COACH: City Totes Are Bright On Trend‏ + H.E. SPRING ESSENTIALS: Get the Andrés Velencoso blazer‏

TOP PICKS!

DYED COTTON BLAZER

PAISLEY PATTERNED TIE

STONE-WASHED V-NECK PULLOVER

NUBUK BOAT SHOES

CLASSIC-FIT SHIRT

 

Magic Babe Ning goes amazingly light in gravity-defying act!

Already a fan of Magic Babe Ning (MBN)? You’ve got to see this new act of hers! She makes the product amazingly and surprisingly light, floating through the air like it’s weightless!

Have you seen anything levitating like that up close and personal right in front of your very eyes?

Share this video right now and let it go viral! We can’t wait to see what MBN has next up her magic sleeves!

Stay tuned, fellas!

xoxo, Melissa Jane

Bio-essence Miracle Bio Water – 20 Excellent Efficacies!

Thanks EK Media for sponsoring me a bottle of Bio-Essence’s Miracle Bio Water! It seems like just one bottle isn’t enough because I couldn’t get enough of this “antidote” for my skin! It’s like dope!

Introducing the Bio-essence Miracle Bio Water – 20 Marvelous Results for
Hair, Face & Body! Ideal for sensitive skin!

Uniquely low in mineral content yet rich in trace minerals to ensure 2X cooling, soothing, softening, moisturizing and anti-irritating effects.

Ideal for all skin types, Bio-essence Bio-Spring Water is the coolest spring water that yields the best soothing, anti-irritation and calming effects on skin. Adapting unique Bio-technology to combine Spring Water and Bio-Energy Fluid, Bio- Spring Water contains trace mineral to create energy to stimulate blood and oxygen circulation.

High Trace Minerals for Healthy Skin

Skin cells suffer from fatigue and skin dullness from environmental aggressions and mineral deficiencies. Trace minerals are essential minerals required by human health. It accelerates the skin healing process and gives the skin sufficient hydration to improve on skin roughness. Bio-essence Bio-spring Water contains high trace minerals which are the perfect, natural treatment to obtain optimum skin care health. While minerals are vital in modern skin care, higher mineral content releases more energy and heat which will be drying to the skin.

Droplets of the Miracle Bio Water on the back of my hand after spraying on it – pressing lightly on the nozzle. See the uniformity of the droplets? Very pure water!

Unique Points with multi-efficacies for face, body and hair
Having unique composition, Bio-Spring water is specially low in mineral content and sodium chloride content yet rich in trace minerals, ensuring 2X effect for cooling and soothing sensitive and irritated skin.

Low in mineral content creates lesser energy and heat which is ideal for cooling and soothing sensitive and irritable skin.

Low in Sodium Chloride of 2.432mg/l absorbs least skin moisture, ensures the best moisturizing effects.

High Sodium Chloride content dehydrates skin as it absorbs moisture from the skin. Optimal pH value of 6.45 is closest to skin’s natural pH value, is mild and non-irritating.

Bio-essence Bio-Spring Water fits both genders and works for all age groups, not just for the face but also for the body and hair.

A close up on my skin after spraying on the miracle bio water. Skin instantly looks and feels supple and rejuvenated!

Top 3 Feedback on this Product

1. I have pretty oil skin (combination, to be precise), especially after a long day and my skin feels clogged with makeup and dirt by the time I finish work. Using this miracle bio water instantly gives me a “facelift” as not only do I feel refreshed and energized, my pores look much smaller and tighter, and generally contributing to a healthy glow in my complexion
2. The miracle bio water relives sensitive skin as well. If a particular spot is itchy or red from scratching, or may be developing acne, this product helps in relieving pimples and reducing redness.
3. I use the miracle bio water after my makeup is done for a longer lasting and natural look. It controls facial oil effectively and moisturizes and nourishes my skin even with makeup on. Wonderful!

If you got my hint from the above picture – yes I have 3 travel sized (25ml) bottles of Bio Essence’s Miracle Bio Water for you to try! I’m sure you’ll love it and be addicted to it! :) I cannot live without this product and have to incorporate it into my beauty regime now. Before bedtime I usually can’t resist spraying it again as well ;)

STEP TO WIN!

Simply comment after this blog post with your name, email address and why you’d like to have this miracle product. I’ll select 3 lucky winners with the best answers and notify you by 6 March 2013.

