Shine's fashion and beauty section has seen a lot of retouched photos over the years, and we've come to assume that unless an image of a model or celeb is specifically called out as being 100% organic it is actually chock full of artificial sweeteners and preservatives. Victoria's Secret models 15 pounds lighter/heavier? Yawn. Kim Kardashian with a 22-inch waist and no cellulite? Snore. Still, this behind-the-scenes snap of Lady Gaga being shot for the cover of September's Vogue shook us out of our jaded slumber.
The cover shows Gaga wearing an electric purple Marc Jacobs mermaid gown with her hair in a flaxen halo. Her face is lean and composed like an alabaster statue of an ancient Egyptian cat goddess, her bust perky, and her waist impossibly tiny--impossibly being the key word. "I'm a COVER GIRL, and its FAB" she tweeted when she leaked the image on August 8 in advance of its newsstand release.
A behind-the-scenes montage of the photo shoot released by Vogue and the photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott paints a different picture. The dress is bulky and unflattering, like she's been draped in granny's cranberry satin curtains from the 1982 parlor renovation. Her hair (a wig, in fact) is not so much a halo, but instead what would happen if an angel stuck her finger in a light socket. And her strong-featured face is not slim and placid but full and expressive. An article at Buzzfeed asks, when airbrushing is this extreme, why hire photographers at all? They point out that Vogue might as well have used a fashion illustration.
There has been a lot of news lately about young women demanding that magazines back off on photo retouching, but it appears that publications such as Vogue and some fashion-related companies are going in the other direction. The upscale retailer Barneys even super-slimmed MinnieMouse in a recent campaign. It's so refreshing when models and celebrities refuse to "go under the brush" and show their real faces and bodies. In fact, we think one of Gaga's most beautiful pictures is a selfie tweeted back in march when she let the world see her makeup and filter-free.
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According To Maxim readers, this 26-year-old Australian of Portuguese-Chinese descent has the best bikini body.
Jessica Gomes, who will be featuring in the famed Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition for the fifth time, is apparently planning to reinvent herself as a high-fashion model.
The WA native credits her "ethnically ambiguous" Eurasian looks - a product of her Chinese Singaporean mother and Portuguese father - as the key to her broad appeal.
"I became famous for being a swimsuit model. But now I'm maturing as a model and I want to target everything, including high fashion,".
However, Gomes does not have plans to cover up for good. "I think you can have your poster on the walls of young boys' bedrooms, but also be a fashion icon."
"I feel so lucky that I can do [a fashion shoot like this] and then I can be on a really nice beach, wearing a bikini and rolling around, being the girl next door. I love that, too, and it's true to my heart because I'm from Perth."
"I lost four kilos," she said. "It made me really toned and changed my body shape."
"If you look at people such as Beyonce, Eva Mendes or [model] Lara Stone, these are womanly figured women, but they're all doing high-fashion," she added.
Jessica has graced the covers of Vogue, Teen Vogue, Glamour and GQ.
Model Jessica Gomes poses during a portrait session at Balmoral Beach in Sydney, Australia.
Who knew a pretty face wasn't enough in the fashion industry — especially when you're Niki Taylor! But that's the case for the supermodel who has quite a few tattoos on her 5'11" body, so she's in the very painful process of removing four of them, including a fairly large cover-up piece on her right arm, which she says is the one that is often the "deal breaker" to potential clients. "I am removing it because it is stopping me from getting some work I think," Taylor tells omg! of the ink on her right forearm, which is a hodgepodge of cover-ups over the years. She got the original, "Amor Vincit Omnia," Latin for "Love conquers all," in 2002 to match one belonging to her then-boyfriend KeithUrban, who has since covered his as well. "People's eyes go right to it. It doesn't matter how acceptable tattoos are or how many people have them, [attention] goes right to this one on my arm so I've decided to remove it, although I still do have tattoos in other places."
