1950s Modelling

In this key post-war decade, fashion, glamour and modelling were becoming key industries. The London College of Fashion was built towards the end of the 1950s, signalling that this was an industry that people wanted to work in, and one that would create many new jobs for men and women alike. To find out more visit http://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=816340

More Fabric, New Fashions

The 1950s was the first decade where children, particularly teenagers, wanted to have their own look, and not dress like their mothers and fathers. The bridge decade between the troubles of the 1940s and the indulgent 1960s, the 1950s was a key turning point in global fashion. British, French and American designers could now use the best materials and brighter colours for their fashions, which gave them much more creative scope.

The silhouette for women returned to the narrow waisted fashions of the start of the century, although there were two ways of accentuating this; the tight-waisted full skirt, and the pencil-skirt, which was form fitting to the hips and legs as well as the waist. People were desperate to wear clothes with new shapes and using lots of fabric, and eagerly awaited the new offerings from design houses. This was also the decade where the less well-off could buy cheaper versions of the latest fashions; Marks and Spencer made their reputation from mass-producing quality versions of new styles.

Active Modelling

Modelling was also going through a mini-revolution. The static, indoor shots of the previous 20 years were being replaced by movement shots, where the clothing and the model were shot in action, engaging the audience with the clothing that she was promoting. The model was viewed as a single, independent woman, so that all types of customers could relate to her.

Photographers like Richard Avedon, whose photograph of the model Dovima, wearing Christian Dior was sold at auction for $19,800, were instrumental in creating this new modelling style; both glamorous and spontaneous, which has influenced every generation of fashion photographer since.

These changes in fashion, modelling and photography all contributed to the huge growth of the industry in the 1960s and beyond, when models, photographers and designers became as famous as the clothes they created and promoted.

Behaviour Tips for Modelling

How you behave during your modelling career will have a direct influence on how you are perceived by agents and clients. Showing an interest in fashion and accessories can go a long way. Many models dabble with making their own jewellery with a jewellery starter kit or fashioning their own clothes to suit the tastes of the agents or clients they are meeting.

There are some notorious examples of bad behaviour in the modelling industry. Some models are as famous for their tantrums as their beauty. In the long run, it’s safest not to let your ego get in the way of your profession, but the modelling industry is tough, and you’re bound to feel angry, insulted or maligned at some stage.

That’s why agents say that you need to have plenty of self-confidence to succeed as a model. Photographers, directors and clients are already busy and often stressed, and they don’t need you adding extra hassle to their day. On the other hand, the stresses involved often mean that the very same people can create an atmosphere that’s very hard for a model to work in, and you need to be able to approach such situations in a calm manner so that the job gets done.

It can help to learn some ways to deal with the stresses that you may encounter. Yoga encourages calm and inner strength, and teaches techniques to control your breathing, which in turn can diffuse your temper in a difficult situation. It can also help you relax.

Keep a sense of perspective. Even if everyone around you is having trouble, if you can focus on the job and keep your professionalism intact, you will have contributed to the success of the shoot, and the people involved will remember that you stayed calm under pressure.

If you do lose your temper, or have a problem, always explain and apologise if necessary. Most workplace strains and stresses are down to a lack of communication, and people are always receptive to an explanation of your circumstances.

If there is a recurring problem, speak to your agent. It’s better to find a reasonable way of sorting things out that losing your temper and walking out. That just reflects badly on you and could have a disastrous effect on your modelling career.

1940s Modelling

The 1940s was a decade of turmoil across the world, and the modelling and fashion industry was no different. Non-essential business came to a stand-still during the Second World War, as everyone’s talents were ploughed into the war effort. To find out more visit http://www.oldmagazinearticles.com/Forties-Fashion_Modeling_1940s

Changes in Fashion

Photographers couldn’t pursue fashion photography and many, especially women, went to the front to record battles, manoeuvres, the aftermath of bombings and the lives of ordinary people. Many photographers used these influences in their fashion photography once the war had finished, although others remained as photo-journalists.

The fashion houses remained open for as long as possible, until Paris was invaded by Germany. Several houses relocated to America and Britain, whilst others stayed open in Paris. But fabric was less easy to come by, as most of it was used for military purposes, as were the factories where mass-clothing was made. When rationing was brought in, most people could only buy certain amounts or types of clothing, and this restricted fashion for most of the decade.

New Faces

Models were still being photographed, though, and some of fashion’s most iconic pictures were taken during the 1940s. Louise Dahl-Wolfe, working for Harpers Bazaar discovered Lauren Bacall at the beginning of the decade and took pictures of women in more natural settings, and not necessarily wearing high fashion. Her photographs were seen as being essentially American, and it was during the 1940s that the USA began to rival Paris in the fashion world.