Have fun, beauties!

xoxo

Melissa Jane

Richie Jen (任贤齐) at California Fitness Media Conference!

News Release

New California Fitness spokesperson Richie Jen (Ren Xianqi) in Singapore

Singapore, February 23, 2013 – J.V. Fitness Limited, trading as “California Fitness,” announces Taiwanese singer and actor, Richie Jen (Ren Xianqi), as its new spokesperson throughout Asia, leading the gym’s various fitness programs for busy professionals demanding a fighting fit physique and health.

Every festive season bring lots of joyful eating, and a busy lifestyle for many professionals is especially counterproductive when it comes to maintaining health and fitness. For many, the most resistant area to lose persistent fats is the tummy, which in turn, has a large part to play in the core strength of a person.

Richie is known for his many ballads of optimism, love and positive energy. His long filmography has always brought entertainment and joy to many. Richie has always been seen as an epitome of health and fitness among fellow celebrities in Taiwan, and loves to maintain his physique and health while he juggled his busy music and acting careers, his new business, and his family with two adorable kids.

“I am very honored to be the new California Fitness spokesperson. I have always been highly selective for brand endorsements, and maintained that any brand I represent must be a good fit, and we must be able to bring a positive message to the community,” said Richie Jen (Ren Xianqi).

“I am impressed by California Fitness in its revolutionary fitness concepts, the spaciousness of its gyms, the comprehensive array of fitness equipment for aerobic and resistance training, professional fitness trainers with passion and encouragement.”

Fighting Fit for any occasion

In more recent years, Richie has been dedicating most of his time in acting, and with the heavy schedule and particular requirements of films, Richie has found less time in his schedule to maintain his physique and health, until he found the rich and exciting spread of fitness programs and equipment at California Fitness gym, all of which are specially developed for busy professionals on the move.

With the variety of programs and equipment at the California Fitness gym, Richie has kept up his ideal fitness and physique demanded by the competitive entertainment industry, with 30 minutes per workout, according to him. As with most people who hold down demanding careers, with a desire to care and love their families, and to maintain health as well, the more
sustainable fitness regimes have to be short in duration (30 minutes would be ideal), and a combination of aerobic and resistance training to condition cardiovascular fitness as well as musculoskeletal strength. With the increasing bombardment of many stimuli in our society, people also like their fitness programs tailored with contemporary music and some choreographed routines.*

Image credits to hpility.blogspot.sg

“Many of our customers are facing this challenge of trying to get the most returns on their exercise and fitness regimes, without spending too much time in the gym or in the field,” says Mr. Zen Lee, Fitness Manager, California Fitness Singapore. “We would recommend a tailored program to fit into the little pockets of time our customers’ can invest in their fitness amidst their busy work and family schedules. A great workout program we can develop for customers would be short, targeted, highly energetic, and great fun.”

“We are very pleased to be associated with Richie Jen, who represents the summit of the ‘everyday hero,’ someone who is a busy professional at the echelons of his career, and cares for his family, career and health in an exemplary and admirable manner,” says Mr. Anthony Pan, Senior Vice President, California Fitness Singapore & Shanghai. “We hope to bring the optimistic and positive energy of what Richie represents to our members, and to inspire them to greater heights of fitness and health, while scaling the heights of their own careers, and the loving and caring for their families.”

***

For more information on California Fitness’ many programs and their availability, and demonstrations by professional certified trainers in Singapore, call 6302 5376, email singapore-marketing@californiafitness.com.sg, or visit http://www.californiafitness.com.sg.

About Richie Jen (Ren Xianqi)

Richie Jen (Ren Xianqi), 46 years old, is known for his many ballads throughout Asia, with discography that includes “Heart too soft” (1996), “Hey girl look this way” (1998), “Wanderer” (2000), “A wonderful man” (2003), and “Daredevil spirit” (2011), among many others. Richie’s filmography includes “No Sir 3” (1994), “Marry a rich man” (2002), “Seoul raiders” (2005), “Happy birthday” (2007), “Flirting scholar 2” (2010), “Mayday 3DNA” (2011), “Scheme with me” (2012), and many others. He was born in Changhua County, and graduated from the Physical Education Department of Chinese Culture University (CCU), Taipei.

