How To Be A Victoria's Secret Angel

Victoria's Secret

Fashion Show 2011



The annual Victoria's Secret soirée took place in New York earlier this week, where a huge fuss was made over a little lingerie in an extravagant $12 million parade. While viewing the glamorous fashion show, I observed that there is a certain criteria to be met in order to be a 'Victoria's Secret Angel'. I've compiled a list for anyone interested in landing one of world's most sought after modeling jobs. 



How To Become A Victoria's Secret Angel



* You will need to be at least 1.78m or 5f 10in tall

* Have a 34-24-34 frame, which is the equivalent to a size zero

* Be ridiculously gorgeous. If you're an 'exotic beauty', that will put you up the list.

* Have amazing legs that go on forever

* Naturally glossy long locks and porcelain skin is a must-have

* Have an electrifying smile with enough wattage to light up Times Square.

* You should probably give up carbs and chocolate...and food in general.

* Spend at least 4 hours a day in the gym doing some form of trendy toning exercises. 

* Dating an equally good-looking and world famous rock star will amp up your appeal.

* And most importantly, you will have to wear itsy lingerie, walk in sky-high stilettos, carry a colossal pair of wings on your shoulders (that weighs 3 times your body weight) and look incredibly graceful while doing it.



If you fit all these requirements, Congratulations! You are on your way to becoming the Next Victoria's Secret Supermodel. As for the rest of us, we can just admire the exquisite creations that were shown at this years' Victoria's Secret runway show. P.S. Click on the image to see a larger version.





Aquatic Angels

The surreal mermaid theme is brought to life by bevy of international beauties including Russia's (and Adam Levine's) Anne Vylitsyna, top Polish model Anja Rubik, China's stunning Sui He, pretty Swedish blonde Caroline Winberg and Maryna Linchuk from Belarus. 

Super Angels

Step aside Batman/Spiderman/Superman, there is a new superhero in town and she is armed with a valiant cartoon coloured costume, daring thigh-high boots, a killer smile and a whole lot of sex appeal - which is often mistaken for a super power.

Be My Valentine

Wrapped in shades of Valentine, ribbon, feathers and tulle are Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr, Brazilian beauty Lais Ribeiro and New Zealand newcomer, Jessica Clark.

Supermodels of Swan Lake

 A ballet-inspired theme in a sugary blend of sweet pink, lemon and dreamy blue hues. Chanel Iman makes leg warmers look sexy, Alessandra Ambrosio does her best impression of Black Swan, German model Toni Garrn flaps her butterfly wings and Dutch dame Doutzen Kroes strikes a dramatic pose in her blue and white tutu.

 A Black and White Affair

These are my favourite costumes from the collection. Lily Donaldson's black and white ensemble with the vintage lace wings. Brazil's Flavia de Oliveira looks ravishing in all black. I love the striped and layered tulle skirt worn by Estonian model Karmen Pedaru. The umbrella adds a vintage touch to her alluring Edwardian outfit. Cameron Russell wears a coquettish number with a high-collared corset, suspended feathers and black lace gloves.

Show Stoppers

 Brazilian supermodel and Victoria's Secret veteran Alessandra Ambrosio balances the elaborately beaded Passion Play wings, which weighs around 30lb/13kg. It's rumored to have taken seven years to make! South Africa's own dreamgirl Candice Swanepoel looks like a Grecian goddess with her gilded wings. Miranda Kerr brought the sensational show to a close, wearing a $2.5 million Fantasy Treasure brassiere, encrusted with 3400 precious stones. I'm guessing it comes with it's own safe and bodyguard.

So there you have it, another bout of the supermodel syndrome at the Victoria's Secret 2011 fashion show. I wonder if they get to keep the wings?

