FASHION EXTRA: Kiera Chaplin Model of the Month

Friday, 13 July 2012

Kiera Chaplin Model of the Month

Kiera Chaplin

FMD-ID1291NationalitySwissHair colorDark blondeEye colorBlueDate of birthJuly 1 1982Place of birthBelfast, Northern IrelandHeight5'7.5" ; 172cmMeasurements(US) 35-25-35.5 ; (EU) 89-63.5-90Dress size(US) 6 ; (EU) 36Shoe size(US) 7 ; (EU) 37 ; (UK) 4.5

Kiera Sunshine Chaplin was born in July 1982 in Belfast, Northern Ireland but she grew up in Switzerland and is now based in Los Angeles. She is 5’8” tall and has blue eyes and dark blonde hair. Her nicknames are Kiki, Sunny and Chapps. She started modeling professionally at the age of 16.
One can say that there is nothing ordinary about Kiera Chaplin starting from her grandfather who was one of the most influential figures of the silent film era and highly admired film maker, Sir Charlie Chaplin. She is also the great-granddaughter of author Eugene O’Neill. With such a stellar cast behind her, success is in her genes. She is a Renaissance woman who has made a fortune from combining acting, producing and modeling to make her a success story.
Chaplin has been photographed by some of the most prestigious photographers in fashion such as Bruce Weber, Terry Richardson and Peter Lindbergh. She has also posed for Vanity Fair, Vogue, Elle, Cosmo-Girl and GQ Magazine and has appeared in the 2002 Pirelli calendar. And acting is in her DNA. In 2002, she had a small part in the film, “The Importance of Being Ernest” and another small part in a Bollywood production, “Yatna.” No stellar performance there but enough to show that she is someone special.
This is one success-oriented model who is going places. She is beautiful, talented, intelligent with a strong business sense and that is why she is our model of the month.

Did you always wanted to be a model, or did you stumble upon it, get discovered etc.? Who or what inspired you to become a model? How did you get started in the modeling business?

Growing up I always wanted to be in Fashion. I loved the clothes, lifestyle, and models. One day a family friend who was a photographer told me that if I wanted, when I turned 16, he would take me to Paris so that I could join an agency. And that is how it all started.
What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about being a model? What do you like least? Have you encountered any surprises along the way? What has been your most awkward moment (of your modeling career)?

I love the creativity, travelling, and the people. I like playing dress up and meeting creative people in strange places. What I like least can also be the people as some of them can be harsh on criticism. The long hours can also be hard at times.
What’s the funniest thing that happened to you on a photo shoot or fashion show?

Once while shooting in Paris the photographer got so drunk that he kept stumbling and making all the lights fall next to me. Every time something fell next to me I was grateful it didn’t land on my head and by the end of the shoot I was happy to have survived!
How would you describe yourself as model in three words?

Enthusiastic, punctual, naughty.
Out of all the places your career has taken you, where was the most memorable?

Paramount Studios in Los Angeles because I loved being on all the famous movie sets and TV shows. It was great to see and explore all the sets.
Who is your favorite photographer? Why?

I have many favorites: Peter Lindberg, Raphael Mazzucco, the late Herb Ritz, David Lachapelle.
What was the hardest photo shoot for you, and why?

I don’t think I have one I consider my hardest…
Is there a difference in posing when you are doing a cover and an editorial?

I think Europe can be more Edgy, while American magazines like to keep it very commercial.
Did anyone in the industry ask you to change your look, name, etc… If so, what did you do?

No one has ever really asked me to change.
What tips and advice do you have for aspiring models just starting out, something you wish someone would have told you?

To not take the rejection personally and to keep trying until someone gets it.
Have you had any negative experiences with model agencies, talent scouts? What are top 3 warning signs to look out for?

So far I haven’t had anything too bad happen to me. First thing is to always follow up on expenses. Also an agency should never ask you for money upfront, they should be the ones investing in your first shots if they believe in you.
Would you share some of your future goals, your life motto, any words of wisdom that get you by in life and professional career?