About California Fitness

California Fitness is acknowledged as the leading fitness centre chain in Asia. Our first club opened in Hong Kong in July 1996 and pioneered the mega gym concept in the region. This club was such a huge success that we embarked on further expansion within Hong Kong and into Asia including Singapore and mainland China. Today, we have 16 fitness centers across Asia.

Essensuals’ Anti-Frizz Hair Polish! <3

Been waiting for ages to visit Essensuals once again for my hair pampering treats! With CNY fast approaching, I could hardly bear the idea of having frizzy, unkempt hair while house visiting and celebrating the festive season. Where’s the cheer if my hair looks like a lioness mess?!

I think it’s been a loooong time since I last saw my hair in good shape, due to umpteen times of hair dying, perming and styling. That head of soft, silky and shiny hair seems impossible to achieve. Then I was on the constant look out for good hair salons, and hopped from one to the other through cheap Groupon deals. Urghhh but I know that’s not working at all!

Bryan from Essensuals, from my first time at the salon, had recommended me this “keratin treatment” that will do wonders in taming and repairing my dry, damaged hair. I couldn’t wait to try it, eagerly anticipating my hair to return to its former glory, if there was any to speak of!

This is the BEFORE picture, while I was waiting for my turn. I had actually brushed it once so it doesn’t look so bad, but there was hardly shine or smoothness in this state.

Essensuals was full house that day, so to pass time I was taking self shots. In this shot I was telling Fidelis how much I wanted tools like bump-its to create more volume at the crown of my head, thus making the face look slimmer!

Image credits to theluckiestchick-.blogspot.sg – hair still looking like crap!

The anti-frizz polish consists of a few simple steps – washing, drying, applying a coat of “polish” or “treatment”, washing and drying again before straightening (like rebonding) and you’re done!

When it’s all done – tada! I couldn’t recognize myself! My hair became straight and feels soft and silky. I couldn’t stop touching my hair until Bryan started to tease me about it! The effects of this treatment is like soft rebonding, only more natural and not scissors-straight like the actual rebonding.

Hair was practically glowing under the lights :) Yayyy!

I hardly experienced “movement” of my hair because it’s always heavy with frizz. But after the treatment it felt significantly lighter, less hair loss (a problem I was really worried about a few weeks back) experienced and my hair actually bounced when I walked. It’s a serious miracle and saviour of damaged hair!

Effects of this treatment lasts for about 3-6 months. Now, a week after the treatment, my hair condition is still very good :)

Bet nobody could recognize me from the back now :P

When I was done Fidelis was still fixing her ombre hair – she took longer but I’m sure it was all worth it as she couldn’t stop gushing about her new hair colors! I saw it myself and couldn’t agree more – snapshots below! Super gorgeous la!

Thank you Essensuals Bugis for restoring confidence in myself and my hair!

To enjoy this Anti Frizz Hair Polish or Fidelis’ ombre hair, simply make a trip down to

241A Victoria Street, Bugis Village, Singapore 180030
To make an appointment, call 6333 0039 My designated stylist is Isabel.

Quote ‘Melissa Jane Ferosha‘ when you do your hair at Essensuals Bugis and enjoy a 10% DISCOUNT off your total bill!

Follow their Instagram (@essensualsbugis) or ‘Like’ their Facebook Page for more promotional updates.

Current Promotions with Essensuals Bugis

Mythic Oil Ritual Treatment

5 great properties of Mythic Oil

• It has a light clean fragrance
• Makes hair feel and look treated from roots till ends
• It is light to the touch, clean and has a natural look and feel
• It is perfect for all hair types and porosities, allowing the hair to absorb what it needs and penetrate the cuticle layers
• It is multi-purpose and can be used for pre treatment or as a conditioning treatment, perfect for use with heating tools and is an excellent finishing product

Hurry now head down to Essensuals Bugis and try out the Mythic Oil Ritual Treatment and enjoy 15% DISCOUNT OFF when you quote ‘Melissa Jane Ferosha‘. Promotion last for a limited time only.

***

Meanwhile…..

wishes you

xoxo

Melissa Jane

Miranda Kerr is the New Face of MANGO!

Move over Kate, Mango’s got a new leading lady. After two seasons with Moss as its face, the Spanish retailer has named Victoria’s Secret Angel Miranda Kerr as the star of its upcoming Spring 2013 campaign. The campaign, which includes the whole shebang — television, billboards, online media, and print — was shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin in New York and has finally been unveiled for your viewing pleasure.

