Top Model UK And Top Model Worldwide – Season 8 Finals … The Main Event!

Posted on March 28, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

Promising a night of new talent, the finalists of Top Model UK and Top Model Worldwide were placed under the spotlight with a spectacular finals weekend of stunning runway shows and awards at The Hilton London Metropole.

The Top Model (www.topmodeluk.com) professional model search campaign is now in its 8th hugely successful year and in 2011, expanded into the international market with Top Model Worldwide (www.topmodelworldwide.com).
The 2015 campaigns reached their climax on March 13th and 14th 2015 whereupon 130 UK and 44 international finalists took part in three sold-out shows over two days, featuring 10 top designers, the finalists having been selected from over 4,000 entry applications through a series of auditions and interviews.

The competition drew the attention of the international press, together with a generous gathering of modelling cognoscenti who had given support and advice to the contestants.

With over 600 guests in place, lights down and music up, models sashayed in turn along the catwalk, communicating enthusiasm and nerves but above all the determination to become an award-winner in Top Model UK and Top Model Worldwide.

Over 50 awards were presented an the full list of award recipients can be found online at www.topmodeluk.com/the2015results
Proudly holding aloft trophies at the end of the evening were the main title award winners:
Georgia Butler (Editorial) Norwich
Jack Parr (Men) Leeds
Ellie Sammer (Commercial) Lancashire
Mica Brown (Over 25’s) Buckinghamshire
Tanisha Downing (Natural Beauty) Doncaster
Maryna Omolchenko (Worldwide) Ukraine

In addition to the stunning glass trophies and award titles, the prize pool included:
International travel
Beauty products
Goodie bags
Professional photographic shoots
Free styling and haircuts
Pamper breaks
Agency signings
London Fashion Week opportunities… and more!

Grand finalist recruitment for Top Model takes place over a four-five month period between July and December each year, with the Top Model team searching the length and breadth of the UK, and internationally, for the best new up-and-coming model talent.
Top Model is not a beauty pageant but prides itself on a pure model search ethos. All of the top prizes and opportunities for the finalists and award winners are focused on the fashion, beauty and model industries. The grand finalist selections and the awards are all decided by industry experts, not by public voting, with top couture designers and brands from around the world dressing the eventual finalists in professionally produced, fully choreographed runway show finals.
In addition to Top Model being a major UK and International model search, each year, Top Model adopts a chosen charity to support. For 2015, Top Model once again supported leading childhood cancer charity CHILDREN with CANCER UK (www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk), raising over £22,000 from the 2015 search and having amassed an impressive £75,000+ over six years.

Not only was it a night that paid tribute to UK and worldwide’s emerging, already blooming fashion industry, re-affirming its positive image, but discovered new talent in a fiercely competitive and febrile world of modelling, proving that with careful nurturing and professional motivation and guidance, the dream of becoming a Top Model can become a reality…

About Top Model UK and Top Model Worldwide…

Top Model is THE original No.1 leading professional model search competition in the UK and has been discovering new model talent and creating dreams for almost a decade. In addition to the fabulous opportunities that competition selection can bring for applicants, the chance to win a host of top awards and fabulous prizes also awaits those fortunate enough to make it through to the national Grand Finals.

The Top Model experienced team of industry professionals have an unrivalled and proven track record, providing top-level coaching, genuine guidance and professional support for all the finalists.

Applications for Top Model 2016 will be accepted online from July 2015.

Email: info@topmodeluk.com and info@topmodelworldwide.com

@TopModelUK

About Hilton London Metropole…

Hilton London Metropole is centrally located near many attractions including Madame Tussauds, the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Oxford Street shopping. Take a two minute walk to Edgware Road stations which service the District, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Bakerloo underground lines. Take the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station or to Heathrow Airport, only 15 minutes away.

As one of Europe’s largest conference hotels, this central London hotel provides 42 fully-equipped meeting rooms and 4,300 sq. m of event space.

Take in panoramic views of London from a Deluxe Room or choose one of London’s largest double bed rooms, the Superior Room, which is spacious enough for families or a group of friends. Upgrade to an Executive Room or Suite for access to the Executive Lounge. Book direct with Hilton.com and receive complimentary WiFi, enabling you to download, stream or browse and check emails.

