Diamonds are Forever!

Times may change, trends may come and go, designers may pop up and fade away but one thing is certain. Diamonds are indeed forever. I can't think of one thing that makes women smile more than the sight of a precious jewel. And the truth is that we really can't always relate and feel the shine because of its expensive price but that doesn't mean that we can't appreciate the beauty. Wound Magazine came up with "Hold Up", a delightful presentation of jewels from Chaumet, Harry Winston, Cartier, Bulgari, among others that not only reminds us of the elegance and the regal feeling of these pieces but what sort of femininity it brings to a woman. And who better to portray this other than two exquisitely delicate featured models like Michelle Westgeest @ City and Kat Doll @ Ford Paris. Photographer Nico managed to capture the essence of a woman in a sleek series of shots that are basic and regal.

The truth is that there really isn't a lot to say as the jewelry pretty much speaks for itself and I'm not gonna pretend like I know all that much about jewelry. But I will say this, it's not only kings and queens or divas from Hollywood that should go in these. Just because it's a tiara, it doesn't mean that only a princess or a sweet sixteen girl should be the only ones to wear it. Sometimes, treating yourself to something nice and classic just might be the right thing to do. After all, they are the best compliment to a sleek black outfit and they are a classy way to maintain that elegance and femininity.

Classic and endlessly beautiful. Forever.

Source: Scanned by AX80.

A Beam of Dark Light: Proenza Schouler's Style Noir.

Sometimes it's not all about showing all and every color. Sometimes it's not about how dynamic a shoot is or how complex it might be. Sometimes it's just about a black and white shot, a great set of models and darkness. In clothing design that is. A Magazine #9 is a magazine that is curated by influential people in fashion. This time it was time for Proenza Schouler and this is "Style Noir" by Craig McDean.

This editorial was very energetic for me. Not only do the clothes have very powerful lines and extravagant shapes but the casting is pristine as it is clearly chosen to line out the same. Edgy models with striking faces that show out the edgy character of the clothes. Clothing wear for a chic woman who likes having control. A bit rough if you ask me but I'm totally for it.

What is almost funny to me is the casting. Not funny as in hilarious but as in wonderful. Including established models such as Jamie Bochert, Renee Dorski, Hannelore Knuts and a bit newer Meghan Collison, it gives Ranya Mordanova and Alla Kostromicheva a chance to shine and boy, do they shine. With cheekbones that could be said to cut through glass they reflect two sides of a model. The ying and the yang. Alla, the more tough and in control woman and Ranya, the sleek and quiet powerful woman. It's actually quite pleasing. Funny thing that they were both breakthrough models and actually top ten newcomers on various fashion sites this past season.

I have to admit that I wasn't very aware of Renee Dorski but I'm bought. With a face that screams luxury and elegance, she really makes us aware that she isn't gone for good. It's a bit sad that she's only portrayed in one shot but a breathtaking shot it is. In addition, I love the fact that she got the outfit that was a bit shorter and a bit more curvaceous. The use of a dress looking like a corset makes for that feminine appeal at the same time that it's not cheap.

I don't know. There's just a sense of royalty in this shot, I can't get over.

The thing I love is the between the lines about this whole editorial and the designs shown as a whole. Its really not about how much you reveal to appear like a sexy, confident person but it's rather about how you carry it, the combination of textures and how the lines contour your own body. Fitted jackets can always make you go from zero to ten just because they are a chic way to not only compliment your outfit but to show off figure. Whoever said that jackets were just used for warmth obviously did not know Proenza Schouler.

The use of leather and different textures is not only a trend but a very wise way to create some variation and give you that expensive look. Obviously, one's gotta be careful about the way you wear leather but if worn right, it does not look like a cheesy catwoman but rather as a sophisticated person with a sense of self-control and maybe a bit of a rough side.

I mean, everybody likes bad girls. Lol.

Source: Scanned by AX80.

Take On Me.

