M.I.M's Nina in Tokyo!

Models International Management's Nina is currently in Tokyo with top agency 'Cinq, Deux, Un' for her second contract in the amazing fashion market. We got the scoop on the Tokyo scene thanks to Nina..

Name:
Nina Larocque

Mother agency:
M.I.M (Models International Management)

How long is your contract in Tokyo?:
Around 70 days, and I will also be traveling to Osaka in November

What could you tell us about the market for new models/models whom have not yet been?:
The market is very good as it is mostly high fashion. Lots of editorials and runway shows which are so fun. However Tokyo is great because there are other opportunities for commercial models to work here as well.


What is something interesting/different about the city?:
The Japanese are the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Japan, as a whole, is a beautiful country with an extravagant culture that never ceases to amaze me. I feel completely as ease in this city, and considering I am thousands of miles away from home I feel really safe here. This is actually my second trip to Tokyo, I went last summer so now that I'm done school I can stay for longer. On my days off, I love traveling throughout the city there is so much to explore.


What is the shopping like?:
Anyone can find something that fits their personal style since there are many stores of all types and ranging from different prices. I love it! They have a lot of American stores that I'm use to shopping at but also some really interesting new stores that have become my favourite.


Any current fashion trends that stand out/ different that you have noticed?:
I have noticed that everyone dresses to impress, with many different styles that express their personality. In women, high heels are always worn, regardless of the weather or distance she must walk. Also, they love to accessorize with adorable jewelry, false lashes and a well maintained manicure.  As for the men, their main attire consists of the typical workman business suit.


Make-up trends that you have noticed?:
False lashes are worn by most of the teenage girls along with bright rosy cheeks. They look doll like.


Favourite thing about working in this market?:
Everyone is extremely easy to work with, although the language barrier makes communication very difficult, the people are so nice and understanding that it makes job fun. There are models from all around the world that come and work here. I have made so many friends that it makes working here such a blast.


What is the currency used for this market?:
The Japanese yen.


Something you'd recommend to eat for somebody who has never been?:
Pork dumplings are one of my favorite things to eat.

Mercedes Benz Start-Up Semi Finals - Ottawa

Our Editor (Christopher) and Assistant Editor (Amber) were out and about last night at the Mercedes Benz Start-Up Semi Finals in Ottawa at Ogilvie Mercedes Benz. The venue was fantastic, the runway production was wonderful, perfectly timed and possibly the best runway production Ottawa has ever seen.
The two winners of this semi finals round were menswear designer Christopher Bates and women's wear designer Caitlin Power, we look forward to seeing both their collections at World Mastercard Fashion Week in Toronto!

www.christopherbates.com
www.caitlinpower.com

"Who's that model?" Interview with cover model Tristen @ M.I.M

photo Martin Rondeau

photo Brian Ypperciel

We've been getting a lot of amazing feedback and questions on our FALL 2012 cover, one question we keep hearing is "who is that model?". So, we thought we would sit down and find out a little bit more about the rising star Tristen from Models International Management in Ottawa.

You've only recently started modeling world and there seems to be a fair amount of buzz about you and your potential, how does that feel?:
After only being with Models International for about a year, I feel amazing with what I have accomplished so far! When I first got into modelling, I thought it would just be a hobby I do every now and then, but it has turned out for the better and I am constantly busy with jobs. It has been a very unexpected outcome, but I am very happy and grateful with what has happened so far.

What was the experience like shooting the cover for the one year anniversary issue? Can you tell the readers a bit about the process behind the make-up and hair?:
The shoot was pretty insane, as you can see from the picture. No one really told be about the concept of the shoot other than it was going to be elaborate, which it was indeed. I arrived in Montreal at 9am and right away we started on hair and make-up. The hair had many steps to help it stand up straight, which included me lying on the floor so the stylist could shape it! Then for make-up, I was painted completely black from my chest up which included inside my ears, lips, hands and everywhere else! It felt weird at some points but it was all worth it to get the amazing shot! In total, the hair and make-up took about 5 hours, then we shot for probably less than an hour. The whole experience was new, since it was my very first cover shoot but it was an amazing experience to work with the team that made it all come together. So even after a long day of hair, make-up and shooting, I still had tons of fun and can't wait to do more "elaborate" shoots!

