KELLY CUTRONE IN TORONTO FOR AMMA CANADA

Kelly Cutrone in Toronto - July 2012

Yes, it really happened!  On her way out of an appearance on Global Television's The Morning Show, I got to meet PR Queen, Television Star and Author Kelly Cutrone.  And she is everything I thought she would be: real, charismatic, commanding and fun. I've met many famous people in my time, but some fall short of what you'd hope when you actually do get to meet them. Cutrone's larger-than-life presence confirms exactly why we are so drawn to her and respect her opinions.

Cutrone made her debut on America's Next Top Model Cycle 18 late February, further solidifying her status as a Fashion Industry Icon, succeeding Vogue's André Leon Talley as a Judge on the popular TV Series.  She gained widespread exposure after turns on MTV's True Life, The Hills and The City.  Her PR Film People's Revolution has produced a record-breaking number of Fashion Shows for a high-profile Roster of Clients including the likes of Thierry Mugler, Bulgari, Valentino and Vivienne Westwood.

Taking a moment to promote her Brand, the Multimedia Empire's three-day visit to Toronto actually is for charity.  She is working with AMMA Canada, which in addition to hosting a Soup Kitchen, aims to serve the needs of those less fortunate and the Elderly in our Community.  The inspiration behind the Foundation, Amma (coined The Hugging Saint), currently is touring Canada with appearances at Doubletree by Hilton in Toronto's west-end  between Thursday, July 19 and Sunday, July 22, 2012. More details here.

Meeting Cutrone was amaze.  After posing for a Photo together and chatting about recently-outed Rapper Frank Ocean (she thinks he was extorted for money), Neil Diamond (she thinks he's cute) and Madonna (she feels the Pop Queen has received ageist/sexist criticisms of late) - one of the Producers of The Morning Show escorting her to her Town Car tells me he's a Fan of my Blog.  Cutrone says to me, "What? You're a Blogger?  Send me details!".  She then approvingly tells the Producer, "You've gotta book this Guy to be on your Guest Panel, he's so funny!". Of course being a true blue Business Woman, jokingly she demands a payment. "I'm your PR now, see!  You can wire me the funds in Canadian dollars!" she says, referencing our Dollar's run towards Parity to the US Dollar.  Dead.

LISA D'AMATO IN TORONTO FOR "AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL LIVE"

Lisa D'Amato in Toronto - May 2012

She sings, she models, she does it all.  And we both share the same Birthday even!  America's Next Top Model All-Stars Winner Lisa D'Amato arrived in Toronto Tuesday night from Los Angeles to do a few days of Press for this weekend's much-talked-about America's Next Top Model Live.  The Convention which takes place at Metro Toronto Convention Centre from Friday, May 4, 2012 through Sunday, May 6, 2012, brings to our City some Favourites from previous Cycles including: Isis, Shannon, Alexandria, Bianca, Laura and Camille.

The Event will give Fans an opportunity to meet their favourite Top Models and also offers Fashion Shows, plus an unveiling of the Sutherland Supermodel Search Winner.  Canadian Pop Stars Danny Fernandes and Karl Wolf also are slated to perform.  Tickets range from $18 to $29 and you can get yours here still.

D'Amato made a quick visit to Global Television's The Morning Show earlier today.  On her second chance at success she says, "It was my fault from the very beginning in Cycle Five where I didn't take the opportunity as serious.". "I think I owed it to my Fans, the Franchise and myself.".

Dave Gerry asked her as a Model if she is sacrificing her chance at Motherhood to which D'Amato told him, "Oh Honey, it's 2012! One of my nicknames is D-Battery. I have a ton of energy and I dare everyone to see what I'm capable of.".  She adds, "I'm gonna have my Cake and eat it too. BAM!", which drew cheers from the Show's Female Hosts, Liza Fromer, Daru Dhillon and Kris Reyes.

LISA D'AMATO TO APPEAR AT AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL LIVE TORONTO

Lisa D'Amato

In just over three weeks some of the Stars of America's Next Top Model will be gracing the City for the first America's Next Top Model Live Convention in Toronto! ANTM All Stars Finalists Camille, Alexandria, Laura, Bianca, Shannon, the first-ever transgendered Contestant Isis and Winner Lisa will be taking part in all the fun between Friday, May 4-6, 2012 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. 

Model Talent Searches, Fashion Shows, Exhibitors and more will be a part of the Convention and if you want to get Tickets, there are two tiers: General Admission and VIP - the latter which gives you a chance to meet some of the All Stars. Click here for more info.

(Photo credit: The CW Network)

TYRA BANKS "AMERICA'S NEXT TOP CO-HOST" SPOOF ON "LIVE! WITH KELLY"

Tyra Banks on Live! With Kelly

The search continues for a Co-host for Live! With Kelly following Regis Philbin's recent departure and while they're at it, they're having a bit of fun with it! Tyra Banks joins-in on the laughs agree doing to do a sketch called America's Next Top Co-Host with rumoured Philbin Replacements Neil Patrick Harris, Josh Groban, Jerry O'Connell, Taye Diggs and more posing and walking their way to our hearts.

