Too much?

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Tom Gleeson and I talk about the guy who got the sack - because his wife was a porn star . . on The Morning Show

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Has fashion finally dumped age prejudice? 'Pret-a-rapporter: The revenge of adult fashion' from London's Telegraph's Sarah Mower

Another delicious read (link above) from leading UK fashion writer, Sarah Mower (pictured) - the ever-changing demographic of fashion . . .

WORTHY WEDNESDAY. The politics of blogging. The 'Gospel' for publicists to bloggers from New Media chick Renee Creer

Hi all,

I'd love to know what you think of the above link written by the head of New and Digital Media, Renee Creer, from a leading marketing and public relations company, Stellar Concepts.

Simply, it lists a swag of 'rules' that bloggers and potential bloggers should keep in mind once they put finger to keyboard?

Should there be, like there is in print journalism, a code of (blogging) ethics? Even if it tries to prevent cyber-bullying (and some consequent fatal results that have resulted from it) some rules can't be a bad thing.)

Your thoughts?
me

PRs turn focus to bloggers rather than journos - interesting read, courtesy of Tim Burrowes' mUmBRELLA

PRs turn focus to bloggers rather than journos - mUmBRELLA

Aaaah Madonna, what does Jesus think?

Madonna, Madonna please stop it . . .

The always amusing 'Fear and Clothing' writer on the Sydney Morning Herald website ('Style stalker' Mindy Laube) had me nearly spluttering out my porridge the other morning when I was perusing the news online. Ms Laube posted this, well, simply, horrible photo of Ms Madonna.
Holy Madonna. Forget Jocelyn Wildenstein or Melanie Griffiths, Ms Ciccone, you're nearly there. The problem is that when these celebs start getting into a mega surgery frenzy -and we're not talking the odd Botox jab _ but when there are cheek implants that look like small rosy apples; mega lip enhancements; facial fillers and a zillion skin resurfacing treatments (rendering the skin looking as veiny as 5-month embryo) the whole deal starts looking just plain shocking.

I once interviewed an utterly charming American dermatologist by the name of Frederic Brandt (who I tagged The Baron of Botox, which I kind of liked) who is renowned for his Botox techniques. He even does the neck.
One thing I couldn't quite get was how old he exactly was. To be honest, and no matter how smooth and lineless his visage was, he could have been 40. Or he could have been 70. I still really don't know.

And that's what I loved about Mandy's smh piece: "Air brushed magazine photos and copious amounts of plastic surgery would have us believe that ageing can be overcome with enough money, exercise and sheer will power. But can it really?,'' says Mandy.
"Madonna's done everything possible to stave off middle-age, and from the right angle she seems to have succeeded. But catch her from another side and she looks like any other wiry 50-year-old woman with a scalpel fetish.''
"On planet Hollywood though, no one is older than 35 - until, suddenly, they're 70.''

Bit like my 'Baron' encounter - sometimes I just don't think they now how really tragic they look. So thanks for the great read Mandy - you owe me a another plate of porridge . . . .

It made me speak to the renowned Dr John Madirazza from Sydney's Next of Skin Salon, who administers all those Botox and 'fillers', but he had one thing to say about the whole palaver. If you going to do anything, make sure it is subtle and fresh-looking. And that was it on the subject.

So, who are some of your favorite cosmetic surgery 'tragedies', by the way?
Have you had some tragic stories you know of? And who do you think are the most reputable practitioners around?

Fashion Friday: a few style and beauty jolts to get you through the weekend . .

Tom Ford's Black Orchid scent and Kristy Hinze, the latter will be heading to Brisbane for the Mercedes Brisbane Fashion Festival next month

To top of a hot week of style snippets, I'm starting a new weekly frock spot: Here are a few fashion,beauty and lifestyle jolts that should get you through the weekend . . . And of course, if there is breaking style news over the weekend _ a nail is chipped or a hair extension is found floating down Oxford or Collins street, you'll read about it . . .

