Log Twenty Six- Almost At The End

I am here adding the finishing touches to everything. I am so excited to how everything has come together. I am relieved yet a little sad it is all coming to an end so soon, it only feels like yesterday I had signed up on this adventure in my career and education.

I won't reflect to much in this blog entry as I am saving that for the Critical Reflection, but I will say this; the course has taught me so much more than I had imagined it would. It has opened my eyes on my path into my career and even made me realise there is so much more to my industry.

This course has really inspired me to research more into the field of fashion from  different aspects. I am seeing fashion in a more academia light and have begun researching and reading on current and future trends, various materials used or will be more widely used, the different terms and extensively the history a fashion which has sparked my interest more than  anything else.

Reading on fashion history has been very interesting in itself. It is fascinating how fashion has changed or even shaped our society and our past. I have even started to share my findings with people on Facebook and my SIG group. In particular I discovered about the origin of the trench coat...

"Did you know... Burberry which was founded in 1856 by 21 year old Thomas Burberry who introduced gabardine in 1880 to his line (a water resistant yet breathable fabric where the yarn is waterproofed before weaving), was commissioned by the War Office in London, England in 1914 to make coats which could adapt to the harsh conditions faced by the soldiers in World War One? Hence their name the "trench" coat. That day the iconic coat was born and after World War One went from a staple to every soldier's life in the trenches to a staple in every fashionista's closet."

Another post I did via my Facebook that I hoped you spawn some interest in not only my current fashion colleagues and friends, but also to those not in the fashion industry was about the first Haute Couture designer...

"Did you know... Charles Frederick Worth is considered, "The Father of Couture"? Born in Bourne, Lincolnshire, England, he not only redefined women's fashionable shape but also the views from that dressmaking was a low class business to a elite and luxurious art form. He displayed model dresses at fashion shows four times a year, he was the first designer credited to putting his labels into his clothes and he was the first of the couturiers (a business or person who makes original garments to order for private clientele). 

It all began in 1846 when Worth made a few simplistic dresses for his wife who was the model at the Parisian drapers' shop, Gagelin and Opigez, that he worked for. Soon enough customers began requesting copies of their own.
When his partners refused to join him into the dressmaking business, Worth ventured on his own with the help of wealthy Swede, Otto Bobergh and together established Worth and Bobergh in 1858. Quickly the aristocratic, royals and celebrities of the time came pouring in, so much that Worth began to turn away customers which added to his demand and allure. After a hiatus during the Franco-Prussian War, Worth reopened his business without Bobergh in 1871 as the "House of Worth".
Worth died in 1895. After the establishment had been passed down from a long line of kin, relatives and descendants it finally closed its doors in 1956. But the House of Worth brand saw a resurgence in 1999 where it has been thriving ever since. Still focusing on the Edwardian corsets that made Worth the fashion success that it was in the 1800's, while giving them a modern twist. But will this brand fair any better in a day that the constricted corset could be overlooked with the 1920's revitalized "flapper dress" trend fast approaching in the horizon ("The Great Gatsby" movie anyone)? I for one would love to see a rebirth of these lavish and decadent designs despite my love for the 1920's, and maybe not so much the terrifyingly tiny waistlines produced by those clinching corsets."

I am so thrilled to see how my research and studies has encouraged to go beyond the rim of learning, has made me so inquisitive about my career and that I will constantly be learning and discovering far beyond this course.

Log Twenty Two- Update in Career

So it has been an awfully long time since I have done an update. I have been vigorously writing up my Critical Review and running around trying to hand out my surveys but new items in my life have been keeping me very occupied from blog updates, which is bad news for my blog but great news for my career and progress in the fashion industry.

I am extremely happy to announce that I am now a junior agent with TrueColours Model & Talent Agency here in Toronto. I have only been an agent for a month and I already have a solid roster of girls and guys who have also already been booking. The best part is the agency has exactly the same values and ideals as I do when it comes to models. They have a very diverse roster and give all their models different opportunities and experiences in the fashion industry, even finding jobs for acting and theatre.

There is so many different races, sizes, heights and ages that there is no restriction on what is considered beauty. I have been following this guideline while still making sure that my models meet some of the requirements that a high fashion model would meet as well as commercial.

