Supermodel Hélèna Christensen proves that she still has recognition and appeal as she becomes the latest model for American intimate apparel company Bali.
   In the new online, print and TV campaign, Christensen introduces the Bali Comfort-U back design.
   The new advertising campaign has been created by Kraftswork NYC. The first TV commercial aired March 15 on ABC’s All My Children.

Model Hannelore Knuts, 32, has curated an exhibition, Fashion Testimony, to be shown at the Fashion Museum of Hasselt from March 27 to June 6, 2010.
   Knuts’s exhibition offers a glance at her 10-year career, which includes working the professional catwalk at Chanel, Gucci and other top European labels.
   Designers featured in the exhibition include Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès, Christian Lacroix, Martin Margiela and Dries van Noten. Contributing photographers include Miles Aldridge, Steven Klein, Jean-Baptiste Mondino, Michael Thompson and Ellen von Unwerth.
   The aim of the exhibition is to lift the veil on the fashion world. It features some of her favourite images from her first fashion show to today. Some artists have provided works that Knuts felt connected with her.
   Those artists include Marc Claes, Patricia Ghijsens Ezcurdia, Ugo Rondinone, Filip Vandingenen and Anne-Mie van Kerckhoven.
   The Museum states that the exhibition is not a retrospective or a homage to Knuts, but a look in to her world.
   Knuts had been studying photography and, at age 21, turned to professional modelling.
   The Museum is located at Gasthuisstraat 11, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium (near de Groene Boulevard, next to the Holiday Inn and Molenpoortplein).

The venue is filled with only standing room. The lights are dim and a mystical tune fills the air. While the crowd glares at the stage, a slender silhouette appears in the background. As the light shines more brightly, the crowd is progressively enchanted by a sleek, dark-haired model with an unusual grin. Her movements are dramatic and flamboyant. Walking slowly toward the throng, she is vintage glam personified. Who is she? Her name is Monica Palatnikov.
   At first glance, Palatnikov is strikingly more reserved than most models with her résumé. She has loads of print ad, runway, film, and even theatre credits under her belt. This 23-year-old Russian beauty is more than just a pretty face. Born and currently living in San Francisco, she’s recently been showing up on advertisements and runways in the Bay Area.
   Wearing a simple graphic T and dark denim jeans, Palatnikov has the casual style that makes you think she’s too down-to-earth to be a model. But, as a new and fresh-faced local choice of many designers, she has a distinct and refreshing look about her. At a very young age, she knew modelling was her destiny when she played dress up, just as any little girl in her mother’s clothing. There was something about the way a garment made her feel when she slipped into it, allowing her to transform any mood into exuberant.
   Palatnikov shows a wide range of versatility in her modelling—from Lever 2000 soap and tequila commercials to Davidoff cigarette ads. So, she may very well be a household face already to some people.
   She’s received adoration for her almost theatrical expressions while on the runway, which has paid off from formal training at acting school. Although she enjoys having fun on stage and is passionate about modelling, Palatnikov’s equable temperament is fine-tuned by the people she surrounds herself with daily. ‘My family is very supportive as long as my career doesn’t consume me,’ she says.
   The clothing isn’t the only part that’s remembered in a fashion show, it’s also the model’s presence and energy exuded while on the runway. ‘I love how all eyes are on me while the audiences watch the clothing look even more stunning than just lying on a shelf in retail stores. It’s that personality of the model that really makes it,’ says Palatnikov.
   One thing is certain, this young lady has absolute staying power. Why do we love her? Maybe it’s because she mesmerizes you with her hazel eyes and innocent glow. It might also be the fact that she’s a professional ballroom-dancing, Japanese-speaking, health science major. Palatnikov is clearly well-rounded and has the essence of a seasoned supermodel. So, be sure to look out for her, whether it’s in a TV commercial, at the theatre or, better yet, on the runway.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Claire R. Greenway/Getty Images

From what we could tell, only two celebrities’ names were bandied about after the Love Ball last night: Natalia Vodianova, for being the face of the De Beers Magic Moment necklace, and Elizabeth Hurley, for wearing a see-through sari—recalling that 1994 moment when she wore a revealing Versace dress held together with safety pins. There are more celebrity pics in the main part of the Lucire website.

Considering the media attention surrounding Brooklyn Decker and her 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover, Las Vegas’s move to arrange for 11 of its models to appear seems very prudent.
   The 11 women are there for a three-day programme, which includes photo ops, events and signing copies of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Below is a video featuring the models and mayor Oscar B. Goodman on Las Vegas Boulevard.

