Kazakh Supermodel Committed Suicide

Kazakh supermodel Ruslana Korshunova, 20 years old, leaped from the 9th floor balcony of her Manhattan apartment yesterday. The young model died from blunt impact injuries. Her death had been ruled as suicide, as several witnesses saw her leaped from the balcony of her apartment and police sources reported that there was no sign of struggle inside her apartment.


The young Ruslana Korshunova appeared in the covers of European editions of Elle and Vogue and had represented the designers Betsey Johnson and Jill Stuart on the catwalk. She was also featured in recent years of British Vogue as “the next big thing” in the modeling community and was featured in ads by Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs, Christian Dior and DKNY.

Her family and friends do not have any idea as to what could be the motive behind her suicide. Her friends said she was in good spirit prior to the incident and that suicide was incomprehensible. Nonetheless, it was revealed that in the latest months, the top model wrote emotionally revealing poems such as, "It hurts, as if someone took a part of me, tore it out, mercilessly stomped all over and threw it out... My dream is to fly. Oh, my rainbow it is too high."

Even as a very promising model, Ruslana Korshunova succumbs to depressed moments in life like any other talent. Thus it is very important to seek advice from friends and from the people we trust around the industry, as well as to open our selves to others and not just keep the burdens inside and pretend that we are happy. For any models (promising or not), success does not just simply mean reaching to the top of the fashion industry, it is also surviving all the emotional confusions and personal dilemmas that are meet and left on the way.

A Reality Competition For Disabled Models?

Think modeling is just a thing for “perfect” girls, those with long legs, slender arms, and fantastic bodies? Think again. A British modeling competition gives way for disabled women to win a modeling contract and a photo-shoot in top British magazine.

Britain's Missing Top Model is a reality show that is patterned to America's Next Top Model, only that model wanabees are disabled. It highlights the lives of eight (8) disabled beautiful women which includes a woman with one arm, a model on wheel-chair due to a degenerative neuro-muscular disorder, and a deaf.

The modeling competition serves as an opportunity to have a glimpse on the lives of the inequality models (both disabled and able-bodied) and also gives a picture of how the fashion industry – “normal” models, fashion editors, photographers, and agents really feel about models with disabilities.

In terms of recognizing the struggles of these disabled models, it is possible that the reality competition will make an impact (at least for sometime). But whether this contemporary show changes the face of the appearance-obsessed, perfectionist fashion industry, that is where the real question lies.

Victoria's Secret, Sued!

A woman sued Victoria's Secret, claiming that she was hurt by the Victoria's Secret thong panties when a metal clip flew off from the garment and hit her eye. The metal was intended to secure a rhinestone heart on the thong.

According to 52-year old Macrida Patterson, the incident had caused her “excruciating pain” as she suffered cuts in the cornea.

"I was putting on my underwear from Victoria's Secret and the metal popped in my eye. It happened really quickly. I was in excruciating pain. I screamed. That's what happened," Patterson said.

Meanwhile, the spokeswoman for Victoria's Secret is still unavailable for comment.

The incident was highly-publicized since Victoria's Secret lingerie line is one of the most popular undergarments for women today. The clothing line is known for its fashion shows and catalogues, which feature top fashion models and the most sought-after supermodels of the world like Heidi Klum, Giselle Bundchen, and Alessandra Ambrosio. Models who represent Victoria's Secret are called “Victoria's Angels.”

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Victoria's Secret is now casting new Angels for its annual Angels Tour!

Janet Jackson – World Tour, Baby Plan, and Upcoming Reality Show

Famous pop star Janet Jackson has a lot of things that keep her busy these days. First, she is prepping for her upcoming Rock With U World Tour. Second, she has supposedly baby plan after the tour (something that her longtime boyfriend Jermain Dupri knows more about). And third, she has an upcoming reality show.

The upcoming reality show will search talented performers who shows combined talent in singing and acting. Janet Jackson seeks for a raw prodigy talent. The winner will become the 42-year old diva's protégé and will be assisted by the singer in becoming a legendary singer and dancer.