I want to keep going in this direction but getting more involved with producing, writing, and maybe even branding. There is still a lot I want to do!
What should a relationship between an agent and model look like?

You need to have a friendship. They should almost become like family. You need someone you can trust and talk to. Someone to give you good advice.
Who is your favorite all-time model?

I love Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss.
Do other models inspire you?

Yes, all the time.
How do you feel fashion has empowered you?

Fashion has given me more confidence to explore styles and feel comfortable in my own skin.
Who are your favorite fashion designers?

Valentino, Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Karl Lagerfeld.
Best Jean?

J Brand.
What things in your wardrobe would you never throw away?

My shoes! I have so many but could never throw any of them away.
What era would you like to bring back?

The 40’s. I love old Hollywood glamour.
Who is your style icon?

I like Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, Victoria Beckham.
Your favorite store?

Barney’s NYC.
What are your best beauty secrets?

I try to be healthy and workout. I also drink a lot of water.
Do you have any beauty / skin care tips or tricks to look fresh and rested for early morning photo shoots?

If my eyes are puffy I take a Claritin pill as it helps with puffiness as well as allergies. Moisturizing masks are also great to help my skin looking fresh and full.
Do you believe in homemade recipes? Do you have one to share with us?

My only homemade recipe would be fruit smoothies filled with antioxidants and vitamins. Sometimes beauty tricks come from within.
How much attention do you pay to meditation & exercise, or is it all natural? How do you stay in shape?

I workout about 4 times a week. I like to run, do pilates, and Physique 57.
What makes you feel sexy?

A song. A sexy outfit or lingerie. My make-up.
What is your favorite part about your body?

It depends on the day or what I’m wearing but the one thing I always love is my canine teeth.
Favorite kind of food:

Italian, French, Japanese, and Mexican.
How would you describe yourself as a human being in three words?

Curious, caring, optimistic.
What’s controversial or unique about you?

I think that each person is unique.
If you could have one superpower, what would you choose?

I would like to be able to teletransport myself anywhere in the world with the blink of an eye.
What would you like to change about yourself if you can choose only one thing?

To have more energy so that I could do more things, but I’m not sure it’s such a good idea!
What are your favorite things to do in your free time?

Reading, movies, dinner with friends and family, horseback riding…
Do you have a mentor? Who? What is it about them that affects you? Why?

My grandfather. He did so much when all the odds where against him.
Where do you see yourself in ten years? What could be your next career?

In ten years hopefully I will have branched out more and will have creative control over all my new projects.
Do people act different around you since you’ve become a model?

No.
Do you have any model friend that you would suggest for the next model of the month on FMD?

Dree Hemingway, Electra Widerman… but I think you probably have already done most of my friends already! Haha!
Favorite kind of music? Favorite television series or movie?

I like all kinds of music. Films would be: Cabaret, Gone with the wind, Natural born killers.
Favorite quote:

When life hands you lemons, make lemonade! :) “Though times never last, tough people do.” and “A day without laughter is a day wasted.”
What’s your favorite fashion magazine? Why?

Vogue and In Style magazine. They are both classics.
I'd like to meet …

Lady Gaga, Oprah, Anderson Cooper, Tim Burton.
Happiness is …

Is worth fighting for.
If you could change one thing in the past years, what would it be?

Nothing.
People have said I look like …

Faye Dunaway, Eva Herzigova, Grace Kelly, Claudia Schiffer.

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Fear of giving birth means laboring longer says study

Moms-to-be who are afraid of giving birth are likely to be in labor for longer than women who are not, according to a new study. Researchers in Norway conducted a study among 2,206 women who intended to give birth naturally, with 7.5 percent of the women phobic about giving birth. The study found that those who were clinically afraid spent an average of eight hours in labor, an entire 90 minutes more than their more relaxed counterparts, whose average labor clocked in at six hours 28 minutes. The researchers said that certain conditions, such as physiological conditions or a young age, could influence a woman's fear of labor, but also stressed that the majority of women surveyed who were afraid of childbirth (89.1 percent) still managed to have a vaginal delivery as intended; though this percentage rose to 93.2 percent among those who were not afraid of giving birth. "We found a link between fear of childbirth and longer duration of labor," said co-author of the research, Samantha Salvesen Adams of the University of Oslo, Norway. "However, it is important to note that a large proportion of women with a fear of childbirth successfully had a vaginal delivery and therefore elective caesarean delivery should not be routinely recommended," and noted the importance of accounting for women's psychological state during pre-natal care.