Toronto still has a very outdated view on what a runway model should be. Blonde hair, blue eyes, Caucasian, 5'10 and overly thin body type. I am so proud that my models are so very different but so interesting which may not necessarily help me book them jobs in Toronto, but there is huge opportunity for places like Europe which are constantly trying to be different and look for something new. I would like to help change Toronto's view though. I have also been picking girls who are the trend or standard (blue eyes, blonde hair, tall) but are alternative (tattoos, pink hair) that are actually not considered "standard". Alternative models I have find make the best models, they are so creative and dramatic. They put so much passion into the photos and they have a no fear attitude.

I have really been enjoying it so far but it is a lot of work and does sometimes get in the way of my Critical Reflection progress. Although it has also helped because now I am getting a greater insight and understanding of this industry than I ever did as a model, jewellery designer or stylist. This can definitely help me progress further with the project. I just need to start focusing better on time management.

I will be posting another blog momentarily discussing more about agencies and body images/looks of models. My arguments about why sticking to the standard is not only harmful to your models' health but how it can be harmful to your business (the agency).

I have also attached a collage of some of my girls (and guy) on my roster, I am just extremely and excited to find such a beautiful, talented and interesting group of people. I am looking forward to the progress of this, where it will lead and how much it will impact this Critical Reflection. I am glad I did postpone the due date, this turn around in my life will make for interesting material.

 

Log Nineteen- Welcome back everybody, back to work!

What a summer it has been! I don't even know where to begin. My summer has been pretty eventful going from one new job to another in a matter of month.

I began working at a consignment store as a ways to gain more experience working with high end luxury clothes. I was also hoping to delve more into the social media prospect of the job as part of their marketing team. Unfortunately I learned more on how NOT to run a business especially in the fashion industry.

Run by a former "celebrity stylist" (although I have yet to find out exactly who she has styled for), the store gave me sporadic and last minute shifts, staff had friends come and hang out in the store for three hours, never been cleaned at least until I think until I had set foot in there and they misplaced clients' clothes who had consigned there including mine.

I ended up obtaining a new job at an upscale boutique called MARLOWE. Not only are the items they sell in perfect quality and handcrafted from Italy but it is more to do with wardrobe consulting rather than retail. It is definitely a huge stepping stone in my career as a stylist or a possible permanent career.

On top of getting this prestigious position within two weeks of working with MARLOWE and after hearing about my education with Middlesex, they asked me to help with the social networking with another MARLOWE employee at the Chicago location. That means myself and this other girl are in control of the Facebook, Tweets and Instagram for them.

Luckily with the BAPP program and everything I have learned from it so far, I have been able to make the social networking aspects of MARLOWE a success despite how new it is. I haven't even finished my program and I already have my foot in the door in the career that I want and have been working so hard for.

The modeling is still going well but I am no longer pursuing jobs. I will have people contact me from jobs I have previously worked with but I am slowly moving out of that part of the industry to do more production and behind the scenes.

I hope everyone had a fantastic summer. I will soon be getting hard at work with my survey and I am hoping to make it to the in-campus session at the end of October especially to meet some of you. All the best!

Log Eighteen: Finally getting down to business

These last few months have been a roller coaster, not only with the Professional Inquiry Plan but also various events like FAT week here in Toronto (Fashion Art Toronto week). I was on the Dragon's Den and Breakfast Television also here in Toronto. I had shoots which both appeared in Elle Canada and the Vogue Italia website. Examples below.

I've also been trying to gain a more hands on approach to the fashion industry like any normal Fashion Communications student would be doing. I have begun my jewellery classes at George Brown College and find that it comes very naturally to me. A lot of shop work, kneeling, piercing and soldering were involved but I found I highly enjoyed and, if I do say so myself, was exceptionally good at it. Here is some examples of the work I did and documented for the first two weeks of the course using Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Speaking of Web 2.0, this week I learned a better way of honing my Web 2.0 skills especially with a way that is more sufficient for my industry. That is Instagram. I recently have been hired on at a prestigious consignment store owned by world renowned stylist, Janet Han who recommended to me Instagram. It is purely through pictures that you reach other people on this social network, but fashion is a image orientated business. Also through Instagram you can reach to a lot more people than through Twitter or Facebook alone.

Janet Han has been great to work for and I am already learning so much about designer wear that I never knew before and consignment. This job is definitely a vital part to my education and eventual career in fashion.

