Intimidated Supermodel

Tyra Banks for Alexander McQueen



Tyra Banks used to feel 'intimidated' by fashion designers. The supermodel-turned-businesswoman admitted although she enjoyed a successful career as a model before developing her own business empire, she felt like a 'little teenage girl' around designers such as Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld.

She said: 'I'm not the high-fashion girl inside. So I was walking in the runways of Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent and Dior and all the other top designers of the world and the Vogues and the Bazaars and all that globally, but I always still felt intimidated, which is interesting.

'Karl Lagerfeld is dressing me, Yves Saint Laurent is like smoothing my hem or something, and I felt like a little teenage girl and these amazing designers were around me and they were like these Greek gods.'

The 'America's Next Top Model' presenter and producer - who recently launched her own online magazine Type F - also revealed that fellow model Cindy Crawford, who was always in control of her surroundings, inspired her to immerse herself in the business side of the industry. Recalling the moment she witnessed Cindy's power for herself, she told NYmag.com: 'She had all these people around her and she looked so in control.

'She was hosting MTV's 'House of Style', and I was just like, 'Wooooaaaahhhh. She's not waiting for a phone to ring and for a designer to hire her, and I know she has a Revlon contract, and I hear that she has an office at Revlon.' ' 'Like to me her having an office in the Revlon building was like, 'I want an office in a building like that.' '

Q

Beauty and Brains

Tyra Banks gets up three hours early so she has time to work out and put on her make-up.


The 37-year-old model-and-television presenter is currently studying at Harvard Business School and admitted she rises at 4.45am in order to get ready to meet her study group at 7.30am every morning.

She explained: 'I have to work out and eat breakfast beforehand and get ready and be a female. But in the end, I never would have had it any other way. I have made life-long friends among my classmates.'

Meanwhile the busy entrepreneur has today (15.03.11) launched her own beauty and style website, TypeF, where women can input their vital statistic and every time they log on, are greeted with content matched to their physical characteristics.

Tyra explained to USA Today: 'We decided to keep a blank slate for women to fill in what that F means to them. It's done with humor and fun. It's a very specific voice. TypeF is saying,

'No, you are good enough. You deserve to wear that trend too.''

Devil wears Manolo not Prada

Manolo Blahnik would be 'hurt' if Anna Wintour wore shoes by another designer. The US Vogue editor has only worn two styles of shoes for over 10 years - both made by Manolo - and he admitted if she were to turn to one of his rivals for her footwear now he would be displeased.

He said: 'I am incredibly thankful for Anna's loyalty and if she chooses to move in another direction, I would also respect that. Betrayed is too strong a word but I'd definitely be hurt.'

The Spanish designer thinks Anna has refused to deviate from the two styles - which have been nicknamed AW - because she is so sure of what suits her.

He explained to fashionweekdaily.com: 'Anna knows herself very well and what suits her best. Anna always like to have her shoes, like everything in her wardrobe, impeccable at all times. Her favourite colours are skin tones.

I have produced two skin tones that particularly suit Anna.' Choosing Anna's shoes is a collaborative process for the designer and the editor and says it changes depending on her wardrobe.

He explained: 'I often talk to Anna about what's inspiring her that particular season and what she's ordered for her wardrobe. Anna has fantastic legs, and her feet are always meticulously groomed.

We're always discussing materials and adjusting the heel heights and whether or not straps should be wider or stay the same.

In the end, it is always up to Anna.'

Q ... wearing those high heels will hurt too. So do our bank accounts.

Billion Dollar Fashion

Jessica Simpson's fashion line is set to make $1 billion this year.

The 30-year-old singer-and-actress - who launched her Jessica Simpson Collection in 2007 - is to make history by being the first celebrity to reach the staggering sun in annual sales after seeing her current figures rise by almost a quarter in the last 12 months.

News of her amazing fashion success - which puts her in the same league as famous fashion designers Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Vera Wang and Donna Karan - is sure to be a shock to Jessica.

She said in an upcoming interview with New York magazine: 'I never thought I'd be some fashion mogul.'

When Jessica launched the collection, she sold just handbags, shoes and boots, but gradually expanded to include watches, clothing, cosmetics, luggage, fragrances and swimwear, which is all sold in major department stores in the US.