Watch the Sketch below:

LISA D'AMATO CROWNED "AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL ALL-STAR": FINALE MARRED BY DISQUALIFICATION

Lisa D'Amato

Never ever give up. Lisa D'Amato originally from Cycle Five of America's Next Top Model has been named Winner of America's Next Top Model All-stars, which brought together popular Contestants from past seasons of the Series. The Actress/Model/Singer who openly has admitted battling Addiction issues, appearing on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew in 2009, rose above the Competition with her spirited Finesse.

D'Amato who actually shares the same birthday as me (!) - October 22nd - is now 31 years-old and with her Victory won a Spread in Vogue Italia, a $100,000 (US) contract with CoverGirl Cosmetics and a Campaign for Fashion Retailer Express. With aspirations in Music, she hopes to tie her forthcoming CD together with the wave of interest in winning the Reality Series.

My personal Favourite Allison Harvard, was First Runner-up in the Competition after consistently impressing Photographers and Judges throughout the Cycle with her emotive and large distinctive eyes.

There was a bit of controversy involved in deliberations this Cycle with Angelea Preston having been disqualified late, following the Final Runway Challenge in Crete, Greece, for unknown reasons.  Nonetheless, she was pleased at the Publicity she received with her name Trending on Twitter Worldwide during the airing of Wednesday night's Finale.  Preston typed, "OMG!!!! IM TRENDING WORLDWIDE on twitter right now!!!!!!!!!! Wowwwww!! That's the whole world!! Lol! #humbled!! Thanks y'all!!! #LOVE".  Some are alleging that she had leaked results of the Show online, with Producers catching wind of this, then resulting in her Disqualification.

(Photo credit: CW)

"AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL ALL-STARS": ALLISON - A MAJOR CONTENDER TO WIN

Allison

Okay, I'm totally slow on catching-on this time around, but I do love me some America's Next Top Model and always have. Airing on CTV here in Canada, this 17th Cycle brings back some of the most memorable Contestants from previous years, pitting them against one another one more time for a chance at some big stakes. The Winner of America's Next Top Model All-Stars not only gets a Modeling Contract, but also a Spread on Vogue Italia, plus an opportunity to Blog for the Magazine and much more. 

The Challenges this Cycle are rather crazy with new Celebrity Mentors and Judges keeping the Girls at their fiercest. This week, they had to shoot a Music Video for self-penned Tracks and once again my love for doe-eyed Allison (originally from Texas and from Cycle 12) was awakened once again. At 23 years of age, I honestly believe this Girl has something remarkable about her - incredible versatility and truly a unique look. Rapper The Game, who helped direct their Music Videos this week, even admitted how drawn he was to her and her "strangeness".

Although they are a little slow to update their Clips, you can view Highlights eventually on CTV's website here.

Go on, Allison!  Get it Girl!

America's Next Top Model All-Stars airs Thursday nights at 8:00 PM EST on CTV2.

(Photo credit: The CW Network)

JAY MANUEL, JESSICA STAM & TOMMY HILFIGER CONFIRMED FOR TORONTO APPEARANCES

Jay Manuel

Attention Toronto Fashionistas! There are two exciting events coming this month which you need to mark on your Calendars.

1. Iconic Fashion Designer Tommy Hilfiger will be visiting The Bay - Queen St. on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 between 6 to 8 PM. Appearing with him will be Canadian Fashion Supermodel Jessica Stam and New York Rangers' Brad Richards. Autographs will be signed and lines will be queued.

2. America's Next Top Model's Jay Manuel will be visiting Sears - Eaton Centre on September 20, 2011 for an appearance, as confirmed on his Twitter. He will be meeting Fans and promoting his Attitude line. More details to come on times. 

I wonder whether or not he will be supporting ANTM Alumni Analeigh Tipton as she too will be here at the same time for the TIFF Premiere of Whit Stillman's Damsels in Distress!

Have fun, Mavenati!

(Photo credit: Attitude/JayManuel.com)

WHO IS ANALEIGH TIPTON?

Analeigh Tipton in Crazy Stupid Love

I never would've guessed she had it in her but America's Next Top Model Cycle 11's second runner-up Analeigh Tipton is quite the Actress!  I just came out of a screening for Crazy Stupid Love, the first breakout role for the 22 year-old as Jessica - a lovelorn Babysitter - and for the life of me I could not pinpoint where exactly I knew her from. Finally my Friend Kara pointed out to me her ANTM roots and suddenly it all came together!

Tipton not only held her own against the likes of Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, but dare I say, she stole the show? She is remarkable.

ANN CROWNED CYCLE 15 WINNER OF "AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL"

Ann, America's Next Top Model Cycle 15 Winner

19 year-old Ann from Dallas, Texas was crowned winner of America's Next Top Model Cycle 15.  The lithe and statuesque Model was known most for her awkward personality and self-consciousness in her own height, which actually played to her advantage on requisite Challenges.  The Season culminated in both her and Top Two opponent Chelsey competing in Italy.  As a surprise, their families were flown-in to offer their support.