I was so pleased my rationale for my award  title was agreed on as BA Honours Professional Practice in 'Fashion Communication'. I've begun planning out another survey to better understand success in the fashion, the business of fashion, ethics, etc. I also want to expand my SIG blog which has been such a success. Unfortunately I have also ignored it as much as I have this blog due to my busy schedule but I intend to change that. If any of you have not seen the SIG blog yet you can find it here at communicatedfashion.blogspot.ca.

I feel very excited I am coming so close to the end of my educational journey. It has been tough but I have learned so much. I already feel confidant to go out there now and pursue and long lasting and successful career in the fashion industry.

Another important aspect of Fashion Communication ethics...

Journalism.

A lot of what involves Fashion Communication, meaning "mass commuincation" is the journalism side. I have been doing much of this with my SIG blog and with it's every growing popularity I must follow the code of ethics for journalism. I researched this aspect through Wikipedia and found a long list:

"The primary themes common to most codes of journalistic standards and ethics are the following.

[edit]Accuracy and standards for factual reporting

• Reporters are expected to be as accurate as possible given the time allotted to story preparation and the space available, and to seek reliable sources.
• Events with a single eyewitness are reported with attribution. Events with two or more independent eyewitnesses may be reported as fact. Controversial facts are reported with attribution.
• Independent fact-checking by another employee of the publisher is desirable
• Corrections are published when errors are discovered
• Defendants at trial are treated only as having "allegedly" committed crimes, until conviction, when their crimes are generally reported as fact (unless, that is, there is serious controversy about wrongful conviction).
• Opinion surveys and statistical information deserve special treatment to communicate in precise terms any conclusions, to contextualize the results, and to specify accuracy, including estimated error and methodological criticism or flaws.

[edit]Slander and libel considerations

• Reporting the truth is almost never libel [3], which makes accuracy very important.
• Private persons have privacy rights that must be balanced against the public interest in reporting information about them. Public figures have fewer privacy rights in U.S. law, where reporters are immune from a civil case if they have reported without malice. In Canada, there is no such immunity; reports on public figures must be backed by facts.
• Publishers vigorously defend libel lawsuits filed against their reporters, usually covered by libel insurance.

[edit]Harm limitation principle

During the normal course of an assignment a reporter might go about—gathering facts and details, conducting interviews, doing research, background checks, taking photos, videotaping, recording sound—harm limitation deals with the questions of whether everything learned should be reported and, if so, how. This principle of limitation means that some weight needs to be given to the negative consequences of full disclosure, creating a practical and ethical dilemma. The Society of Professional Journalists' code of ethics offers the following advice, which is representative of the practical ideals of most professional journalists. Quoting directly:^[17]

• Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
• Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.
• Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.
• Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone's privacy.
• Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.
• Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.
• Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.
• Balance a criminal suspect's fair trial rights with the public's right to be informed.

[edit]Presentation

Main article: News style

Ethical standards should not be confused with common standards of quality of presentation, including:

• Correctly spoken or written language (often in a widely spoken and formal dialect, such as Standard English)
• Clarity
• Brevity (or depth, depending on the niche of the publisher)"

[edit]

Taken from Journalism ethics and standards Wikipedia

Truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness and public accountability and limitation of harm are the main ethics highlighted here. Other important ethics involving fashion communication is advertising. After reading Advertising Ethics: Emerging Methods and Trends the most important points and the ones that were vital to fashion communication were use of deception, racial and sexual stereotyping. Although I do believe use of deception is very prominent in the fashion industry with peoples' appearances being widely altered and screwing our perception of beauty. Companies like Dove are trying to prevent the use of deception but there is still a long way to go.

Critical Reflection and Summary: Digital Portfolio

 

Fashion Communication is mostly obtained from Ryerson University situated in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Fashion communication is described as one of the fields of “mass communication”. It is a mode of mass communication to promote fashion with such methods as social media, exactly what we have been learning through the BAPP course. Other methods used are video, advertisement, films, etc. Ryerson University describes Fashion Communication as, “Business-related courses in areas such as marketing, business, communication, fashion in international markets, fashion and society are combined with professional studies in communication design, illustration, typography, curation and exhibition, photography, video production and fashion journalism to produce a graduate who can work in all areas of fashion communication.” (Ryerson Faculty of Communication and Design website, http://www.ryerson.ca/calendar/2010-2011/PDF/Comm_Design-FT-1011.pdf.)