*Chambord Awards: Last year, Chambord® Shine Awards were created to foster, grow and showcase emerging fashion designers _ an opportunity for new designers
to look for a way to emerge in their field. Chambord® are working with marie claire to offer ten Australian designers the chance to secure a two page advertorial in the fashion magazine and be mentored by some of the best designers in the business today. With a budget of $1000 each, the gowns will be judged and announced. By the way, Carl Kapp won last year. The Chambord® Shine Awards is a national campaign open to any aspiring
Australian designers over 18 years. Entries are open until Friday 14th August. Visit http://www.chambordshineawards.com.au/

*Kristy Hinze to hit Mercedes Brisbane Fashion Festival: MBFF have scored a coup by getting Kristy Hinze to be part of a breakfast forum that I have been invited to chair at 7am, Tuesday, August 23 in Brissie.Visit http://www.mbff.com.au/ for details

Called 'Keys to successful development of brands for trend driven markets' it starts at 7.00am
and for $103 you'll get wise words from guest speakers Kristy Hinze, Napoleon Perdis, Kirstie Clements (the Editor-In-Chief of Vogue Australia) and Elizabeth Harrison, who is a US Brand Specialist.

*Project Runway Ep 2: By the way, I was really disappointed that Ivana (a modern, edgy designer) was chucked out of the series. But, it's all about going with the brief (and this weeks was about designing jarmies for Peter Alexander). I mean we're not exactly talking a couture task, but Ivana had SO much talent and a real shame she is out so soon.

*Young Variety: A bit of op shop glam with Young VARIETY presenting the 'Op Shop Ball' on July 25th at The Residence Hyde Park. Jonathan Pease, from Australia's Next Top Model will host 250 faces including McLeods Daughters' stars Zoe Naylor and Simmone Jade MacKinnon, Laura Csortan, Lizzy Lovette, Variety Ambassador Laura Andon and Channel Seven's James Tobin. Prizes for best dressed 'Mr & Ms Op Shop Ball' with proceeds to benefit the VARIETY Freedom program. Standard Ticket, $120; VIP sunset cocktails, $20 from 6-7pm. Tix info from http://www.varietynsw.org.au/

*Salon X by Renya Xydis: The hairdresser who gave the hair world the Valonz hair name, and in the meantime does lots of starry names who pop into town, has just opened Salon X, at the bottom of Paddington's divine Williams Street. The beauty and hair salon (their specialty are Carita facials) is just near Leona Edmiston and not far down from the Dinnigan store and the Corner Shop. And the decor? A fusion of modern French meets Renya Xydis's usual eclectic style. Phone (02) 9357 6228.

*Indian Giver: Loving the sound of this new online concept. You can basically 'borrow' (for a price) a piece of the season and, referring to the old-fashioned saying of Indian Giver. (With no disrespect to native American Indians. You borrow and you return so visit http://www.indiangover,com.au/ and check out the very cute idea

*Black Orchid from Tom Ford: Oh, and I can't go a week without telling you, at last, about my perfume obsession. Everytime I wear Tom Ford's Black Orchid scent (it's from the Estee Lauder family) I have NEVER received so many comments. Nope. Not on the pay packet, Not on any gravy train, but there is something about it that just does it. Whip past a counter and give it a whiff. It's my real scent indulgence every few months.

*Party Time: A few soirees worth mentioning this week to whet the fashion gang's appetite: Bvlgari will unveil its latest collection, Serpenti, with private showings on Tuesday at the Bvlgari store; Wednesday, and Longchamp will unveil its heavenly new boutique in the QVB complete with Louis Roederer bubbles while new ZU shoes get an airing in the Ivy Sunroom during the day and on Thursday, Elizabeth Arden will unveil a new scent from Alberta Ferretti at The Westin in Martin Place, Sydney.

Could you live without your mobile? Marry a porn star? Our views from The Morning Show today . . .

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COLLETTE DINNIGAN'S NEW BABY: an exclusive and intimate unveiling of her latest collection in Sydney's Paddington tonight . . . .

Sydney based designer Collette Dinnigan showed her latest fashion baby _ an exclusive peek of the latest autumn/winter collection (previewed in Paris in March) that has just hit the CD store racks in Sydney and Melbourne.
Using Bastille Day as the perfect choice to showcase her collection _ after all, she is still the only Australian-based designer (the marvellous Martin Grant actually lives in Paris) who shows on the Paris pret-a-porter calender twice a year.
Tonight was an intimate affair, Moet-fuelled with actress Miranda Otto (with a shop full of serious customers) given top star billing as a celeb who really does wear Ms Dinnigan's designs.
Interestingly, and like most European-swayed designers, Collette fused a hard edge (more stuctured dresses, obvious shoulder lines and studded capelets) with her signature style of killer lace, red carpet dresses and a few lashings of Swarovski jewels.
To me, the collection took Collette slightly away from the often pretty and delicate pieces, of which she is renowned, and put her right in tune with what fashion is currently is all about - a desirable fusion of soft and hard.
Go take a look in her stores . . . . . even if it's not quite in your budget, but just for the experience. I think it is one of her best in a long time, with the best trench-coat dress (with embellished collar) reminiscent of a dare I say, Michael Jackson vibe, and while he may rest in peace, the collection was designed well before his sad demise.
It all gets an A from me . . . .
Oh, and as for 'real' baby talk, there's some big baby news in the word of serious magazine-land but I'll fill you on with that one later in the week . . . .

