Society Smells Like Designer Perfume

Why has society become obsessed with ‘Obsession’?

Putting Calvin Klein’s famed fragrance aside, our society seems to have its own smell with the same name. Obsession: it’s the air we breathe…but does it smell good? Dictionary.com defines obsession as “the domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image, desire, etc.”

The compulsion of the North American society seems to have reached epidemic proportions. But did you notice? When and how it slithered into our garden is not defined by a single answer, but much like Adam and Eve, it has been our own choosing. In fact, it’s a concept that is so engraved into our daily routines that we haven’t really stopped to notice, raise, or discuss this issue. Or perhaps to decide on whether it really is an issue at all?

What ever happened to an idea, image, or desire being given the worth it deserves, and no more, and taking the time to appreciate it for what it is? It seems almost instinct in our society no matter the subject; to latch hold, run, make noise, with flashing lights and silly string. This may sound like exaggeration, but if we truly examine how society becomes obsessed over anything so easily, it is nothing short of the truth. The golden question: Are we really that obsessed with that which encircles us or have we just created for ourselves a strange obsession with being obsessed?

You don’t have to travel far to become infected by this mind game. Focusing on the 21^st century, we come across obsession in money, food, celebrities, reality shows, clothing, and even topics as intangible as violence. You breathe it in every day.

It’s not surprising money makes it to the top of the obsession list. In fact, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the popular ‘money’ theme song from Donald Trump’s The Apprentice, was chiming through your head right now. In short, the reason we spend the majority of our waking hours at work, is to bring home the dough. We’re in a day and age where workaholics have become the norm, sleep is considered luxury, and you’re a nobody unless you can afford to wear somebody else’s name. What sense does this make? This is a land where The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous is no longer a TV show portraying those opulent few. Today, with a little luck and a lot of hard work, anyone can make a million dollars.

In a sense, we really do eat, breathe and sleep ‘money’. If you’re not absorbed with thoughts about how to spend you’re money, then it’s how to pay back money you owe, or the money you want to make so badly. These thoughts seem omnipresent. Why? Although important, why do we let our money or lack thereof, define us as individuals and completely consume us? It’s not a secret that we serve money, but shouldn’t money serve us? Walking down the street, you can almost see the dollar signs over pupils and hear the cash register sounds as they speak. The cute expression has gone broke, because ‘A penny isn’t so pretty anymore’. Smells a bit like obsession.

Who would have ever thought that something as small as our mouth would be a floodgate to one of society’s biggest obsessions: food. A balanced diet is like a foreign language to the North American culture. There are only two ends to this scale: too thin and too fat. It may sound harsh, but that’s exactly what is happening in our continent – its all we talk about. Can you ever remember a time when someone you know wasn’t on a diet or that your restaurant portion size wasn’t ridiculously more than your stomach could hold? These different angles on food, affect us on a daily, and even hourly basis. We are constantly bombarded with this topic.

In the past couple of years there has suddenly been a realization of our extreme ends of the scale, with a new goal for healthy eating. It doesn’t take much thought to see that it has only amplified the obsession frenzy. We are hurled into new compulsions with oh-so-skinny models being banned from runways, and limited calorie snacks replacing impulse strips in our favorite convenience stores everywhere. Although it’s society’s attempt for healthier lifestyles, it only floods our minds even more, if that were possible. Somehow the calories that go through our mouths end up in our brain, and filling our sense of smell with obsession.

Celebrities and reality shows are different players, but they’re in the same game. Celebrities saturate the movies, television, consumer products, and are even a favorite lunchtime topic. Their presence is hard to avoid, to say the least. Why? Is it because we have a desire to be associated with these ‘VIP’? Do we want to be like them? Maybe a little, but is there really a reason to be this involved with people we don’t even know and will probably never talk to? The car-crashing paparazzi are only there to satisfy what society demands. Obsession is starting to smell ridiculous.

When some of you hear the words ‘reality show’ you probably roll your eyes or have something to say, whether good or bad. Finally! An obsession that we are at least aware exists! A step forward, but still, the pit is too slippery. Despite awareness, reality shows continue to be cash cows. Maybe you brush it off by thinking it’s that 15 minutes of fame that seems to be an instinct desire inside of us. The infamous show Survivor is what started this barreling bandwagon. What happened next? The silly string exploded. Why do reality shows continue to horde the airwaves, and be so successful despite the declining quality? The only explanation is that it’s hard to extinguish a wildfire once it starts, and the smoke smells like obsession.

