SASSYBELLA.com » Entertainment

Fail Whale designer does Anna Wintour and the Olsen Twins as QR codes

Helen Lee — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:47:29 +0000

If you are a regular Twitter user, then at one time or another you will have encountered the “fail whale”. The famous illustration was created by Yiying Lu who was tasked by Meets Obsession Magazine to illustrate a story called ’10 Most Intriguing in Fashion’.

Lu brought together technology, fashion and art to create illustrations of the likes of Anna Wintour, Mary-Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen and Terry Richardson. Each design incorporates a Quick Response (QR) code, which can be scanned with your smart phone to reveal a website address where readers can download free digital versions of Lu’s artwork to their desktops, iPhones, and iPads.

Cleverly camouflaged in a Wintour-esque print top, the QR code on Anna Wintour’s illustration is almost unnoticeable, while the QR code on the Olsen Twins illustration is in their oversized earrings. We couldn’t help but thing that oversized handbags would have been more appropriate.

“Lu is incredibly talented and we’re excited to have worked with her,” Jacqy Law, Publisher and Editor-In-Chief for Meets Obsession magazine said. “At Meets Obsession, we’re always thinking of unique and cutting-edge ways to present fashion to our readers. The illustrations will add a unique element to our inaugural issue and will allow us to interact with our readers in an innovative way.”

Featured in the inaugural Autumn/Winter 2011 issue of Meets Obsession Magazine, this was a clever way to include buzz factor and new technology into a launch. The other 7 illustrations will be revealed over the coming days, in the meantime check out the illustrations at http://yiyinglu.com/mo.

-- This post originally appeared on: SASSYBELLA.com

Fail Whale designer does Anna Wintour and the Olsen Twins as QR codes

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First look: Gemma Ward’s Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides promotional image

Helen Lee — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:46:46 +0000

There are only three weeks to go until Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides premieres worldwide at the Cannes Film Festival and we have the first official promotional still of Australian supermodel/actress Gemma Ward as Tamara, the Queen of the Mermaids.

Looking angelic and looking much younger than her 23 years, Ward is shown with her head and shoulders above the water – leaving us in suspense of how the mermaid tails will look. It’s been a much discussed topic in the Pirates’ fan forums that we’re curious now too.

We can’t wait to see Ward in the fourth Pirates sequel with her recent run at the Perth Theatre Company in The Ugly Ones getting positive reviews. Perth Now’s Maria Noakes said of her debut stage performance:

No doubt given time Ward will come into her own as an actress. Despite her inexperience she is mesmerising to watch. It’s a surreal experience seeing the towering former international supermodel perform just metres in front of you and an experience Perth audiences won’t forget in a hurry.

Will you be watching Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides when it’s released next month?

Image source: MiceChat Forums

-- This post originally appeared on: SASSYBELLA.com

First look: Gemma Ward’s Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides promotional image

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Julia Restoin Roitfeld stars in The Crush remake with boyfriend Robert Konjic

Helen Lee — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 14:51:26 +0000

First of all, we have never seen the 1993 film The Crush (starring Alicia Silverstone) but when we heard that Julia Restoin Roitfeld was starring in a remake of it in short-fashion-film-form, we thought we’d love it. The girl is amazing, how could we not love anything she’s a part of? Or so we thought.

Created for issue 3 of XXXX Magazine and directed by the magazine’s creator and photographer Indira Cesarine, the official synopsis calls the short film: A subversive tale of suspense and passion as the glamorous Julia realizes she’s being stalked by her driver, but realizes she is also in love with him.

The idea behind the video and the pairing a real-life couple should have been a recipe for success given that Issue 3 of XXXX Magazine is the Voyeur issue, but the sexual tension was hardly palpable as Restoin Roitfeld pouts for the camera but not once does she seem to be thinking of her sexy driver. The film lacked direction and acting skills and we weren’t the only ones who were sorely dissapointed.

According to Fashion Copious, even Cesarine doesn’t think her turn as director was any good:

Apparently my short fashion film with Julia Roitfeld is an absolute horror, and I should commit fashion suicide before making another film – what do you think? have I dug my own grave daring to try to be a director, or are they just being extremely bitchy? maybe it’s time to become a happy housewife and forget about this ***%$%^#$%^ business…

Watch it if you dare, but we do suggest Restoin Roitfeld stick to modeling and creative direction and Cesarine to stick with photography and magazine curation – as you can see from the screen captures below, it would have made for a stunning photoshoot. But as a short film… the whole thing fell flat.