The 'Dukes of Hazzard' star - who is engaged to former NFL player Eric Johnson - is also planning to launch new ready-to-wear and career separates lines.

Sources close to Jessica have previously praised her business skills. One insider said recently: 'She attends all business meetings and makes all major decisions. She's a sharp businesswoman and knows what women want.'

Q ...unbelievable. No Beyonce? Not Heidi Klum? Not Victoria B? Nor Sarah Jessica? Not the Kardashian?

Crowning Glory a top a Hill

Sitting atop Mount Faber, a posh place for pubbing, dinning, clubbing the night away, is The Jewel Box.

Dedicated areas with names like Black Opal, Saphire, Moon Stone, Jade, Emerald Lodge, Amber Galleria, Diamond Palace and world famous one and only 7-Star Swarovski Cable cars to spend the night with the stars ( literally) , you know what bling bling is when you spend a lavish night here.

Q

Maple Story

Naomi Campbell thinks she should do more exercise.

The 40-year-old supermodel admits she doesn't work out as much as she would like to but believes having a healthy mind keeps her fit.

However, one exercise Naomi is fan of is swimming and has been doing a lot of it since moving to Russia to be with her Russian real estate entrepreneur boyfriend Vladislav Doronin.

She said: 'Actually, I don't work out as much as I should, but I do believe that it's a healthy mind as well as a healthy body that keeps me fit, sound and calm.'

While she doesn't exercise as much as she would like, Naomi recently revealed she undergoes an extreme detox three times a year in a bid to maintain her stunning figure.

The supermodel admitted she has just Maple syrup, cayenne pepper and lemon juice in a cocktail form for days on end and credited it with her being able to stay in shape.

She said: 'I try to do this three times a year. The most I've ever done it for is 18 days. So I started on Sunday. This is the sixth day. 'It's good just to clean out your body once in a while.'

Q

Cool as Iron Drink

The Kor Delta water bottle.

It brings designer chic and cinematic magic to the gym-crowd.

So stylish that it was chosen to be on the set for Tony Stark in Iron Man 2.
That bottle that Junior touched would cost a collector's bomb.

But for the rest of us, this cool container which is as practical (push button) as it is clinical ( BPA-Free! Like anyone cares) for a (quite; 10x Approximately the cost of mine perhaps) small a price tag.


Still, I want one !!!! (Or all the above)

Q

The Model and the Mask

Jim Carrey is allegedly dating an 'America's Next Top Model'contestant.
(Jim C in Batman)

(Anchal, of ANTM)


The 'I Love You Philip Morris' actor - who has been single since his five-year relationship with Jenny McCarthy ended last April - has sparked speculation he is romancing 24-year-old Anchal Joseph after they were pictured leaving a New York theatre smiling and holding hands.

Anchal - who is 25 years younger than the actor - came seventh in the seventh season on the reality TV series in 2006, which is fronted by Supermodel and talk show host Tyra Banks. (below)




Q ... dear Tyra, you've created a star .... :)

2 Fast 2 Fierce!

For Elle magazine

Devon Aoki is pregnant.

The 28-year-old Supermodel is expecting her first child with financier fiance James Bailey and the pair are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents.

Her representative said: 'Devon and James are extremely happy. They became engaged over the summer, and she has just found out she is pregnant.'

Devon - who is the heiress to a large fortune as her father (Olympic wrestler Rocky Aoki died in 2008) founded the Benihana chain of restaurants - began modelling at aged 13 and took over from Naomi Campbell as the face of Versace when she was 16.

She then ventured into acting appearing in films such as 'Sin City' and '2 Fast 2 Furious'.

When she first burst onto the modelling scene, she was touted as the new Kate Moss and while she has never achieved the same success, Devon has huge admiration for the 36-year-old beauty. (Gotta be kidding. Aoki has modelLed for the fashion houses Lancôme, Chanel, Versace, despite her relatively short height for a runway model. Aoki has done ad campaigns for Chanel Ready-to-Wear, Chanel Couture by Karl Lagerfeld, Versace by Steven Meisel, YSL by Juergen Teller, Alessandro Dell'Acqua, Hugo Boss, Moschino, Ungaro, Fendi, Junko Shimada by Bettina Kimenda, Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons, Lancome, Tiffanys and co.)