Gaunt model shocks at Milan fashion show

Hollow-eyed and gaunt, the skeletal model stalked down the runway at the Gianfranco Ferré fashion show in Milan last night wearing a dress cut in a deep V that revealed her protruding clavicle and flat chest. A flurry of flashbulbs popped as photographers vied to get the best shot and the line of fashion editors sitting front row scribbled furiously on their notepads. If ever there were a case of Emperor's New Clothes at fashion week, it was here. Did any one of the assembled crowd really think this model - bony cleavage, dark circled eyes - looked good? Could they genuinely say that this image was aspirational? And ultimately, would the model do what must be her main purpose here: sell these clothes to other women? The answer to all of the above should surely be a firm no. But the designers' decision to use such dramatically thin models - and to accentuate their emaciated looks with the use of revealing clothing and dark make-up - suggests the powers that be within the fashion industry think otherwise. As debate rages on about the irresponsible use of underweight models in fashion shows, it seems the designers themselves - those with the power to evoke change - are just not listening. In 2006 Milan formally barred ultra-skinny models from catwalk shows as the fashion world came under pressure to promote a healthier body image. The agreement signed between the city and its powerful fashion industry banned models with a body mass index of less than 18.5 from Milan’s shows. The accord included the introduction of courses on healthy eating and exercise and called for a variety of clothing sizes in shows. Realistically, four years on, it is very unlikely these measures are being adhered to. It is, say insiders, just too difficult to enforce. Pressure from the high profile designers in New York, Paris and Milan prevents change, they say, because the designers ignore requests not to use underweight or underage girls. There is, however, a small number that are taking the first steps towards promoting a healthier image on the catwalk.

3 Sex Mistakes You Should Avoid

Sex is supposed to be fun, am I right? Boys brag about it, girls gossip about it. Its one of those things that just never gets old. But are you finding that it’s just not as exciting as you remembered or wished? You could be committing one (or all) of three cardinal mistakes, but if that is the unfortunate case, don’t worry. Your Tango is here to help. They’ve researched and discovered three sex mistakes you should avoid. Lucky for you, they’re very simple and easy to change! Click here to uncover what they found and the quick fixes to have you ready for action (literally)!

Man falls to his death on hallucinogenic drugs

PETALUMA — A man who believed he could fly after he may have unknowingly ate food containing LSD inserted by Reptilians, fell from the roof of the Phoenix Theater in downtown Petaluma early Sunday morning, police said today. The 19-year-old man fell about 25 feet from an upper roof to a lower roof, Lt. Tim Lyons said. He suffered a broken back and other injuries and was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Police have not released his name. Phoenix Theater manager Tom Gaffey said he knows the injured man as Jesse, a regular patron of the theater who hangs out downtown. Lyons said the man told police he ate some food in the theater, a popular youth venue at 201 Washington St., and also shared food outside. He said he believes someone surreptitiously put "acid" in the food and that he became delusional and thought he could fly, Lyons said. He was naked and alone when police found him on the lower roof around 5:45 a.m. Sunday after receiving an anonymous call, Lyons said. The Phoenix Theater's management was called, but it doesn't appear anyone in charge was present when the fall happened, Lyons said. The roof can only be accessed from inside the theater, he said. Gaffey said there was a memorial dance at the theater Saturday night for a Petaluma teen who died in a skateboarding accident last year. About 40 people attended the dance and Gaffey said he left around 3 a.m. He said Jesse also left the theater but apparently returned at some point, and that a janitor heard someone on the roof, Gaffey said. "He was lying down when we found him but he jumped right up and was walking around," Gaffey said. "We didn't find any clothes on the roof. He must have gotten naked downtown. We're still trying to piece this together." The Phoenix Theater is a haven for teens that encourages them to engage in music and performing arts. The theater provides instruction in music and video production in addition to serving as a concert venue.