Kerr joins quite a crew: in addition to Moss, Milla Jovovich, Naomi Campbell, Eva Herzigova, Karolina Kurkova, Claudia Schiffer, Christy Turlington, and Isabeli Fontana have all posed for the brand.

Peep Kerr’s Mango campaign images — plus get a look behind the scenes at the shoot — right here.

“Mango is a brand that I love,” Miranda expressed. “You always find the perfect garment for every occasion!”

Behind the scenes

“What I love about Mango is that it really embraces the strong, feminine woman,” says Kerr, herself also a mother and businesswoman. “There are so many pieces for every type of woman.” Yoga-loving Kerr revealed that staple items in her wardrobe include skinny jeans and high-waisted skirts, but in the main she likes to mix-and-match.

With seasonal clothing blurring more and more — flimsy dresses in mid-winter, cashmere jumpers at the start of summer — the key to Spring shopping is buying some key items that last throughout the year.

Keeping things simple and smart with a blazer, a pair of fitted jeans, or tank top are every woman’s wardrobe must-have items, says Kerr, as they are versatile enough to wear from day to night. Mix it up with some luxury accessories and statement heels for a quick change of the hour.

Meanwhile, if you’re a Mango fan, black and white stripes, denim on denim, and vibrant colors will weave their way into your wardrobe for the new season.

Valentine’s Day [two zero one three] Special I – For Her!

for Her

Charm your man with hues of bold…..

5 perfect outfits for Valentine’s Day‏ – wardrobe ideas from Bebe

EXPRESS YOURSELF

The Ultimate BlackBox!

New Sample Box in Town!

I’m sure most of you have heard all about sampling boxes. Doesn’t it all seem so exciting, coming home after a long day at work and finding a mysterious and sleek package, full of surprises – the latest products for you to sample and enjoy?

Expect at least five product samples in your very own COMPLIMENTARY BLACKBOX, awaiting your undivided attention, sealed & couriered to you at your doorstep.

Yes, I’m certainly not kidding. And the best part? It’s completely FREE!

All you have to do is subscribe to BLACK BOX and voila! The indulgence begins and continues with every box.

BLACK BOX brings you experiences from a lifestyle you desire. From dining haunts, outstanding skincare, gorgeous fashion to chic getaways. The folks at Black Box are always seeking out the most delectable products and offerings to bring you unforgettable moments in a box.

There’s always something for him and for her.

Here’s a special for my readers:

Black Box is giving away 350 of the hottest products and goodies to the 1^st 350 readers who subscribe at www.BlackBox.sg!

Simply quote “FeroshaBB­­­­” at the Referrer Code column while subscribing!

Check out these awesome goodies that BlackBox is giving away!

30 mins Anti Stress back massage at The Spa Artisan, The Fullerton Hotel worth $70.00+

Relaxing massage for tenses shoulders and back [50 spa passes available]

Aramsa Spa, Singapore’s pioneer garden spa, is proud to bring the lush exotic spa experience into one of Singapore’s most iconic landmark hotels – The Fullerton Hotel Singapore.

The Spa Artisan offers body treatments from New York based luxury botanical brand – Red Flower and facials from leaders in Antioxidant Anti-Aging Technology – SkinCeuticals.

***

Shiseido Senka Perfect Watery Oil, 230ml, worth $22.90 [50 sets available]

Effortlessly removes waterproof mascara; make up and impurities with its gentle formula that can be washed off instantly with no oily after-feel. Use it even in wet skin condition!

***

BeautyBlender, mini-sized [50 sets available]

Beautyblender’s patent-pending elliptical shape makes application foolproof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with stunning ease. Its suede texture is sensual to the touch and its unique curves fit the contours of your face, leaving your make up dazzling and undetectable.

Beautyblender is latex free, non-allergenic and odour free.

***

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse 10ml [100 sets available]

A cult favourite of many women and celebrities, this multi-usage oil is nourishing yet easily absorbed for face, body and hair. Made with 30% concentration of Precious Plant Oils and Vitamin E. This formula contains ingredients of 98.1% natural origin. Silicone and paraben free.

 ***

Phyto Volume Shampoo, 50ml [100 sets available]

Instantly restore volume and body to hair

contains 90% natural and botanical ingredients such as Red Algae Extract, Guarana Extract, Yarrow and Tormentil Extract to instantly restore volume, body and hold. Sulphate free.

