WORKOUT WEDNESDAYS: Yogi Playlist And Shopping Guide
Karolin Kurkova by Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia 2001
Workout Wednesday - The Yogi Playlist
Following on from last week's Sun Salutation, given to us by the lovely Hannah Tokuno, we wanted to continue our 'Zen' state and create a playlist that will keep you chill 'til the weekend. (Spotify)
We also have an added bonus of a coed shopping guide, for the hottest yoga wear to look amazing in while doing your downward dogs or cat cows,
...or just listening to this playlist!
Electric Yoga The United Tank $78 (www.electricyoga.com)
Prana Wise Ass Journeyman T-Shirt $35 (www.prana.com)
Electric Yoga Poison Dots Legging $108 (www.electricyoga.com)
Manduka Utility Knit Pant $88 (www.manduka.com)
Michi NY Elektra Bra $175 (www.michiny.com)
Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Tank $58 (www.lululemon.com)
Zobha Yoga Thong Panty 2-Pack $30 (www.zobha.com)
Mika Yoga Wear Seba Short $52 (www.mikayogawear.com)
Zella Shadowboxer Jacket $77.40 (www.nordstrom.com)
Nike Dri-Fit Men's Training Full-Zip Hoodie $57.97 (www.nike.com)
Stella McCartney Adidas Grey Yoga Bag $160 (www.stellamccartney.com)
TOESOX Half Toe Bellarina Grip Socks $18 (www.toesox.com)
Nike Essential Yoga Kit $35 (www.nike.com)
Alex Reis: A Model Search Discovery.
Almost three years ago, Alex Reis entered a model search in hopes to follow his dream of becoming a model and actor. Since then, he has been signed with Stars Management and has never looked back.
FMD: You were discovered through a Stars Management Model Search. What made you enter the model search?
Alex: My dream has always been to pursue acting. I looked up model and talent agencies, and I found Stars. I saw that they were having one, and I just went out to them.
FMD: What has been the biggest lesson that you’ve learned while modeling?
Alex: To be yourself, no matter what. Even though people will want you to look a certain way or be someone else, in the end, you will gain so much more if you are just yourself. That’s the biggest thing. I think, in this industry, people can get easily manipulated or persuaded into being someone else, and when they become that, I think they actually lessen their chances of [achieving] their goals.
FMD: So, not trying to copy someone else?
Alex: It’s easy to see another person and follow their footsteps or try to emulate them. But, you are kind of losing who you are, your uniqueness. Once you find that you have that special something, whatever it is, that uniqueness or personality, and if you can bring that out during a shoot or audition, you are going to gain so much more. When you copy someone else, you’re just generic. But, if you can be that something else, you will stand out, and that’s a hugely powerful tool.
FMD: Would you say that’s a big lesson for life in general?
Alex: Yes, especially in relationships, and with yourself – loving yourself too. This is kind of an interesting industry, unlike anything else I’ve been in. You have to have a lot of self-love and that balance of self-esteem. Be true to yourself. Believe in yourself.
FMD: What’s been your favorite modeling moment so far?
Alex: One has been bike riding around downtown San Francisco during rush hour, and I was in an astronaut costume riding an electric bicycle. A police motorcade guided me through traffic, and it was just wild. The photographer was hanging off the side of a motorcycle. Crazy! There was that, and there was a shoot I did in Northern California eating BBQ Oysters, another one I went to Tahoe and played in the snow.
FMD: Do you prefer doing on-camera/moving image as opposed to print/stills?
Alex: Maybe, perhaps I might like on-camera, just because there are more possibilities and range. But, it all depends on what’s going on. Like, there can be so much more behind the stills too. There can be movement, but the photographer is just capturing it in a single image.
FMD: What would you say to the aspiring models entering the #fmd❤️starsmodel search?
Alex: If this is something that you want to do, don’t be discouraged right away. Be very patient. Don’t expect for any quick fame or whatever. Don’t chase it for the fame, chase it for something else, something more valuable. I think mostly do it for yourself, believe in yourself.