Duran Duran create the ultimate Super(model) Group with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS

As always, our Chutzpah Barometer gets there first with the news of Duran Duran's video with 1990s supermodel icons but now it's been officially released.
Rock stars rolled in glamour, Duran Duran, who have made some of the most memorable music videos of all time, have raised the bar yet again with the launch of their latest nine-minute short film, for the song “Girl Panic!”, taken from their

Girls on Film

***Updated 8th November - Video launched today!

 

Five of the original supermodels — (from left to right) Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen, Naomi Campbell, Eva Herzigova and Yasmin Le Bon have teamed up with Yasmin's hubby Simon LeBon's band Duran Duran to star in the video for their new single, 'Girl Panic'. 
This shoot is chronicled in US Harper's Bazaar's December issue, which also features a slamming shot of the girls bedecked in Dolce and Gabbana on the cover.

The girls cumulatively have quite the pedigree in hanging with the band. Eva was married to Tico Torres from Bon Jovi, Naomi was engaged to Adam Clayton from U2, Helena dated Michael Hutchence and Cindy reportedly dated Jon Bon Jovi. Cindy, Naomi and Helena also appeared together in the famous 'Too Funky' video by George Michael (along with Christy Turlington and Tatjana Patitz). 

 

Simon Le Bon and Yasmin, then & now

Eva and Tico Torres

 Helena and Michael

 

Naomi and Adam 

 

 Cindy  C and John Bon Jovi

  I was obsessed with Duran Duran and these supermodel growing up.  Now in tehir 40's, they still look unbelievable! Duran Duran's keyboardist Nick Rhodes (played by Eva) says "Harper's had approached us about collaborating with the magazine on something really special when the new album came out. I’d had this crazy idea for a video for the song 'Girl Panic!', that looked fantastic on paper, but that I thought in reality would be impossible to pull off. The idea was to re-create a day in the life of the band, with five of the world’s greatest supermodels playing all of us. Lucy Yeomans (editor of Harper's Bazaar UK) loved the idea of doing a cover shoot within the video itself — and so it all began." Even in the behind the scenes pics the girls look fantastic.

 

 

Helena

Eva

 

  Cindy

 

 

 Yasmin

 

Naomi

Duran Duran were THE coolest band in the 80's. They always wore the best clothes and were extremely easy on the eye. 

 

Check out Duran Duran in The Reflex - this song used to send me into a frenzy of Simon LeBon worship. I aspired to be one of their back-up singers, all pouty in a poured-in black Herve Leger 80's Robert Palmer video-vixen style get-up. Most nonsensical lyrics ever and love the 'CGI' at the end. At the time, it was quite amazing.

Mango Fall/Winter 2011

Mango Fashion Campaign

featuring Isabeli Fontana



Gorgeous Brazilian supermodel, Isabeli Fontana is the newest brand ambassador for Mango. The well-known Spanish clothing brand chose the Victoria's Secret model for "her extraordinary beauty and naturalness." Isabeli represents the two sides of their Winter 2011 collection; ultra sexy femme fatale and masculine elegance. Each side is differentiated by the styling - tousled waves with smokey eyes, and slicked back locks with striking red lips.



A primarily black colour scheme runs throughout the range, with dashes of leopard print and polka dots. The collection is a mix of glitzy cocktail dresses, leather and faux fur, classic coats, luxe knits, mini skirts and impeccably tailored suits. I love the gold-tipped black shoes and embellished clutch bags. 



With their Winter 2011 range, Mango seeks to style the modern, dynamic and independent woman. While the rest of you dress for success in one of these polished looks, us in South Africa will only be receiving the range next year. 

Divas and Darlings - CFDA Fashion Awards 2011

Red Carpet Fashion

CFDA Fashion Awards 2011



The CFDA Awards were held in New York this week, where designers were honoured for their exceptional contribution to fashion. Marc Jacobs took home the 'Lifetime Achievement Award', whilst Celine's Phoebe Philo won 'Best International Designer'. 'Womenswear Designer of the Year' was awarded to Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler. The award for best merging womenswear designer went to one of my current favourites, Prabal Gurung.