Modelling became all the rage again once the war was over, as people reacted to their years of deprivation by focusing on all things beautiful. The Paris fashion houses re-instated their collections as soon as the German occupation was over, and photographers once again began work on fashion shoots. The models were still the aristocratic and well-known; Princess Margaret, Marlene Dietrich and Margot Fonteyne, but by the end of the decade, glamour was back in, and modelling was to cease to be the preserve of the rich and famous.

Runway Modelling

Runway modelling is seen as the most glamorous side of the industry – beautiful women and men showing off the collections of the world’s most famous designers. From Simply Ties accessories to footwear and high end fashion, there are a number of things runway models need to help promote. Becoming a runway model is hard work, and you will have to meet a very stringent set of criteria to be in with a chance.

Runway models have to meet specific height, body shape and health guideline:

Runway Modelling – Female

-          5’9” to 6’ tall

-          16-21 years old

-          dress size 6 (UK) or 4(USA) maximum

-          Straight, white teeth

-          Good hair

-          Symmetrical facial features

-          Good body tone

-          Clear Skin

-          Personality, ambition and dedication

Runway Modelling – Male

-          5’11” to 6’2” tall

-          18-25 years old

-          140-165lbs weight

-          Good teeth, hair and skin

-          Good body and muscle tone

-          Confident, responsible and organised

It may sound obvious, but runway models have to be able to wear the clothes in the designer’s collection. They must have a feel for how the fabric moves, and be able to walk and turn to make the clothes the star, not the model. Most runway models will have the classic high cheekbones, wide eyes and full lips, but they shouldn’t distract attention from the clothes.

Patience and confidence are key attributes for a runway model. Backstage at a fashion show is a chaotic place, and models are usually straight out of one outfit and into another. This can also involve changes in hair and make-up, which will mean you are pulled about by a number of people in order to get you back on the runway as fast as possible. You need to be able to keep calm in hectic situations, and walk down the runway professionally, no matter what has happened backstage 30 seconds beforehand.

Most runway models also do a lot of print and promotional work, but it is the runway that kick-starts their modelling fame and that’s why it’s the holy grail of the modelling industry.

Child Models

All parents think their children are beautiful, but only a few actually encourage their children to model. If you’re considering modelling as a career for your child, then you will need to consider how much time and money you are willing to give up to achieve your dream. To find out more visit http://childmodel.blogspot.co.uk/

There’s always a call for child models, and in many cases, there’s not much distinction between child models and child actors. Children are used to model kids’ fashions, to promote lifestyle products and services and to advertise products specific to young people.

As with all modelling, child models are subject to the whims of the businesses involved, the art directors and the photographers. They will want a certain look; whether it’s curly haired babies, or pre-teen attitude. This means that lots of child models have to learn to cope with rejection, and their parents need to be able to handle it too.

As a parent, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your child turns up on time and is properly prepared. Be warned: photographs, TV adverts and live events all take time to plan and execute so there will be long periods of waiting, and entertaining your child before they get in front of the director. They will also have to get used to working with other models or actors, so they will need to be friendly, flexible and adaptable in order to be successful.

Before putting your child forward for modelling work, talk to agencies like ours about what’s involved. You can tell us what your child’s talents are and we can talk you through what to expect. You may decide to limit your child to certain areas of work – this reduces the stress for you and your child, and interferes less with their “normal” life at school or at home. You have a better chance of getting work for your child if you are close to where the advertising agencies are; usually in the big cities like London and Manchester, where media companies are looking out for distinctive children.

Children’s Clothes and Kids’ Clothes in Seasonal Demand

Fashionable children’s clothes and kids’ clothes, must-have toys and state-of-the-art gadgets – Parents particularly spoil their kids at Christmas time and birthdays. They want their tots to look their best in their Prams & Pushchairs.

Christmas is a magical time for kids, and the perfect time to buy quality, fashionable children’s clothes and kids’ clothes. Surveys suggest that British parents are more prone to spoiling their kids at Christmas. And keeping them in trendy children’s clothes is a top of the wish list for many.

Quality children’s Clothes in Demand

Quality children’s clothes and kids’ clothes are incredibly desirable for many parents who want the best for their youngsters. And peer pressure means looking good has never been so crucial. In one survey, one in five parents said they would forgo paying bills in order to meet the demands for designer children’s clothes and kids’ clothes, gadgets and toys.

Kids’ Clothes and Pester Power

Pester power is one of the major driving forces behind parent’s choices, and more young people hanker after fashionable children’s clothes and kids’ clothes then ever before. So much so, that many parents are willing to sacrifice their own seasonal outfits, recycling old clothing to afford fashionable children’s clothes for their kids.