Start the morning with an extensive breakfast buffet featuring an egg station, hot and cold items, baked goods, fruit and more. Dine on international cuisine at Fiamma Restaurant, or try Asian fusion dishes with views of London in Minako at the Met. Relax at the Sports Bar, sample a variety of whiskies at the Whisky Lounge, or visit the contemporary EDG Bar & Lounge before venturing out into London’s nightlife.

This London hotel’s LivingWell Health Club boasts Hilton Fitness weight machines and cardio equipment.

225 Edgware Road, London, W2 1JU, United Kingdom TEL: +44-207-402-4141 FAX: +44-207-616-7313

http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/hilton-london-metropole-LONMETW/index.html

www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

Spooks: The Greater Good Trailer

Posted on March 28, 2015 by Frostie

“You can do good. Or you can do well. Sooner or later they make you choose…” Here it is, the brand new trailer for Spooks: The Greater Good, starring Kit Harington and Peter Firth – in cinemas 8th May 2015.

The Eva Cammarata Collection … Kniterbocker Glory

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

It’s the antithesis of slink – the antidote to slick: Eva Cammarata is embracing the handknit with the passion of a newlywed and creating sweaters, knickerbockers and skirts with extreme dimensions, show-off stitches and wild decorative techniques.

‘Rustic chic’ describes Eva’s latest knit-filled collection which was showcased at the Fashions Finest show during London Fashion Week, looking like it’s made during relaxing moments at home… but ‘moment’ is hardly a description of the reality of the manufacturing technique with each garment representing hours of endeavour.

The painstakingly made pieces reveal Eva’s love for sustainability and creativity through the medium of natural fabrics and techniques.

Wild and woolly pieces, ideal for throwing on in the early hours at a devilishly louche party.

There are few items as useful as a crisp shirt this season.

Teamed up with classic crop knits and beanie hats, Eva Cammarata’s collection epitomises the classic preppy look.

Exposed midriffs have been flexed for several seasons now, and spring/summer sees Eva’s interpretation of the trend.

The absolute rule: matching top and bottom halves takes the look beyond mere lingerie…

Fashion is in a contrary mood, using ‘sheer’ to conceal and to reveal.

Contradictions abound as featherlight fabrics in dusky colourways blend subtlety with overt exposure. Blurred lines indeed…

Eva’s everyday urban looks have a gentle, feminine touch.

Softly sculpted shapes, smart layers and a powdery palette of pistachio and putty, – the required elements for this summer’s casual chic.

Prim tones and pretty details give a nod to period style.

Necklines high and prim or delicately plunging…

Ladylike gets a sexy flourish, both girlish and glam, urban cool feminine pieces.

Bold is the spirit for spring/summer 2015 and Eva Cammarata gets it just right with gorgeously feminine thigh-skimming dresses and vibrant tones … it doesn’t get much better than this!

About Eva Cammarata…

Eva Cammarata is a womenswear designer living and working in London. Born in Sicily, Eva graduated in Italy but continued her studies in London where was awarded a Master Degree in Womenswear Design at the “Istituto Marangoni London Campus” and a Ma in Digital Fashion, specializing in CAD design, 3D Graphic and Knitwear at the prestigious London College of Fashion.

Eva cut her fashionable teeth at Giles Deacon and Erdem Moralioglu and since opening her brand in the 2010 has showcased in Paris, London and New York.

The brand signature stands in the bold use of colours and unique textiles, combining traditional techniques with digital manipulation to create interesting prints and innovative knitwear.

Eva’s collections are inspired by Nature, Arts and Philosophy and designed for a woman that wants to be beautiful and sensual without compromising comfort and confidence.

Eva Cammarata is an ethical luxury label that believes in fashion that makes you “look beautiful, feeling great”, using organic and biotech fibres that moisturize the skin of the wearer.

Impeccable quality is strictly associated with sustainability through the entire manufacturing process, producing in UK and Italy, dedicating great attention to environment and fair trade.

Eva’s take on sustainability…

Viscose, Wood and Wood yarn

We make sure to give back to nature what we borrow, for every piece make we plant a tree, simple.

Leather

We love animals… but we do use leather and other animal fibres such as silk and wool. We use real leather only for our limited edition garments made from beautiful remnants locally sourced. We believe is better to substitute leather with Wood or Alcantara.

