Einstein

Some of my readers have asked to see something I made in the art class I spoke of a 3 posts back. This is my attempt (not quite complete) to replicate a portrait of Einstein we were given. Here is the link to the original:

In honour of Einstein, here are a few of his quotes:

"If A equals success, then the formula is _ A = _ X + _ Y + _ Z.
_ X is work. _ Y is play. _ Z is keep your mouth shut."

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."

"The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is all comprehensible."

Fashion Diary Part 2: Fashion is Fierce

This post was meant to be a backstage report from dress rehearsal for the Cheri Milaney Fashion Week show as I was one of the original "real women" models selected. This past week the designer's team decided to cut all but a small fraction of the models from the show. In short, they changed their minds about how they would present their collection. I personally think they were unprepared to execute what they intended.

If I were to write the previous post again I would not use the word courageous to describe the efforts of this designer. We don't know if alternate models will be booked for the show. We do know that there are a few women who were spared from the cut and they will be walking next week. This means the show will still be newsworthy.

I was previously very excited about this show because of all that it signified to me as a modern woman and as one who helps people to see that beauty is not defined by commercials and catwalks. I still believe that major industry progress is on its way...it's just taking its sweet time.

Fashion Diary Part 1: Fashion Week prep

This month, fashion designers will be showing their Fall 2009 collections at Toronto Fashion Week. For the first time in a Fashion Week anywhere in the world, a designer has decided to use only “real women” as models. In this case, “real women” is defined as women 30 to 60 years old representing dress sizes 4 to 14.

The aforementioned designer is Cheri Milaney who is based in Vancouver. She is preparing to speak to her market by representing them on the runway. I have the opportunity of walking in the March 18th show and am very happy to be a small part of a growing movement.

In recent years we have seen tv shows and advertising represent our diverse population with their casting choices more than ever before. The fashion world has been slower to follow suit as the industry has a culture all its own. Milaney’s camp has made a courageous and smart strategic move as far as I’m concerned. The show is sure to garner its share of press because something new and unorthodox is happening.

Since none of the women modeling are professionals, we are being trained to walk the runway. Our first prep session was yesterday. We are being trained by a lovely woman named Liis who is helping everyone to feel comfortable, confident, and true to our own personalities as we walk. As various songs were being played, we were encouraged to experiment with different paces, facial expressions and movements. The women seemed to be enjoying themselves and I could see that some became quite a bit more comfortable as the session progressed.

Aside from the walking rehearsal, impromptu headshots were taken in the corner of the rehearsal studio. I assume it was for the makeup artists and hairstylists to reference when planning the looks for the show. We were also asked to try on various sample clothing items so that the designer’s marketing and PR director could take notes on the fit of the clothing on our bodies. I tried on a jacket in my size and a blouse and pants that were a size too large. What I will be wearing is a mystery at this point…

Marketwire press release for the Cheri Milaney show