What made you decide that you wanted to be a model?:
As I was growing up, I would always watch modelling shows like Canada's and America's Next Top Model, and I had always thought about starting but never actually did. Then as I got older, I became more interested in the fashion industry, and all of my family and friends encouraged me to get into the modelling business. So after looking into several different agencies in Ottawa, I finally met with Sophie from Models International and since then she has supported me so much and I have been loving every moment of the work I have been doing.


What is your favourite aspect of the modeling business?:
My favourite part so far would have to be participating in fashion shows. They are so much fun! Walking down the runway while everyone stares at you! I was a bit nervous my first few shows, but once you get up there, all of the nerves go away and it is an amazing feeling and just a lot of fun! I do really enjoy photo shoots too, but runway shows are much more interactive, with the crowd and lots of cameras at the end of the runway.

What do you hope to accomplish in your career?:
Throughout my modelling career, I really hope to travel to a lot of places like Paris, Milan, New York, Tokyo, and all of the major fashion cities. I have never really traveled so I hope modelling will give me that opportunity. I also hope to accomplish my goal of being in some of the big fashion magazines around the world.

Best piece of advice to give to a new model starting out or is unsure about getting into the business?:
Modelling can really help your self confidence and teach you about all different new techniques to apply to your everyday life. Before I started, I had no clue how to dress fashionably or do my hair and make-up, but once I started I improved a lot, which gave me more confidence to succeed in this business, and other parts of my life. If you do want to get involved in modelling and want to make it a potential career, you just have to practice practice practice! Posing and walking may seem easy but it takes a person to know what they are doing to succeed. Which is why you must practice poses and walking in front of a mirror at home. I still pose in front of a mirror at home, as do most top models!

Emu Australia Fall/Winter 2012 preview!!

Have you had a chance to check out the new pieces from EMU Australia?!
If you haven't you should, some super cute pieces!
Who doesn't love a good boot, right?
www.emuaustralia.com
*free shipping to Canada*

MUSH Leeville Boot - 319$

Black Flinders Island Jacket - 470$

HAZE Bunya Wedge - 269$

Palladium Boots capsule collection with Billionaire Boys Club!

Super cool boot/footwear company Palladium boots has once again done a rather neat capsule collection, this time with Billionaire Boys Club (clothing line owned by Pharrell Williams and Nigo). The new product offers an urban approach to a classic boot. Army fatigue inspired and with quality work that makes these boots look like they can last through just about anything!
Very curious to see what Palladium does/collaborates with next!

"The two renowned street wear labels commissioned the design expertise of 'SK8THING' to create a refreshing camouflage print that will be available in both the Baggy roll down and Pampa Hi silhouettes.The Palladium x Billionaire Boys Club collection will be available in limited quantities at retail beginning in November 2012"

Ottawa Fashion Week S/S 2013: Designer submissions now being accepted

The next season of Ottawa Fashion Week is approaching and with that designer submissions to show case the S/S 2013 collections are underway...

"Ottawa Fashion Week has opened designer registration for its Spring/Summer 2013 collections and runway segments are filling up fast with top Canadian designers. The event takes place October 11^th - 14^th, 2012, with an exciting venue announcement to be made next week.

Ottawa Fashion Week strives to present a fashion extravaganza that celebrates diversity and multiculturalism, attracting Canadian and International designers. To further enhance the experience, OFW showcases local and national artists and musicians by way of performances between collections and incorporating art throughout the event.

Past designers have included well-known names such as Simon Ekrelius, David McCaffrey, Birds of North America, !NU.I by Vickie, Sukhoo Sukhoo, Amanda Emmanuel, Turbine Fashion, Rachel Sin, Andrew Nyguen and Edit by Jeanne Beker to name but a few."

So, if you're a designer, what are you waiting for?

Shawna Perry

..One of our contributing editors. Though not directly in the realm of fashion at first. Perry was jetting and backpacking through major international fashion markets such as Seoul, Beijing, London and Bangkok taking with her a steady knowledge of the international fashion scene. Perry is a certified Yoga instructor and gained her certification in India!






Favourite Designer?:
Pink Tartan. I love the clean, sophisticated, feminine look.

Favourite musician/band?:
I can't even think of another band that competes with Metric for that special place in my heart. Doesn't matter what I'm doing, Metric makes it better.

One thing you can't live without?:
My life is undoubtedly better with a good yoga mat.