I get pretty excited about these type of awards shows, as the sole focus is placed on excellence in fashion design. Designers showcase their best designs on their preferred model or actress of choice. It is a celebration of beautiful creations and an appreciation for the art of style. It was impossible to put up pictures of all the outfits, but I have posted the most impactful looks from the evening. This is red carpet fashion at its best. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.



The Supermodels

Dutch model Doutzen Kroes wore a raspberry red one-sleeve gown by J Mendel. Czech export Karolina Kurkova dons a shimmery fern green wrap dress by Diane von Furstenberg. The hoodie is an interesting touch but those strappy heels have got to go. Czech model Hana Soukopova wears an embellished off-white gown with asymmetrical frilled hem by Marchesa. This reminds me of Halle Berry's Oscar 2011 dress. Australian model Miranda Kerr looks gorgeous in a slinky black cut-out gown by Michael Kors. Head to toe, this look is perfection. Brazil's Alessandra Ambrosio is beautiful in a red v-neck Prabal Gurung gown.

Precious Pearls

Pearl tones were a major trend on the purple carpet. American Italian model Elettra Wiedemann wore a wispy chiffon pleated gown by J Mendel. French beauty Anais Mali wore a creamy satin dress with sheer long-sleeves by Sophie Théallet. Katie Cassidy was sweetly simple in an embroidered dress with uneven hemline by Iranian born designer Behnaz Sarafpour. Victoria's Secret model Angela Bellotte is celestial in a white low-neck gown Grecian gown. Whitney Port chose an ivory Pamella Roland dress with floral beading on the shoulder.

Bright Young Things

Ashley Greene wore a neon pink and black mini by Michael Kors. She seems underdressed for this event. Tunisian model Kenza Fourati wears a billowing maxi dress by Marc Bouwer. The sapphire blue colour works incredibly with her skin tone. Emmanuelle Chriqui is a spectacular sight in David Meister. She chose a citron yellow strapless mini with chiffon train. Love the pairing of the purple bejeweled Manolo Blahniks. Chanel Iman chose a kaftan-style keyhole gown in sea green by Max Azria. Mum-to-be Jessica Alba wore a salmon and mauve ensemble by Diane von Furstenberg.

Black and White

Kirsten Dunst took on the menswear trend in Patrik Ervell. The styling is too stuffy. Chloe Sevigny wore an unusual combination of black leather and white lace from her Opening Ceremony line. I don't like those slipper-like shoes. Leelee Sobieski also chose a masculine suit, hers by Adam Kimmel. It may be classy for the office, not a fashion gala. 90210's Shenae Grimes is dressed in a lace corset and black trousers by Rebecca Taylor. Ethiopian supermodel Liya Kebede chose a halter-neck black and white dress by Derek Lam.

Dismally Disillusioned

Namibian model Behati Prinsloo wears a shaded blue mess - there's a difference between 'vintage' and 'antique'. I'm not fond of Liv Tyler's Proenza Schouler outfit because of the kaleidoscope/lego print. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen wear their own line, The Row mixed with some Chanel. I really don't get these two, they are the only ones carrying large satchels with evening wear. Actress Amber Heard wears a sheer beige overlay dress. The black embroidered bodice looks like a nasty rash and the shoes and belt don't add up. Marcia Cross looks fantastic for her age but this sparkly grey Pamella Roland jumpsuit just isn't inappropriate.

Somebody Call 911

The fashion police have to be alerted about these looks. Socialite Julie Macklowe has been swallowed by a slimy green swamp. Why would someone make this dress? British heiress Daphne Guinness's look is incohesive. She overstyled what was an elegant mini dress by Abed Mahfouz. I always mistaken Lady Gaga for a drag queen. Must be the hair, or the makeup, or the dress or the monster heels, or everything.

