So Next Top Model does produce winners!

I couldn't believe my ears- Tyra Banks' Top Model franchise really does produce top models! The AusNTM cycle 3 winner, Alice Burdeu, went on to rock the AW08 runways... and I don't mean just the smaller designers either- I'm talking Lanvin! Louis Vuitton! Alexander McQueen! Proenza! Ann Demeulemeester! All that good stuff for her first runway season. Ironic considering how Jodhi Meares (the AusNTM judge) reacted terribly unprofessional manner when Alice was made the winner (she was a big fan of the runner up) and how Australia was screaming about how terrible Alice is in the model weight debate.

But I'm sure you realize all that. What I find of utmost importance in her growing list of accomplishments is that she is going to be shooting her first major campaign for D&G Autumn Winter 2008 with Testino! I am definitely looking forward to it! From what I can see, it's only her and Ksenia of Russia's Next Top Model who have made it big. Ksenia gradually gained enough momentum after a few seasons to score a spot in the Gucci campaign line up alongside Lily D, Abbey Lee (an Aussie!), Kasia and Masha N!

If that's not good for NTM, I don't know what is. I just don't understand America's Next Top Model (aka the original Tyra led version). You'd think with Tyra's experience the presence of the girls would be stronger...
Cred: livejournal, SMH, style.com

The Fashion Divide

I never really thought about the great difference in the cultural divide between the democratic West and the religion-centric world of the East until now. Perhaps we should feel privileged to be allowed to "dress like models", when Iran are now cracking down on "those who have Western-style haircuts and clothing" as the government/police "are going to act against clothes shops and hairdressers", according to an SMH article. How ironic when Iranian women are considered to be pushing boundaries by showing ankles and fashionable hairstyles under scarves when we go about in short shorts (or, in Sienna Miller's case, a black one piece swim wear) in Summer! And my God, how lucky we are!

In times like these, I think it's impossible not to be glad for the freedom of choice we have (no matter how terrible the leaders of our countries might be)...
Cred: SMH