By Muse Chou ( Planning Manager at Runway Development/My
Radio DJ )
Translated by Cara Steenstra Pictures by Runway
Development Modeling Agency
The fashion world is constantly changing, with
new themes popping up every season and new ideas
streaming in from every single brand name out
there. As we step into the summer of 2005, the
latest autumn and winter fashions are already
being revealed. Is it possible to keep up with
such frequent, rapid developments?
Normally speaking, there are many different
ways for men and women to express themselves
through fashion. To translate designers' ideas
into day-to-day fashion and become a center
of attraction with your own fashion sense is
not an easy task at all. However, this goal
is attainable with some advice below from Dior,
the trainer at Runway Development Modeling Agency
(who also danced and choreographed at Andy Lau,
Jolin Chai, Jay Chou and S.H.E. concerts), and
Gail, a lecturer at Nan Chiang Industrial and
Commercial School, trainer at Chou Shi Dai Modeling
Agency and show director for Duo Yang's show.
Through the insights of these professionals,
you will be able to learn a few tricks about
how to stay in step with the latest fashion
trends and become a million-dollar hottie.
Q: While many people spend a lot of
time preening themselves before they go out,
they do not often achieve the desired effect.
What do you think the problem is here?
Dior: It might be because some
people are not as in touch with fashion trends
as they ought to be, and have not found their
own individual style yet. Many men especially
are all decked out in designer clothing, but
just don't look fashionable or stylish. So don't
think that designer clothes will automatically
make you look stylish. The key to style is that,
whether you are wearing Versace or LBT (Lu Bian
Tan, a streetside vendor), you have to dress
according to your own individual style to achieve
the desired effect.
Gail: Actually, there is no set standard for
beauty. Each day, we should dress smartly and
neatly according to our moods. Just dress in
a way that makes you feel confident. You will
look beautiful when you dress according to your
personality.
Q: What are the key points to the summer
fashion trends of 2005?
Dior: Men should dress simply.
A tank top with jeans and a canvas belt will
create an easy casual style. Vintage items are
also a key point--a pair of old, faded jeans
will bring out the manliness in you!
Gail: Trends tend to follow cycles; there is
a five-year cycle and a 10-year cycle. Vintage-style
full skirts, cute miniskirts, more mature-looking
knee-length skirts, the timeless white shirt,
jeans topped with chiffon blouses, the Greek
styles that are a continuation from the Bohemian
trend--all these serve to present women's charm
and multiple personalities. It depends entirely
on the individual. Fashion is about individuality.
Q: Apart from using clothing to make
oneself look attractive, what kind of accessories
should metropolitan men and women use to add
to their look?
Dior: I think that men's accessories
ought to be simple. Find the focus of your outfit,
choose your accessories accordingly, and you
will be part of the fashionable population!
This summer, no matter what your style is, make
sure your head is adorned with some kind of
accessory. Knitwear hats and caps are the most
basic styles; an eye-catching combination is
the layered look of a trilby hat and a head
scarf. Or, for a rougher look, top a truck driver's
cap on top of your headscarf!
Gail: A famous Taiwanese stylist
once said, "You can dress up all you want,
but without accessories, you will not look good!"
Accessories can be a simple expression of your
individual taste and style. A single accessory
can often accentuate the cutting of your clothing.
For example, when wearing a V-neck top, accentuate
your decolletage with a long necklace. If you
like to tie your hair up in a ponytail, put
on some short dangly earrings to show off your
modern femininity.
Q: The face is often where the first
impression is made. How can men and women take
care of their faces in order to be in tip-top
condition at all times?
Dior: Many people think that
only women need skin care. The truth is that
men need it, too. Most men have rather oily
skin, so they should use a toner after cleansing,
and an oil-free formula moisturizer to achieve
the effects of proper skincare. It is not necessary
for men to be too deliberate about makeup; just
make sure that any extra facial hairs are removed,
and you will look clean and look great.
Gail: A person's hairstyle
affects the entire visual effect of one's face.
Therefore, it is important to pick a suitable
hairstyle. If a short cut is more suitable for
you, but you insist on wearing it long, it won't
help to accentuate your facial features. It
still won't make you glow, no matter how you
make up your face. It is also important to groom
the shape of your eyebrows. If you have a more
masculine face, try a softer arc to soften the
angles. It is also important to maintain basic
skincare. The six main steps before you step
out are: moisturize, sun protection, loose powder,
eyebrows, eyelashes and lip gloss. Follow these
six steps and you will surely look good!
Q: Everyone is built differently. How
should we dress according to our physical attributes?
Dior: You are born with your
body, but we can use accessories to cover up
our shortcomings and accentuate the attributes.
If there are a few extra pounds on you, try
to avoid horizontal stripes. Darker skin tones
should avoid bright colors. Follow these rules
for the perfect look!
Gail: The proportions that
you are born with are difficult to alter, and
everyone has some part of their body that they
are not happy with, especially among women,
who tend to be more aware of this. If you have
an upper and lower body proportion of 6:4 or
5:5, then wear dresses and skirts and avoid
hipster pants. Wear mid-waist or straight-cut
pants, and avoid tight-fitting pants that taper
around the ankles. Those with thick arms should
wear mid-length sleeves and avoid short sleeves
that wrap around their arms. Long necks can
wear high collars or shirt collars, and avoid
round-neck T-shirts. Thick waists can wear empire
lines or Greek-style tops, and avoid midriff-baring
tight tops. Or try using accessories to divert
people's attention!
Q: Can you two share any beauty secrets
with us?
Dior: I dance to keep fit.
Dancing makes you perspire, is good for your
metabolism and naturally makes you look good.
So my advice is to work out, because it not
only keeps you looking fit, but it's great for
your health, too!
Gail: The best time for your
skin to metabolize is during nighttime, when
you are sleeping. Drink about 200cc of water
before bedtime to ensure proper workings of
your metabolic system (too much water will make
your face and eyes puffy, though). Skin whitening
is important in the summer. Drink about 3000cc
of lemon water--add 1500cc (about one large
mineral water bottle) to the freshly squeezed
juice of 1/4 of a lemon. Take one water-soluble
Vitamin E tablet every two days to help convert
the Vitamin E into calcium when you are under
the sun. Women can exfoliate their facial and
body skin on the fourth or fifth day of their
menstrual cycles. After exfoliation, apply toner
or moisturizer. In about three months, you will
find that your skin is still be white and glowing,
even during the hot summer months!
If you would like to know more about current
fashion trends and make yourself look even more
beautiful, contact Runway Development Modeling
Agency at (04) 3506-1788. Website: www.rdmodel.com.
E-mail: rd.model@msa.hinet.net