MAC has unveiled its latest Viva Glam campaign, featuring Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper. Proceeds from the sale of its Viva Glam VII lipsticks will benefit the MAC Aids Fund.
   The spring 2010 edition sees two new lipstick shades, with a light coral red lustre bearing Lauper’s name and a light blue–pink lustre with Lady Gaga’s.
   The collection hits counters on March 1, retailing at NZ$40.
   The MAC Aids Fund will announce $2·5 million in new donations to fund model programmes that address the vulnerabilities and inequities that place women at increased risk for HIV and Aids, says the company.
   To date, the MAC Aids Fund has already raised over $150 million to combat HIV and Aids.
   ‘I think it’s absolutely insane that some people have fewer rights than others, and I’m grateful that MAC has decided to focus on women while I’m a Viva Glam spokesperson. I have so much to say and so much to share, and I’m going to let my lips and lipstick do the talking!’ says Lauper in a release.
   ‘I’ve been familiar with the campaign and have been wearing MAC since I was 10 years old. To be joining the likes of iconic former Viva Glam spokespeople is an honour. My new Viva Glam lipstick colour is amazing. It’s very me—a bluish pink, great for every day, a little bit ’80s. I hope that women buy this lipstick, and honour themselves and honour the cause,’ says Lady Gaga.

Sports Illustrated has tried to tie in digital content more closely with its latest Swimsuit Issue than before, with a cooperation with Jagtag.
   By sending a photo of the image at left, users will be able to get swimsuit videos via MMS to their phones.
   Videos feature Brooklyn Decker from the cover shoot, Olympian Lindsay Vonn, Bar Rafaeli, Jessica White, the 2010 “rookies” and more.
   Jagtag claims that its technology will work with 90 per cent of cellphones in the US.

Brooklyn Decker, who appeared in a Lucire swimwear shoot by Jon Moe some years ago, has scored herself an even higher-profile accolade: the cover of the 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
   The Ohio-born model appears on the cover in a shoot in the Maldives, photographed by Walter Iooss Jr.
   The issue also features models Bar Refaeli, Hilary Rhoda, Julie Henderson, Rookies Christine Teigen and Dominique Piek, US Olympians Lindsey Vonn, Hannah Teter and Lacy Schnoor, US Dancing with the Stars’ Cheryl Burke and Edyta Sliwinska, women’s tennis sensation Ana Ivanovic, and World Cup WAGs in body paint.
   As cover model, Decker joins a legacy of supermodels who have adorned the cover including Kathy Ireland, Cheryl Tiegs, Hiedi Klum, Elle Macpherson, Tyra Banks and Petra Nemcova. Many of these covers were shot by Iooss who, with the addition of this year, has eleven SI Swimsuit covers to his name.
   The online complement, SI.com/Swimsuit, features more than 1,400 photos and 100 videos of the models taken during shoots spanning six countries: Chile, Portugal, India, the Maldives, Canada and the US.
   Decker began appearing in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2006 and has appeared in every year since.

Ryan McGinley

Levi’s and Opening Ceremony have announced a co-branded venture with a US-made range of cords. The spring 2010 collection, entitled Levi’s Cords by Opening Ceremony, takes the Levi’s 505 jean as a base and introduces a new palette of colours including teal, fuchsia, lavender, olive, curry, navy and optical white.
   In addition to the unisex corduroys, there are unisex cut-off shorts, unisex button-down shirts and men’s and women’s trucker jackets.
   Photographer Ryan McGinley shot the campaign.

Photographed by Thomaz

While Lamborghini released news of its Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni in the middle of last year, this is the first time we’ve been able to get our hands on it. Or, more accurately, our occasional contributor Thomaz, who recently took a few shots of it.
   Unlike most of us when we take pictures of cars, he turned his snapshots into a full-fledged shoot, which, while not quite the sort of fashion editorial that might appear in our print-edition pages, do show off the vehicle well.
   The Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni is named for the company’s famous test driver, who has worked on every model the Sant’ Agata car manufacturer has put out since 1973. Power output is 550 hp, with a top speed of 320 km/h. Production is limited to 250 units worldwide, which makes this the rarest of the Gallardo models.

Giorgio Armani SpA

Above Penélope Cruz and Jodie Foster in Giorgio Armani gowns. Below Camilla Belle and Sophia Loren.

Among the major labels, Giorgio Armani was the quickest off the bat this morning in getting information on who wore its brand at the Golden Globe Awards in Hollywood last night.
   Penélope Cruz wore a Giorgio Armani Privé black lace gown with a dramatic neckline beaded in a floral pattern, horizontal ribbon striping and fitted sleeves. The hemline flares into a tiered mermaid silhouette. The gown was featured in Armani’s première Privé collection in 2005.
   Jodie Foster presented wearing a Giorgio Armani black strapless gown that is highlighted with a high slit and an exaggerated black satin band.
   Sophia Loren presented in a Giorgio Armani Privé black evening gown.
   Camilla Belle attended the InStyle Golden Globes Viewing Party in a Giorgio Armani iridescent teal beaded cocktail dress. The fully encrusted outfit features an abstract geometric floral pattern and origami pleats at the neckline. Her handbag is a blue metallic leather clutch from Emporio Armani.
   Martin Scorsese wore a Giorgio Armani one-button peak lapel tuxedo with satin lapels, complemented by a classic spread collar evening shirt, bow tie and formal vest. Scorsese is the recipient of the Cecil B. de Mille Award.
   Leonardo di Caprio wore a Giorgio Armani Made-to-Measure two-button peak lapel tuxedo, with a matching microfibre vest and a classic white evening shirt and black bow tie.
   Robert de Niro and Harrison Ford wore Giorgio Armani tuxedos.