She has previously said: 'I have a lot of love for her. I hate all the bad publicity she has had over the past year, because she is a wonderful person - she is a true icon.'~ MSN

Q .... I'll have Devon over Kate . anytime !!! Gorgeous.

Why Hold it Against Her?

In a world going pop GaGa, divaliciously Sasha and red-headed Only girl in the world Ella, even Aguilera is going Bionic. Can Britney still be the sweet doe-eyed girl-next door (that is if you happen to live in Beverly Hills)and still expect to make it?

Ah, Miss Britney.

The teen that grew up too fast. Sold too many albums and concert tickets. Became a mother too soon. Became a train wreck too quickly.

But the famous lip-syncher who brought us Crazy, sexy and cool in her 1-2-3 Gimme more glory is more than just a Circus act.

She's against the music but hopes you're not against her.

But why should we?

She's pure entertainment.

Q

More Style than Spice?

Victoria Beckham is flattered people think Roland Mouret designs her fashion label.

At 18 I was in the Spice Girls. But I wasn't very good, let's be honest, I didn't really, you know. sing. This is something I can do.'

The former Spice Girl-turned-fashion designer - who launched her clothing collection in 2008 - often has to contend with reports claiming Roland does all her work for her and while she insists it's not true, she looks at it as a compliment.

She said: 'I suppose if people think the clothes are too good for me to have designed them, that's a backhanded compliment.

Look, I don't draw, but nor do lots of designers. I tie things around me. I experiment with ideas and I try to work out a way to make everything flattering and make a woman feel beautiful.

Oprah Winfrey recently asked me to make her a dress. I must be doing something right.'

Seeing Red and Seeing Beautiful

Rihanna is not only doing fabulously well on the charts with her brand of souless vocals matched to dance music to great effect, she's beginning to be quite the style icon.

Here, she continues to be flaming red hot.

Incognito, she is not for sure.

But better than a self-indulgent diva like Beyonce or the attention-seeking Gaga, she definitely is!

Q

I Need Your Lovin

Only 54. And gone.

The world misses a kindred spirit. A voice of a generation. A voice of a cutural exchange.

An inspirational figure of racial acceptance , tolerance.

Teena Marie, you will be dearly missed in this new year.

God bless you in Heaven.

Q

Loose Canon ... Again: Mariah is having Twins!!!!

Nick Cannon has confirmed he and Mariah Carey are expecting twins.

The 30-year-old presenter told listeners to his 92.3 Now radio show on Thursday (16.12.10) that he wanted to end speculation and gossip about the pregnancy and revealed they are having two babies.

He said: 'In order for my wife and I to have our life, we need to be up front and I need to be able to share things with you and be real.

'I didn't even tell my wife I was gonna do this. I'm probably gonna get yelled at for not getting permission ... We are having twins!'

Nick went on to reveal that the only other people who knew the couple are having twins were US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle after Mariah broke the news during the recent taping of a White House Christmas special.

He added: 'They, ironically enough, questioned my wife about, you know, 'So, what are you having, are you having twins?'

'And at this point she hadn't told anybody anything because doctors advised us to keep it to ourselves until we get further along. And because of the excitement, because of the emotion, she was overwhelmed and she shared with the President and First Lady that we are having twins.'

Mariah, 40, sparked speculation she was carrying twins during a recent radio interview while promoting her Christmas album, 'Merry Christmas II You'.

When answering a question, she said: 'I just hope that they don't turn out hating Christmas!'


Q....Sure, Canon, Mariah will hate you instead someday.


P.S : Check out Mariah's new music video for 'Auld Lang Syne' (Fireworks) on Youtube!!!!

Her first single 'Oh Santa!' is already a #1 hit.

Indeed, Robotic.

Talking about red-hot-girl of the moment Rihanna, inevitably, we think of that famous metallic soul-less voice ( courtesy of her reggae-fied up-bringing ) that has made her such a standout in a sea of emotive gospel-tinged vocals of those brought up in the US of A.

Well, apparently , even her image is pretty much cyber-babe.

No, not some cyber-sex sh*t but Newcaster Ananova , I mean.

Coming out a full decade earlier, surely, Miss Ana pioneered such an edgy look , even if she's green-haired.

Q.... Fantasy becoming real. kinky.

Guetta : Beyonce's Worst Nightmare

These days, Beyonce has a lot of worrying to do.