In addition to the Polynesian-inspired band on her arm, Taylor, 37, is also lasering off a tattoo on her left wrist and two on her back. The pain of the process, she says, exceeds that of childbirth — and she delivered twins! "I'd rather give birth than have my tattoo removed, that's how painful it is," says the mom of four. (In addition to Jake and Hunter, 17, from her first marriage, Taylor also has Ciel, 3, and Rex, 8 months, with hubby Burney Lamar.) "It's quick, but going through it is so … it's like a burning, snapping shock through your whole body and you're just like [screams] 'Is it over yet? Why did I ever put this tattoo on my arm?'"
She may not be getting any more tats, but Taylor hasn't counted out having another baby. Although she says she and Lamar, a racecar driver, are "super super busy" with their brood of four, she adds, "you never know. Rex makes you want to have five more because he's so stinking cute and happy." If the couple does have more kids, they certainly have the extra hands — Taylor's teenage sons — to help take care of them. "I just asked them this not too long ago, 'What do you think of your sister and little brother?'" she says. "They're men with very few words right now for me — with their friends, it's totally different. They think Ciel is funny and just a hoot because she's a tornado right now and she's into everything, just kind of a tomboy, but she's really, really cute with Rex … All of them are in the different stages and I'm loving every minute of it. They help out and they're good babysitters."
Although little Ciel is a bit of a tomboy now, Taylor notes that's exactly how she was growing up before she landed her first modeling deal at the tender age of 13. And if her daughter wanted to follow in her famous footsteps also at a young age, the supermodel — who once appeared on the covers of six major women's magazines in the same month — says she would "absolutely" be okay with it. (Similarly, Taylor's sister Krissy started began posing alongside her older sibling at 11, before her sudden and very sad death at age 17 from an asthma attack in 1995.) Unlike fellow supermodel Cindy Crawford, who pulled her 10-year-old daughter Kaia from the business after a controversial photo shoot for Versace's children's line, Taylor says she'd be all for it if "[Ciel] was having fun and she was looking forward to it and wanted to pursue it … I would be with her. I would always be with her. Yeah, I definitely would encourage it, absolutely."
Ciel loves to accessorize. (Twitter)Much like other models before her, including Crawford and Kathy Ireland, Taylor is looking to move into starting her own lifestyle brand, which would include clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories. She's still in the early stages (she hopes to have it on shelves in spring 2013), but she already has the perfect name: Taylored by Niki Taylor. "I've been in the fashion industry over 20 years, so I know it's in my blood," she tells omg!. "I know a lot about it … My wish, my prayer is to have it in like a TJ Maxx or Marshalls or Wal-Mart because price points are very important. I want to still be stylish and look good, but not spend an arm and a leg for things, but have stuff that's made very well."
And if she wasn't busy enough, Taylor has another passion project: encouraging Americans to give blood as part of her position as an ambassador for the Red Cross. It's a mission she was never even aware of until tragedy struck in 2001 when the model was involved in a near-fatal car accident — and she needed 100 units of donated blood to survive. In addition to raising awareness through blood drives, Taylor also posed for the Nexcare give campaign and modeled their "Timeless" bandages, which feature designs inspired by decades from the '50s through the millennium. Taylor is urging Americans to give blood this summer because the season is typically a time when blood donations are at their lowest "because there are distractions and people are going on vacations … so it's a very important time," she explains. "There will be six million people who are going to need blood transfusions just this year in the U.S., so we have to meet those demands."
TaylorSwift stunned the crowed upon arrival at the 2012 Teen choice Awards in a short, white Maria Lucia Hoan dress with a cutout back that showed off her mile-long gams. The 22-year-old songstress wore her hair swept up in a chic updo and accessorized the romantic frock with Lorraine Schwartz jewels, a sparkly Edie Parker clutch, and nude peep-toe heels.