Julia Restoin Roitfeld in The Crush for XXXX Magazine with boyfriend Robert Konjic

Screencaptures from The Crush

-- This post originally appeared on: SASSYBELLA.com

Julia Restoin Roitfeld stars in The Crush remake with boyfriend Robert Konjic

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Coachella 2011: Nicole Richie, Camilla Belle & Alexa Chung come out for Mulberry’s BBQ Pool Party

Helen Lee — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 12:38:39 +0000

One of music’s coolest festivals, Coachella, is in full swing right now and it comes as no surprise that the brand loved by the cool kids of fashion have thrown a relaxed BBQ and Pool Party for them. Mulberry are no strangers to holding a cool party with Creative Director Emma Hill and the Mulberry team headed to sunny Palm Springs, California to throw an exclusive party yesterday to showcase their Autumn/Winter 2011 collection.

Holing up in style at the Gene Autry House at The Parker Hotel, Mulberry entertained the likes of Nicole Richie, Camilla Belle, Eliza Doolittle, Gia Coppola, Teresa Palmer, Alexa Chung, Skye Ferrera with tunes spun by Karlsson and Winnberg, (of Swedish Indie band Miike Snow) and Andrew Bevan, Associate Editor at Teen Vogue.

The Gene Autry Pool looked every inch a Mulberry haven thanks to the props: Mulberry towels, beach balls, toadstools, trees and various decorative elements from the Autumn Winter catwalk. But the prop that took the cake was the Very Important Bayswater (a huge gold inflatable version of the popular Mulberry classic design).

We wished we were could have been lazing around in the Californian sunshine this weekend. Check out the images below.

Mulberry’s Coachella 2011 Pool Party & BBQ

Sadly the likes of Kate Bosworth, Alessandra Ambrosio, Katy Perry, Isabel Lucas and Diane Kruger who are attending Coachella weren’t at the party – shame because Bosworth is no stranger to a Mulberry bag or two!

Images: Supplied by Mulberry

-- This post originally appeared on: SASSYBELLA.com

Coachella 2011: Nicole Richie, Camilla Belle & Alexa Chung come out for Mulberry’s BBQ Pool Party

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Karl Lagerfeld shoots Rachel Bilson for three Magnum Ice Cream short films

Helen Lee — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:30:42 +0000

Magnum Ice Cream is about to get a little more fashionable, thanks in large part to Karl Lagerfeld (who ironically has a diet named after him) and Rachel Bilson. Some papperazzi photos leaked out earlier this week, but we have a closer look at Bilson and Largerfeld collaboration with these one set images of the pair.

Previously not available in America, Magnum are looking to enter the American market with a splash with a series of short films starring The O.C. star Rachel Bilson, directed by Chanel and Fendis legendary creative director Karl Lagerfeld.

“Karl Lagerfeld’s creative vision has always inspired me, and this series brings his concept of pleasure to life,” said Rachel Bilson. “The films capture the indulgence and luxury of Magnum ice cream. My character believes that a day without pleasure is a day lost, and that’s a perfect representation of the Magnum lifestyle – and my personal philosophy, too.”

The three-piece short film series will focus on three difference themes:

Photo Mood features Bilson as an annoyed famous model who finds the pleasure she’s been seeking in the form of a smooth and delicious Magnum ice cream bar.

Applause stars Bilson as a world-renowned prima ballerina who, when unexpectedly faced with an over-zealous throng of fans and the amorous embrace of her boyfriend, played by internationally renowned model Baptiste Giabiconi, evades them all to savor a moment for herself by enjoying a Magnum bar.

Art Class see’s Bilson is an art student obsessed by her strong desire for a Magnum ice cream bar, and is then inspired to create a beautiful work of art as she satisfies her craving.

The first trailer of the films will be posted on the Magnum ice cream Facebook page on April 19 with the whole series premiering during the Tribeca Film Festival and on Facebook. A print campaign will follow in May, also shot by Largerfeld.

“Both Karl Lagerfeld and Rachel Bilson have an uncompromising sense of style, and are driven by their passions in life,” said Brian Manning, Vice President of Brand Building in the ice cream division at Unilever, the maker of Magnum. “The Magnum campaign reminds women that pleasure is theirs for the taking—they just need to reach for it.”

Magnum ice cream will be available in America from April 2011 in groceries retailers across the country in six flavours: Magnum Classic, Magnum Almond, Magnum Double Caramel, Magnum Double Chocolate, Magnum White and Magnum Dark.

Rachel Bilson isn’t the first actress to star in ads for Magnum Ice Cream, Eva Longoria starred in several commercials for Magnum Portugal. Check them out here and here.

UPDATED POST TO INCLUDE LINKS TO THE VIDEO.

