Kate Moss for Topshop S/S 2010.

 My favourite high street clothing store, and their ongoing collaboration with my favourite person ever. 

You don't know how happy it makes me every time there is a new collection from Topshop's Kate Moss line.
Tomorrow marks the launch of the Spring/Summer 2010 line and for a sneak preview of what we can expect, Kate models the line in this short video, whilst dancing away to easy sounds of The Strange Boys.

The title of the song is “Be Brave”

 Let's have a look at the new collection, shall we?

Lace features prominently. The shoulder details on the long sleeve mini are very on trend, but I love the detail on the third dress. I bought one very similar while I was on vacation. Happy times!

 Loose-fit silken dresses, both long and short (in romper form!) in neutral colours. I think I would have liked to see these (especially the shorts) more bright and bold colours... The denim halter body suit looks sexy as. Reminded me immediately of Ms Blake Lively.

 Lots of maxi dresses in the collection as well, which is great for both casual days as well as accessorizing them up for a night out. 

I AM IN LOVE WITH THE CROSSBACK/KEYHOLE RUFFLED MAXI DRESS.

There are a lot of cotton floral dresses in the new collection too, both mini and maxi.

What's your verdict?

I think the pieces are nice, but a bit typical and although definitely summery with the earthy tones and soft florals, lacks that certain something. I'm a Kate Moss and Topshop fangirl though. So no matter what they do, I'll adore anything!
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More of the collection at Vogue.co.uk

Feeling f(l)at, needing motivation.

These shots of Daria Werbowy are from Flair Canada's 30th year Anniversary special from last year. 

They did a 3 cover issue with stunning fashion-forward trends.

 Ahhhh, I just needed a bit of inspiration and motivation to get that washboard flat tummy!:-)

 I should be bikini ready for island hopping in the Philippines next month for my birthday!

PS - That Dolce & Gabbana leopard print dress is the SEX. For reals. That would be my go to outfit, 24/7.

Asian wave.

You may have noticed in the last few years, the rising number of Asian models in the market - be it in fashion shows, international magazine editorials or ad campaigns for brands such as Benetton or Gap.

Just like the waves of Brazilian and Russian supermodels in the past decades, Asian countries such as Japan, Korea and China have plenty of home grown beauties to offer the fashion world. These models have always been prevalent within Asia; understandably preferred representatives in their home countries, but lately perhaps due to the economic shift and China's growth in advertising and sales revenue, they are able to have their success in global markets.
Hopefully it's not just a fad, as this trend could last. For example, with a nation like India who have potential to be a prominent economic market - it could also mean we see an increase of Indian models gain international recognition.

Design houses are offered a 'blank canvas' with Asian models.
Generally with non-dominant facial features, lean figures and long, graceful necks, their silhouettes almost perfectly correspond to artist sketches.

Here are some photos of this new breed or supermodel that I really admire:

Mackenzie Hamilton represented by dna model agency

Fei Fei Sun represented by elite model london

Definitely a face that's hard to forget, the beautiful Devon Aoki.

Last but not least, I worked with this girl once or twice in Melbourne, years ago. So glad to know that she's working the circuit around Asia on modeling gigs and having an awesome time while at it. I reckon she'll be a star!
Wish you all the best Koko, I'm a fan:)

Mariko Davies represented by j.i.m. modeling
Photos by Gabrielle Murphy

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 Original Source written by Frédérique Renaut
Material is under ©Copyright http://www.benjaminkanarekblog.com

Photoshop not required.

 The April issue of Marie Claire France is numero 100% sans retouches! All the photos in the entire issue are unretouched (excluding the advertisements). Judging by the photos I've see, I wonder why they'd need to be photoshopped in the first place - the girls are naturally beautiful.
I hardly find knee creases or shiny cheeks to be confrontational or offending.

Frédérique Renaut, Fashion-Beauty Editor of Benjamin Kanarek blog, mentions the 'old school pre-photoshop' tricks the magazine would have used, such as: burning out the skin using overexposure, soft light, adding a half blue filter to whiten the skin, pulled back images, large smiles for celebrities so their nasal labial folds are hidden, pulled back hair with hands stretching the skin and smoothing the wrinkles. Using grainy film and converting the images to black and white to neutralize the skin tones.

(I guess, these are some tricks for the rest of us!)

Covergirl, French actress Louise Bourgoin.

Of course, by seeing the beautiful and slim models still look almost perfect and gorgeous without any photoshopping could very well play on the insecurities of women even more!:-) I love the natural look of the photos though and vote to see more magazines rely more on photography tricks!

Internationally, Marie Claire are known for promoting good body image for their readers. The February 2010 issue in Australia shows former Miss Universe and all round loveable Aussie girl Jennifer Hawkins, naked and unretouched. A dimple and a hip crease never hurt anybody.

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Original Source: All of the material is under ©Copyright http://www.benjaminkanarekblog.com/

Le Cirque.

Sophie Vlaming for Marie Claire Italia, April 2010.

Who doesn't love vintage style photography, or vintage lingerie? 

Especially by the likes of Dior, Versace, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana...

Stunning.

Samantha Harris.

Six years ago, a 13 year old girl named Samantha Harris entered the Australia-wide model search for Girlfriend magazine but lost out to the ever lovely Abbey Lee Kershaw.

Samantha is now a step closer to international model success. Having participated in London Fashion Week last month, she's been able to get her name and her face out there - showing potential to join the global ranks of other models who started off the same way she did, such as Miranda Kerr and Abbey Lee.

The Aboriginal/Danish beauty will be Vogue Australia's April covergirl. Shot by Nicole Bentley and decked out in Miu Miu. She's got such a gorgeous face. And those shoes, oh those glorious shoes...

February Amica.

Fashion shoot by Bill Georgoussis for Italian fashion magazine Amica.

Model: Mina Cvetkovic