Janet Jackson's yet untitled upcoming reality show is open to girls of all ethnicities with age ranging from 16 to 22. As assisted by famed choreographer Gil Duldulao, the show is a great opportunity for talented young divas to represent the world stage.


Pretty amazing, huh? Check the casting here!

Brazil Criticized Karolina Kurkova For Being Too Fat?

After the death of a Brazilian model in 2006 because of anorexia, Brazil was one of the first countries to make a public outcry for the promotion of “too-thin” beauty standards in the fashion industry. So what is this buzz now about “too-fat” supermodel Karolina Kurkova?

The 24-year old, 5'11'' Czech supermodel Karolina Kurkova made an appearance at the recent Sao Paulo Fashion Week. The catwalk queen was said to appear in a bikini, shockingly “chubby” and “with cellulite on her butt.” The Brazilian fans were said to be disappointed of her look because it was just so “unlike Karolina.”

Karolina Kurkova is a Victoria's Secret Angel best known for her “superfit” physique. She is also one of the highest paid models of the world, according to Forbes magazine.

And so it leads us to question the depth of the campaign against “too-thin” models in the fashion industry, especially in Brazil as it is one of the most active countries who support the cause. If models are being criticized for being too thin and anorexics, how come the media is slating the blond supermodel for her "back fat?”

Male Models For Real Men

Men's fashion show is in its hype these days, with left and right catwalk shows showcasing the latest and most sought-after designs made for men. Thanks to our male models who brave the runway for that masculine poise, men have ideas of how to dress in style.

In Milan, for example, male models walk the runway to present the house of Ferre spring 2009 men's collection. Aside from Ferre, other top clothing lines in Milan that have recently held their men's fashion show including Versace, Burberry, and Cavalli.

With lots of gorgeous and hunk men parading down the catwalk in the designer clothes, we can truly say that male modeling will always be here to stay.

David Beckam Models For Armani, Again

David Beckam is again modeling for Emporio Armani. The famous football star and husband of Victoria Beckam aka Posh Spice of the Spice Girls now models the underwear from the autum/winter 2008-2009 Emporio Armani collection.

David Beckam's garden-styled billboard for the campaign are unveiled in Milan and in San Francisco. The star has a three-year deal with Emporio Armani and the latest billboard photographs is his second campaign for the brand.

David Beckam models for the Armani underwear through photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. Tha launching of the new Emporio Armani Underwear collection will be in Europe in July and in the U.S. in August.

Prince Caspian's Stunt Double Hero

There are actually two prince charming heroes in Narnia's sequel, Prince Caspian. One is the handsome actor Ben Barnes who exudes charm to his noble role in the movie as Prince Caspian himself. The other one is Prince Caspian's stunt double who, with his equestrian skills, brings the necessary gallantry to the hero's character - stuntman Andrew Cottle.

Andrew Cottle is an equestrian from New Zealand who started his double career in the first Narnia film where he did basic horsework and spent a week on set. After two years, the sequel came and the stunt coordinator remembered him to be the best double to fit the role. He got a call that requested him to come to Prague for the shooting and off he went.

At first, Andrew did not think he was a Ben Barnes-lookalike. Then he got the wig and the make-up and, voila, Prince Caspian's double was born.

Andrew Cottle spent five months for filming. On the set, he did fighting scenes, either as the prince himself or one of the soldiers fighting in the background.

Aspiring actors like Andrew Cottle surely knows that success is sure to come in the showbiz industry when there is hardwork, humility, and determination.

And then there's passion. Because he love what he is doing, Andrew Cottle says he found the experience as great fun and even enjoyed the “chance to break out of the discipline of competitive riding.”

After the Narnia's sequel, the Prince Caspian's double Andrew Cottle is to appear in two other major motion pictures, Laundry Warrior and Underworld 3. And with his own manly charm, it is very likely that he will have many major film roles in the future.


Double with top Hollywood actors. Search New Faces Castings and start your successful acting career now!

Pregnant Nicole Kidman For US Vouge

The towering Australian actress Nicole Kidman is very chic and classic in the latest edition of Vouge Magazine despite that she had the photographs taken in her pregnancy.