 ***

These exciting offers are only for the 1st 350 subscribers, so fastest fingers first! Subscribe now at www.BlackBox.sg!

Hurry, 1^st Edition of Black Box will reach you in February ;)

You will find it in your February Black Box if you qualify! Good luck and many blessings to you <3

Adv: Biore Facial Foam Skin Caring Cleanser Series!

Cleanses & Improves. 1 minute is all you need.

What an appropriate tagline – 1 minute is all you need! Who doesn’t like to look good and refresh herself quickly and conveniently? After all after a long day out/at work all you want to do when you get home is rest and play Candy Crush right? I totally dig effective skin care that’s fast and fuss-free!

INTRODUCING

Skin problems like acne, dryness and clogged pores could be due to inefficient cleansing (remnants, dirt and chemical traces such as UV and makeup left on the skin) and/or harsh cleansing agents that penetrates the skin and affects the skin’s PH balance.

Once the skin’s 28 days’ natural renewal process is interrupted, problem skin may result :(

SPT: Skin Purifying Technology
– High Cleansing Efficacy
– No penetration to skin = No damage to skin
– Non residue, Non irritating, Vitalize Skin!

What else is so special about Biore’s new facial foam?

Thank you Biore and Elfanie for the kind sponsorship to try out this new skin caring cleanser series! :)

BIORE FACIAL FOAM (MILD)

BIORE FACIAL FOAM SCRUB

Close up of the facial foam on the right (see how smooth the creamy foam is – the liquid slid down the back of my hand easily after just 5 seconds or so) and on the left is a sample of the scrub: see the tiny pink micro beads?

Verdict:

Why I would endorese this new skin caring cleanser series by Biore, and totally not because I’m sponsored products:

1. Biore has always been a reputable brand for effective skin cleansing – I started using its makeup remover wipes (Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheets) and never stopped using since! Been about nearly 2 years! Really enjoyed how my face is wiped free of makeup even though it feels so gentle on the skin, not harsh at all (especially since I have sensitive skin). So after being a loyal customer of Biore with hardly any other great alternatives, I would continue to use its cleansing products, trusting this reliable brand
2. Awesome scent – I get turned off by products which have overpowering smells, or of course, unpleasant ones that are worse. Both the cleanser and the scrub SMELL SO GOOD. The cleanser smells lightly refreshing, like a baby friendly product. At the same time, it’s gives off a soft, feminine scent. Very alluring. The scrub has a slightly stronger scent, but I love it too!
3. Does its job – definitely! This is embarrassingly needless to say. Skin feels naturally taut and clean after the cleansing, leaving no traces of dirt. Having restored confidence in my tired skin, I’m all ready to follow up with my next beauty regime – masking!

I guess I need not be overly long-winded. Enjoy the new Biore products and pampering! :)

xoxo,

Melissa Jane

An Interview with Markus Klinko: Icons, Exhibits, Skinny Models, Model Mayhem

Celebrity photographers and photography’s biggest talents Markus Klinko and Indrani have worked together for nearly two decades, producing an admirable body of work. Their portfolio includes stunning images of the hottest A-list stars  like Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Mary J Blige, Kate Winslet, Katie Holmes, Eva Mendes, Anne Hathaway, Will Smith, Elijah Wood, Alicia Keys, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Keanu Reeves, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Val Kilmer, Serena Williams, Jay-Z, and Kanye West.

Kate Winslet

Markus and Indrani have also collaborated extensively with The Honourable Daphne Guinness, also known as the couture queen. The Legend of Lady White Snake: Tribute to Alexander McQueen is a great piece directed by Indrani, summing up these collaborations.

An inspiration to many photographers, not only is Markus Klinko a true artist and a great talent, but he is also a man of integrity. One of the very few people who’ve achieved his level of success and yet remained so grounded.

In this interview with AvivaH, Markus not only gives praise to modeling sites like Model Mayhem, which have provided many models with the opportunity to enter the industry, but also he takes a firm stand against anorexic models. He also revealed about his new book, Icons: The Celebrity Exposures of Markus and Indrani, the upcoming exhibits, and more.

Anne Hathaway

Aviva: Could you tell everyone a general outline of what has happened in the past year in terms of your show, additional agency representation, and other significant events in your career?