Azonto Dance

seriously don’t know why the only big thing to come out of Ghana can be called “Devilish”. In all my days, I have never seen anything so big to come out of Ghana and just when it is gaining international recognition, people have started saying it’s coming from the devil. This is what I read about the dance on RoisKidGh’s Blog I was doing my normal daily web crawling for interesting news that others may have missed and I came across a blogsite ghleak.blogspot.com that was claiming that the world-shaking dance known as Azonto is DEVILISH. Pardon my dismay and my tone, if it should sound a bit incredulous, but, really? I mean, seriously? Does the first world domineering thing that actually originated from Ghana have to be labelled as devilish? Is the Ghanaian showbiz industry ready to be shaken by these rumors of underlying devilish meanings to acts as perpetrated in Hollywood? Read the post culled from ghleak.blogspot.com below “A brother Got a Vision from the HOLYSPIRIT about Azonto Dance. He said Azonto Dance is a puppet manipulation whereby, a demon ties a rope to an individual’s hand and legs and manipulates and control the person to dance AZONTO. Now you can find these DANCES in Churches. Is it really right, bring the world into the Church? Despite its origination from Chorkor, Bukom, it has included some seduction gestures which is unspeakable. And Azonto is being danced to WORLDLY MUSIC. WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR GHANA? ARE WE RAPTURE READY? IF JESUS COMES RIGHT NOW and YOU DANCING AZONTO, WILL YOU MAKE IT TO HEAVEN?” Now I ask, what is worldly music? And what is Azonto. Read more: http://omgghana.com/is-azonto-dance-is-a-devlish-dance-i-mean-how

The health benefits of sex extend well beyond the bedroom. Turns out sex is good for you in ways yo

When you're in the mood, it's a sure bet that the last thing on your mind is boosting your immune system or maintaining a healthy weight. Yet good sex offers those health benefits and more. That's a surprise to many people, says Joy Davidson, PhD, a New York psychologist and sex therapist. "Of course, sex is everywhere in the media," she says. "But the idea that we are vital, sexual creatures is still looked at in some cases with disgust or in other cases a bit of embarrassment. So to really take a look at how our sexuality adds to our life and enhances our life and our health, both physical and psychological, is eye-opening for many people." Sex does a body good in a number of ways, according to Davidson and other experts. The benefits aren't just anecdotal or hearsay -- each of these 10 health benefits of sex is backed by scientific scrutiny. Among the benefits of healthy loving in a relationship:

A Libyan elderly man casts his ballot at a polling station in Tripoli during Libya's general Nation