There's no denying that the country cutie looked sweet and sexy in the backless dress, but we can't help but think it's a drawback that she's always wearing white to awards shows. Along with presenting, Taylor is nominated for five awards this year : Choice Voice for "The Lorax," Choice Female Artist, Choice Single by a Female Artist for "Eyes Open," Choice Female Country Artist, and Choice Country Song for "Sparks Fly."
RebeccaBlack, who became a huge Internet star after her "Friday" music video became a viral hit, arrived on the Teen Choice Awards pink carpet in an orange and white geometric-print blouse and a short, black leather skirt with zippered pockets. The outfit looked youthful on the 15-year-old YouTube sensation, but her top completely clashed with her partially-pink hairstyle. Black is just one of many starlets to try the dip-dyed pink hair trend; including Demi Lovato (the host of this year's show), Lauren Conrad, and Nicole Richie.
LeaMichele arrives at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards at Gibson Amphitheatre on July 22, 2012 in Universal City, California.
Selena Gomez arrives at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards at Gibson Amphitheatre on July 22, 2012 in Universal City, California.
Lucy Hale arrives at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards at Gibson Amphitheatre on July 22, 2012 in Universal City, California.
The stunning wives of leading men Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey stepped out to support their husband's at the premiere of new stripper film, 'MagicMike' last night.
And as the theme of the film suggests, there isn’t a lack of sexiness onscreen, so the ladies had to go all out for the red carpet.
In fact, both Jenna Dewan Tatum and Camila Alves opted for sparkly sequin embellished minidresses for the saucy movie premiere, but who pulled off glitzy glam best?
Cutest couple in the world Jenna and Channing Tatum almost overshadowed the appearance of Matthew McConaughey and his new wife Camila at their first public event since being married, and matters were not helped by Jenna’s stunning LBD.
The 31-year-old actress and dancer wowed onlookers in the sequin emblazoned mini that showed off her toned, tanned pins and added some Hollywood sparkle to the red carpet.
She teamed the look with black strappy sandals and dark plum coloured nail lacquer, scraping her brunette locks back into a slick ponytail and sporting a luminous, bronzed make-up look.
Meanwhile, model Camila, 30, opted for an indigo version of the shimmering minidress, but some would say that the two wives were dressed too similarly. They should have discussed their outfits on the phone beforehand!
Camila’s dress differed slightly with the indigo sequins and long sleeves, yet the frock didn’t do much for her catwalk curves as the smock style lost her shape. Not so glam for the red carpet – but ideal for a night out on the town!
She let her long curly locks sit freely around her shoulders and donned a natural make-up look with a subtle smokey eye, and teamed the glitzy ensemble with black strappy sandals, a la Jenna…
We think Jenna wins this fash off hands down. You're one lucky man, Channing!
But what do you think?
Sherlyn Chopra has posted nude images from her recent Playboy shoot on Twitter.
The Bollywood star temporarily displayed the photos on the social networking site, before Twitter authorities took them down.
The Bollywood star temporarily displayed the photos on the social networking site, before Twitter authorities took them down.
"Itz not wat u see dat u get BUT wat u get is wat u see! Only those with a functional heart wud comprehend wat I'm saying (sic)," the star cryptically wrote as she uploaded the pictures.
Despite the Twitter ban, the photographs showing a nude Chopra have leaked widely across the internet.
Despite the Twitter ban, the photographs showing a nude Chopra have leaked widely across the internet.
The actress can be seen wearing nothing but a pair of flip-flops in the images.
Chopra's decision to pose naked for the adult magazine has generated widespread debate in Indian society.
The actor's career has so far consisted of small parts in mainstream films such as Dil Bole Hadippa, or work in low-budget projects including Time Pass and Naughty Boy.