The reason I have chosen Fashion Communication as a suitable title is because the description of what exactly it is ties into a lot of what I do. Not only am I involved in the modeling process of the fashion industry but I have been involved in the production, design, marketing, business and communication side as well. Social media such as my Facebook fan page, Twitter and my SIG blog which has become more popular than I expected are great examples of my work in communication. These outlets have also helped in the business and marketing side of my career, helping to promote the business which is myself.

I have been observing those around me in the fashion industry and  I ask questions that have been transformed into my inquiry questions. I have also begun to take steps in approving my design skills such as signing up for jewelry design courses at a nearby college called George Brown. I have also been observing and learning from my friend, mentor and employer Andy Jones on aspects of sewing and clothing design. Andy Jones is a designer fresh out of college who has already started to make a name for himself. He is one person who has definitely helped me in different ways in the fashion industry.

Answering the question in Reader 4, “What knowledge and skills do you think you will need for the future?” I have already lightly touched that. Fashion Communication involves not only the knowledge of communication, marketing and business but aspects of design, illustration and basically the general production side of the fashion industry. Fashion communication is the back bone of the fashion industry and one must have a broad knowledge and extensive amount of talent in order to be successful. As I said before, I am taking these steps by attending classes, observing my peers, being involved in the production of shoot and shows behind the scenes as well as in front. There will be skills though that I know for sure I will need, for example, photography and graphic design. Once I have mastered the clothing/jewelry design and illustration part I will begin to look into these fields as well.

One important aspect of my Critical Reflection that I would like to bring up is my work in jewelry design. The jewelry design was all part of observation, trial and error and asking questions from peers. My jewelry would not be at the level it is at now if it wasn’t for trial and error especially. After much experimenting and help from Andy Jones, my designs now have a very definite look and skill added to them. Taking Andy’s advice and reading from such books as “Drawing Jewels for Fashion” by Carol Woolton, I am currently creating jewelry that has a “story”, a certain look and have used my knowledge and own life experiences to make jewelry that identifies me as a designer. Before I would just create anything that popped into my head that I thought would be aesthetically pleasing without a plan or a background story to it. Reading about the successful and international jewellery designers in “Drawing Jewels for Fashion” I learned they all were inspired by something, whether it was nature, an ancient civilisation or even their own life story. That’s how I’ve come to the conclusion to incorporate my dance training and my love for the ballet into my jewels. I am also very particular about material that I use now. For example, lately I created my “Swan Lake” earrings and matching necklace and took particular close attention to what materials I was using and if they were appropriate to the theme. I used very light and feminine materials, or at least what I consider light and feminine, such as white gold, fresh water pearls which were the colour of baby pink, Swarovski jewels which were either black or white to represent the two swans and black glass beads cut to look like feathers representing the black swan (which you can see examples of in the above pictures). My design is still through trial and error but I definitely think it has improved the last couple of months.
I think if I keep persueing the different skills needed for Fashion Communication my inquiry can be a success especially if I continue to ask the right questions from the right people and continue observations.

As for ethics I will review what I have posted here and there through my blogs in the past altogether in this summary. What I have learned about the ethics of the fashion industry is to make a brand for yourself, whether it is design or marketing. Whatever you are doing must not be an idea concocted from thin air, there must be an explanation and/or a story behind. Research and paying close attention to detail is extremely important. Many people coming into the fashion industry think this business is just about making something or someone look pretty. There is so much time, research and thought put into the work that if you're not willing to do all three then you will not be successful. Most importantly it is who you know. Networking and connections are what get you by in this industry so paying close attention to asking the right questions to the right people is vital. Sometimes though this has no effect and someone could simply not like you for whatever reason. This business is very finicky and you could tread on someone's toes without even realising what you said or had done. It is very hard to know what the ethics are in the fashion industry but from a survey I did in my SIG blog I learned at the end of the day it is who you know.

Another interview for my inquiry plan

I have already posted this in my SIG and I am reposting it here. Tracy was kind of enough to spend some time answering a few quesitons I had for her about this industry.


Hello everyone!

I am so sorry for not posting recently, this week has become so overwhelming and I am currently in the process of working on my Professional Inquiry for school which has been HELL to say the least! I also had a bridal shoot out in the beautiful setting of King City which was a lot of fun but took all day! I really enjoyed it though and had worked with both photographers before, Cyrus Mir and Anda Pleniceanu.  Looking forward to seeing the results!

I have had a the pleasure of interviewing Tracy Clifford, a reputable stylist who has been assistant to Oscar De La Renta. After graduating from Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Tracy dedicated her studies to fashion while attending the Instituto Lorenzo de Medici in Florence, Italy and went to have a successful career as a major style consultant. I asked her to share some tips, ethics of working in the fashion industry and things everyone should know generally about this industry.