She's still as big as her booty. ( Her ambition for world domination is even bigger)



Well, out-singing and out-dancing every girl on the planet got her the best of the first decade of this millenium.

So who would have thought that at the turn of 2010,

she sees her reign on shaky ground, not from another starlet ( although she does need to worry over a certain strange lady alien called Gaga.) , but from a DJ-cum-producer David Guetta.

A scruffy beach-surfer-like-dude who happens to spin records quite rather well.

Before fans and folks alike start to scream "WTF?! Who's That Chick?"

Let me clear the air for those who love music but are still on another planet ( probably the same one that Gaga came from) .


The DJ-of-The-moment : David Guetta

David Guetta is single handedly responsible for producing and mixing for Kelly Rowland, that poor girl from Destiny's Child who couldn't grow up and out of Miss B's shadows.

Until , of course, Guetta's Love Took Over and became her new Commander.




Now , we all know the other chart-topping chocolate-beauty that is Rihanna. She who brought her island-sound and made it 'Ella' hot. Setting the dance floors all over on fire with that robotic voice.

She was already ballooning before Guetta.

But a swtich from coconut-sweet to Coco Chanel-edgy and collaborating with Guetta not only extended her 5-minutes-of-fame ( let's be honest here, she ain't exactly the bext singer around even if she looks like Dionne Warwick or Whitney Houston) but allowed her to not just breathe down Miss B's neck over the last few years, but to literally surge pass her to trample all over with more #1-hits. (9 to be exact. Tying her with Janet Jackson and only behind Whitney ,Madonna and Mariah.)

Indeed, Guetta had made her The Only Girl in the world right now to triumph Beyonce. ( Gaga and Xtina A still have some way to go and Janet ought to be panicking that she ain't really 'The Best' while Whitney and Madonna should start to worry next and Mariah getting bored and lonely way up at the top, still.)



Kelly is readying her ammunition while Rihanna is red-hot.
Thanks to Guetta.

Yes Sasha, you ought to be saying out-loud now ' I Am ..... Scared."

Q

(Red) Birds of the Same Feathers... ...

...Flock Together

Where did the rest of Naomi Bird's feathers gone to?

Oh. Victoria Bird took them for a day out.

Naomi Campbell relies on Victoria Beckham to get her out of a style rut.

The supermodel is great friends with the singer-turned-fashion designer and when she can't find anything to wear, she rings Victoria up and one of her creations is sent over.

She told the Daily Mirror newspaper:

'Victoria is amazing, a real sister. When I'm stuck in a rut, she's always at the other end of the phone to send a pair of jeans.
'They work wonders on the legs. I love her designs. I'm always in them. I've worked with Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and so many great designers. So I'm proud Victoria is up there too.'

While she sometimes admits to being stuck in a style rut, Naomi was given the Special Recognition Award at the British Fashion Awards on Tuesday (07.12.10) and says she felt honoured with the accolade, which celebrated her 25 years in the industry.

She said:

'Sorry I just got all teary, it's just overwhelming to be recognised in your own country, it's a huge privilege and it makes me feel very proud to be British. Women of colour are now far better represented - we still have a long way to go, but I'm very proud.'

...and conveniently forget what fellow black Supermodel Tyra Banks did States-side.

Q ... the horrors of Fashion royalty.

Bejeweled Bunny

This picture doesnt do justice to this figurine I tell ya.

It's very bling and pretty.

Apparently auspicious too.

Q ... Love it.

The Grass is Greener... under one's feet

Anyone who've ever removed their shoes and taken a hike over grass, will know , if you can ignore the worms and the potential dog poo, its really quite relaxing.

Of course, having a grass wheel like the one above, may get you places in the city, you 'll also get a parking fine without a car.

So trust flip flop maker Havaianas to come up with something like this. Very nice.
You can get to choose your own worms too, then.

Just remember to shoo away the cows.

Walking on sand too, gives you that nice feeling too. Just that a flip flop with sand-surfacing may be too much exfoliation for one's feet.
Q

Sound Tracks of the Year

Opening with Alicia Keys and Liza Minelli . Could there be anything more glamourous than this?

Every track here is an Aguilera or Cher. There, nuff said.

Something glamourous. Something sexy.
The makings of a top selling soundtrack.

These two are this year's shoo-ins for Top Soundtrack of 2010 ,in my precious little opinion.

Q