In the survey by a leading financial group, parents would rather spend their money on children’s clothes and kids’ clothes then:

• Keep up to date with the bills
• Keep their own hair style up to date – a quarter said they’d sacrifice a haircut in order to pamper their kids
• Buy up-to-date fashions for themselves

Arm Twisting Tactics

Children are experts at twisting arms and getting their own way, and the worst age group for stomping their way to the catwalk are the five to seven age groups. Christmas is a particularly demanding time, but more parents would rather buy quality children’s clothes and kids’ clothes then waste money on gadgets and toys that will lose their appeal after a day or two. On average, around a quarter of parents spend over £300 on their children at Christmas time.

Stylish Kids’ Clothes, Gadgets and Toys

It isn’t just stylish children’s clothes and kids’ clothes that are in demand – mobiles and computers top the list too, as do trainers and state-of-the-art prams and buggies for babies. Of course, fashionable baby transport is more an expression of the parent’s sense of style then the child’s. Fathers in particular are more susceptible to buying gadgets such as baby-carrying devices and upmarket car seats. Some research suggests that the fact many mothers are giving birth later in life, means they tend to be more affluent and therefore able to buy the best children’s clothes and kids’ clothes available.

G Star Raw – Jeans You Won’t Want to Take Off

When you find the perfect pair of jeans, you’ll want to live 24-7 in them, as Zac Efron did when he put on a pair of G Star jeans.

G Star Raw creates jeans to fall head over heels over. And some argue that to get the best out of your G Star jeans you should wash them as little as possible. In fact, quality G Star denim can become like a second skin thanks to their durability - and by resisting washing your G Star jeans too often you’ll create that much sought after distressed denim vibe.

G Star Raw – The Zac Efron Effect

Actor Zac Efron wore the same pair of G Star jeans for eight weeks straight. He was reported to be very serious about breaking in his pair of G Star jeans in order to get a dirty, worn look. By wearing G Star jeans without washing them, day-in day-out, it’s possible to get rid of that stiff quality new jeans can have, create the lived-in whiskers and creases at the front of the pants, and still retain their quality and depth. Beautiful designer jeans like G Star should look like an easy and natural second skin.

Breaking in G Star Jeans

Everyone knows that new jeans have to be broken in – and in fact washing our clothes every week is something of an obsession. But when it comes to G Star jeans or any designer brand, washing frequently can impact on their durability and life cycle. Zac took his G Star denim seriously when he wore them everywhere he went. He told the press: “I wore them all throughout High School Musical 3… I even wore them hiking. You have to wear them everywhere to get them right.”

The dirty, distressed look simply can’t be achieved without genuine, authentic wear. Although you can buy stone washed or faded jeans to fit fashion, you can’t beat the real deal.

G Star for Denim Devotees

The actor has become something of a teen heart throb since High School Musical, and no doubt what Zac does, hordes of fans will follow. And there’s no doubt that the G Star clothing range has now attracted a whole new fan base. But it seems Zac is trying to break away from his teen heart-throb image. The denim devotee’s most recent role was in the more grown-up movie, Me and Orson Welles. And although he may not have had to don a pair of G-Star jeans for the role, he seems to be more proud of the movie than any of his teenage movies. He said to the press: “It's the first time I've ever watched a movie [that I'm in] and in the end I'm like 'OK! I didn't check my watch once!”

When you do finally give in and wash your G Star jeans, turn them inside out and keep them on a cool wash to help maintain the colour. If you want a faded effect – opt for a hot wash of 60 degrees.

Time for a Revival of Classic Men’s Hats

At one point British men were iconic to the world when it came to styling and fashion. Not today. Is it time for a revival of classic men’s hats and tailored style?

When you think back to the 1930s, 40s and 50s and think of iconic British actors like Cary Grant, the words ‘dapper’ ‘elegant’ and ‘gentleman’ spring to mind. Something about the era when mens hats were worn as an essential part of their wardrobe spoke volumes about the care, civility and character of the times. Today, for many men it seems fashion is all about jeans exposing their pants, over-sized t-shirts or slack, shapeless sports clothes. But when a man does wear a hat, whether it is in the fashion pages of a magazine or walking down Oxford Street, it can create that ‘wow’ factor. Men’s hats speak volumes saying to the world this man is self assured, confident and aware of good styling. The way a man wears his hat expresses his character, status and attitude.

“Wither the well dressed gent?”