1.      What inspired you to become a style consultant?

The simple answer is that I have loved fashion ever since I can remember.  I have always felt a connection to finding beauty in the world, and particularly so with clothing.  From my point of view, fashion gives us the ability to express ourselves artistically. Wearing beautiful clothing elevates our experience and has the ability to make us feel more self-actualized.  There are very few things in life that provide the opportunity for such a profound experience on a daily basis. 

I feel a special connection to fashion in particular.  I have always been able to choose amazing pieces that are unique, beautiful, and most importantly, compliment the body.  Fashion cannot exist in a bubble.  I think many consultants (and designers) loose sight of the fact that the primary goal is to use clothing to compliment a woman’s body and make her feel beautiful.  This is a particular skill of mine.  Plus, fashion is fun! 

2.      Has anyone inspired you in particular?

Though there are many designers that I admire, my true inspiration from fashion came from two very important women: my mother and Marissa Hartington. 

My mother has fabulous taste.  She always looked perfect and put together.  Growing up, she took me shopping and exposed me to beautiful clothing.  Most importantly though, she allowed me to express myself with clothing.  My family spent a lot of the winter every year in Naples, FL.  My favorite part of Naples (besides getting away from the Chicago snow!) was going with my mother to the Big Pink Building which housed Marissa Collections, an amazing fashion boutique.  It was at Marissa Collections with my mother that I first fell in love with fashion. 

My dad always said if you want to be in an industry, look at the most successful person you know in the industry and determine if that is who you want to be.  Marissa Hartington, the founder and owner of Marissa Collections, was (and is) the most successful person I know in fashion.  When I thought about if I wanted to be like her, the answer was a resounding yes.  Marissa is, in a word, amazing.  She is able to see fashion and spot trends like no one else in the industry.  I am constantly amazed by her taste, dedication, and tenacity.  I am so fortunate that Marissa took me under her wing, taught me about the industry, and allowed me to practice what I learned when she hired me to be a buyer for Marissa Collections.    

3.      Did you always want to be a style consultant or did you have other aspirations and training when you left high school?

I tried following in my father’s footsteps and working for his law firm and then for a judge.  I think I spent most of my time analyzing the lawyers’ clothes, instead of the law!  I also dabbled in the magazine business for a bit.  However, when I got hired at Niemen Marcus, there was no turning back. 

- What was it like assisting Oscar de la Renta?

It was amazing.  I started at the bottom of the totem pole but I kept my eyes open and observed everything around me.  I really learned a lot about fashion from the designer’s viewpoint, which was a new experience for me because I had always thought of fashion solely from the consumer’s point of view.  The experience allowed me to see the real guts of the fashion world.  Being around all of those beautiful clothes wasn’t too bad either!

4.      What do you think attributes to his success?

The simple answer is beautiful clothing.  Oscar’s natural talent, creativity, and understanding of a woman’s body is unparalleled.  His clothes are unique, in the moment and still remain timeless and wearable.   

5.      What has attributed to your success?

My success is driven by my clients.  Making them feel comfortable and beautiful is my number one goal and my clients appreciate it.  I am always thinking about them as I spot trends and browse the newest fashion.  For instance, I am in Spain as I am writing this, and I saw an amazing dress that would be perfect for one of my clients.  I took a picture of it and sent it to her so she can take a look.  The other thing that attributes to my success is making fashion fun for my client!  I want them to have fun picking out their own style (with my guidance) and to remove the stress and pretension from picking clothes.  I want my clients to feel the same joy from picking clothes as I do.  Fashion is such a fun thing and I want my clients to experience that too!

                                                                                            

6.      What is the demographic of your customers? Is there a demographic you market to?

I don’t think of my work in terms of demographics or marketing (much to my business manager’s chagrin).  Honestly, I work with women who want to look beautiful and have fun picking amazing clothing. 

7.      What is your favorite part about your work?

The clothes and my clients!!!  I love spotting the latest trends and taking pieces from the runway and making them wearable for my clients.  It is so gratifying when I see my clients beaming after they tell me how beautiful they felt at an even or that they felt so good when someone complimented their outfit.  I had a client call me last week almost giddy because she got stopped by a woman on the street who wanted to tell her how great her outfit looked.  These are the kinds of things I live for!