Markus Klinko: We are really in the beginning of a new chapter. We’re breaking away from that time when we initially entered the industry, found some initial success, becoming kind of well-known, the TV show Double Exposure. The book is summing it all up. Now, we are moving to Los Angeles from New York. We are also going to be on the West Coast like you. That has several reasons: I think that Los Angeles is becoming more and more of a global fashion city; many big brands have relocated their head offices to Los Angeles; in addition to shooting stills, Indrani and I’ve also started producing and directing short films, commercials, videos, and we might actually produce and direct a feature film; we’re also engaged in creating a fashion line and a lifestyle brand; we have all these new ventures that we are involved in. Of course, the photography we do will still be at the forefront of our activity, but we are branching out into all kinds of new and different things related to fashion.

We are open-minded in the style of photography and our style has relaxed itself quite a bit since we started. In terms of production, we’re a lot lighter now and we don’t necessarily need those gigantic productions that we used to put up. We can still get great images, in fact even better images. I’m actually really excited.

I mean you’ve seen the shots that we did with Daphne Guinness. She is a spectacular subject. She is a celebrity but is also an artist. Daphne is really a fashion icon and she has a huge following. We’ve done the film and it won a lot of awards, although the film is more of Indrani’s doing and responsibility. I am involved but just not in the center. I love still photography more and I’m not as much involved in video and film stuff as Indrani. That’s really her passion.

Definitely, I would say the book is a very significant milestone in our career, as well as the exhibits we have coming up.

We really want to produce images that are not just for magazines or commercial purposes, but that are also art which will be used in galleries and books. This is another big development in our career.

Daphne Guinness

“Daphne Guinness is a spectacular subject. She is a celebrity but is also an artist. Daphne is really a fashion icon and she has a huge following.”

Aviva: Could you tell us more about your book, Icons?

Markus: Indrani and I have been working together now for 18 years. In a way, this book is a celebration of our 18th anniversary. It really looks back on all of our best work, which is very much focused on celebrities, like actresses and musicians, but it also includes a variety of models, like Naomi Campbell, Natalia Vodianova, Laetitia Casta, and Iman. They have transitioned from being models to becoming famous actresses and TV personalities. The book is doing phenomenal right now. I am happy that it has been well received all over the world. We’ve been working on this book very, very hard and it’s really a labor of love for us. So much work goes into making a book. Even though the images in the book were not specifically shot for it, they were all shot for other opportunities that have come along, to put it together along with the text took a lot of work. The text in the book is about each photoshoot. There were hundreds of hours of interviewing with our writer. We’ve described our entire career when we were writing about these photoshoots, some of which were done 12 to 13 years ago, although quite a few were done six months ago. It really spans our entire career. This book has been one of our main focuses this year, in addition to growing our activity in film and commercial.

We’ve got fantastic feedback from all the people who are in the book and their publicists/managers. We are pretty close with some of them. Actually, Iman wrote the foreword for the book and so did Fern Mallis, the founder of New York Fashion week. We have two forewords in the book. Fern is a very important person in the New York fashion. We really appreciate the fact that they agreed to write with us.

One of the reasons we are so excited about Icons is because it is a wonderfully-printed book, and yet it sells for less than $20 on Amazon right now. Some of the other photography books are generally more expensive, some can even be above $100.00. We wanted to bring out a book that was very accessible to young people and to people of all income levels.

Aviva: How about models?

Markus: We typically don’t work too often with models, because celebrities are preferred for some of the top advertising campaigns and cover shoots. However, I feel that models will have a big comeback on the covers as well as spokespeople in big advertising campaigns. I am starting to see models coming back to land covers and I remember a period of about 5 to 8 years when almost no models were used on covers of big magazines. I feel that we will see a return to models being featured on magazine covers and in advertising campaigns.

Iman

Aviva: Wouldn’t it be cheaper to get a model for the same advertising campaign or a shoot though?