With a growing androgynous feeling on many editorials in the past couple of months and the resurgence of denim and other strong 80s trends, it was no surprise to me when I found this on Massiv Magazine. With a magnificent face structure and a beautiful sharp edged jaw, Polina Sova @ Ford NY transforms from the usual girly beauty she is to actually an alter ego - Morten Harket from a-ha. Ladies and gentleman, "Take Me On" by Tove Sivertsen.

It is indeed marvelous to not only be able to see her versatility but how her poses imitate the 80s singer. Her dynamic faces throughout the shots manage to capture that dynamic spirit of not only the song but the whole upbeat feeling. At the same time that she captures that flashy 80s moment, she also is able to pull off that star in the making feeling that was a-ha. Quite refreshing actually. There really is no wonder that she is a great poser but she really struck out to me in the next couple of shots and how youth and that exact androgynous feeling is taken on film.

It is indeed a very 80s filled editorial but with the flashback to this era, a lot of the same trends have back and got is seeing one of two things. Either you flash or you keep it basic. This time, we're keeping it basic. Denim can truly go all the way as the convenience of it is that not only you can match your favorite jeans to different pieces but with the use of denim in other clothing pieces, even more combinations are possible. The use of simple tanks and tops are always key. I wrote before about Alexander Wang's T line and it is truly a strong way to build an outfit and your own personal look. I mean, you don't always have to flash and if you're gonna flash then you might as well start with the basics.

An item that struck obviously out is the use of the almost binocular sunglasses. I personally, don't like them because they just wouldn't fit me but sometimes it's the use of such an accessory that might tie it all up or that just might allow you to be different and define your own style. Strong, vintage or even hand-me-down sunglasses can be that small edge that makes you your own. Who knows and who really cares as long as it's you.

Last but not least, I included a-ha's music video for the song. Just a little quick flashback. It's actually quite nice to see the editorial as itself with the music, allowing us to feel what the photographer might have felt when shooting Polina. And since we're already talking about imitations, I included a funnier version of the same video. The literal version submitted to collegehumor.com by del56. Sorry for the comments but I promise the video is lol worthy.

Skeeeeetchy arm! Lol!

Source: Scanned by AX80.

Viking Apple Pie!

... And you know you want a piece!

There is some serious frenzy at the moment for Scandinavian girls at the moment and it is more than understandable. They're booking Miu Miu, D&G, Prada, winning the V Magazine Model Search, walking Haute Couture for high profiled names and just showing the true strength of these "cold" nations.

Mimmi Söderström

Not only a fresh Swedish face but the new face for Miu Miu. Her slight resemblance to Tiiu Kuik and her edgy attitude gives her that chilly feeling that makes her assurance that she is in it for the long run. There truly is something about these Swedish redheaded girls but Mimmi truly stands out on her own with her cute moles placed on her pale white skin and refreshed by that short red hair of hers.

Julia Hafström

Having already left a strong mark, this Swede has a fragility that seems so appealing. It's fashion answer to the also Swedish Pippi Longstockings. Her lack of height is clearly no problem for her as her pristine face has already landed her on Vogue Italia being shot by Steven Meisel. Not only that but she turned up at both Prada and Miu Miu Resort 2010 opening the latter one and recently walking for Valentino Haute Couture. If that should not be enough she appears on the F/W 09-10 Prada ad campaign. This goes to show you that it's not only Kate Moss that can accomplish big things even though she lacks height (172 cm).

Vibeke Hansen

This fresh new face from Team Models in Norway is truly something to look after as well. She as well as her swedish neighbor lacks a bit of height (174 cm) yet it makes no difference for her. Her pristine face with a strong heart shaped jaw and her dirty blond hair gives hr that almost rocker chic feeling. A grunge feeling relating to that of Kate Moss. Gorgeous girl on film who I'm pretty sure we will be seeing lots more in the near future as she is now signed to M Management in Paris.

