There’s a small snippet about Jennifer Hawkins and the spring–summer 2008–9 lingerie range from Lovable over on Lucire’s fashion index page, but behind the scenes we were given a press-release Q&A with the former Miss Universe.
   These tips purport to come from Hawkins, and it’s likely the beauty queen endorsed them. In any case, the advice isn’t too bad. We’ve featured an edited selection below.

The Strapless Cocktail Dress
Q: I’ve got large boobs but I love this season’s eighties inspired prom dress, is there a way that I can wear one without worrying about it slipping down?
JH: The prom dress can look fabulous on almost any figure, as its [sic] gives you that classic hourglass figure. The key is to choose the right strapless bra that gives you enough support and doesn’t slip down round your waist after an hour or two. The secret is to look for styles that have an added “bone” inserted on the outside of each cup, giving the bra that extra stability.

The Halter-neck Frock
Q: I love halter neck dresses but I HATE not being able to wear a bra underneath them, what do you suggest?
JH: There’s a new generation of bras out there that convert specially into halter necks just for this kind of tricky situation!! Go into your local lingerie boutique or department store and get the experts to show you what’s available and how to fit them. These bras can look a bit complicated = lots of strap everywhere and a multitude of different techniques for different dressing requirements, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t tried one before. And they work wonders for a halter-neck dress …

The Silk Slip
Q: Silk and diamonds, a girl’s best friend! Or so they say. Silk’s supposed to be flattering, but I’m utterly confused about what lingerie to wear underneath as the fabric shows every little lump and bump. Jennifer, help!
JH: Body Silk by name, Body Silk by nature! The key to wearing silk is to find the smoothest, most seamless lingerie you can. Technological advancements in fabric cutting has given girls the perfect solution to this age old issue, with a whole world of beautiful discreet, ultra-comfy lingerie that can only be spotted if you’ve got X-ray vision. This said, there are a couple of pointers – make sure your undies fit perfectly (small ones cut unattractively into your skin) The same theory applies to your the bra.

   Lovable stockists are listed at www.lovable.com.au; needless to say, the company has a bra for each situation listed above, from the strapless contour bra available up to a 16E, to the Suddenly Shapely ?ve-way convertible bra, to the Ultraskin and Body Silk collections.

[Cross-posted] You’ve all heard the controversy over whether Red Chinese gymnast He Kexin is 14 or 16. A hacker has found documents in the Baidu (the Red Chinese search engine) cache that indicate she is 14. Some commenters have attacked the hacker, pointing out some potential errors in the search. A few point out that it’s really strange that of?cial documents relating to He Kexin are disappearing from Google and Baidu.
   Meanwhile, it was revealed that last year, the Xinhua news agency—a branch of the Chinese Communist Party—reported that He was 13.
   The Politburo has denied it ever gave the agency her age.
   It has emerged since that the People’s Daily, another arm of the Communist Party, reported in May that He was 14. I’m surprised this page has not been altered yet, while all the old spreadsheets have disappeared, and other articles have either been modi?ed or deleted from the web.
   Will the Politburo dare suggest that that it never gave the newspaper her age either? Has the journalist lately “disappeared”?
   One speech given by a leading Red Chinese of?cial last year introduced He as 13, to no subsequent corrections.
   I’m simply using the Red Chinese’s own of?cial mouthpieces to raise a question, because all this seems really contradictory: 14 before the controversy, 16 (in the same newspaper) after. What gives?
   As a Chinese person I am really delighted that the Chinese people have done so well in the medal stakes. The Olympics are one time I root for someone who is Chinese because I can put politics aside. But when it comes to things that put us all in disrepute, I can’t help but point to those that might be responsible.
   If it were not for any age limit, I say the Chinese athletes in gymnastics totally deserved their medals for some outstanding performances.
   The age question itself comes into fashion more than often—I stood by the choice of a 14-year-old winner, Elle Gibson, in the Cadbury Dream Model Search competition last year, because she was the best and I was con?dent of the management that she would receive. With less reputable agencies, I would be the ?rst to cry foul over a model who is too young. Some of those same concerns about exploitation drive my worries over He Kexin.
   I ?nd it sad that a teenager (14 or 16) has been caught up in this when she is an innocent party. I hope that He does not face any bans if she is found to be underage. If there is deception, the parties behind it need to dealt with.

