Get the A/W Burberry Look

Once again at London Fashion Week Christopher Bailey wowed fashion- lovers everywhere with his Burberry Prorsum collection. But if you can’t quite afford the designer brand, Models Direct explains how to get the Autumn/Winter 2010 Burberry look on a budget.

Military. The military trend from spring and summer shows is set to continue into the winter. Burberry has a history of involvement with the armed forces and this was prominent in the ‘salute to the services’ themed collection.

The trend can be achieved with jackets featuring gold buttons, numerous buckles around the sleeves and zipped pockets. Jackets also had zips around the waist to crop the jackets into shorter versions. For women, jackets were either worn open and oversized with large shoulders or trim and tailored, nipped in at the waist.

Colours. The colours on the catwalk were all kept quite murky with greens, browns and navy being most prominent. However, things were brightened up with rich purples, vibrant blues and bright mustard shades.

Boots. Over-the-knee boots is obviously another trend that plans to stick around, with Burberry’s being thigh thigh-high, pointy-toed and in snakeskin effect. If this is a bit too daring for you, sheepskin-lined buckled boots were also seen on the catwalk in knee and ankle lengths. No doubt there will be some much more wearable versions in the high street when autumn rolls round again. Lace Lace-up boots were also a popular choice for the menswear.

Fabrics. Fur, sheepskin and leather were prominent features on the coats on the catwalk, but Models Direct recommends you go faux if you’re thinking of wearing fur. The bulkiness of these bulky fabrics were contrasted and feminised with delicate lace and satin.

All in all the Burberry collection was attractive and wearable and one that Models Direct feel will be easy to emulate for autumn and winter.

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All Wrapped Up for Gift Shop Poppi Red

If you’re ever on holiday in Cumbria, keep an eye out for the lovely boutique Poppi Red. Located in Hawkshead, Poppi Red describes itself as ‘the ultimate gift and pamper emporium’.

Recently, Poppi Red turned to Models Direct to find a confident female model to lead other models down the catwalk in a charity fashion show. After sending over a selection of models it was lucky Rebecca who was chosen.

This wasn’t the first time that Rebecca had used her modelling skills to promote the area. She has previously worked with Cumbria Tourism, having her photos taken around tourist spots to be used on the company’s website.

“I was pleased with the work involved and the retailer was helpful in giving guidance and support,” Rebecca told Models Direct in her model feedback questionnaire. “It’s fun to be a model, it makes you feel good about yourself.”

As there aren’t any photos from the Poppi Red fashion show here are some pictures from Rebecca’s earlier assignment modelling for Cumbria Tourism.

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An ‘Ideal’ Assignment for Model Reney

To be a fitting model you need to have the exact measurements a client requires so if you’ve got a good body it can be great area of modelling to get into. Fitting models are used to showcase collections to potential buyers when a clothes hanger just wouldn’t do the outfit justice.

Recently, one of our male models Reney did some fitting modelling for Ideal Europe, a shirt making company in Watford, Hertfordshire. It was something he found to be new and exciting. He was asked to model lots of different outfits and describe the fit to those at Ideal Europe as well as have photographs taken for in-house use.

“The assignment went extremely smoothly as all staff involved were extremely friendly which made me feel at ease,” Reney told one Models Direct coordinator. “It felt exciting, like starting a new career.” He also offered some words of advice for other potential models, “it’s not as easy as everyone thinks!”

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Make-up Tips and Hot Colours for Winter from the Models Direct Team

At the end of 2009 we were all reading up on the latest trends and make-up was no exception. After all, what better way to set off our statement shoulders, distressed denim or over the knee boots?

Whatever your style, your make up is the icing on the cake, completing your individual look and saying a lot about who you are. So how do you get it right? And what are the current key shades and leading products that we should all be taking note of?

Models Direct would like to share some tips on what’s hot for winter…

•    Skin – Luminous dewy skin with subtle highlights is a great place to start.

•    Colour Trends – There is no doubt that sophisticated purple is big news for those who wish to keep their look bang on trend into next season, from deep plum shades to softer hues.

•    Eyes – Should be mysterious and smoky and may include wet-look/metallic shadows on inner corners.

•    Lips – It is probably best to stick with the nude lips trend if you are going to experiment with bold eye shades. (Red lipstick is back as an alternative look for those who dare, but Models Direct would advise that you keep other colour on the face neutral if you are going for red lips.)

Christian Dior have really set the tone for the winter make up shades with their ‘New Fall Look’, including a gorgeous purple range, created by Artistic Director, Tyen, and inspired by John Galliano’s catwalk collections as seen on models on the Dior runways earlier in the year. Tyen has been with Dior for 30 years and his expertise shines through when you take a closer look.