8.      Have you ever had to deal with ballet dancers or work in the dancing world?

Many of my clients are dancers.  I love working with them because they understand beauty in movement.  It is a lot of fun to pair fabrics and designs that take advantage of dancers’ natural grace. 

9.      Do you think fashion is important to the dance/performing arts world, not just costuming?

Of course!  Fashion is crucial to performers.  Needless to say, performers do not only practice their art on stage - it is a way of life.  I love to help performers express their vision when they’re out of costume.  As the Bard said, “all the world’s a stage.”  

Thank you so much to Tracy Clifford! You can find out more about her and her services at her website Tracy Clifford Style.

Log Twelve- Feedback coming in already for poll from SIG blog...

So after posting my first poll it's great to see I am already getting back peoples' opinions. So far a total of nine people have voted on my question, "Can one be successful in the fashion industry with basic knowledge of fashion or is a broader knowledge the only successful path (for models, designers, photographers, makeup artists, etc)?" Out of the nine, three voted, "Basic knowledge is acceptable as long as you are up to date with current names, events, etc." One voted, "No! Completely unacceptable, must have a vast knowledge of fashion history as well as current, business, marketing, etc." And five voted, "It makes no difference. It is all about who you know." For a while questions one and three were at a tie until recently which I was not expecting but at the same time didn't really anticipate any of the answers. I am surprised how only one person voted for the second question. Can't wait to see what other results I get back from future polls and tomorrow I'll be conducting my interviews during tomorrow's show. Below is the poster...

As a reminder you can find my SIG blog through this link; http://communicatedfashion.blogspot.ca/. I would love to hear your feedback and maybe your thoughts on fashion effect in the performing arts world?

Log Eleven- Last post for today I swear! Task 4b!

I have created my SIG in blog form titled "The Business of Fashion" to find out people's success and views in the world of fashion. I even posted my first poll, "Can one be successful in the fashion industry with basic knowledge of fashion or is a broader knowledge the only successful path (for models, designers, photographers, makeup artists, etc)?" It's still a work in progress and trying to still gain followers but that's how I use social networking to my advantage. Yay! Have a look and tell me what you think...http://communicatedfashion.blogspot.ca/

Log Eight: Task 3c and playing catch up

So, to put it bluntly, this month has been hell! I have seen a dark side of this industry that I knew existed but tried to ignore. Toronto Fashion Week has come and gone. It was probably one of the worst experiences of my modeling career. The castings were nightmares! For example, one designer bluntly made ten girls leave her tiny hotel room humiliating them in front of us. The four girls who she picked, that included me, were made to walk back and forth in a slow "sexy" walk for an hour and a half in this cramped hotel room. After practising for an hour and a half, the designer not once looking at us, told the group, "Thank you, we'll let you know tomorrow." After all that we weren't guaranted to be in her show! None of us got picked to walk for her. My agency was fantastic and sent me to many castings but with Toronto's still very apparent old fashioned views stuck in the designers' and organisers' minds I only got one show which I was quickly cut from. They told me it was because they cut my outfits which was not true. I saw both my outfits still on the runway plastered all over the internet. They had cut every boy and girl from my agency. I will never know the real reason we were cut but it hurts and since then I have had more disappointments. I've been delaying writing more posts simply because I have been running around this city like a headless chicken only to find disappointment after disappointment, so when I did find the time to write I felt embarrassed to write that I had been unsuccessful. There have been some good moments. Last weekend I walked for Bruno Ierullo (http://www.brunoierullo.com/) on a 420 foot runway. It was a huge production and a lot of fun. Even some of the top models of the world will never get to experience a show like this.

The bad experiences have made me start to think, how much longer do I want to be in this world? You go through so much pain, mentally and physically, for something that isn't well paid and sometimes (most of the time actually) free shows or shoots. I almost fully gave up on the modeling but obviously that's not the best option especially after just signing with Icon. I am going to try and get into for of the commercial side of modeling and even try to break into the acting scene here. The problem with doing fashion in Toronto is that it isn't a fashion city, not yet at least. The movie industry is booming here and there is constant work according to someone I met from the film industry here the other day. I am going to talk to my agency  about getting more acting jobs or even find a predominantly acting agent.   

Now onto Task 3C...

My number one important source of information is Model Mayhem. Not only are job postings constantly being renewed on this site for Toronto and international modeling jobs, insiders share tips, information, people who to be careful working with, the best agencies, etc. It is extremely helpful for me.