From as close as Detroit to as far away as China, 21 students around the world were chosen to design and engineer a hydrogen-powered car for the year 2020 as a part of the Annual Design Internship Program, by General Motors.
   Each team of interns had a designer, an engineer, a sculptor, and a trim and colour artist. Together, they came up with six futuristic concept cars. In addition to being gas-free, the concept cars also had to meet the needs of international drivers in the emerging markets of China, India and Russia.
   While these concept cars probably won’t be available in showrooms anytime soon, the students have gained real-world experience to help further their future careers, hopefully designing petroleum-free transportation for all of us.
   What’s also important from a shareholder’s point of view is that GM is clearly setting its sights on non-western markets to help its bottom line. The company has had a good record in Europe in terms of creating competitive product, something which it has the resources to replicate with its ventures in Russia and China, building Chevrolet and Buick models.

The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announced that the winner of its MA scholarship scheme is Nabil El-Nayal (left).
   The scheme provides funding for fees for MA fashion design courses and is part-funded by the London Development Agency. Any ?nal-year fashion students from colleges that are members of the BFC’s Colleges Council may apply. Nabil will take up his place on the Fashion Womenswear MA at the Royal College of Art (RCA), London in September.
   A shortlist of applicants were invited to attend an interview with a panel of industry insiders including: Anne Tyrrell, BFC Colleges Council Chair; Christopher Bailey, Creative Director at Burberry; Alison Edmond, Fashion Director, Harper’s Bazaar UK; and Simon Ward, Head of Operations BFC (below right).
   El-Nayal recently ?nished his BA (Hons.) in fashion at Manchester Metropolitan University and greatly impressed Bailey in his interview. Bailey commented, ‘There was a beautiful sense of lightness in Nabil’s work that came through in his portfolio. His compassion and energy was inspiring and he has a natural charm.’
   Tyrrell said, ‘This scholarship is a welcome addition to the BFC’s support for emerging design talent in the UK. It is a long time since I have seen such a talented and beautiful portfolio as Nabil’s and look forward to seeing his work progress through one of the most respected MA courses in the world.’
   Edmond added, ‘Nabil’s work has complete conviction.’
   Sarah Ebanja, Deputy Chief Executive at the London Development Agency, said, ‘The scholarship programme aims to make the most of the wealth of talent coming out of the UK’s fashion colleges. The London Development Agency supports the British Fashion Council’s efforts to nurture this creative talent to generate successful business ideas. London has long been at the forefront of fashion and holds a worldwide reputation for encouraging cutting-edge talent. By investing in the stars of the future now, it will ensure that London’s status continues to grow and thrive.’

New Zealand fashion label Ruby—which we think is going to go from strength to strength with its retail expansion—is going for a pirate theme for its new line of jewellery. Bangles and bracelets hide secret messages within, treasure-chest rings can be opened and a door necklace reveals a skeleton within. Available from Ruby’s boutiques in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Top: The publicity shot for Glam God, featuring all the contenders. Above: Lucire alumnus Brad Batory at work.

On August 21, 10 p.m. EDT on VH1, Glam God premières, and there’s a Lucire connection. In 2003, associate publisher Ann Fryer was introduced to Indashio designer Brad Batory, who walked the talk when it came to donating the proceeds of his shows to charity. In 2005, Brad worked on quite a few of our covers and shoots for the then-nascent print edition as a team member, and he seemed to have a natural affinity with the celebrities we showed. Largely, I think, because he’s respectful. It seems only natural that Brad is on this new reality TV show, which is summarized thusly:

Twelve stylists from all walks of life move into an L.A. loft to compete for the coveted title of GLAM GOD. At stake: representation by a major styling agency, a celebrity spread in US MAGAZINE, and $100,000. In this first episode, they meet their host, actress Vivica A. Fox, along with her glam panel of judges, US WEEKLY Bureau Chief Melanie Bromley, and celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch. After viewing highlights from their portfolios, Vivica and her glam panel select four team leaders for their first challenge: “Who wore it best?” Each team must create a red carpet moment using identical designer dresses. By the end of the night, two stylists will be eliminated from the competition and sent home.