Perhaps it’s the clear and dramatic changes in men’s fashion in just a few generations, from debonair to dowdy that has triggered articles such as the one by MT Hughes on the Guardian’s Comment is Free website, on the ‘sad decline of the tweed-clad gent’. He writes that not only do men’s hats and sharp tailoring need a revival but men’s fashion needs a drastic turnaround after “the horrific decline in male attire.” MT Hughes fear the well-dressed male is close to extinction. Classic men’s hats have been replaced by ‘louts in Lycra.’  Hughes believes men’s fashion, from their hats to their shoes, is indicative of an intellect, culture and sophistication. That wearing polyester and fleece on the streets of London is not suggestive of a city housing the world’s oldest museums. “Let us hang our heads in collective shame,” he writes.

The Clothes Reflect the Man

Hughes believes the fact men’s hats are not worn as part of their day-to-day lives says something more than the fact that the fashion stakes have fallen, but that society is ‘impoverished’. He believes tweed, linen and corduroy is the Holy Trinity of British style, but these garments are now ridiculed by the youth, he laments: “Is there anyway to rekindle the flame of British élan?” Hughes goes on to say that the decline in men’s styling is even expressed in the world of politics, criticising politicians for looking more like managers of Iceland. “Have none of these twerps read Shelley?” he asks. Hughes, we tip our hats to you…

The History of Jewellery Design

The first pieces of jewellery ever worn by man are believed to from the Homo Sapiens in Africa, dating back to 75,000 years ago.

The history of jewellery is a long one. Rich in culture and influences from around the world, it been around for many years and entered into so many different eras including Ancient Greece, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Romanticism period, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Jewish jewellery and Asian jewellery.

Established jewellery making was a big part of ancient Egyptian culture. More than 5,000 years ago, gold was the chosen metal in Egypt and this is still reflected in their modern jewellery today. Gold was luxurious and rare and symbolised power in the community. Jewellery was so symbolic to the Egyptians that it was continued to be worn through death and into the afterlife.

Early Jewellery – Function and Design

It’s suggested that the very first jewellery designs derived from the natural materials around us. This included materials such as animal bone, teeth, shells, carved stone and wood. It is believed that the first ever pieces of jewellery were for functional purposes only and it wasn’t until later that they were used for adornments.  There are theories that the very first gem stones were picked from alluvial gravels and river beds.

Ancient Egypt used gold jewellery to represent wealth and social status, and soon religious meanings became relevant. Because of the Turkish influences found in Persian jewellery, it is strongly believed that there was a great deal of trade happening between Europe and the Middle East.

Jewellery: Derived from “Jouel” 

The word “joule” was anglicised to create the word “jewel” and this is where the word “jewellery” derives from. One of the oldest forms of body adornment, jewellery is still used for the similar reasons today. Just like the Egyptians, the way we accessorise ourselves can be a reflection of our social status, how affluent our families are, and our religious beliefs. But in the modern day, the rings we wear on our finger can symbolise love, marriage, commitment while a bracelet or a pair of earrings or chamilia charms can reveal insights into our personal lives or our sense of style. Fashion can be defined by the way we dress ourselves and this includes every single detail – from a top and skirt, to our footwear and outerwear, our choice of accessories, the way we wear our hair and the necklace and handbag to match – every feature matters. This is what modern jewellery has evolved into today.

Henley’s Clothing: men’s designer clothing success story secures expansion deal

Henley’s, the men’s designer clothing business, has doubled in size over the last two years – and they’ll be opening more stores in the next 18 months thanks to a new £1m deal

Henley’s Clothing has announced expansion plans including the opening of new retail stores over the next 18 months thanks to a £1 million deal with the Royal Bank of Scotland.

And the Manchester-based men’s designer clothing company has announced that its turnover has doubled in the last two years as the style of its fashion clothing catches on in the UK.

Henley’s: an edgy impact on the high street

Men’s fashion gets better all the time and there are some top brands available. Mens fossil wallets add to a great outfit and many people now go for a men's Barbour quilted jacket to keep the cold off. Henley’s was founded in Manchester in 2000, and has grown in popularity ever since. Men generally like the label’s look because of its innovative and exciting design.

The company’s designs bring an edgy impact to the high street, and pay meticulous attention to the fit, fabric and finish of their garments. They specialise in T-shirts, cargos, denim, knits, and hoodies and other jerseys. These clothes look fab with smart boots or simple cheap Converse.

Meanwhile, the fact Henley’s produces six short order runs a year means each article is a rare piece of fashion – while every garment retains the company’s overall distinctive look.

Expansion planned for Henley’s

Henley’s has stealthily grown in the last seven years. In 2005 its turnover was £6.2 million – and its latest figures, reported in the Manchester Evening News, show that the figure has doubled to more than £14 million. The company reckons it will break through the £20 million barrier this year.

Because of its success, Henley’s has been able to secure a working capital deal with the Royal Bank of Scotland. The £1 million funding will allow Henley’s to invest money in future expansion without going short of the cash needed for its day-to-day business.