Supermodels & the Little White Dress

Who better to carry off the Little White Dress trend than the supermodel. Victoria Secrets' Rose Huntington-Whitely and Brazilian bombshell Gisele Bundchen wore their LWD's at two separate events this week.

Rose is a classic beauty in a fitted long-sleeved cut-out dress by MaxMara. She paired it with a leopard print clutch and nude Sergio Rossi heels. Gisele is white hot in a Victoria Beckham sheath dress. She broke it up with a black skinny belt and peep-toes by Christian Louboutin.

Alessandra Ambrosio - Party Dresses

Gorgeous Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio attended two parties this past week, wearing two very different dresses.

At the GQ Brazil launch party in Sao Paulo, Alessandra wore a pretty pale blue asymmetrical dress with white lace panels and a ruched bodice. Her nude heels are by Prada. At the Victoria's Secret SWIM Collection party, she dazzled in a fully embellished metallic mini with Giuseppe Zanotti black platforms. Sweet or Sexy, Alessandra always looks stunning.

Model vs Actress - Who is 'on Vogue'?

Niki Taylor (below, in full 90's mode) has spoken out about the increasing numbers of fashion contracts & covers being swooped up be celebrities - mainly, actresses. When asked the question What changes in consciousness would you like to see in the fashion industry?", Niki replied to FutureClaw mag "Put models back on covers of magazines and in campaigns and let the movie stars do movies."

Niki was one of the supers back in the 90's. My favourite Niki Taylor shot is from UK Vogue (top of post). I had it on my wall circa 1992, she's wearing a Vivienne Westwood bustier outfit and is looking very Cindy C - people used to confuse the two of them. It's also great to see Cindy Crawford in the same mag! And to see the 90's supers featuring in the fashion glossies again - Amber Valetta, Kristin McMenamy, Naomi Campbell - and Kate Moss never left!

Niki sometimes modeled with her pretty younger sister, Krissy. Tragically, Krissy died in 1995, from an acute asthma attack stemming from cardiac arrhythmia.

6 Years later, Niki was involved a horrific car crash in 2001, resulting a coma for 6 weeks with injuries to her back, lungs and liver. It took 56 doctors to operate on her spine. This FutureClaw image is a nod to that surgery.
I can see where Niki's coming from - heavyweight fashions mags such as W, US Vogue and ELLE especially have been putting actresses on their covers for a long time now, and UK Vogue and ELLE has started to features actresses a lot more often, with Lily Allen, Demi Moore, Keira Knightly, Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie, Carey Mulligan, Kate Hudson some of the latest, off the top of my head. And lately, it seems labels and fashion House campaigns feature actresses more often than not - Julianne Moore for Bulgari, Madonna and Scarlet Johannson for Dolce & Gabbana, Victoria Beckham and Sofia Coppola for Marc Jacobs, January Jones for Versace, Lily Allen for Chanel, Leighton Meester for Missoni...it goes on. Let actresses promote other products - like Scarlet's cool campaign for Moet & Chandon, below.

Personally, give me a model any day - we all know that 99% of actresses don't even choose their outfits, yet are lauded as fashion icons. It's duplicitous. At least, for the most part, models actually live and breath fashion, they have access to the best of the best and they innately style themselves to suit. Granted, they have the access to all of the labels - but they still don't need to pay a stylist to dress them in the morning. Look no further than at one of the most admired, imitated fashion icons of our generation for proof - Kate Moss. You can just see her pulling out a fur gilet and her Westwood boots after a night on the booze with the band.

Case in point - the Vogue UK edition with Emma Watson on the cover. A very wishy-washy, drab cover, yet inside is an A-Mazing Testino shoot, Star Girls- 'A Decade of Supermodels' - this Thread from The Fashionspot concurs. One of the model shots should have been the cover. I mean, just take a butcher's at these:

I understand that fashion houses think that getting celeb to front a line will bring in big bucks. But personally, I think let the models do their thing - actresses, stick to your own media!