WORKOUT WEDNESDAYS: Vinyasa Sun Salutation With Hannah
Workout Wednesday - Vinyasa Flow Sun Salutation with Hannah Tokuno
Californian model, Hannah Tokuno has been practicing Yoga for almost 15 years. She finds that it keeps her strong, lean and limber, but more importantly, it clears her mind. These benefits help her through her busy modeling schedule, and while traveling.
Enjoy this relaxing Vinyasa Sun Salutation which you can do anywhere - even at an airport!
Mother Agent: Stars Management
Can You Model With Tattoos?
Now that tattoos are the norm in today's society, you can be inked and still work as a model. In fact, a number of agencies have broadened their spectrum of diversity – which includes the heavily tatted and pierced. Tattoos generally seem to be accepted in the fashion world, and they are often featured in edgy editorials or campaigns. Even a few models have risen to fame because of their body canvas. Look at Rick Genest, aka "Zombie Boy" who has graced many magazines and campaigns including Thierry Mugler. (See 40 Top Models with fashionable tattoos.)
However, tattoos can still limit the chance of a long-term modeling career. To stand the test of time, as a model, you must be a chameleon and transform into anything the client wants – conservative or edgy, and everything in between. This is why many clients ask for ink-free models, or at the very least, have tattoos that can be easily hidden. Shoots for cosmetics, underwear, and swimwear typically require flawless skin. While Photoshop and great makeup techniques can conceal tattoos, the artists’ time is very costly. Unless the client wants to embrace your artwork, any tattoo that covers a large portion of your body can make them rethink booking you.
It is not advisable to get ‘makeup’ tattoos; such as eye and lip liner. Aside from the fact that they are impossible for makeup artists to work with, they can also change your facial features and potentially jeopardize your career.
If you are a model, or about to become one, you might want to hold off your trip to the tattoo parlor until you speak with your agent.
For those already inked, depending on where your tattoos are, what you are wearing and what kind of job you are doing, you can move your body into poses that can hide your artwork. But, if you cannot get away with that, below are some of our favorite products that can conceal small to medium sized tattoos. (NOTE: Make sure you set the makeup and avoid getting it on your client’s clothing).
TATTOO MAKE UP
Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup www.dermablend.com
Mehron Tattoo CoveRing www.mehron.com
Rio Skin Camouflage Concealer www.riobeauty.co.uk / www.ebay.com
WORKOUT WEDNESDAYS: Heavy Hitting Playlist
Workout Wednesday - Heavy Hitting Playlist
If you're into boxing, kick-boxing, or even just hitting it hard at the gym, have we got a playlist for you! It will keep your adrenaline pumping and help let off some steam.
WARNING: This is not for the faint hearted! (Spotify)
PFW F/W2018. We’ll Always Have Paris.
February 27, 2018
Christian Dior
First, it was the “We should all be feminists” T-shirt, now the “C’est non, non, non et non!” sweater. It’s been 50 years since the student riots in May 1968, and Maria Grazia Chiuri decided to make another social-political statement. Inspired by the tumultuous protesters of 1968 and Diane Vreeland’s “youthquake”, Chiuri wanted to target younger customers but retain Dior’s high-fashion aesthetic and legacy. A wardrobe that is revolutionary but also highly creative.
Saint Laurent
Anthony Vaccarello was inspired by the Yves Saint Laurent’s “Russian Peasant” couture collection of F/W 1976, an extravagant collection in its time. But, Vaccarello gave a more Parisian direction of that elaborated and voluminous collection of Monsieur Saint Laurent. Mini shorts, large brimmed hats, fiercely impressive décolletés and the sparkling Eiffel Tower as a background accessory created a strong, contemporary fashion statement.
February 28, 2018
Maison Margiela
Décortiqué. John Galliano loves to name his collections with French adjectives. In this collection, he stripped down the garments to their essence and just kept their skeletal structure. Unconscious glamour was the collection’s name, but it looked more like ‘Rushed Dressing’ glamour. Coats worn before dresses, blazers before sweaters, holographic coats and a lot of deconstructing garments all over the catwalk. Galliano loves the pair-if-you-dare game of fabrics.
