“Project Runway” Returns on the 28th!

So many twists this season! Here are some deets from Lifetime.com…

In a “Project Runway” first, during the premiere episode, 20 designers must go in front of Heidi, Michael, Nina and Tim to make a case why they deserve one of the 16 coveted spots this season. Once they are chosen, the 16 designers barely have a chance to celebrate before being awoken at the crack of dawn with one of the toughest first challenges in the series’ history.

Book Review: “Gunn’s Golden Rules”

Gunn’s Golden Rules:
Life’s Little Lessons for Making It Work

I happened to stumble upon this book in the library while I was looking for some particular fashion design books. It was published last year, but for some reason I hadn’t heard of it. I was more than excited when I found this book because I am a huge Tim Gunn fan, thanks to Project Runway. From the small glimpses we get of him from the show, Gunn always seemed to me as a such a proper and an intelligent man.

I am not a reader at all, but his book is extremely entertaining! His book features 18 different “rules” that he has learned from his own experiences. He presents each rule in its own chapter, featuring cute anecdotes and other “did that really happen?!” moments from the fashion world.  Even though there are so many “life’s lessons” books published, Gunn offers a practical view to the world. His writings and rules are not over exaggerated like some books nor are they too dismal. His “rules” are rather light-hearted suggestions that he has found useful in his life and his career.

Gunn also examines thoroughly the fashion industry by making an effort to look past all the glitz and glam. He’s surely not afraid to call it as it is. Gunn describes some of the most ridiculous situations that he’s been in as examples of “dont’s” for his rules. Some of his stories about the richest and most influential designers are beyond shocking. But nonetheless, he doesn’t put anyone down; he, instead, comically jokes about the situations, such as the incident regarding Martha Stewart and Diet Coke.

Overall, the book is whimsical and offers a fun spin on life and the fashion industry. I would definitely recommend the book to anyone who is interested in fashion or is looking for a career in it. It is a quick read, but insightful and fun.

Rule 1: Make It Work! Rule 2: The World Owes You… Nothing. Rule 3: Take the High Road. Rule 4: Don’t Abuse Your Power–or Surrender It. Rule 5: Get Inspired If It Kills You.

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2010

This past Tuesday, my sorority sisters and I congregated around the TV to watch the 2010 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. With viewing treats, like cookies and Christmas candy in hand, we gaped at the gorgeous Angels and their lingerie as they strutted down the runway. As they walked, we discussed who we liked better, Adriana or Alessandra, how we felt about Miranda Kerr’s babyface and her recent marriage to Orlando Bloom and what was our favorite look and theme from this show.

The highly anticipated show brought in 9 million viewers this year, compared to last years 8.3 million. With star models like Doutzen Kroes and Miranda Kerr missing due to pregnancies, the show still held strong with other veteran supermodels, Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoele, and Alessandra Ambrosio. Unfortunately, I wasn’t impressed as impressed with this show as I was last year. Continue reading

Lincoln Center and Union Feuds

With Spring 2011 shows this coming weekend, construction has been started in preparation for the shows at the Lincoln Center. Unfortunately, tensions have risen between IMG, the company who hosts and runs Fashion Week, and Local One of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, a union for stagehand and labor crews. IMG and Local One have signed a 5 year contract, meaning they will produce 10 shows together. In the contract, Local One has agreed to hire for events in the Lincoln Center, not in the surrounding areas, which includes Damrosch Park. When IMG asked Local One to set up tents in Damrosch Park, they refused. IMG intended from the start to use Damrosch Park as a major part for the show. Negotiations are being worked out now. Hopefully this won’t set back production and mess up this weekend’s shows!

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