Helene Sørem

With an angelic face, rises Norwegian Helene. Her soft features, almost invisible eyebrows and her long legs make her stand out as a strong contender for the upcoming S/S 10 fashion week. Not only is she delicate but she's also got the height to truly make her stand on the catwalk and in print. She truly has potential and it is clear that The Ones 2 Watch and Elite Paris think so as well as the latter is this girls' agency as well.

Frida Gustavsson

Havine already been dubbed "Fresh-Flavoured-Couture-Candy" by Lexposed.net, it is no joke that this Swedish girl is in it for the long run. Having walked for Alexandre Matthieu, Elie Saab, Stephane Rolland and last but certainly not least, opened for Valentino during Haute Couture week 2010, this girl has already proven that she belongs in the catwalk. With a sweet and almost doll-like face and eyes that are reminiscent of a young Twiggy, this girl is already bound to have a strong and solid future. After all, IMG is already doing wonders for her.

Lea Groesland

The much talked about mysterious Norwegian Lea Groesland. I'm assuming that by norwegian alphabet her last name is Grøsland but who cares? This girl has got the entire fashion world looking at her because she recently just won the V Magazine Model Search competition and as part of her prize, got signed Ford Models in NY. Lea is the third winner and comes in a line of already two great models, Amanda Laine and Addison Gill @ Supreme, that have walked major runways and booked editorials in various major fashion magazines, so nothing less is expected from this young beauty. What is truly mysterious and still has me on the edge of my seat is the lack of info on her. It almost sort of makes me crave for more and it has got me ready to be floored.

Ragnhild Jevne

Here is one of the girls I have most hope for. Norwegian Ragnhild has already been unleashed into the fashion world having walked for Givenchy Haute Couture last season. Her unique face rivals those strong faces of Iris Strubegger and in my opinion makes her ad campaign candy. I feel her strong face is made for strong clothing such as Balmain or especially Balenciaga. She already has shown that she is a beauty on the runway and on print as well as she has a cover for Vogue Nippon Beauty and she recently landed her very own first big campaign for none other than D&G. Goes to show you that those icy viking features are paving their own way to establish her as a strong model.

Sofie Elskaer

Another cute girl that reminds me of Twiggy. This Danish beauty was recently featured on The Ones 2 Watch and although little is known about her as she is quite new, her long legs and her delicate features have already gotten her signed to Elite Copenhagen as well as Barcelona. Hope to see her in Paris or NY soon!

Ingrid Auestad

Recently being sent abroad and being signed to MC2 NY and having been featured on many Norwegian magazines, Ingrid is one of a kind. She has versatility which is so important in this industry. She can appear very simple and classic yet you see through her posing that she has all the potential to book strong editorial work. And to add to all that and possibly just my own opinion, her hair always looks amazing on her shots that makes her that free spirited girl who just might go undetected and just suddenly explode.

Johanne Friis

This girl is the one on my radar at the moment. This Norwegian girl was actually a semi-finalist on Ford's Supermodel of the World 2009 contest. Even though Tayane Leao Melo went on to take the crown, this girl was signed to Ford anyways and has been getting a lot of buzz in the last few weeks being featured on various sites, including Models.com, COACD, The Ones 2 Watch and FDIB. With all the freckles in all the right places, Johanne is certainly a strong contender for the upcoming fashion weeks and for it all.

At last but not least, some of my own personal wild cards. Some may be local but girls with true potential indeed.

Jenny Amina @ Team Oslo.
Frøydis Labowsky @ TopModels & Indeed Berlin.

Kaja Kirstine @ Elite London, Idol Looks & New Madison Paris.
Rachana Neksaa @ Idol Looks & Muse NYC.

Source: tfs (Thanks to all the people that scan and find polaroids), Louisa Mgmt, models.com, facebook (Jenny Amina), IdolLooks Model Mgmt, T02W, Elite Paris, Team Oslo.