Alcantara

100% Carbon Neutral a beautiful and eco-friendly alternative to leather. Made in Italy

Wool

Locally sourced merino (England)

Acrylic

Not a natural yarn but good news for the sheep, an animal friendly option for colder weather

Milk

We use milk fabrics that feel like silk on your skin and proven to anti bacterial and anti allergic. The milk yarns we use are recycled and produced in Italy.

Silk

We source all our silks from Italy.

Bamboo silk and yarns

We often prefer to use recycled bamboo silk and cotton, animal and environmental friendly.

Cotton

Most of the cotton we use is organic but often the range of colours or yarns is limited so we also use cotton from certified origin.

Monocel

Is a great substitute to cotton made from regenerated bamboo and treated with organic solvents therefore totally free from chemicals. Strong like cotton and soft like silk, makes beautiful jersey. Made in Norway

Lurex Lace

www.evacammarata.com

Facebook: Eva Cammarata (clothing)

Images © Shane Finn at Visual Devotion and Eva Cammarata

5cc Singer Tavern launch new Old Street location.

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Kesh

At a loss for what to do this weekend? Well 5cc the uber secret cocktail club have bars tucked away in a host of hip venues in London and they’re just about to add a new location to the mix. Singer Tavern: 1 City Road is a Grade II listed pub bang in the heart of Old Street, but behind the traditional façade and down in the basement, lies the newest venue kitted out with the best of East London’s design inspirations.

If you’ve serious about your cocktails make sure you hot tail it down here to try a smashing selection of traditional cocktails and also innovative twists on classics which pack a serious punch. Perfect for after work drinks or a hot date with large booths and hidden little nooks. Watching the skilled barman mix up the drinks is a spectacle itself. All of the cocktails are served in different glasses with their own panache and edge.

I tried the Old Fashioned, Margarita and Montgomery Gin Martini, a few times, which was by far the freshest Martini i’ve tasted in a while. Other than whats on the menu, the highly skilled barman aim to please by making whatever you like however you like. Thumbs up all round. This is a hidden gem in the heart of the city. If you’re looking to escape the corporate bar vibe this joint has some serious soul.

As well as Old Street, 5CC have locations in Hoxton, Exmouth Market, Bethnal Green and Farringdon all with different menus.

For more info check out, 5cc-London.com

Unicorn Horn For Cats: The Ultimate in Funky Feline Headwear

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Frostie

Okay, it might make your cat disown you and go live with your neighbour, but the few moments of hilarity, and any pictures you manage to grab, will surely make it worth it. This unicorn hat for cats is one of the greatest things EVER.

This funky feline headwear is all you need to make your cat into a Unicorn. Up the cuteness and cracking character that your cat has with this Inflatable Unicorn Horn For Cats.Your feline friend will look awesome, be it grumpy or gorgeous – your moggy will easily pull off this amazing accessory for between their fluffy little ears.Ideally shaped for all cats’ noggins, the elastic strap system helps it sit straight on your kitty’s head without getting on their nerves.

This inflatable dress up feature for your cat is 14cm long, made of vinyl and slips straight over their ears. Available for only £6.95 from www.prezzybox.com now.

Rise of The ‘Returners’ Women Over 30 Starting Their Own Businesses Increases

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Frostie

Naomi West is at the front of a trend: Women over 30 taking the plunge and starting their own businesses.

Naomi West, 32, worked in digital marketing for a Financial Services company before her first son, Jacob, now almost 3, was born. She no longer wanted to be on conference calls at 6am with her colleagues in Australia and Skype meetings at 9pm with her American team. She freelanced for a while but still found it difficult to juggle family life with deadlines and client commitments. The peaks and troughs of work made planning childcare difficult and when her second son, Benjamin, was born with a heart defect, Naomi knew she needed to find a new way of working that would enable her to be there for her family.

Having enrolled both her children in Baby Sensory classes, Naomi waited for an epiphany about her future career. It came when her Baby Sensory class leader told her she was recruiting for a new class leader and Naomi got the job, gaining valuable experience. When the opportunity to take on her own franchise came up in her area of Bromsgrove, Worcester, she jumped at the chance, borrowing £15,000 in two loans from Startup Direct and launching her first classes in January this year. She now runs 11 classes per week, with up to 20 babies in each class.

“When the opportunity to start my own franchise came up, I felt instantly it was something I could make a success of”, said Naomi. ”I had experience with the business as a client and class leader, and had the skills from my career in digital marketing to set up and market the business in my own area. I now have regular class hours doing something sociable and creative, which fits brilliantly around family life. What’s not to love?”