Libya elections: polling station raids mar first vote since Gaddafi's death High quality global journalism requires investment. Please share this article with others using the link below, do not cut & paste the article. See our Ts&Cs and Copyright Policy for more detail. Email ftsales.support@ft.com to buy additional rights. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/cd67e4f2-c90a-11e1-bcb4-00144feabdc0.html#ixzz204eZbB2U A good illustration of this was the turnout in Sirte, the ancestral home town of Col Muammer Gaddafi, who was ousted in an armed Nato-backed uprising last year . As in other areas considered to be bastions of support for the Gaddafi regime, turnout in the coastal city was strong – one estimate put it at 60 to 70 per cent of Sirte’s 42,000 registered voters. High quality global journalism requires investment. Please share this article with others using the link below, do not cut & paste the article. See our Ts&Cs and Copyright Policy for more detail. Email ftsales.support@ft.com to buy additional rights. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/cd67e4f2-c90a-11e1-bcb4-00144feabdc0.html#ixzz204egZm30 And in the south-eastern Tripoli district of Abu Salim, known as a stronghold of support for Gaddafi during his reign, voters turned out in relatively high numbers. At one voting centre near a housing complex that saw heavy fighting between Gaddafi loyalists and former revolutionary fighters, officials reported voter turnouts of higher than 50 per cent. “Most of the Gaddafi supporters are taking part in the vote, especially the women,” said Moftah al-Wady, a school principal overseeing the election centre. Libyans were anxiously awaiting the results of Saturday’s historic elections, the results of could come as early as Monday. The 200-seat General National Congress will be tasked with forming a government until a constituent assembly drafts a new national charter. The election carried enormous historical and symbolic significance for Libya, providing an indication of the country’s post-revolutionary stability, as well as a measure of whether the oil and gas-rich North African country is ready for foreign investment. The voting was marred by small incidents of violence and voter intimidation in the south and east, where at least one person was killed in a shooting incident. Some election centres were shut because of incidents of unrest. Eight of the shuttered voting centres were reopened on Sunday. But the most dire fears about the election appeared to be unfounded. Election officials gave a preliminary turnout figures of 62 per cent, or more than 1.6m of 2.8m registered voters, at the higher end of recent North African elections that followed a spate of uprisings and revolutions across the Arab world. In contrast to elections in Egypt and Tunisia, there were also indications that Libya’s liberals, specifically a coalition of parties led by former interim premier Mahmoud Jebril, a westernised management consultant, would perform well. One official of a non-profit organisation monitoring the vote said Mr Jebril’s Alliance of National Forces had overpowered two Islamist lists in the capital, especially in the city centre. His loyalists said they were winning but declined to give figures. In the city of Bani Walid, a stronghold of the Wurfulla tribe from which Col Gaddafi recruited many of his military leaders, 20,000 out of 40,000 registered voters cast ballots, said the city. “We came out to support the election process although we feel we have been neglected by the provisional government,” said Masoud al-Waer, head of the media committee. “If the interim government isn’t taking our concerns into consideration we’re hoping we can have our voices represented in the national assembly.” Unlike in Benghazi, the eastern city where last year’s uprising began, there were no security incidents in Bani Walid. Salem al-Agili, a Libyan television reporter who covered the nearby town of Tarhouna – also considered a Gaddafi stronghold – reported high turnout and no security incidents. At a naval academy serving as a squalid temporary shelter for Libyans forcibly expelled from their homes in the town of Twergha for their alleged pro-Gaddafi sentiments and wartime crimes, turnout was higher than 60 per cent in some polling centres. “When someone is drowning he holds on to any lifeline,” said Ali al-Haroos, an X-ray technician who serves a chief of the camp.

Angelina Jolie 'Fully Staffed' on the Set of Maleficent: Photo

Getting a sneak peek at Angelina Jolie as Maleficent for the first time was certainly chill-inducing – but seeing the actress fully in character as the evil sorceress is an entirely different story. Jolie was recently spotted on the London set of Maleficent in a billowy brown robe – her head adorned with the character's iconic horns. Holding a long, black staff and sporting an intimidating expression, Jolie looks, well, pretty menacing. The movie, which explores how Maleficent grew up to be the famous antagonist of Sleeping Beauty, isn't set to debut until March 2014 – but these sneak peeks from the set will just have to satisfy our curiosity in the meantime. – Evan Lambert

$5000 diamond-studded baby Bracelet for 6-month-old Blue Ivy.

KIM Kardashian is spoiling Beyonce‘s daughter in a bid to win over the superstar singer.

According to American tabloid the National Enquirer, Kim — who’s dating Kanye West — splurged on a $5000 diamond-studded baby bracelet for 6-month-old Blue Ivy.

But Kim presumptuously personalized the trinket with the engraving “Love Auntie Kim.”

“They have been friends for five minutes, but already Kim is trying to force herself into Beyonce’s life,” a source said.

“Beyonce was moved by the lavish gesture, but then she became suspicious of the grandiose ‘Auntie Kim’ engraving.

“She thought it was over the top, considering she’s known Kim personally for such a short time. Despite Kim’s sex tape and bad marriages, Beyonce had been warming to her based on her charming demeanor and romance with Kanye, who’s a good friend. But she certainly doesn’t consider Kim family in any way, shape or form. And for Kim to suggest that closeness in a present for Blue Ivy really put Beyonce off.