What 'Top Model' Demelza did next: 'I will say what I feel, so is that a bully?' she told me . . .

Bullying, brains and too much brawn? Well, I caught up with last year's ‘Top Model’, Demelza Revelry (who was totally delightful and charming) but did tell me, for an interview for Grazia magazine, what she had learnt from her stint as the Foxtel tv series 'Top Dog'.
While Australia’s Next Top Model fans overwhelmingly voting for the well-mannered and charming Thanee Atkinson, over the self-confessed bold and brash bogan, Cassi Can Den Dungen last week, the result turned some of the judge’s choices on their diamond-encrusted ears.

And while the obligatory 15 minutes of fashion fame has lasted much longer for 2007 ANTM winner, the long, languid and red-headed Alice Burdeu, the winning crown hasn’t been as kind or fruitful for last year’s winner, Demelza Revelry, who I caught up with for coffee on the day of ths year's final.

Demelza said she had just starting to finish her study for the School Certificate and had never thought about leaving school and then the ANTM auditions came up things and her life just changed. Oh. And changed in a big way, with a ‘bully’ tag firmly planted on her clear, Snow-White forehead as the show progressed.

“The bully tag really irritated me,’’ she admitted to me.

“I am just one of those people who can’t do anything about it. I feel I am just a very honest and wear my heart on my sleeve. I will say what I feel, so is that a bully?
“I actually felt I was really being attacked by the media and the producers and editors who were just playing on mine and everyone else’s emotions. In the end it’s for them to make money.
“But in saying that, I felt that all of the upsides outweighed any of the negatives of the competition.
“On the night of the final, I was panicking and so stressed, but until that moment I had no idea I would win. After my win, I went to New York twice last year then we shot the Napoleon Perdis beauty campaign at (the late) Frank Sinatra’s place and had pool parties and just had a great time, so I felt so fortunate that I was doing all of this at this age.’’
It’s a long way from New York to Demelza’s family home, in the middle of Wollongong (south of Sydney) where she lives in what she calls a ‘showcase’ of a family home.
“The house is called Tandem as Tanith (‘Tan’) is the name of my older sister and the ‘Dem’ is for Demelza. My mum keeps our house immaculate and there is even a small, grand piano in the front window which mum wished I had continued playing!
“It’s a real show-home. It’s lived in, but when I got back from NYC, all the reno’s had been done so it was like starting afresh.’’
Demelza says that towards the end of the competition, all the girls were getting so bored in a house together, stuck at home 2 days a week, every week.
“I had some of the same tricks done to me too _ silly things put in your bed, water bottles being thrown and because I am a very vocal person it all seemed like it was me and me only,’’ adds Demelza.
“Everything was magnified but because they are watching it on a TV show it looks bigger than it is.’’

You can read more on Demelza's year as Australia's Next Top Model in this week's Grazia, on the news stands today . .

Mr vuitton meet mr target. . .

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Suspended louis vuitton balls just outside of target at westfield. Isn't it ironic. . . Don't you think?

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SYDNEY FASHION WEEK . . designers and details announced this morning

Pictured is Lisa Ho Spring/Summer 2009

Below is the media released by the IMG group regarding Sydney Fashion Week which happens from August 17.

In the weeks following the Sydney event there will be similar fashion 'weeks' in Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne, with all the city-centric activities _ runway shows, fashion forum and in-store events _ aimed at revving up the next fashion selling season - spring and summer.

Retailers and the local fashion industry, which is constantly being pummeled by cheaper Chinese, Indian and Indonesian-made imports will be hoping it will take some heat off our small 'r' recession. MH

For immediate release

2009 ROSEMOUNT SYDNEY FASHION FESTIVAL

TICKETS ON SALE 14 JULY 2009 !!