The versatility of the 40-year old actress in posing for the camera is highly-praised the people behind the photoshoot, saying that Nicole Kidman is a thoroughbred.

“She is highly strung, highly volatile, highly everything.”

Academy-award winning actress and one of the most highly-paid models in the showbiz industry, Nicole Kidman is very skillful in modeling too. With her sophisticated 5 feet and ten inches height, she's definitely one of those few women who are gifted with the looks, the appeal, and the acting ability that make them stand out in the motion picture and fashion industry.

Katie Holmes Prepares For Her Stage Debut

She may be a veteran actress on film, thanks to her popular teen-drama series Dawson's Creek and her left and right movie projects after, but the lovely Katie Holmes is just a fresh face in theatre and stage acting. And so for her debut on stage, Katie Holmes prepares by among other things, getting accustomed to a new haircut.

Katie Holmes star in “All My Sons,” a drama about a businessman whose factory supplied defective cylinders and caused the death of 21 pilots during World War II but whose business partner went to jail instead of himself. Katie will portray the fiancée of the businessman's son and the daughter of the businessman's partner.

The endearing Hollywood actor aka Mrs. Cruise aka Katie Holmes' All My Sons project will officially open on October 16 through January 11 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre.

Want to have your own experience of theatre and stage acting, CLICK HERE!

Teen Actor Emma Watson Is The New Face of Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle

Famed teen actor and Harry Potter star Emma Watson is reported to be taking over Pirates of the Carribean's Keira Knightley to be the new face of Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle perfume. The contract is worth £3 million.

Aside from being an iconic teen star, Emma Watson is represented by a modeling agency which supposedly secured the Chanel deal for her. The young star's deal with Chanel is expected to be publicly announced next month.

The teen actor has been very excited about her upcoming project as sources said that she has been telling her friends that she is going to be taking over from Keira. Meanwhile the international fashion industry, French fashion house Chanel, is also preparing Emma Watson's role for the company as muse of one of its fragrance collection.

"Emma has been slowly integrated into the Chanel brand. They have been dressing her for film premieres and parties over recent months to see if she is the right fit... Once it became clear she is growing into a beautiful young woman and wears the Chanel brand so elegantly, they had to sign her up," says the reports.

With the popular teen actor Emma Watson to be the fresh face of one its fragrance, the fashion house Chanel hopes to target a younger audience.


Check the latest teen acting and modeling castings now!

A Special “Model Visa” In The U.S?

This is good news for modeling in the United States. A New York congressman, Rep. Anthony Weiner, has proposed a bill that make it easier for foreign models to work in the United States.

The congressman's bill will allow models to switch from the current H-1B visa to the far easier-to-attain P visa. Unlike the P-visa that cast models with entertainers and athletes, H-1B visa makes models compete with doctors and computer analysts to secure one.

Rep. Weiner said that models are important to the New York economy. Without them, American models aren't drafted in and photoshoots are simply shot overseas instead.

"From Fashion Week to our vibrant publishing industry to the many designers that call New York City home, fashion is a vital part of our economy that drives thousands of jobs," says Weiner.

U.S. fashion industry is supportive to the cause of the New York Congressman. A president of a modeling company says “If there are girls that we can't get into the United States, the client is going to take that business elsewhere. The market is calling for foreign girls... Not just any old model will be allowed in though - there will be strict guidelines. For instance, the visa applicant must be "a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability."

Therefore, ordinary models may still find it hard to secure the special model visa.

On the other hand, Rep. Weiner is reportedly dating Hillary Clinton's aide who was featured in the recent issue of Vogue. For the 43-year old congressman who proposed the special model visa in the U.S., this is a beautiful inspiration, indeed.

Batman Models Armani

Not only that top fashion designer Giorgio Armani will get to dressed one of Hollywood's top male actor, Christian Bale, he will also get to dressed the actor's “alter ego,” Batman!

In the upcoming Batman film, The Dark Knight, Christian Bale will wear made-to-measure suits of Giorgio Armani whenever he plays the character of Batman's secret identity, Bruce Wayne. The millionaire Bruce Wayne models for custom made Armani single-breasted or three-button suits, single-breasted tuxedos and black wool coats.