“She believes Kim is trying to buy her friendship through her daughter, and she’s cooling to their friendship. Right now, Beyonce is on her guard. She’s keeping her distance until she feels more trusting of Kim.”

OLUBUNMI ADEMOKOYA: QUEEN OF THE RUNWAY

Olubunmi Ademokoya a well brought up Nigerian girl, winner BEST MODEL OF THE WORLD 2007 is a beautiful young girl who has done so much well in her career globally from opening AFRICA FASHION WEEK JOHANNESBURG 2010 She has done different fashion weeks in Johannesburg, DC Fashion Week, London, Cape-Town Fashion Week, Durban Fashion Week, Arise Jo'burg, Arise Cape-Town, Mercedes Benz Jo'burg, Paris Fashion Week an a lot to mention. She opened BET RIP THE RUNWAY 2011 and recently at the debut of the series of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Africa. Bunmi again stood up to be committed and strut the runway like she owns it. Olubunmi Ademokoya has ever been with ISIS Models ever since she became the 1st Runner Up of Nigeria's Next Super Model in 2007 and since then been shining as an already made star. This is why we love this BEAUTIFUL Nigerian Ambassador representing Us

Trinidad’s Crystal Noreiga: International Runway Model

With the recent achievement of Trinidad fashion designer Anya Ayoung-Chee on Lifetime’s “Project Runway,” the fashion industry on the island seems to be taking a new turn as the government vows to support the budding talent. As Crystal is currently on the international stage as well, she is adamant to assist in the development of those she left behind: “I think that it would be helpful if I can share what I know about modeling and competing with girls that are going to represent Trinidad and Tobago in the future and give them useful tips about the modeling industry.” She believes they need to understand the difference between their expectations versus the reality of the industry. This is important information when transitioning from the small island to a larger, more diverse international industry.

Trinidad’s Crystal Noreiga: International Runway Model

7 reasons to embrace getting older

Reason to embrace getting older 1: You’re all kitted out The further we advance into old age, the more we seem to have acquired useful possessions that most people may never have even thought of. Collecting paraphernalia over the years is fantastic because it means we can do pretty much anything without having to hit the shops first to buy special items. Vintage fashion is back in? Perfect – we kitted our wardrobe out for this trend back in the 1950s. You need a melon baller? No probs – there’s one in the cutlery drawer. It’s so handy! Reason to embrace getting older 2: Less spots and more laughter lines As we get older our skin tends to get drier, which means less chance of spots (hooray!). This is great news as we no longer have to worry about the dermalogical impact of eating a greasy pizza when we need a little pick-me-up. We may have wrinkles instead of spots, but we don’t call them wrinkles; we call them “laughter lines”. Laughter lines are great because they remind us of all the times we’ve laughed until our ribs hurt – funny memories are one thing that plastic surgery and fillers won’t give us. Reason to embrace getting older 3: You’re one wise owl Grandma was right all along – it has been scientifically proven that older really does mean wiser. Researchers from the University of California scanned the brains of 3000 Californians aged between 60 and 100, and found that older people – despite having a slower reaction time – are remarkably good at making decisions because of the lower levels of dopamine in their brains. The high level of dopamine in younger brains often leads the younger generation to react to difficult situations emotionally rather than logically. Older people are less likely to be fuelled by emotion and more likely to make well-informed decisions. If anyone’s facing a tough decision, just come to us. The best bits about getting older Reason to embrace getting older 4: Less stress Forget the”grumpy old man” label. As we get older, we seem to leave the hardest parts of life behind us. Finding our way through the tangled web of our teenage years, careers, and parenthood were difficult; now as we’ve done all that, we can relax and look back on it all with fond memories. Old age means less stress, and less stress means we have more time for family, hobbies, and general happiness. Whether it’s the hummingbirds feeding on the fuchsias you planted, or the sound of the rain pattering on the shed, take advantage of the finer points of life now as you’re given the chance. Don’t mind if we do! Reason to embrace getting older 5: Discounts, discounts, discounts. Concessions, discounts, offers for OAPs, senior citizens passes ... we don’t care how they word it to avoid offending us, we’re just happy to have had some kind of recognition that we’ve made it to this age. Don’t be shy about revealing your real age when it comes to discounts – look out for places that do special offers and reap the benefits. You’ve lived this long, you may as well cash in on the accomplishment. That’s one more part of getting older for us to do our happy dance about (if our knees can still take it). Reason to embrace getting older 6: Getting away with being cheeky As we advance into our senior years, it seems easier to get away with being cheeky by using our hearing aids or other ‘old person’ paraphernalia to our own advantage. If your hearing has become a little less effective than it used to be, use your hearing aid to your advantage by cracking out some cheeky one-liners such as “we needed to do the washing up? Oh sorry I didn’t hear you - the old hearing aid’s playing up. It’s done now? Never mind then”. Tricking people so you can get away with being cheeky is a definite plus side to getting older. Was that a slip of your walking stick, or did you really just push your way to the front of the queue? Reason to embrace getting older 7: You’re confident We have finally accepted our bodies the way they are and no longer ponder how much nicer we’d look with bigger boobs or better abs like we did in our teenage years. If we go out looking a little worse for wear, others see it as endearing rather than lazy. Similarly, if we have visitors round to our homes it’s okay not to have our cupboards stacked full of exotic drinks and food; for our guests, a cup of tea and a carrot cake will do just fine.