FASHION SHINES ON …… SYDNEY STYLE

Following on from the success of last year’s inaugural Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival, the countdown is on until the nation’s style attraction hits Sydney once again with tickets on sale from 14 July 2009.

Australia’s biggest fashion designers, red carpet celebrities and most fashionable retailers will present a style spectacular of scheduled and satellite events for the public from 17 - 22 August 2009.

Tickets will go on sale via http://www.ticketek.com.au/

The Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival, to be staged in August, aims to encourage the public to head direct from the catwalk into stores to purchase the latest product straight from the runway. A specially erected, state-of-the-art marquee complete with lights, cameras and plenty of action, will be proudly positioned in the heart of the city at Martin Place. At the same time a full fringe festival of events, taking in the CBD, Paddington and surrounds, will also form part of the official schedule.

Sold out crowds were thrilled by all the catwalk action of last year when the public was invited to become the ultimate fashion critic, soak up the atmosphere and get the trends direct from the ‘Rosemount Runway’ marquee.

Designers and retailers on show at this year’s Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival will include leading brands such as; Anna & Boy, Aurelio Costarella, Bec & Bridge, Camilla & Marc, David Lawrence, Fernando Frisoni, Gail Sorronda, Gary Bigeni, Ginger and Smart, Jayson Brunsdon, Karla Spetic, Kate Sylvester, Kirrily Johnston, Konstantina Mittas, Lisa Ho, Magdalena Velevska, Manning Cartell, Marnie Skillings, Michael Lo Sordo, MYER, Nicola Finetti, Romance Was Born, Sara Phillips, Seafolly, Therese Rawsthorne, Wayne Cooper, and Zambesi.

Designers, celebrities and more are expected to walk the red carpet and take up front row positions amongst the sell-out crowds who gather in the tent to be a part of it all.

Open for the public and brought to you by the same professional team that produces the world-renowned industry event, Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, tickets to the festival will go on sale on 14 July 2009 and be available through Ticketek outlets nationwide and online. More details available at http://www.rsff.com.au/

Daniel Hill, General Manager, IMG Fashion Australia said, “Rosemount Australian Fashion Week has been at the pinnacle of the Australian fashion industry for more than a decade now, and has enjoyed its reputation as the leading fashion trade event in the Asia Pacific, at the forefront in promoting a creative and sophisticated image of Australia and its fashion. We have now successfully taken that fashion industry experience and expertise direct to the domestic consumer, right here in the heart of Sydney. It was such a buzz to see the public react so strongly and positively to the event, especially in its inaugural year, and we’re thrilled to be back and looking forward to growing and developing the event in year two and into the future.”

The NSW Government, through Events New South Wales, and with IMG Fashion and Rosemount have partnered to create the Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival in order to promote the city’s fashion, retail and tourism sectors and reinforce Sydney as one of Asia Pacific’s major fashion capitals. The general public will be encouraged to buy items and make use of their newly acquired style and trend information through shopping the surrounding boutiques and retail precincts of Sydney’s CBD and surrounds.

Ends.


For further information on RSFF please contact:

Catherine Rodwell
Communications Manager
IMG FASHION Asia Pacific
P: +61 2 9285 8025
M: +61413 584 543
E: catherine.rodwell@imgworld.com

Oh Errol, I would do anything to wear an earring like him . . blokes wearing earrings? Your thoughts?

I came across a 48-year-old tradesman this morning (he fixes and attaches roofs for a crust) and he got me thinking about a matter of international fashion interest and intrigue. The wearing of earrings by men of a certain arrge.

This guy, who is already grandfather, and a mighty fit one at that, wears a thickish, engraved, smallish hoop earring . . . and he got me thinking about earrings on men.

Ok, by 'older' let's say men over the half way point . . . say 45. For some, the look works. For others, well it just plainly doesn't.

I mean what would old-school actors, Tyrone Power and Errol Flynn be if they hadn't worn their hoop earrings when they were in pirate mode (an old wives tale says real 'pirates' wore them so the metal, ie, gold, would ward off evil spirits on the high seas.)
Harrison Ford would be a perfect of the older man . . . if it wasn't for the daggy diamond stud he wears. For some strange reason it kind of trivialises and demeans the 'seriousiness' he puts into his 'craft' (that's plain old 'acting' to most of us) wheras The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards, the confessed drug-lover just wouldn't be the same without heap of head and hand jewellery to enhance his gloroiusly rock-star persona.