Dries Van Noten
Fashion is good, fashion is nice. It sounds like a mantra but that was the message Dries Van Noten was passing through his collection. We live in a very complicated and wild world, and maybe the Dark Ages are back. But, fashion should reflect the bright side of life. That was what Van Noten’s collection was all about. Utilitarian sportswear, ‘70s glam, and Paul Poiret references. Fashion is good, fashion is nice.
March 1, 2018
Ann Demeulemeester
The dark romanticism of the British poet, William Blake, was what Sébastien Meunier had in mind while creating this strong, aggressive but feminine collection. Clothes for modern amazons. Unfastened leather straps, painted black clothes, but there was also a hint of innocence. Jeanne d’Arc could have been Meunier’s muse for this collection.
March 2, 2018
Loewe
Five classical novels in their native language, with jackets photographed by Steven Meisel, were placed on every chair. “Classicism is always there…sometimes you change the cover and make it relevant for today,” Jonathan Anderson referred to the reading material. Loewe craftsmanship and the meticulously detailed mixing of the fabrics created an updated classic collection.
Balmain
Olivier Rousteing’s “Balmain Army” became fierce disco queens this season. They love wearing ripped jeans with holographic jackets, quilted leather, PVC thigh-high boots, and whatever has a shining effect on the designer’s favorite ‘80s silhouettes.
March 3, 2018
Comme des Garçons
Rei Kawakubo always loves to deconstruct the shape of the clothes and create theatrical figures inspired the history, even if she has stated that she doesn’t like to look back. For this season, CAMP was the name of her collection. She referred to Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay “Notes on Camp”. “I think camp can express something deeper, and give birth to progress,” Kawakubo wrote in her show notes. The progress of thinking and feeling the world around us.
Altuzarra
Joseph Altuzarra designed a collection that was all about the women he grew up with. His mother, his friends, all the women who work and get dressed to go to the office. La Coupole restaurant at Montparnasse was the perfect choice for this real collection to take place.
March 4, 2018
Givenchy
If someone wants to learn about the ‘80s in East and West Germany, Clare Waight Keller’s collection for Givenchy would be the best fashion history class. Rich faux furs, leather, sharp tailoring and lace created the desired contradiction so as to present those two different sides of a country. Glamour and cruelty.
Valentino
“Sometimes it’s felt as if a woman had to dress like men to be more powerful. Today is a different moment. People can be exactly how they are,” said Pierpaolo Piccioli. Flowers, the symbol of romance, were the collection’s main theme. Flowers that were a reminder of Georgia O’ Keefe paintings but much more minimal. Long dresses, coats, jackets; everything a romantic Valentino woman would wear.
March 5, 2018
Alexander McQueen
A McQueen woman is always powerful, and so was Sarah Burton’s show. Metamorphosis was the name of the collection, and it was an ode to powerful womanhood. Like a caterpillar transforms into a beautiful and ethereal butterfly, so does a girl become a mighty woman. Undoubtedly, throughout the collection butterfly wings had a special place.
Giambattista Valli
“Humanity, much less politics,” Giambattista Valli said backstage. Valli’s collection was a collision between different cultures and politics where everyone accepts each other as they are. A journey through different countries, unique civilizations and unlike mentalities, but with bohemian attitude.
March 6, 2018
Chanel
Karl Lagerfeld always narrates a personal story through each of his shows, and he did so again this time. Twelve old alleys decorated the runway, at Grand Palais, along with a German forest that is usually spotted somewhere in north Hamburg, a memory from Lagerfeld’s childhood. Everything that one needed for a stylish walk into the woods was in the collection.
The #CHANELFallWinter 2018/19 show, presented by Karl Lagerfeld yesterday in Paris. #PFW
A post shared by CHANEL (@chanelofficial) on
Miu Miu
Miu Miu is about girls who love to have fun with fashion. This time, Miuccia Prada mixed the ‘50s and ‘80s and the outcome was an eccentric and colorful collection. Different types of models, but all were referring to strong personalities. One thing in common… they all love the ‘80s powerful dress code.
Workout Wednesdays: Exercises For Runners With Maya
Workout Wednesday - with Maya Tucker
Maya Tucker knows a thing or two about performance. A former pro-soccer player turned model can not only shoot a mean goal, but she also loves to run and surf, amongst other sporting activities. For this week's Workout Wednesday, Maya shows us her favorite pre and post run exercises. Happy running!