"As a Giorgio Armani Hand Made-to-Measure client, Bruce Wayne is demonstrating his status as a discriminating and sophisticated connoisseur of fine fashion, while also showing he has individual taste," the famous designer Giorgio Armani explained.

Thanks to superheroes' fashion exhibit last May where Giorgio Armani chaired the event, good sense of clothing have been recognized not only among celebrities but also with our popular superheroes.

And as Christian Bale models for Giorgio Armani as the millionaire Bruce Wayne, it cannot be denied that Batman do have sophisticated taste for fashion.


If your an aspiring fashion designer and you want to become like Giorgio Armani, click here!
If you want to become a top actor like Christian Bale or model for many fashion shows, click here!

Supermodel Kate Moss Statue In British Museum

After Naomi Campbell, it's Kate Moss's turn to be immortalized. The supermodel will be in a solid gold sculpture to be unveiled in the British Museum's first contemporary sculpture exhibition. The artwork cost £1.5m to make.

The yet-to-be named exhibition is still in the early planning stages, and will feature works from an array of artists inspired by the British Museum's collection of sculpture. The sculpture will be auctioned off to raise funds for charity.

Entitled Siren, the new piece belongs to the same series as his previous sculpture Sphinx, which depicts Moss in an extreme yoga position, first shown in 2006 (as shown above). The artist for the sculpture is world-renowned Mark Quinn.

The British Museum's exhibition for the Kate Moss statue only proves that, truly, if there's timeless models for beauty and elegance, fashion supermodels always top the list.

Michelle Yeoh's Advice To Asian Actors

The butt-kicking Asian film heroine Michelle Yeoh is known for her smart and sexy aura. She has played many lead roles including Pierce Brosnan's 007, "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon," and “Miami Vice” to name a few. She believes that life and acting are both all about balance. Still, it cannot be deny that she's one lucky Asian actress who make it big in Hollywood. In her recent interview with the press, she gives her Asian actors “followers” some practical advice:

"For any Asian face, or any Asian girls that have dreams, aspirations or doing crossover work in Hollywood, you must have the language. These are your tools. And then afterwards, the right face, the right demeanor, and the right chemistry."

Indeed, international language is very important because it transcends boundaries. Still, attitude is also essential because social connections with the “right” people also leads the way to success. Then of course, there is the face and the chemistry – a star got to have her/his own identity that makes her/him the “right” actor to play whatever roles in film.

In a sense, Michelle Yeoh's advice is simple but for someone like her who got a successful career in Hollywood as an actor and as a producer, it's a precious word of wisdom. Here's more advice she got not only for Asian actors but for showbiz personalities in general:

"That's the nature of the business. You should never take these things personally when it works or doesn't work."

Beth Dito Designs Plus-size Clothes

Plus size? Always worried about what clothes to wear? Take it from The Gossip singer, plus size Beth Dito: Big girls can have fun with fashion - “and stick 2 fingers up to the size 0 brigade.”

The 27-year old plus size celebrity Beth Dito is set to launch her own fashion range for fuller women. The range will include dresses from size 14 to size 32. She is said to be signing £200,000 with high street chain Evans.

Beth Dito is seemingly very passionate about her campaign for fuller female models, as she turned down a deal with Topshop last year – the rising fashion house whose famous face is the lean and nymph-like Supermodel Kate Moss.

Like Beth Dito, more and more plus size models are in demand these days to represent many fashion companies. In the same way, many model search are launch to discover beautiful women with full and curvaceous body.

Recent call castings for New Faces include a model search for plus size women:

Erica K. Model Management is holding the first annual “Curvaceous Model Search!” Women with body sizes from 12 and over are wanted to apply!

So go ahead, wear that lovely clothes and flaunt your curvaceous, plus size body like that of the bubbly Beth Dito.

Tom Hanks Return For “Angels and Demons”

Award-winning top male actor Tom Hanks returns for the prequel of the controversial 2006 film, “Da Vinci's Code.” This time around, he will be paired with the Israeli actress Ayelet Zurer as he returns to his role as Robert Langdon in Dan Brown's equally controversial novel, “Angels & Demons.”