Markus: That’s absolutely true, but you have to understand that advertisers and magazines know that there is a worldwide interest in celebrities. I mean even with our book, the title is Icons, and it might as well be “celebrities” or the “unreachable Gods and Goddesses of our time.” But that’s what the public wants. The public really loves to put people on a pedestal. Therefore, the effect that an advertising campaign or a magazine cover has when it features a very well-known celebrity is a lot stronger than if it’s a model, especially if the model is new. Although the new model might appeal to some insider fashion crowd, the reaction of the general public is so much stronger if it is a celebrity. When we photograph Beyonce for a L’Oreal campaign, everyone talks about it, but when we photograph models, even if they are great models from Elite, IMG, and other big agencies, the reaction is not the same. If we do a shoot with a celebrity, it’s going to get picked up everywhere, from Perez Hilton, to New York Post, which is not the case if we just shoot a model. I think that’s why the industry shifted that way.

I hope that new supermodels are going to be created soon and that the public is going to accept them. We are certainly ready for it.

David Bowie

“The public really loves to put people on a pedestal. Therefore, the effect that an advertising campaign or a magazine cover has when it features a very well-known celebrity is a lot stronger than if it’s a model, especially if the model is new.”

Aviva: Can you tell us about the exhibit at Lincoln Center as well as any other ones?

Markus: Lincoln Center is not only the world’s most fabulous Center for The Performing Arts, it’s also the location where New York Fashion Week takes place. On December 11th, we opened Lincoln Center and then we will be in Zurich, Switzerland on January 6th, where we have another Icons evening, where we are doing Photo 13. It’s the biggest photography festival in Switzerland. Then, we are opening the same exhibit as Lincoln Center in Los Angeles at a famous art gallery on January 12.

The first day at Lincoln Center will be mostly for the Press, VIPs and celebrities, but it will be open to the public from the 12th to the 16th of December. It’s at Alice Tully Hall, which is the biggest hall at Lincoln Center. We are going to be displaying 8 foot tall prints that are all the highlights of the Icons book. We are very excited! Then that same exhibit will be in Zurich and Los Angeles.

We are also hoping that it will be in Hong Kong and that it will go around the world.

Aviva: Since she is on the cover of your book, I’ve got to ask, what was Lady Gaga like to work with?

Markus: Gaga is phenomenal. She is definitely, alongside with Daphne Guinness, and probably Britney Spears and Beyonce, Eva Mendes, and Kate Winslet, has been part of a handful of our favorite photoshoots that we have done. Of course, some of them we’ve worked with many times. Beyonce–we worked with her over and over again. Lady Gaga–we only shot her once and that was for Hello Kitty. It was a fantastic experience. She has actually used those photos as part of her album package. Gaga is one of the most interesting stars in the world right now; I was fascinated with her intelligence, the level of artistry and knowledge that she has, not just in her domain as a singer but also photography, fashion and general art. She is very, very educated and really smart.

Lady Gaga is one of those women, who, like Madonna, have these super glamorous careers, but they are very intelligent and very much in charge of their own careers. Lady Gaga more so than any other artist that we have worked with. Despite the fact that she has a large entourage of people that work for her, she is completely in charge and she dictates exactly how she works. It’s extremely clear after we’ve worked with her that nobody tells Gaga what to do, she tells people what to do. She was a great collaborator when we worked with her, we had a wonderful exchange of ideas, but she doesn’t have handlers that tell her what to do. A lot of artists have an entourage of people that handle everything for them, do everything for them, tell them what to do, what to wear, how to look, how to smile, how to talk, but definitely not Gaga. She is not contrived. Everything with Gaga comes naturally–that’s just who she is. She is not fake. She is super cool, fun, and is very, very passionate about what she does. I love her. She’s a great dancer, great entertainer, wonderful fashion leader, she’s a great superstar. The fact that she agreed to be on the cover of our book is a big deal for us. We are very proud to have her.

Lady Gaga

“Lady Gaga is one of those women, who, like Madonna, have these super glamorous careers, but they are very intelligent and very much in charge of their own careers.”

Aviva: Have you ever worked with Kate Upton?

Markus: No, but I would love to work with her. She’s very cute and sexy. She definitely embodies the kind of new model that is exactly what I was talking about earlier. Those kinds of girls are going to bring the models back onto the magazine covers and into the advertising campaigns because she’s more relatable to women. I like to talk about this actually. Maybe we’ve talked about this before, but specifically about the body shape of a girl like Kate Upton. She is a real woman with curves; she’s not a skinny, anorexic, 90-lb 6ft tall girl. Let me be more clear though. I am not against skinny girls. If a girl is naturally skinny, they can be very sexy and very beautiful, but what I don’t like is all these modeling agents and all these designers pushing these poor 14 and 15-year-old girls, who happen to be very tall and very thin already, to become anorexic and be so unattractively skinny. I just don’t understand why and who wants that. I think that this is why celebrities have taken over the covers of fashion magazines because I think that people aren’t interested in skeletons. People want real women.