Data released by Startup Direct shows that the number of women over the age of 30 seeking start up finance and mentoring increased by a third in 2014.

In 2013 women over the age of 30 made up just 25% of enquiries to the Government start up loan provider, but this grew to 57% in 2014, an increase of one third (32%). This trend is being driven largely by ‘Returners’; women who have taken a break from the workplace to have a family and are motivated to start their own business by the challenges of finding flexible and stable employment which is well paid enough to cover the cost of childcare.

They are starting predominantly internet-based micro businesses, employing fewer than 5 employees, which they can run part-time from their homes and are undeterred by the challenge of juggling home and family commitments with the demands of a new business.

James Pattison, CEO of Startup Direct, said: “A growing number of women are disillusioned by the difficulties of combining family life with a traditional 9 to 5 job, not least the inflexible hours, lack of well paid part time work and the cost of childcare, which continues to spiral. The internet has made it easier than ever to start up a business from home and women are drawn to the prospect of being their own boss, choosing their hours and cutting childcare bills by working flexibly around family life.”

Startup Direct is encouraging more women to follow their dream of launching their own business by running a series of workshops aimed specifically at women, offering advice on all aspects of entrepreneurship as well as practical advice on childcare and time management. In particular it is targeting ‘Returners’, those are want to start businesses following a period of maternity leave or a career break after having children.

To apply for a start up loan, visit www.startupdirect.org

Ohio Rock Band Dedicates New Song to Veterans Suffering With PTSD

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Frostie

Dayton, Ohio rock band, Able Danger, released a special video of their new song “Let Go,” featuring a solo vocal and key performance by lead vocalist Nikki Luttrell.

“Let Go is an emotionally charged song, and people can relate to it for a number of reasons. Nikki personally dedicated her performance in the video to American Veterans who are suffering from PTSD.

Five Things Aspiring Actors Should Do

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Catherine Balavage

Take Advantage of Your Novelty Value.

You are new and shiny. Take advantage of this. Casting directors will give you an audition just because they have never seen you before. Not so much after you have been auditioning for years. Getting noticed when you are new can really give you a foothold into the industry as every agent, producer and casting director wants to discover the Next Big Thing. You have about six months until the next wave of graduates enter the ring. Sounds brutal and unfair? That’s because it is.

Get An Accurate Headshot.

I cannot stress this enough. Get a headshot that looks like you. I have been on the other side of the casting divide and have always been shocked when an actor comes in with a headshot that is either ten years old or airbrushed into oblivion. You are an actor, not a supermodel. The key to a good headshot is to look like yourself, only better. Have spots and dark circles removed, nothing else. Actors are hired to play real people, not robots (usually). Not looking like your headshot is also the quickest way to upset a casting director. They will look bad in front of the producer or director. Many productions also cast from pictures and, if like the women who was hired to play 1980s era Madonna on a production I was also cast in, you now look completely different than you do in your picture that casting director will never hire you again.

Write To Every Casting Director Who Ever Lived.

Slight exaggeration but you get my point. Start your research. Watch TV and film and write down who the casting director is. Do the same for theatre. Do not just throw mud at the wall however, don’t contact casting directors who only do kids TV shows if you are 30. The key is to contact casting directors who cast your type. Be concise and to the point and remember to include your headshot and contact details. This brings me to my next point…

Know Your Type.

I know, I know. You are an actor dahling. You can play any role. But the acting industry does not work like that. Casting directors have to put you somewhere and the brutal truth is that the acting industry is probably the only industry that can actually discriminate on how you look. And it will. Catherine Zeta Jones may be a lass from the Welsh valley but she is frequently cast as Italian or Spanish because, in a superficial stereotypical world, that is what they think she looks like. I get cast in period roles a lot because I am slim and pale. So work out your type. Ask friends and family. Make a list of who you are and who you are not and market yourself accordingly. It is not all bad however, getting typecast means getting work, and you can always branch out into other roles later.

Catherine Balavage has been an actor for over ten years. Her book on acting, How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur, has gotten numerous five star reviews and has been called the ‘best advice available’ by numerous sources.

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Monthly Archives: March 2015

Top Model UK And Top Model Worldwide – Season 8 Finals … The Main Event!

Spooks: The Greater Good Trailer