Like its sequel, Angels & Demons deals with morality as the debate between science and religion. The story follows a plot to blow up the Vatican's secrets regarding the religion that it protects.

In the film, Ayelet Zurer will play Vittoria, the daughter of CERN physicist Leonardo Vetra. Vittoria pairs with Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) on a journey to uncover the mystery behind her father's murder and stop a terrorist plot.

Tom Hanks will work with Oscar Award winner director Ron Howard. The 49-year old actor (who will be turning 50 this 9th of July) was rumored to sign for Angels & Demons with the “biggest salary ever paid to an actor in the history of Hollywood.”

The production for Angels & Demons was delayed late last year due to the writers strike. It was re-set to begin filming in Europe in June, eyeing a May 15, 2009, release date.

For those who are interested to act with Hollywood top actors like Tom Hanks, don't miss your chance to join the open casting call for the next big film, Angels and Demons. Apply for the casting here!

Top Actress Ashley Judd Against Human Trafficking

Two-time Golden Globe nominee top actress Ashley Judd, whose famous films include "De-Lovely" and "Kiss the Girls," spoke against human trafficking at a news conference Tuesday at U.N. headquarters in New York.

"I know that the unheard are helped when they are heard. I know that compassionate listening helps me, and my goal was to help the U.N. help them," the 40-year old actress said.

Already a successful film actress, Ashley Judd decided to lend her voice against human trafficking after she "stumbled upon" the issue while visiting brothels, slums, hospices and other clinics in 12 nations to promote public health. Since then, the multi-awarded star has used her celebrity status to focus attention on HIV/AIDS prevention to young adults around the world. She serves as a global ambassador for YouthAIDS – an education and prevention program of the group Population Services International.

"I do think that all of the issues are fundamentally connected. They all spring out of gender inequality,” the top actress Ashley Judd concluded.

Angelina Jolie Is Print Model For Vanity Fair

Angelina Jolie is the print covergirl model
for the July's issue of Vanity Fair.

The pregnant Angelina Jolie looks sexier in her round and supple figure. This, she credited to the wonderful experience of pregnancy. Her birth with Shiloh was also a fascinating and miraculous experience that did not give her any pain.

“I had a C-Section and I found it fascinating. I didn’t find it a sacrifice and I didn’t find it a painful experience. I found it a fascinating miracle of what a body can do.”

Aside from having children of her own, Angelina Jolie said she always wanted to adopt, knowing that are many children who have no parents. She said she does not feel that adoption is humanitarian, rather something one feels they want to do.

With her as a print covergirl model for Vanity Fair, Blooming Angelina Jolie surely has all the reason to inspire women to feel beautiful while being pregnant. For one, the lovely Hollywood actress got a loving family around her, her husband Brad Pitt finds pregnancy to be sexy, and she's blessed with natural inclination to nurture.

“Transformers” Best Movie Of MTV Awards

MTV just can't have enough of the top-rating, sci-fi movie “Transformers.” This year is still a victorious moment for Transformers as it bagged the Best Movie Award for 2008, despite being the most awarded movie last 2007 by the MTV Movie Awards.

The award was accepted by director Michael Bay and star Megan Fox on Sunday night. As the best movie, Transformers took home the golden popcorn trophy for best film.

Excited about the sequel to the awarded movie, "Transformers" lead actress Megan Fox trotted out R-rated language to describe how good the film's sequel is going to be.

According to the director himself, Michael Bay, the part two of the film will begin shooting the following day and take place two years after the first film.

“Transformers 2” is currently casting for extras, specifically Asian talents for the new Dreamworks feature film.

The movie is also casting SAG Actors aged 18 to 65 for scenes to be shot in Philadelphia and Princeton. College-age students are most wanted to apply for the project.

Plus, there's more. Shia Labeouf himself, the lead star of Transformers 2, needs a photo double. The double should possessed the same height of the Shia Labeouf which is 5′10′'.

MTV, on the other hand, has a lot of castings for almost all types of people. Current MTV castings are found on New Faces casting site.