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.
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. It’s on everyone’s lips. Her products are close to women’s hearts. Clearly, Victoria’s Secret is one of the largest lingerie retailers in the world with sales as high as $5 billion per year. But what is the story behind the store that so many women love? And who is Victoria? And what’s her secret?
Victoria’s Secret: A Brief History
In 1977, Victoria’s Secret was founded by Roy Raymond, a graduate of Stanford’s business school, in San Francisco, California. Raymond was frequently embarrassed about shopping for lingerie and underwear for his wife in a public department store setting. He wanted to make a more approachable environment for men who were like him–shopping for their wives. Raymond made sure that the physical attractiveness of the store was inviting; so, most of the walls were covering with woodwork. Raymond also added to the comfortability factor by hiring receptive, friendly saleswomen.
Roy Raymond, Founder and Former President
A short five years later, Raymond sold Victoria’s Secret to Limited Brands in 1982 and moved on to his new business opportunity. His second venture failed miserably and his company went bankrupt. Because of the devastation of his company and the growing success of Victoria’s Secret, Raymond took his own life in 1993 by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge.
Despite Raymond’s departure, Victoria’s Secret continued his legacy and quickly became one of the most popular lingerie retailers in America and the largest branch of Limited Brands. In 1995, Victoria’s Secret started putting on fashion shows as a way of advertisement, but also as a way to keep the label respected. (Every year there are thousands of FCC complaints.)
Now, Victoria’s Secret hosts an annual fashion show, has over 1,000 stores, and continues to expand everyday.
The Victoria’s Secret Angels
Originally, the Angels started out as a lingerie line, which is still continued today. The supermodels that represent the brand was named after this popular collection of bras. Shockingly, the women that are chosen to be Angels are picked because of their appeal to women, not men. Since the company is run mostly by
women, a board of women executives chooses the Angels. This explains the mass appeal of the models, such as Tyra Banks and Heidi Klum. The Angels are known for their stunning goddess-like beauty, but also their sensibility and down-to-earth attitudes. Victoria’s Secret has turned down many celebrity endorsement proposals to maintain the positive image of the women.
Who is Victoria? What’s Her Secret?
The origin of the store’s name remains a mystery today. However, it has been suggested that Victoria is named after the 19th century British queen Victoria because of the Victorian architecture. Unfortunately, her secret is still hidden. But if everyone knew, it wouldn’t be much of a secret.
Shop Victoria’s Secret online.
Request a catalogue.
Find a store near you.
Watch Victoria’s Secret 2009-2010 fashion show below.
Alexander's Eyes 