David Beckham, and his nouveau-riche lifestlye gets him over the jewellery finish line, pulling off the look with ease, while earrings on Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Depp also pull it off without us searching for the nearest bucket.

To me, the premise of some (older) men wearing an earring is that he is trying to cling onto a skerrick of his youth. A bit like one of those Garfield, stick-on plush toys that are stuck on car windows, for no real apparent reason, but just clinging on for a piece of his dear, youthful life.

Or, perhaps some men feel the need to compete with us chicks in the jools stakes (P. Diddy is a perfect example and he's another who gets away with it) but I do find when men wear two hoops, unless they are of tranny persuasion and are doing it for 'professional' reasons, kind of make me chuckle.

Rock stars, artistes and assorted celebrities, yes, they work on them; but most lawyers, money market boys, public servants, teachers and GPs, well, they kind of don't. Even though Doctor Brenden Nelson soon got ride of his earring when he became our momentary Coalition leader.

On the other hand, there aren't many ways of men to show their 'rebellious' side (and please forget amusing ties) so an earring or a, wow, edgy haircut is about it for some older boys.

Simply, earrings are either a yoh-go or a total no-go, so for men to earring or not to earring?

It's over to you to let me know?

MICHAEL MOORE's latest movie . . .and it's a love story . .

Fans of the film-maker and self-proclaimed social-conscience, Michael Moore, has unveiled the title for his new film.

According to the Paramount gang the Oscar®-winning filmmaker’s October 2nd release is a “Love Story” - about Capitalism.

"(Beverly Hills, CA) July 8, 2009— Capitalism: A Love Story is the newly unveiled title of Oscar®-winner Michael Moore’s latest documentary feature. Overture Films will release the film domestically on October 2, 2009, and Paramount Vantage will handle international distribution. As previously announced, Moore will return to the issue that began his career: the disastrous impact that corporate dominance and out-of-control profit motives have on the lives of Americans and citizens of the world.

On why he chose to make a ‘love story,’ Moore stated that it was time for him to make a ‘relationship movie.’ "It will be the perfect date movie," said Moore. "It's got it all -- lust, passion, romance, and 14,000 jobs being eliminated every day. It's a forbidden love, one that dare not speak its name. Heck, let’s just say it: It’s Capitalism.”

With back catalogue of thought-provoking films, whether you are a fan or not (Bowling for Columbine, Roger & Me, Sicko and Fahrenheit 9/11) this one sounds just as intriguing . . . .

KATE RITCHIE'S new gig . . . and boy, this girl has longevity . .

She started on Home & Away when she was a kid and next week the actress/tv presenter and radio chick will add 'beauty girl' to her resume. Kate will be announced as the the new ambassasdor for Unilever's Vaseline - over lunch to all the beauty set at a tres smart venue, the Quay restaurant at Circular Quay in Sydney.

To make the event even more special, guests have been invited to bring their mum with them as Unilever announce that Kate is the 'face & body' of Vaseline’s Core Hand & Body Range.
As Kate’s mum appears in the TV commercial, organisers thought, well, why not have a few other mums for lunch too. What a cute idea.

I'll catch up with Kate (who's stilll powering away on brekkie radio with Merrick and Rosso) and was in the 2nd series of Underbelly on Nine where her role proved her diversity in her acting.

So, there ain't nothing stopping this chick, who, by the way is one of the most genuine girls in the enertainment industry I've ever come across.

And that could be quite surprising, having been in the showbiz limelight for most of her life. Role model? Indeed she is . . .

PROJECT RUNWAY- I'll deliver the Hoyer verdict each week and tell you the designer drop-out. . .

I met all the Project Runway gang the other day at, where else, a fabric shop in Sydney's 'rag trade' district, Surry Hills.

There's Anthony (who had Swarovski crystals dotted all over his face and admitted he takes hours to get ready) who I have a feeling may be in for the long haul.

