Archive for November 2008
How to be a slave to FASHION
FASHION Magazine is offering three-month unpaid internships in four departments, including editorial, fashion, beauty and photo.
Now before you kiddies get scared off by that photo of Miranda Priestly, just remember that most of the things you read about fashion magazine internships simply aren’t true.
I’ve compiled a list of some of the most insidious rumors about internships that plague the publishing world. Being able to sort fact from fiction may help you to decide if working for three months without a salary is worth it.
FICTION: After going missing, several FASHION interns were found buried in shallow graves with their vital organs harvested for transplants.
FACT: The so-called “missing” interns were found alive and only a few had “donated” collagen to their superiors at Elle Canada, not FASHION.
FICTION: Interns at FASHION are not subject to labor laws, as their position is unpaid.
FACT: Although the position is unpaid, FASHION strives to follow the example set forth in the Ontario Employment Standards Act. Interns work a six-hour shift which entitles them to a half-hour lunch break. Although much of that half-hour will be spent standing in line at KFC, picking up a bucket of chicken for the girls back in the office, interns are allowed to turn their cell phones back on during this thirty-minute interval.
FICTION: Interns only do the “grunt work” around the office, learning few practical skills that translate into real experience in the publishing industry.
FACT: Just this week, Ceri Marsh taught an intern how to lob eggs at Lisa Tant’s windows without getting caught. If that’s not practical experience, I don’t what is!
Happy Birthday, Chanel Iman
Happy birthday, Chanel Iman. With a name like that, you were destined to become a fashion icon or a drag queen. I’m glad you decided upon the former.
Edited to add: Long after I published this post, Wikipedia changed Chanel Iman’s birthday to December 1.
Holiday 1983
Cover: Holiday 1983.
Context: Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video premieres on December 2. The final episode of Manimal airs on NBC, featuring a shape-shifting crimefighter who can transform himself into any animal. Brunei becomes a fully independant state on January 1, 1984. Culture Club’s “Karma Chameleon” rises to the top of the charts. Tired of wearing rags in her hair, Ceri Marsh dumps the tribal look for an oversized Katherine Hamnett message tee.
Points of Interest: The cover model is named Rhonda D’Amour. That can’t be her real name, can it?
What Tyra Would Say: “Forget the Sears catalogue. This girl is giving me the Sears portrait studio.”
What Auntie Fashion Says: I remember seeing that exact same outfit on Jane Wyman in Falcon Crest.
Grade: B+.
Happy Birthday, Anna Faris
Happy birthday, Anna Faris. Like John Waters and the CoverGirl factory, you’re from Baltimore, and that only makes me love you more.
Zoomer
I bought a copy of Zoomer yesterday, just to see what it was all about. I’m a big fan of editor in chief Suzanne Boyd (and she’s a big fan of mine, even though she might not know it yet), so I wanted to know what she’s been up to lately.
The magazine is great. It sort of occupies a space somewhere between Vanity Fair, Canadian Living and FASHION. It’s big and slick and pretty and it doesn’t feel old or cranky whatsoever.
I’m impressed. Great job, Suzanne!
Happy Birthday, Cornelia Guest
Happy birthday, Cornelia Guest. You were the Paris Hilton of your generation, in an era when people couldn’t care less about girls like Paris Hilton.
Taste My Greatness
Last night’s episode of Stylista was a clip show, so I don’t really have that much to say about it. I never did get around to blogging about last week’s show, but I don’t have much to say about that either. Instead, I’m going to tell you about a great idea I had.
Since Stylista isn’t exactly living up to its potential, and Fashion File Host Hunt was such a dud, I think it’s time that Canadian TV produced a watchable alternative to these shows. Of course, it would have to feature me if millions of viewers are expected to tune in every week. Aware of my undeniable popularity across all demographics, I’ve come up with the concept for my first foray into reality television.
Auntie Fashion: Taste My Greatness will chronicle the journey of a dozen so-called fashionista as they attempt to become my protege. Yes, I already have a protege, but that’s beside the point. This title is essentially ceremonial, like “Governor General of Canada” or “America’s Next Top Model.”
I’ve already created a short-list of contestants. Please let me know if I’ve forgotten anyone:
Ceri Marsh; Lisa Tant; Rita Silvan; Jeanne Beker; Andrew Sardone; Glen Baxter; Jennifer Campbell; Leah Rumack; Sarah Casselman; Nathalie Atkinson; Carolyn Rohaly; Louisa McCormack.
Stay tuned for more details.
Happy Birthday, Manolo Blahnik
Happy birthday, Manolo Blahnik. According to your website, Diana Vreeland told you to stick to designing shoes after viewing your portfolio. I taught the old broad everything she knew, so I guess you owe me.
Edited to add: Long after I first published this post, Wikipedia changed Manolo Blahnik’s birthday to November 28.
The Auntie Fashion Interview
Click the link above to read an interview with me on Belle IQ, the brainy cousin of Ask a Fashion Model. Blogger Jennifer McWhirter calls me “intelligent, articulate and funny.” I guess I can forgive her for not including “gorgeous” on that list.
Auntie Fashion 