-- This post originally appeared on: SASSYBELLA.com

Karl Lagerfeld shoots Rachel Bilson for three Magnum Ice Cream short films

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A week in review: John Galliano, product placement in music videos and Park Street

Helen Lee — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 10:44:09 +0000

Friday February 25th was a day that was suppose to be headlined by the Moschino, Etro and Versace shows at Milan Fashion Week. Instead the fashion folk from the front row to those sitting in their office or on their couches were talking about how John Galliano allegedly attacked and insulted Geraldine Bloch. According to The Mirror, the Christian Dior designer assaulted the 35-year-old woman by grabbing her hair and uttered anti-Semitic and racist slurs.

Almost immediately after the news broke on WWD, Dior issued a statement to say Galliano had been suspended as the brand’s courtier because of their zero tolerance policy regardly racism and anti-Semitism. The statement also said the suspension would remain in force until the results of a police investigation. In the latest developments it has been revealed that Galliano has filed a defamation claim against the woman and her companion. And all this came a day after it was revealed that he would help Kate Moss design her wedding dress.

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Meanwhile, earlier this week Britney Spears came under attack for her very obvious product placement in her Hold It Against Me video. But as it turns out, she’s not the first. Jezebel have a full list of some other pop tarts who have been-there, done-that.

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And finally, we all loved the Devil Wears Prada, with Grace Coddington stealing the show in The September Issue, and we find Gossip Girl‘s foray into W magazine is amusing. But apparently Australian’s don’t find a reality TV show filmed inside ACP Magazines, the biggest publishing house in the country, all that interesting. Entitled Park Street (after the street the head office sits on), it follows editors from Cosmopolitan, Madison (like Marie Claire), Cleo (like a younger Cosmo), Shop Til You Drop (like Lucky) and Dolly (like Cosmo Girl) as they go around their day job, which of course entails cover problems, mingling at events and of course general craziness that goes into making a magazine.

While filming, we spoke to a lot of the girls in the industry were grumbling about how drama would be created out of nothing because working in magazines in Australia just isn’t that reality-tv-worthy. Well apparently viewers didn’t think so, with a measly estimated 6,289 metropolitan viewers tuning in to watch it. Then it was announced that Arena were moving the show to a Monday night screening time slot starting this coming Monday. We haven’t seen it – we don’t have pay TV – but the ad for it seems pretty funny.

Did you watch it? What do you think?

-- This post originally appeared on: SASSYBELLA.com

A week in review: John Galliano, product placement in music videos and Park Street

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Elle Macpherson hits the runway for Virgin Blue’s new uniform unveiling

Helen Lee — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 01:04:19 +0000

Westfield Sydney was a buzz this morning that a supermodel was in town, and not just any supermodel. The Body, aka Elle Macpherson flew in (on a Virgin jet plane) to headline the launch of the new Virgin Blue uniforms. The Australian branch of the airline giant had also enlisted the help of Project Runway Australia season 2 winner Julie Grbac who designed the striking red and royal purple uniforms.

The event was kicked off in style by GQ Australia editor Nick Smith going through the introductions before 60 Virgin Blue employees – air hostesses, pilots and service staff – took to the runway. The crowd cheered when the men strutted their stuff and the most popular outfit (aside from Elle) was the female pilots uniform. Elle was decked out in what looked like a female pilot uniform (minus the jacket) with her trademark curls and aviator sunglasses on. She looked every inch a supermodel pilot with attitude to boot.

In the postshow chat with Smith, Macpherson revealed that she was supposed to be joined by Virgin’s Richard Branson but he couldn’t attend due to his skiing accident earlier this year. She lauded his efforts to promote local talents by using Grbac as a designer instead of a British counterpart and said she was looking forward to catching up with her family while she was down as her father had been quite ill lately. The crowd empathised as they listed to her every word, almost as if in awe of the Australian supermodel and business women.

So what about the uniforms? Well Grbac revealed that she took her inspiration from “the glamour of flying in the 1960s” in what we assume may have been a little Mad Men inspired after all Don Draper ended the latest season in LA with his family.

“I took inspiration from the glamour of flying in the 1960s and gave it a contemporary edge to fit Virgin Blue’s new brand positioning,” Grbac said in a release. “I worked closely with Virgin Blue to create the ultimate design that would not only look sophisticated and have that wow factor, but be comfortable and of superior quality.”

And we must admit, as fair as airline uniforms go, the red and purple looks great on the runway teamed with the gorgeous MAC Red lipstick. Elle looked effortlessly stunning and boy does she know how to command a crowd!

UPDATE: While these uniforms may have looked great on the runway, airline crew who have to wear it every day have complained of the uniforms causing rash and being extremely uncomfortable [News.com.au]

-- This post originally appeared on: SASSYBELLA.com

Elle Macpherson hits the runway for Virgin Blue’s new uniform unveiling

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