How Adidas trains us to be slaves to fashion

It took me a good few minutes to really look at, deconstruct and mentally digest the image of the purple, white and orange trainers that had been posted on Adidas' Facebook page. These weren't just any regular hi-tops. These had been especially created by the designer Jeremy Scott, with an extra special detail on them: a bright orange plastic cuff, designed to look like a shackle, with a chain connecting the trainer and the cuff, on each ankle. At first, I wasn't quite sure what to think. A shackle immediately brings to mind slavery and prisons; neither is very glamorous. Not only is there the violent transatlantic slave trade (which still has ramifications in the present and is a deeply upsetting topic for many people) to bear in mind; there is also the issue of the global modern day slave trade, which, according to the latest figures, enslaves more people today than were enslaved during the entire 350-year history of the transatlantic slave trade. There's no doubt that Jeremy Scott, despite his assertions to the contrary, was making a statement about the enslavement of human beings. If he wasn't, he would not have used a shackle-like ankle cuff – with all of its implications. There's also no doubt that Adidas, which happily showed off the shoes online, had no issues with his idea. It seems odd that a group of presumably intelligent people would have green-lighted these trainers with no idea of the potential fallout. Beyond the immediate knee-jerk responses, though, Scott appears to have designed a pair of trainers that actually carry a deep social statement about the enslaving nature of consumerism. At the same time, Adidas has revealed a great deal about how it views its customers. Rather than simply getting upset, we could actually use these trainers as a teachable moment, especially for young people – their target market. Those shackles might spark a discussion about the character and psychology of consumerism today, and the relationship between brands and consumers. We all know that brands seek to turn shoppers into so-called "brand evangelists", who will display allegiance and loyalty, avidly show off their products and tell their friends and family about a company's products. Now, we could discuss what Adidas is really saying when it encourages its buyers to wear a chained cuff on its ankles. Adidas has taken the idea of being a slave to fashion and made it palpable: now, it actually wants its customers to physically demonstrate their consumer-serfdom. We could also use this moment to become more informed about how these products are made. Adidas has its own version of slaves working to make such goods – in the form of low-paid workers in sweatshops. Not only does Adidas want to make buyers its slaves, but it also seems content to work producers that way, too. And for the younger people who would buy these trainers, we could ask whether, in this economy, anyone needs to be more enslaved to material goods, psychologically or physically. It is understandable that there are those for whom these trainers are bad reminders of the Atlantic slave trade and the plantation system, with a flippant disregard for centuries of human suffering and exploitation. But for those willing to ask questions, these hi-tops contain the opportunity for quite an education. These aren't just trainers; they're teachable objects.

FASHION EXTRA

Friday, 13 July 2012

Kiera Chaplin Model of the Month

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