The ‘New Fall Look’ according to Dior, is, “Very 30’s” and “Wildly glamorous…” and takes influence direct from “icons of Hollywood studios and the figureheads of the Jazz age”

Look out for the ‘Jazz Club eye pallette’ shown below, complete with brow shadow and eyeliner and presented in a cute and stylish clutch bag-style compact, this product puts you in mind of smoky Parisian jazz venues and can provide the wearer with the kind of mysterious elegance that Autumn/Winter 2009/10 is all about.
If you are lucky enough to have green, blue/green or hazel eyes the new purple shades will look stunning on you, however if you feel purple is too bold for you the colour palettes below provide fab alternatives;

Best for brown eyes; (Blue/Teal hues)

Best for blue eyes; (Brown/Gold hues)

Also check out MyFace Eye Touch ‘Blingtones’, available at boots for a more affordable look.

If you’re already thinking about spring come back soon for a Models Direct beauty update.

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Caroline for Carolyn: A Great Plus-size Fashion Shoot for Models Direct

Last year a new designer launched herself into the plus-size fashion market, Carolyn. Models Direct were lucky enough to provide her with a model.

Carolyn de la Drapiere provides luxurious fashion alternatives from the high street for women sized 12-26. You can find the collection on the website here. The company even makes bespoke pieces – perfect if you want something completely original!

Carolyn came to Models Direct when she needed a plus-size model to take part in a photoshoot in west London to provide images for the website. The model chosen was Caroline, who described the shoot as “interesting and different. Exciting and challenging.”

Here at Models Direct, we like this quote from Carolyn at her launch…

“I was amazed how many slim people came and congratulated me on how gorgeous and sexy the models looked. It was if they were surprised that curvy women could look so great. One woman said they looked simply luscious and completely edible.”

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Jamie Spent the Day Modelling Stylish Sportswear

SubSeventy is a golf clothing company that aims to ‘funk up your game’. When they needed a man to model clothes on the website, they came to us. They wanted someone aged twenty-five or over, who was over 6ft and fit and healthy looking.

Jamie was the man chosen to model the stylish sportswear and the photos are featured on the website. This was his first assignment with Models Direct since signing up in June.

He gave us some feedback on how the photoshoot went.
“It went very smoothly and ran on time, the whole experience was very professional,” Jamie informed us. “It was good fun and I was treated well by the photographer.” He said the best thing about the assignment was being paid to have fun.

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Models Direct: Focus On Sustainable Fashions

How many of us have been tempted in the last few months to buy cheaper clothing that may not be built to last? Certain items such as school uniforms and some other children’s clothes can be picked up at surprisingly low prices right now from certain stores. These low-cost items are often considered disposable fashions by the buyer – they are cheap, they get a lot of wear and tear and children grow out of them quickly. Before you know it, they are in the bin.

Then there are the adult and child fashion items from outlets like Primark. Shoppers know that some of these items may not last, but they are low cost, often quite up to date in terms of fashion, and, as they will probably go out of fashion altogether within a season or two, why not treat them as ‘throwaway fashions’?

Is this acceptable? Or do we need to think more about the implications of this type of purchase?

Mike Webster, a representative of the charity Waste Watch, believes we should consider the real cost of ‘affordable fashion’. “If manufacturers and retailers had to bear the environmental cost of producing such cheap clothes, they might think again about their prices and quality,” he says. “Every time a £2 T-shirt gets thrown into the bin, it ends up costing the taxpayer in the expense of taking it to the landfill, and it taking up space in the landfill.”

According to a committee of MPs, council tips have seen the proportion of textile waste rise from 7% to 30% in the last five years.

Asda, Tesco and Primark’s clothing sales all performed well last year, and with all three offering ultra cheap clothing it is good to hear that Asda for one is addressing this issue. They have stated that their clothing is not intended to be ‘disposable’ and that any parent can return the George school uniform range for up to 100 days rather than the usual 28 days if they are unhappy with the quality. If the scheme is a success they may go on to review their entire refund policy to cover adult clothing in this way.

Tesco said it would consider looking at its return policy, but for now insists that their school uniform offers (which can buy you –two pairs of trousers, three shirts and a sweat top for less than £11) are simply “good quality at good prices”.

Models Direct Gets Creative!

Last month Candice from Cyates Photography came to us looking for a male model to take part in a rather unusual assignment. The perfect model had to be slim with great features and someone who wouldn’t mind being covered in body paint!

The photographic assignment was for an art project shoot and it was Models Direct model Glyn who was selected. He told us that body paint was a new area of modelling for him but that it was very good fun.

We also got a great response from Candice. When asked how the assignment went she told us: “Great! The model was right on time and extremely easy to work with. The model had a great positive attitude.”