I can tell you for sure that women with curves are hotter than women that are sticks. But again, when Kate Moss first started out, she was very skinny and yet attractive. However, when you look at girls who are naturally a little bit curvy and they are forced to become so skinny that they are no longer themselves, then I get very upset.

To all the designers out there: If girls don’t fit the sample size, just make the sample bigger. That’s it. That’s the solution. Why do the samples have to be so small that no normal woman can fit into it? I just don’t get it. Take the biggest stars of today–none of them are super skinny and they look fantastic in designer clothes. Why do we need girls who model them to be insanely unhealthy? This is another reason why we dedicated our book, Icons, to celebrities and women who are real trendsetters, like Beyonce, Eva Mendes, Lindsay Lohan–those are real women with real bodies.

I wish that the modeling world would be a bit more diverse. I think that it’s good that Model Mayhem exists. I think at least it gives a chance to girls who are not necessarily 5’11″ and ultra thin to start modeling and they can do different kind of photos and maybe even get discovered. They may end up on the cover of Sports Illustrated, because clearly they are not looking for skeletons and I think Kate Upton is a very good example. I’m sorry for the long answer, but I’m very passionate about this.

Paris Hilton

“I am not against skinny girls. If a girl is naturally skinny, they can be very sexy and very beautiful, but what I don’t like is all these modeling agents and all these designers pushing these poor 14 and 15-year-old girls, who happen to be very tall and very thin already, to become anorexic and be so unattractively skinny.”

Aviva: That’s great. I wish that more photographers would be like you when it comes to thinking about this subject.

Markus: I think that we need to speak out about this. The editor of Italian Vogue, Franca Sozzani, actually started a campaign within Italian Vogue, with many of the Vogues following her, because she is absolutely against skeletons. She has made very strong statements in press conferences that Italian Vogue will not publish sick-looking skinny girls and that they are showcasing beautiful healthy women. You can’t ask girls that are already skinny to keep losing weight–it’s unattractive, unhealthy, and it traumatizes the rest of the world. Young women all over the world develop this complex that they can’t live up to that standard of having a size zero body when it’s really a non-issue. Some of the sexiest actresses I’ve shot, that are in the book, are a size 4 or 6-not zero. Why should they be?

Aviva: I agree. I think that it’s good to have a well-taken care of, healthy, proportionate body and it doesn’t matter if it’s a 2 or a 4 or a 6, and then find clothes that complement the best features.

Markus: I fully agree. We are on the same page. I’m not afraid to talk about it.

Britney Spears

Aviva: Do you foresee doing another book, exhibit, or TV show in the next few years?

Markus: Yes. Absolutely. We’re already talking about another book and we’re negotiating a new TV show. This is only the beginning of some of the new activities that we have undertaken over the last two years.

Aviva: What are some upcoming plans for you and Indrani in the near future that you can talk about?

Markus: We have just signed a contract with the Gucci Group, which is a company that owns all of Gucci and other brands. Our partner in the exhibit at Lincoln Center is Girard-Perregaux, which is the watch brand owned by the Gucci Group. They are the most high-end watch brand in the world. They’ve just recently been purchased by the Gucci Group and before that they were an independent Swiss watch-making brand at the highest level. We’re actually going to be shooting all of their campaigns right now, and we just started with an initial contract with them. They’re going to be announcing it soon and they are actually the official sponsor of the Lincoln Center event. We’re very happy and proud, as this is a phenomenal partner. It’s phenomenal to be working with the Gucci Group.

We are also getting offers from galleries all around the world to join their roster of artists, so it’s a very exciting development for us.

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See more of their work at www.mkibook.com and Markus and Indrani’s Facebook page.

Their new book, Icons: The Celebrity Exposures of Markus and Indrani, is on sale now.

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The interviewer, AvivaH, has been a model for 2 years and track athlete for 6 years. She lives in Victoria, BC, and specializes in fitness, promotional, bikini, lingerie, and commercial modeling.

All images on this page have been used with the permission of Markus Klinko. Copyright Markus & Indrani. Credits to AvivaH and ModelMayhem for this article.