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A model present a creation at the 2012 Berlin Summer-Autumn Fashion Week , Berlin , Germany , July 5, 2012. The avant-garde fashion designers from France, Britain , Australia , India , Austria and Germany present their Eco-fashion and sustainable design collections at the special Euroasia Green Fashion session at Lavera Showfloor in Berlin
A model present the "Cool " creation of local female designer Esther Perbandt , at the 2012 Berlin Summer-Autumn Fashion Week , in Berlin , Germany ,
Halasi creations
A model presents the creation of the brand Halasi at the 2012 Berlin Summer-Autumn Fashion Week in Berlin , Germany ,
A model presents a creation by designer Yin Yiqing as part of her Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2012/2013 fashion show in Paris , France ,July 4, 2012.
Welcome to the Kate show, eh? Drawing a crowd better suited to rock stars, Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Canada to thousands of adoring fans and a profusion of international press. Christopher Wahl captures their visit in this exclusive photo essay of dispatches from the royal tour. Check back for more of Wahl’s exclusive photographs throughout the trip.
VF.com’s favored royal-tour photographer—the inimitable Christopher Wahl, who shot the duke and duchess exclusively for us over the pair’s 11-day journey—had one heck of a time in Canada and Los Angeles. He even got an Oscar for his efforts. (Sort of.) We asked Wahl all about his adventures abroad—including what Princess Catherine looks like up close, and the details on her, er, Marilyn moment. Highlights from our chat:
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VF.com: Tell us the story of how you met the royal couple.
Christopher Wahl: There was a media reception [on Prince Edward Island]. A select group of about 150 people were chosen for an off-the-record meet and greet with the duke and duchess. Oysters, beer, and lobster rolls were the provided fare. They are both very tall—he has beautiful skin. He must bathe in La Mer.
It was a pleasure meeting them—they were very cordial and took the time to chat. Impressive.
Indulge us a little. Tell us about Catherine’s beauty in real life.
She’s a bit of a babe in real life. I couldn’t take my eyes off her eyebrows.
As someone who’s photographed other royals before, what was different about them? In your opinion, do they successfully “youthen” or “update” the image of the royal family?
I have covered royal tours before, but this one had the security presence of President Obama. Really. It’s hard to tell if there really is a renewed interest in a revived monarchy, or just more of a celebrity obsession.
Which city was your favorite along the way?
My favorite city was Yellowknife. The hotel was awful, food was super-expensive, but the scenery was remarkable. We were in the middle of nowhere, just trees and lakes—no grass. It is too far north to grow, even in the summer. They say it gets too cold to snow in the winter. It just becomes one big block of ice, and the summer brings 24 hours of daylight, which is something to be seen.
The Marilyn moment, when the wind got the better of Kate’s skirt in Calgary: Did you feel awkward about it? What was the buzz about it among the other photographers?
You knew her dress was blowing around… I surely did not want to embarrass (no pun intended) the future queen. But I was there to record events, and it happened. All the Brit photogs were abuzz—the Queen supposedly wears weights in the bottom of her dress to prevent this from happening.
What’s the vibe among the traveling corps of photographers? Were you all exhausted?
The press corps that covers the royals are a tight bunch, and all of them are rather competitive amongst each other. Not everyone gets along, but some are good mates, as they say. I know a handful from previous tours and made some new friends this tour. At the end of the trip, my new mate from Reuters bought parting gifts—plastic Oscars from Hollywood Boulevard. One dude got best grandpa, I got a pair of socks. I don’t wear socks; I wear summer suits, but not socks. Needless to say, when covering royals, you dress the part. I wore a suit every day, but never socks. Anyhoo, the Brits like to “take the piss,” as they say, and receiving the socks was a pleasure.
Vera Wang -- wedding dress designer to the stars -- has separated from her husband ... this according to Wang's rep.
The President of Wang's company released a statement saying, "Vera Wang and Arthur Becker have mutually and amicably agreed to separate. They remain devoted parents to their two daughters.”
Wang and Becker married in 1989. So far, it's unclear if either party has filed divorce papers.
63-year-old Wang is estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars -- which could lead to a very complicated divorce.
One item that might become a source of tension -- a $10 million glass-walled home Vera purchased in L.A. last year.