Ivana, who has had a working stint with Costume National (now that's a mighty good pedigree); we have Lauren (who had on the most exquisite feathered dress on when I met her and one I've already put in an order) while the vivacious Amber is already a designer and wants a gig as a stylist.
Then there's Yopie (the costume designer who's on crutches); Jason and Claudia who is a lingerie and swimwear designer who has a on the south coast on NSW.
Michael told me he a sees himself as the new J'Aton or Alex Perry (Mikey isthe one with all that hair) while the bespectacled Mark is a very artistic, smart and 'studied' kind of young man. I like him.
So to tonight's efforts to ceate a red carpet gown . . .
Lauren: A red carpet gown until it got down to the 'mullet' hemline
Claudia: too short for a 'real' red carpet gown
Jason: not a good dress - too much action going on. Less is more Jase . . .
Yopie: good effort . . . but she IS a 'costume' designer
Ivana: A fantastic, one-shouldered black dress- very chic
William: Like the modernity of his dress and feathered head piece
Anthony: Good fabric choice and an interesting 'Cate Blanchett' design as he called it
Mark: great fusion of young and old - nice graphic design, silhouette and hues of aqua and tan
Amber: not great effort for first-time frock - too unfinished


So who was this weeks designer drop-out?
Jason and his multi fabric extravaganza . . .

Good choice gang? Let me know?

See you after next week's show but drop by to my blog most days for other snippets of news. . .

PARIS couture . . . Christian Dior kicks off the seasonal fashion fantasy. And 'Hallelejah' to a dose of pure indulgence

Pix from Reuters . . .

There is nothing worse than reading reports from fashion 'journalists', as if they are actually sitting (or standing) at one of the Paris couture shows on the Avenue Montaigne or in some spectacularly French location like the Tuilieres gardens or in the hallowed halls of Le Louvre.

Sometimes we've all read reports that start evoking the feel and the look of the runway extravaganzas, when the writer is more than likely, sitting at at desk in Arkansas, Dallas, Brisbane or even good old Sydney. Having covered the haute couture (the most common term for high fashion) a couple of times, the vibe changes every season.

With that in mind, I will certainly leave the 'as-live' reportage to the Associated Press writer, Jenny Barchfield, whose report appears at the bottom of this post.

But just by looking at the Christian Dior couture pictures that came in overnight, the vibe of the John Galliano Dior couture collection looks very light and airy and reminiscent of a 40s vibe . . . perhaps as a complete juztaposition to what is going on in the 'real' world.

While the death or demise of haute couture has been as reported as frequently as sightings of Elvis, no matter the state of the world financial situation, there is STILL a place for couture, It's a world of fantasy, of brilliant craftsmanship, of sheer creativity and a chance for real designers to showcase their brilliant minds.

Sure, the hundreds of thousands of dollars that may have once been spent on one gown may not be as prevalent as they were, pre-GFC, but mark my words, there are still rich people out there in the big wide couture world . . . but perhaps not just as rich. Just enjoy!

Couture off to sheer start at half-dressed Dior - Yahoo! News

DAVID JONES spring & summer show model casting call - is it even more mortyfying than any other kind of audition? Let me know . . .

(pics by Charlie Brewer from http://www.news.com.au/)

I have covered a number of David Jones 'casting calls' over the last billion years. That's when the giant fashion retailer requests each model agent sends over their 'best-in-show' in the hope of making it to the top of the hit parade as soon as the DJs spring/summer fashion circuit starts next month. Followeg closely, of course, by Sydney, Brisbane and Perth fashion weeks.

Even as a long-time fashion journalist, I've always gone into these casting calls with much trepidation, as apart from being little (I usually get sad kind of looks from 'real' models assuming I am there to audition too- ha!) but as soon as I pull out my notebook out and they see how small of stature I am, they realise I am of absolute no competiton, in the slightest, or the heightest.

I see that the lovely and vivacious photographer Charlie Brewer from http://www.news.com.au/ (he certainly gets some of the good 'pretty' gigs) spent today shooting the boys and the who hope to make the runway grade for the upcoming David Jones shows.

Obviously, the likes of Miranda Kerr doesn't need to go a DJs casting call - her attendance is a shoe-in and part of her mega-contract, but I really do feel for some of these boys and girls who have to do a pony-walk, up and down a soulless hall as they try so hard to get over their 'X' modelling factor.

My god, they can have it. Shoulders up, learn to walk in high heels, head up, walk don't run, look cool, don't go 'showgirl' theatrics and of, remember to kind of smile.

It all may sound so easy, but co-ordinating all those elements either come with 1/ experience; 2/a natural penchant for modelling or 3/ you may just be deemed The Look of the moment.

Whatever it may be for all of you boys and girls, remember to study and get a second job too - after observing the comings and goings of models for over 20 years, it ain't all champagne, illicit drugs, nightclubs and roses.

Take it in your stride - literally - and use it as one of the more exciting experiences in your life.

Good luck gang . . . . I'll be looking out for you a the DJs show on August 4.