We haven’t seen the photos yet but if they’re anything like the rest of Cyates Photography’s work they’ll be fantastic! You can have a browse on the website here, our favourites are of boats stranded in the sand.

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Models Direct Guide To This Season’s Hat Trends

The time has come to cover up and don your hat and scarf. However, many of us struggle with hat trends – where do you start? A hat can completely change your look, as well as keeping you warm, so here are a few tips on hot hat looks this winter from the Models Direct team.

Faux fur hats

Great news! Big, warm, comfortable fur hats are in – and you don’t have to condone killing animals to wear them. Faux fur is out in full force, so grab yourself the ultimate hat for warmth and comfort. Anyone can wear them and you can even get away with earflaps this season!

Berets

Berets appeared on Armani, Missoni and Ann Sui’s runways this year, so wear yours with pride. They look great in knit or velvet and will brighten up any day.

Beaded and feathered hats

Ladies, don’t be afraid of embellished, beaded or feathered hats. They can be worn to glam up an outfit and look fabulous. Vivienne Westwood featured some gorgeous beaded hats in her shows this year, to great effect.

Brightly coloured hats

Bright headgear will lift your spirits and those of people around you, so embrace this trend for winter and take a leaf out of designer Michael Kors’ fashion book.

Leather hats

Leather hats are the most weatherproof of all, so if it’s raining you can’t go wrong with this edgy option. Wear them with a peak to stay dry and look great.

Woollen hats

A perennial favourite. Woollen hats such as beanies are flattering on most people and offer both comfort and warmth. Pair with your favourite scarf and team the look with a casual or sporty jacket and jeans.

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Models Direct – Ladies Office Chic Made Simple

For many women these days a huge percentage of our time is spent at work. Those of us who get to choose our work attire should not underestimate the power of the image we portray. The way we look at work will undoubtedly have a direct influence on our networking opportunities, the relationships we make with our peers, and may even determine how seriously we are taken by our superiors.

Dressing for the office can be a daily challenge, whether you are hoping to get a raise, catch the eye of a colleague, or clinch that deal with a tricky client, your image choices are constantly influencing how successful you are at work. In this article we would like to share some tips on how to get the most from your wardrobe and help you move on in the work place.

It is well documented that 50-75% of all our communication is non-verbal, the majority of the rest is visual, with attire and body language coming high on the list! If you are feeling confident in your look then your body language and posture will naturally be greatly improved, this should prove a great way to start making the most of your image at work.

Whatever your current style says to those around you, for most of us there is room for improvement, even if you are a model employee!

Try following Model Direct’s simple steps to ensure you are saying something positive to the people you work with, without even opening your mouth. So make sure you:

• Plan ahead: Come on girls, get organised! Decide on your outfit the day before work and preferably have it laid out ready to put on in the morning. This will not only ensure that you avoid those last minute bad choices but will also make your morning far less stressful.

• Iron it: There is no excuse for looking like you’ve just woken up in today’s outfit and rolled in to work. Ensure that your clothing is washed and pressed before you leave the house.

• Keep it classic: Classic lines create a timeless and stylish silhouette and we recommend them as a fantastic way to project a professional, competent and stylish appearance.

• Traditional colours: Combine use of traditional and neutral colours as a basis for your working wardrobe. Navy is associated with trustworthiness, grey is conservative, black with chic, and white will compliment any of these. Remember that black and navy should never be worn together!

• Introducing other Colours: Introduce other colours into your look if you feel confident to do so, with a (preferably structured) handbag, or some appropriate heels. Pastels and neutrals are safest, but, if you think you can pull it off, an accessory in this season’s berry shades could look fabulous. Brights and prints can be harder to adapt for office wear, so choose wisely and please remember that red can appear aggressive or confrontational.

• Attention to detail: Style your hair, look after your nails (varnish with a clear or neutral polish), keep your shoes clean, accessorise carefully with a statement necklace or ring to acknowledge the latest trend, carry spare hosiery to avoid unsightly runs (a great tip is to spray hosieries with hairspray before wearing, which will actually protect against runs).

• Expect the unexpected: Let’s face it, the weather could do anything on any given day (and so could your boss!), so be prepared for unscheduled meetings or being caught in a sudden heat wave or downpour. Try to go to work equipped with as many as possible, of the following: a compact umbrella, sunglasses, compact hairbrush, hairclip, compact deodorant, breath mints and emergency make up kit (see below), or even better leave these items permanently at work, along with a Mac and some flats for any unexpected challenges

• Emergency make up kit: Your favourite make up wipes, concealer, mascara, eye pencil, lip stain/gloss, blush – as compact as possible and kept in a washable bag for hygiene.

And once you’ve mastered the art of office chic, all you will have to worry about is making sure you have enough time for all the new engagements you will be involved in!

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