Ann and Chelsey as part of tonight's Finale, had to compete on the Runway at a Just Cavalli Collection Fashion Show, before a panel of judges headed by Host and Producer Tyra Banks and Fashion Icon Roberto Cavalli.  They also had to film a CoverGirl Commercial which saw them recording Video and Audio components separately under the direction of Toronto's Mr. Jay Manuel.

Although I adore ANTM, my biggest criticism is that in past seasons, Winners failed ever to make a splash in the Fashion World despite the show's claim of finding the next "Top Model". This could be interpreted furthermore as a search for a "Supermodel".  Ann I feel, has a legitimate chance at modeling  Haute Couture in her uniqueness.  Above this, she is young.

Ann wins a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl, in addition to a representation deal with IMG Models and a coveted spread in the prestigious Vogue Italia.

Learn more about Cycle 15 of America's Next Top Model here.

(Photo credit: The CW Network)

AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL'S NIGEL BARKER IN TORONTO AT INDIGO

Nigel Barker & Mr. Will-W.

America's Next Top Model Judge and noted Photographer Nigel Barker made a rare Toronto appearance today at Indigo Bookstore - Eaton Centre and a person or two must not have gotten the memo about it. Based on the popularity of the Model Search franchise, there should have been a much bigger turnout than the 100 or so fans who showed up.  Perhaps it was the rain or a lack of promotion?

Barker stepped on-stage at 7:00 PM looking a vision of Dapper in a black pinstripe suite and a black tie bearing the Benetton emblem, introducing his new book Beauty Equation.  The book gives tips on how we can all become more beautiful through tapping into our inner-confidence. What inspired this book was his 4 year-old son Jack asking him one day, "Dad, what is beautiful?". He struggled to answer the question, replying "Your mother is beautiful". And so from here he decided to further examine what it is that makes people beautiful, touching upon his life experiences in the Fashion industry and world travels, more recently to Haiti.  The one unifying trait he found in "beautiful people" was not physical alone, it was confidence.  The more good we do for others, the more confidence we develop in ourselves.

The Englishman who now resides in New York City, fielded questions from the audience and even demonstrated tricks he sometimes uses with Celebrities when photographing them in order to get them to relax (Video below).  In addition, he indicated that it was  a dream of his to photograph Mother Theresa when she was alive, but he still aspires v. much to photograph a portrait of President Obama.  

HOW TO LOOK LIKE A COVERGIRL (OR COVERBOY)

So 25 year-old Arkansas native Krista was crowned season/cycle 14 America’s Next Top Model on the CW Network staple program last night.  Upon announcing her victory, host and producer Tyra Banks said with confidence that she and the show’s panel of judges feel she has the potential for international success. Dark-skinned Krista, often complimented for her innate understanding of geometry and her high fashion poses, was often critiqued also for lack of strength in her face. Nonetheless, it was good enough as she brimmed with perky confidence down the runway on the show’s final challenge, an Anna Sui show in New Zealand featuring other finalists from this season and last season’s winner, Nicole.

I love America’s Next Top Model. I really do. But after following the show for so many seasons now, it would be nice to see one – just one – of the winners achieve actual success as a Supermodel. Now I don’t mean just getting work in print ads or commercials. I mean a full-out Supermodel like the ‘90s. Giselle, Cindy, Linda, Christy, Coco, Naomi, Tyra. Now I know there are no guarantees in this world and I do like to think of myself as being somewhat in-the-know, but I honestly don’t recall any of one of the past winners having produced results the show might promise.

I think the top criticism the show receives is that it scouts women who might be past the peak age to embark on a career in Modelling. Let’s face it, Modelling like many other image-centric industries, are age-sensitive. Modelling, like Figure Skating or Gymnastics, is a craft honed from a young age. A majority of these girls on the show are already in their 20s and at best have amateur experience at this stage in their lives.   Perhaps Banks might need to start recruiting younger for future seasons? Why not, she’s already recruited Plus and Petite Sized Models? I think it’d be great for ratings.

ME & ANTM'S MISS J. ALEXANDER - HOLT RENFREW (TORONTO)

Yes, that's right. I met Miss J. Alexander, America's Next Top Model's Runway Coach and Diva Extraordinaire. Miss J. hosted a local celebrity Walk Off this afternoon for United Way at high fashion retailer Holt Renfrew's Bloor Street location in Toronto. The only recently announced event was part of Holt Renfrew's WholelottaHolts week festivities.

The event pitted local celebrities like Dan Levy (MTV), Dina Pugliese (CityTV), Christopher Sherman (Fashion Television) and my friend and top local drag queen Sofonda Cox, against one another. The contestants battled for best runway walk before a panel of judges which included MTV's Jessi Cruikshank and National Post's Shinan Govani.

After the show, Miss J. gave away 50 copies of his book Follow the Model released this past November. The book gives the fashion conscious tips to unleashing presence, poise and power. I'm copying this verbatim as per its cover. My BFF Fran and I were among the lucky 50 and we were giddy like the girls who appear on the reality show from which Miss J. is famous.