Mother Agent: Stars Management
Lather Up! Our Favorite Shaving Creams For Men
We've found brands to suit all types of shaving requirements. Whether you have sensitive skin, looking for all natural products, or want the luxurious experience of a traditional barber wet shave. Take a look!
6 Of Our favorite Shaving Creams (Photo: Vlad Zinkevych)
A CLASSIC SHAVE FAVORITE - Taylor of Old Bond Street was established in 1854, during the reign of Queen Victoria. Like it's name sake, this is for men who enjoy the full traditional barber shave experience. They have a number of different scents, but this Sandalwood one is flying off the shelves. Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream - $16.99 (West Coast Shaving).
BRUSHLESS CREAM FOR CLOSE SHAVERS - Spiked with Menthol and Camphor, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, helps reduce oil. It also requires no water or brush, just a little heat prior to application to soften the skin and hair follicles. Kiehl's Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream - $17.00 (Kiehls.com).
A CAFFEINE FIX - Wakey Wakey! Now you can have your coffee and shave at the same time. This vegan shaving cream contains all natural products, including naturally derived caffeine. An antioxidant that can reduce the appearance of redness. Pacific Shaving Co. Caffeinated Shaving Cream - $7.99 (Pacific Shaving Co).
EDGING FRIENDLY GEL - Gillette's clear shaving gel allows you to see what you're doing. An ideal product for those who want to avoid any pimples or moles, or get perfectly edged facial hair. Additionally, it is great to use in the shower. Gillette Fusion ProGlide Clear Shave Gel - $4.80 (Walmart).
REFRESHING FOAM - Proraso's shaving foam invigorates the skin upon application. Thanks to the Eucalyptus oil and Menthol, it also combines cleansing and toning. Although the 'Green' line is designed for all skin types, they have additional lines that cater specifically to sensitive, dry or oily skin. Proraso Shaving Foam Green - $7.99 (West Coast Shaving).
UNSCENTED FOR SENSITIVE SKIN - A luxury shaving cream that when applied with a brush, keeps the hair lifted for an easier, closer shave. It also helps the blade glide smoothly, even for multiple blade passes, which prevents any irritation or razor burn. Plus, the Glycerin and Coconut acid will keep your skin hydrated. Worth every cent! The Art Of Shaving Unscented Shaving Cream - $25 (The Art Of Shaving).
MFW F/W2018: La Divina Moda.
Hybrids. Clans. Cyborgs. Religion. Everything looked surreal in this still-real-world we live in.
February 21, 2018
Gucci
The fashion week in Milan initiated quite dynamically, shockingly dynamic someone would say. The invitation to Gucci had already prompted that the guests wouldn’t be watching an ordinary runway show. A timer in a plastic bag which counted in reverse until the beginning of the show, that was taking place in a surgery room. Alessandro Michele titled the Gucci show “Cyborg” after Donna Haraway’s 1984 “A Cyborg Manifesto” essay. Two models were carrying their own heads as accessories, another holding a dragon, and a third eye was staring from a model’s forehead. Living in a world full of uncertainty, where many questions have been risen and found no answers, Michele created a hybrid that surpasses dualisms and dichotomies. Velvet dresses, tweed jackets, distressed jeans, and furs covered with tulle. A futuristic collection with a grim touch.
Moschino
It’s very obvious that Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe were the inspiration for Jeremy Scott’s fall collection for Moschino. Bobbed hair and pillbox hats were reminiscent of the First Lady, but with some Pop Art and alien characteristics. However, it was the bombshell who came out wearing evening looks because something’s got to give.
February 22, 2018
Max Mara
Max Mara is synonymous with powerful and beautiful outwear since its foundation day, back in 1951. With this collection, Max Mara wanted to gain the appreciation of a younger generation. Power dressing with some ’80s punk chic details created a very strong theme. Large coats, leather skirts teamed with slim pants, and T-shirts with Francoise Berthoud illustrations are waiting to be worn by powerful Millennial queens.