Giorgio Armani SpA

Mert & Marcus

Above Megan Fox is the latest celebrity to front a fashion label’s campaign.

In the main part of the Lucire site this week, Samantha Hannah makes her first 10 style picks for ’10, for the southern summer in New Zealand. Elyse Glickman, meanwhile, discovers there’s more to choosing jewellery for the bride, and investigates.
   Likely to be the biggest article of the trio is one tied to a celebrity, in this case, Megan Fox, from the Transformers series. While we’ve already featured Karen Elson for St John Knits this week, along with Georgia May Jagger for Versace, Armani has decided it would not be outdone and released many of its spring–summer 2010 advertising images featuring the heart-throb actress.
   We have to admit to being surprised by Fox’s choice; she is, nevertheless, someone with the high profile that Armani enjoys. The Tennessee-born actress’s appeal, we thought, was limited to teenage and 20-something young men, and our very quick, unscientific poll of a few indicates she’s not considered by women to be in the same league as some of the more familiar models—or, for that matter, another curvy, high-profile actress, Scarlett Johansson.
   However, if it’s headlines Armani wants, Megan Fox will deliver them.

Georgia May Jagger, the 17-year-old daughter of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, appears in the new Versace spring–summer 2010 campaign, photographed by Mario Testino. The first image was revealed yesterday.
   The shoot took place in London.
   Jagger was recently voted Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards. She follows in the footsteps of supermodel Gisèle Bündchen, who had previously been the face of Versace.
   Jagger also appears in campaigns for Hudson Jeans and Rimmel.
   She is following in her mother’s footsteps with Versace: Hall had modelled for the fashion house two decades ago.

[Cross-posted] This whole Jennifer Hawkins nude cover story has been another media-concocted non-story. But I will give it some kudos: it influenced Australian celebrity dialogue for a week, and it shows that Murdochs still have some sway over public opinion.
   We knew about it at Lucire, and thought: OK, a radio presenter doesn’t like the cover and got quoted in an Australian newspaper supplement. It’s a fair opinion, had it been for body image, and thought that was it. Let’s wait to hear from the other side.
   The story, however, ran and ran, in various media outlets in Australia, reporting only the one side.
   It was only on the 7th that a holidaying Jennifer Hawkins broke her silence and said that the photographs’ real purpose (remember, we were still to hear about this, despite the four days’ speculation being reported as fact) was about promoting a healthy lifestyle.
   It was never about being the poster girl for body image.
   It could have been nice to have done a bit of research over the photos’ purpose.
   Next thing, the sensationalism continued, with another Murdoch Press report over Hawkins being ‘dumped’ from the cover of Australian Woman’s Day.
   If the dumping is true and not another sensationalized story, it seems to show that Woman’s Day is not particularly good at standing their ground, and is easily swayed by what was a “nothing” story. But read on: there is no comment from Woman’s Day to say that Hawkins was actually dumped.
   I wouldn’t be surprised if, in fact, it was just a regular editorial decision than an actual “dumping”.
   Maybe Woman’s Day simply didn’t want to go out with another Jennifer Hawkins cover while Marie Claire Australia had its one.
   It reminds me of an earlier (2007) Australian media gaffe about Miranda Kerr, which was also run as fact in Murdoch Press newspapers, Channel 9 and other media outlets.
   The problem is that they got the location (New York, not Los Angeles), year (2005, not 2007) and fashion label (Heatherette, not Victoria’s Secret) wrong.
   Other than that, I believe they got their facts right.
   Only one Australian media outlet actually got that story right: Sassybella. The internet beat the supposedly superior infrastructure of old media.

Jennifer Hawkins has broken her silence over her nude cover photo for Marie Claire Australia, which has caused a great deal of controversy this week.
   The former Miss Universe says the shoot was only done to raise money for an eating disorder charity, and to promote a healthy lifestyle.
   The furore has surrounded claims that the shoot, which appears to be untouched, was about proving that every woman has flaws.
   It was sparked on the 4th by Australian radio presenter Bianca Dye, who called Hawkins an improper role model for body image in a Murdoch Press newspaper supplement.
   Hawkins calls the misunderstanding in the media, which was fuelled in numerous Murdoch Press publications, embarrassing.
   She stresses that her relationship with Myer, the Australian department store chain, remains strong, although she admits she should have informed the company of the shoot.