Another source I find very important is obviously Facebook. Again not only is it a website to socialise, find jobs and stay connected with people I work with, I can look at other models' profiles, pictures and work and learn from what they are doing. I like to study their poses and facial expression so I can learn what is best for me.

Twitter is extremely important, from this I have learned a lot from when and where events are taking place and if they need models, sometimes stylist jobs (which has been taking a slight back seat for the modeling at the moment). I can also read international models' Tweets about their experiences and what they see, like Jessica Stam.

Another source I use, mostly for styling or for getting ideas on outfits intended for go sees, is Look Book (http://lookbook.nu). People from around the world post their stylish outfits, from models to bloggers to stylists, share tips and tell others where to get these great items.

Finally a very important source for me is the free local newspaper Now Magazine (http://www.nowtoronto.com/). Not only does it have what is happening in Toronto, important issues and upcoming events but they post a lot of jobs in the classifieds especially for modeling and acting.

So I will try to post more, unfortunately the busy season is not over for me yet and I still have to decide where I want to go from here with my career. The most important part of my life right now though is getting through this course and maybe it can help me with my ultimate decision. Unfortunately with my career being so difficult and busy I'm finding this hard but I am going to try more from now on.

Log Seven- Task 3a and 3b

Task 3a
The current networks that I use are obviously Facebook and Twitter. Twitter I have actually started using more frequently and have attached to my Facebook so every time I Tweet it goes directly to my Facebook profile. This is an advantage and a disadvantage. The advantage is it saves me time from making two posts, the disadvantage is you can only type a certain amount of words. If it is a long post you can only post it on Facebook and simplify on Twitter and simply hope your followers will see on your Facebook the full post. I try to expand my networking on Twitter by posting constant Tweets to my Facebook for  people to see and then follow. As for Facebook I add people who are photographers, designers, makeup artists, etc who have a certain number of mutual friends as me and/or have worked with my friends who are also models. I've also made a Facebook fan page with my modeling work to reach out to people who aren't on my friends list. Here I can reach others by posting questions related to modeling. Lately I posted a question regarding the newly formed workers' union created by models in New York to help better working conditions for models, never seen before anywhere in the world. I asked people if Toronto should follow New York's example. You can see here http://www.facebook.com/Victoria.Ellingham. I try to update it as much as I can so I don't lose "likes" and fans.
Another form of networking I use is Model Mayhem. This is a website made up of photographers, models, makeup artists, designers, stylists, magazines and anything related to the fashion industry, where castings, advice and many other things can be posted up. I regularly use this site to find my jobs and showcase my work. I've used this site since I started modeling. You can find my profile here http://www.modelmayhem.com/158202. I'm looking to push my profile a little bit further by changing my profile from basic (free profile) to VIP (a monthly fee) which will help get my profile noticed by more people, once I get a better income. With a VIP status my profile will show up amongst the "Model Mayhem VIP Stars" on the main page. I've also begun adding designers and photographers from outside of Canada to my friends list to broaden my networking.
I am still slowly finding new ways to broaden my networking. I may even start another blog separated from the BAPP course directed to people who read my tweets and Facebook posts. So far things are going really well with Twitter and Model Mayhem the most.

Task 3b
Co-Operation:~
In the fashion industry everything is based on image and sometimes people's view of beauty differs with each person. On top of working with various people with various different points of view on image, they have different views on how a shoot or show is run. A lot of times ideas and people clash and being the model you must adapt to be able to co-operate with everyone's vision and/or point of view. As the model you need to learn how to work around difficult situations and everyone's time schedules. You need to evolve and adapt around everyone but still be able to voice your opinion or give an input in particular situations.

Affiliation:~
Affiliation is extremely important in my line of work. As I have said before in previous blogs, I am not "standard" size for a model. My hips are an inch larger than the standard and even though I am 5'8 which is the minimum size for a model, agencies and designers are constantly looking for 5'10 and taller. I have gained a lot of my most prominent jobs purely from affiliation which I maintained through co-operation in previous jobs. The people I co-operated with in previous jobs remember me and they either rehire me for bigger shoots/shows and/or recommend me to others. Even working and socialising with other models have helped me with gaining jobs due to models needing replacements for themselves or recommending me to photographers they work with. Sometimes in these situations I feel it is actually necessary to bring your social life and work life together as long as you know where to draw the line, for example, not being drunk at certain socials or starting more than friendly relationships with coworkers. It is very important though in the modeling industry to attend social gatherings like after parties for certain fashion shows as long as you can compose yourself. This is where you can gain or lose contacts. I feel this is also somewhat attached to...