   Folks, Brad is one of the nice guys in this business—so please send out positive vibes for him.

Our friend Nathan Gray, in Beijing for the Olympics, has photographs available to the press if anyone is interested. Below is one example of the many he has taken for features. Nathan, an author who tackled the Great Wall not long ago, returned to China for the Olympics and ?led our earlier report. Let us know and we would be more than happy to put you in touch with him.

Nathan Hoturoa Gray is on an Asia–New Zealand Foundation Grant to China covering the changes to the country since his trek along the entire length of the Great Wall in 2000. He is available for reporting assignments, further commentary or syndication.

As the world erupted into applause, China’s fantastic Olympic showcase being screened round the world, approximately 100,000 packed the streets at Wangfuxing to watch the unforgettable opening ceremony—a similar sight to when the Olympic decision was of?cially made in Beijing’s favour in 2001.
   China joined the World Trade Organization the same year, and has since waited anxiously to have its say amid a year of political controversy to showcase its latest image to the world. Indeed, the show was not to disappoint.
   Chinese supporters were chanting the words, ‘Zhongguo, jaiyou’—‘China, come on’—as the bird’s nest, a postmodernist 91,000-seat stadium erupted in a synergy of technology, ?reworks and the extraordinary organization of human talent. Dressed in red and waving national and Olympic ?ags, the chants could be heard throughout the streets of Beijing.
   Many thousands also waited for the ?reworks outside Tiananmen Square—off-limits to the public for safety reasons as displays were speci?cally time-charged to explode simultaneously all over China’s capital.
   Most remarkably however, the majority became silent, most even turning round to pay their respects as citizens of other nations cheered and sung national anthems while their athletes entered the stadium.
   One game Kiwi even did the haka, much to the enjoyment and applause of all the spectators present.
   ’There’s a real sense of unity out here tonight,’ says Ferdinand du Plessis. ‘The Sarkozy lookalike from France was just one of thousands of international travellers that had arrived to be a part of the opening festival in Beijing. ‘The Olympic feeling is as hot and sweaty as the streets of Beijing,’ he continued, sweat dripping down his chest as he led chants for the Chinese to follow on enthusiastically.
   The presence of Sarkozy at the Olympic ceremony while many EU leaders decided not to attend was of potential controversy, but in effect great publicity for the leader of the European Union. Approximately 4 billion people were expected to watch. Governor-General Anand Satyanand attended. Also present was Wellington mayor Kerry Prendergast to further the sister-city relationship between Wellington and Beijing.
   ‘Most powerful for me was the whale scene,’ Joos Boreson, a Dutch national says. ‘It was a direct statement by the Olympic Committee for the anti-whaling campaign against the Norwegians and Japanese.’
   Boos in the crowd were only present once the Japanese entered the stadium—notably for their role in the invasion of China. All other countries, especially the ?ags which Chinese nationals could recognize, were praised. It seemed that most were inspired by the Olympic message, ‘One world, one dream.’
   Countries like the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States received the most praise, as well as some of the more notable African and Arabian states, even those countries like Iraq and Afghanistan adversely affected by war throughout the year.
    ‘My favourite was seeing George Bush looking up dreamily at our nation’s great night,’ says Li Xuhing, a student at Qingdao University. ‘It looked like he was thinking that this is how he should have made the most of his opportunity.’—Nathan Hoturoa Gray

Nathan Hoturoa Gray is on an Asia–New Zealand Foundation Grant to China covering the changes to the country since his trek along the entire length of the Great Wall in 2000. He is available for reporting assignments, further commentary or syndication.