Jewelers and specialty stores, has been awarded the Rising Star award for Fine Jewelry by the Fashion Group International.

The award was presented at the groups’ 13th Annual Rising Star Awards Luncheon this past Friday at Cipriani in New York City. Nina Garcia, Fashion Director of Marie Claire and a judge on the show Project Runway was the keynote speaker at the event. PreviousFine Jewelry Award Winners Amedeo Scognamiglio & Roberto Faraone Mennella presented the Fine Jewelry Award.

Known for their lockets, charm bracelets, and home accessories, Monica Rich Kosann is a brand that helps customers capture and celebrate their most cherished moments and memories while creating a unique sense of their own personal style. HerFine Jewelry collection was launched in 2006.

ABOUT MONICA RICH KOSANN: Monica Rich Kosann is a fine art portrait photographer who - inspired by vintage lockets, cigarette cases and powder compacts she collected and used to house her clients photographs - created a jewelry and home collection carried by over 100 fine jewelers and specialty stores. She has been featured in numerous media including Town & Country, Martha Stewart Living and The Today Show for her collections and her ideas on how families create and live with their precious memories. Her newest book, Living With What You Love tinyurl.com/yfn8x5k is scheduled for publication by the Clarkson Potter Group – Random House in Spring 2010.

ABOUT MONICA RICH KOSANN COLLECTION: Monica Rich Kosann is a fine jewelry and home accessory brand with a shop at Bergdorf Goodman in New York and a distribution that includes fine Jewelers and specialty stores mrkphoto.com/collections/retailers.html Known for their lockets, charm bracelets, and image cases, Monica Rich Kosann is a brand that helps customers find ways to celebrate their most cherished moments and memories while creating a unique sense of their own personal style.

RNB divests its operations at Steen & Ström in Oslo

RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS AB has decided to sell its operations at the Steen & Ström department store in Oslo, Norway, to Airport Retail Group AS. RNB currently sells women's and men's clothing. The retail area totals about 2,300 square meters.

Sales in the 2008/2009 fiscal year totaled SEK 117.6 M and the company posted an operating loss of SEK 5.2 M. In the first quarter of 2009/2010, sales at units under divestment amounted to SEK 25.6 M, resulting in an operating loss of SEK 3.0 M. The transaction will have a limited impact on earnings.

The transfer is expected to be completed no later than March 31, 2010, which means that Steen & Ström will be part of RNB up until the second quarter of the 2009/2010 fiscal year.

RNB RETAIL AND BRANDS owns, operates and develops fashion, clothing, accessories, jewelry and cosmetics stores that focus on providing excellent service and a world-class shopping experience.

Turning Pain Into Joy

As I walked through the hospital room door, I can barely put into words the emotion I felt. The first thing I saw was my perfectly formed, lifeless, little boy. He had been placed on a stainless steel trolley right near the door. I remember this so clearly because it made me furious. It felt so wrong for him to be there like that.

Time stood still for a moment, as I stared at him. He was perfect, he was real, he just wasn't alive. My emotions raced, from rage, to despair, to disbelief. I found it hard to control them as I looked over at my beautiful, sad wife being spoken to by the doctor and midwife that had helped her deliver our stillborn baby boy.

I can't remember all the details of that day very well. But I can remember with great clarity the words that were running through my mind.

We Are All Connected

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package.

"What food might this contain?" The mouse wondered.

He was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed this warning, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The pig sympathized but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers."

The mouse turned to the cow and said, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."

So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap... alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house - the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey.

The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it.

It was a venomous snake whose tail was caught in the trap.

The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital. When she returned home she still had a fever.

Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.

But his wife's sickness continued.

Friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

But, alas, the farmer's wife did not get well...

She died.

So many people came for her funeral that the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them for the funeral luncheon.

And the mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and you think it doesn't concern you, remember ---

When one of us is threatened, we are all at risk.

We are all involved in this journey called life.

We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

Morning Thought

The hearts of billions of people are beating everyday; even billions more animals, insects and sea creatures are moving and living and have beating hearts also. The Sun is in perfect distance from the Earth so that we do not freeze or burn and allows water to rise and fall to give life to the land. The Sea has the perfect amounts of salt to sustain the life there. This is just what is happening here on Earth! There are trillions of other solar systems and galaxies with more things happening! It is interesting to me that some say they will believe in the creator, if only they could see one miracle when billions of miracles are occurring at every moment! All of these things are supposed to occur simultaneously by chance?"

Fresh Morning

Above the dark horizon soon,

new light rays will appear,

They signify to all the world

a fresh new day is here.

The sun has risen, and its light

may bring us hope for peace,

and with a deeper faith in God.

We pray that wars may cease.

Our time on earth is but a test,

a test we must not fail,

By building values, growth in faith,

may love from hate prevail.

So each new day we start once more

with rising of the sun

May we have gained in stature when

our final day is done.

The Truth About Modelling Agencies

H ere's my story and I got ripped off, so if you are a teenager who's considering that flattering offer from a small model agency, read this first. I was approached in a sports club by a middle aged woman who put down a bundle of papers and pulled out a camera. She asked if it would be okay to take my photograph and then she gave me a speech about my height and shape and bone structure and on improving on the way I walk. She left me with the idea I was already a natural catwalk standard model and I should be on her agency's books before I missed any more opportunities. I asked my Mother about it and she was reassured by the fact that a woman asked me, but otherwise didn't know what to say. When I went along, they told me how great I looked and I didn't need to lose any weight (a surprise. I'd been dieting for a week to get ahead of the bad news). They said it wouldn't cost me to join the agency, but I needed to invest in a current portfolio. The portfolio costs 800 pounds for four photoshoots and you must use the photographer they tell you to. After that, I thought the work would start coming in. I did one catalogue photo session where I had to wear lifepreservers and sit in a canoe in a swimming pool for a famous sailing-clothing company. No yacht in sight that day! Otherwise, they didn't offer me any work, but I did get a pile of business cards with my name and portrait on them and the word 'Model' underneath, in case anyone was in doubt (e.g. me). Then they contacted me again and said my hair was 'special' and I needed a tricologist who understood it and, amazingly enough, they knew the only hairdresser in the world that would trully understand how to cut my hair and could sell me shampoo at 50 pounds a bottle. It's worth the investment, they said, and if I was serious about my professionalism... After that, they waited a bit and told me my portfolio needed updating and they'd need another 800. I went to their offices to speak to someone about this and I met two other young girls who were being pulled into the same process. One had been hit-on by her photographer (almost a sexual assualt) and the other one believed the 800 fees are split 50/50 between the agency and the photographers and that's how the agency gets its income (i.e. from the families of the starstruck models and not from commercial sales). I also heard that you might get one assignment as an encouragement, but first pick of all the real jobs goes to the bosses's girlfriend. That was the end of it for me. Pride is a hook. It just leaves you ripped off. I know I'm good looking and I don't need anyone to sell me a little card to prove it. Did you see that documentary about Elite? The one where they took all the best wannabees to France and then some guy rented the girls out to nightclubs? I'm unimpressed by this industry. They should be paying you, not the other way around!

About

We are established at the prime fashion capitals of India, New Delhi. In the media driven world, G2F Model Management has carved a niche as a renowned model coordinators and fashion model agency in fashion, advertising and modeling industry. G2F Model Management uncovers the talent of aspiring models as well as fulfills the commercial model & production requirements of various renowned advertising agencies and corporates. Model Co-ordination, Event Management, Ad-Shoot Campaigns, Model Portfolio Management and Fashion Events are the core functional domains of G2F.