Social Constructionism:~ 
Talking and socialising with other models in the industry help me learn from my mistakes, understand that others go through the same as me and have had similar experiences in shoots or shows, I learn who is the right people to work with, what to expect and how these models are successful at what they do or why they gain certain jobs.
Sometimes though everything ultimately comes down to your image. Face or body. It is sometimes hard to except and move on but I find talking to other models really helps, I can put a perspective on things and not dwell. In this industry it can be very damaging to the self esteem but ultimately I find I can come out of it a stronger person. I'm still here and doing it aren't I?! :)

Log Five- Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

Hello!
It has been terribly long since I have made another blog entry. After writing the research paper I was overwhelmed with castings, shoots and other items that don't involve my modeling. I have signed up with the University of Toronto's Continuing Education program for French. I had already passed levels I, II and III, once I receive this last course I will be given a certificate in languages. I originally started the French lessons not only because I love the language but it also helps you gain better jobs and gives you a higher net worth, especially here in Canada where French is a second language. I've also been studying to become a fitness instructor so I can have a back up job and more income. I would also love to be able to incorporate my dance training from Cambridge Performing Arts College into my fitness.
I have also recently decided to bite the bullet and sign with a modeling agency. I ultimately chose Icon Model Management in Toronto http://www.iconmodels.ca/. They are an up and coming agency here in Toronto who specialize in fashion and commercial modeling. I would really like to do Toronto Fashion Week especailly since a fashion model retires so early in life and I only have so much time left. Being signed with Icon can ultimately help me get a casting for one or more of the shows hopefully. Also with Icon's help I hope I can break more into the commercial side of modeling.
I have also recently appeared in Votive Magazine http://votivemag.com/. Shot by Stephen M. Loban and makeup by Kyla Jackson who I've worked with both on countless occassions. The magazine is a San Francisco fashion magazine so we were all very excited to be picked up by them. Here's a little sneak peek of the photos and accompanying article.

My ad campaign for PSB Speakers has also begun to spring up which is pretty exciting. Everyone in the UK has to let me know when they spot it! It's my very first ad campaign, I hope to get plenty more in the future. I don't have the tear sheet yet but I thought I'd show with this picture I took from my phone.

I have also begun reading into Course Reader 4. Currently I am reading into the "Identifying Knowledge and Skills in the Workplace" section. Going back though to the section before on "Links to Work Based Learning" the question is asked, "Are there any ideas from work based or organisational knowledge theories of learning that could be used to understand your own professional inquiry?" I have actually unconsciously been using professional inquiry since I first began my adventures into the modeling industry. Usually people in this industry don't see the use of work based or organisational knowledge based theories as a means of helping them in castings or being picked for certain types of jobs. If you aren't casted you put it down to things you cannot or find hard to change like not the right height, weight, size, hair colour, etc. But I have found using certain theories has helped me achieve the jobs that would have been impossible for me to gain. One essential tool is obviously Web 2.0 with the social networking like Facebook and Twitter. Another theory which has been brought to my attention is the "Single Loop and Double Loop" learning. One way I have used this I find in the past was observations at castings. I watch what the girls who were casted wore, how they walked, how they presented themselves at the castings and followed suit for the following opportunities. Here I used single loop learning where I have gone through the "error-and-correction process" (http://www.infed.org/thinkers/argyris.htm). I don't recall using double loop learning, especially in a situation where simply what I wear or how I act at a casting is not enough. I'm not sure how I would use it when "error is detected and corrected in ways that involve the modification of an organization’s underlying norms, policies and objectives" (http://www.infed.org/thinkers/argyris.htm). Maybe if I knew the designer or photographer preferred to use brunettes I would change the colour of my hair. Sometimes in my industry it is impossible to apply certain theories and it really comes down to your height, weight, measurements, etc. I've been changing measurements to suit that standard for fashion lately so I can better my chance of getting a show in Fashion Week. What I don't understand though, would that be considered single loop learning or double loop learning? I'm still reading into Argyris and Schon so hopefully I'll soon have a better understanding.
I will now leave you with some of my latest work and keep you posted on more jobs a little more frequently. Hope everyone had a lovely holiday!