Fendi
“Romantic femininity for a powerful woman,” were Silvia Venturini Fendi’s words about the last collection. This time Karl Lagerfeld and Fendi focused on men’s fabrics and detailed tailoring. Double-breasted glossy coats in Prince of Wales checks, handkerchief linen transformed into coat collars and embroidered dresses, Texan boots, and the new version of Peekaboo bag, the Peekaboo X-Lite brought the perfect balance between strong lines and the delicacy of the ‘40s.
Prada
Miuccia Prada decided to match two opposing types of women in order to create a superwoman, who isn’t afraid to fight if needed while wearing something extremely feminine. On the one side, bustier, tulle, and sequins and on the other protective tight knit dresses, and jackets in neon colors were worn as armor. Also, the “Hot Rods” shoes are back, but with an upgrade and perfectly matched with the Fondazione Prada’s view of the post-industrial Milan.
February 23, 2018
Etro
Etro becomes 50 years old and the creative director, Veronica Etro wanted to celebrate it with the most Etro-ish way. Prints and glamorous bohemian aesthetics were the main ingredients for the “Folk Deco” collection. Fringes, suede boots, printed dresses and shearling jackets proved that stylish can be also cozy.
Versace
For the Italians, “La Famiglia” is the most important, and sacred, thing. The family is something that proves where you belong, it’s a form of identity. Maybe that was what Donatella Versace had in mind when she named the last collection “The Clans of Versace.” Tartans, African graphism, total monochrome mixed with a multitude of styles and decades. Many designs were from her brother Gianni, but Donatella produced a collection that belongs in the “Famiglia Versace”.
GUCCI
MOSCHINO
MAX MARA
FENDI
PRADA
ETRO
VERSACE
GIORGIO ARMANI
MISSONI
JIL SANDER
MARNI
DOLCE & GABBANA
TOMMY HILFIGER
February 24, 2018
Giorgio Armani
“Inspired by many cultures as an ode to co-existence as opposed to exclusion,” were Giorgio Armani’s notes about the collection. Clothes in pale colors were succeeded by jackets and then by embellished gowns. The many fabrics created a collection that can travel around the world through textures and design.
Missoni
Missoni is well-known for its zigzagging, multicolored knits. For this season, Angela Missoni created another story mixing Caribbean colors and references to Jamaican colorful layering. Icons such as Lisa Bonet, Basquiat and Hendrix were an inspiration for this ‘70s and early ‘80s super colorful collection.
Jil Sander
A collection inspired by the sci-fi movie “2001: A Space Odyssey”, a nostalgia for what the future holds for humans. Outfits with references to astronaut uniforms that exhaled purity. “We’re surrounded by technology and AI and all these things that are always in the news and in the consciousness. We thought, ‘Why can’t the future be beautiful, soft and human also?’” said Luke Meier backstage.
February 25, 2018
Marni
“Techno-primitivism” is what Francesco Risso named his Fall 2018 Marni show – a contradiction in terms. Marni is a synonym to minimalism, yet this collection was dedicated to the use of contrasting colors, fabrics and prints. It was referring to that type of women who, at the same time, can combine fragility and powerfulness in a creative way. Well-constructed coats and dresses mixing two opposite fabrics produced a weird but very beautiful outcome.
Dolce & Gabbana
A Catholic ceremony with a touch of technology; that was Dolce&Gabbana. When the golden gates opened, eight drones appeared and each of them carried a D&G handbag. “Fashion Devotion” was the title of the collection, and not by chance. Every outfit was inspired by the Catholic church; the colors, the fabrics, the accessories. Even slogan printed t-shirts were referring to Church in some way. A collection made for sin.
Tommy Hilfiger
All started in New York, went to London, then Beijing and now Milan, the fashion capital in Tommy Hilfiger’s mind. It was something like a World Tour or pit stop of racing cars. Hilfiger’s spring #TommyNow see-now-buy-now collection was not only a celebration of his love for fast cars but also a celebration of his partnership with Mercedes-AMG Petronas, through which he will be its official apparel partner. Racing tops and jackets with Hilfiger’s logo, stripes, denim and sheer dresses. Everything looked so authentic. And, Gigi Hadid was there to add more cuteness and youthfulness at this “Fast and Furious” show.