When did this disease grow? How did we let ourselves get so out of control? Why does society sabotage itself, taking the meaning out of everything? The smell is sickly and we certainly don’t want to obsess over obsession. Next time something fills your every thought, instead of acting out of compulsion, stop to consider your reasoning. Is there any reasoning at all? Will we continue to spray the air with obsession until we one day render ourselves completely senseless? Now it’s time for your answer: Are we really that obsessed with that which encircles us or have we just created for ourselves a strange obsession with being obsessed?

From punk to present

Don’t judge a book by its cover!

Everyone wants to have their individual look, but is this unique look viewed as being too extreme? Over the past decade, the ‘punk’ look has been more dominant in current fashion than ever before. This look was a way of rebelling against the accepted rules of society, but today it is considered a way of expressing your own individuality. The question is does this individual look carry a hidden consequence in the modernized world of today. Does today’s society look at the punk persona differently, even atypical?

The classic punk fashion and style has had quite a long history throughout time. This look was shocking, rebellious and considered almost dangerously different. The punk scene was the opposite of being traditional, and was at the extreme end of the conventional norm. Once it gained the media’s attention for being shocking, it quickly gained popularity which in turn made it the ‘it fashion’ for a long period of time. The classic punk look generally consists of multiple tattoos, piercings, edgy clothing, and unnatural hair colours and styles, such as the mohawk. Dressing in the punk style not only made heads turn, it was a powerful way to get your message across. For example, many girls who dress this way mix masculine pieces, such as combat boots or chunky jewelry, with a feminine dress or skirt, which rebels against the stereotypical image of how a woman should dress. Thus, this look was quite liberating for most females.

It is very strange to see how punk fashion has been portrayed in the latest fashion trends and magazines. What started out as an underground fashion movement has gradually become part of the mainstream. An important part of the punk look has consistently been a do-it-yourself (DIY) attitude. One of the first inventors of the punk fashion was from a local New York band called “Neon Boys”. The lead singer/bassist, Richard Hell, was one of the first persons to spike his hair, wear a leather jacket and a studded dog collar. This was as far away from the norm as you could get back in that time. Richard Hell’s look became inspiring to many people including Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood who started to design clothing of what they dubbed the “new” punk style. Their clothing store, SEX, was located in London, England and was extremely successful due to the uniqueness of the shop. Today many designers take elements of the classic punk fashion and merge it with their own interpretation of style.

Nevertheless, the punk look still has a negative stereotype in today’s society. It seems that some people still view this image as being violent, or relate the person wearing the fashion as behaving in a destructive manor. This could be due to the edgy attire such as the extreme hair or the safety pins, another trademark of the punk look. The image, by many, is still being interpreted as an act of pure rebellion, and not simply as a way of expressing your individuality.

Context has a huge effect on how the punk look is interpreted by others. Many people who live in the city may be used to this intense form of fashion more so than people living in small towns, whose experience may be more contained and limited. Furthermore, when applying for a job, the manager may be more likely to hire someone who is dressed in a conservative manner as opposed to someone with numerous piercings and maybe a purple mohawk, who may not be taken as seriously. This is of course depending on the job you are applying for. You are able to see this type of discrimination in almost any work situation. For example, it is highly unlikely to find a lawyer or a doctor dressed in the classic punk trend. Although this is unfair and biased, it is just how the style is viewed by the majority of people. By nature, human beings analyze someone and start making assumptions at first glance, based on appearance alone. This is instinctive and is human nature, regardless of what that individual’s values and beliefs may be.

I have had a personal experience that can be applied to this subject. A couple years back, I had pink hair and was looking for a job. I was eager to begin work and thus handed out my resume everywhere that I could, including stores inside local malls, small mom & pop stores, you name it. Time passed and I didn’t even get one call from any place that I applied to. My frustration grew and I finally dyed my hair to a colour that I thought would be more accepted by society. A mere weeks following my hair colour change, I applied to a few more stores once again and got a call back immediately.

Unfortunately, people are quick to judge anyone that does not fit into what society accepts as being the norm. After all, appearance is the first thing that is noticed and therefore judged about a person. Your physical exterior, like it or not, creates an impression directly on your personality, and this is left for others’ to critique. Given that our society dictates how we should perceive people and the ‘punk’ look has been labeled negatively by society, most people as a result view this type of fashion to be unnecessary and disobedient, even if that assumption is false.

The punk look has been around for a tremendous amount of time and many believe that this stage is almost at an end. Even if the classic punk look fades away, remnants of the style will indeed live on forever. It may even grow more and more popular over time and become part of the accepted look specified by society, no one exactly knows the outcome in the end. Who knows, perhaps sometime in the near future we will come to see dentists and doctors sporting green mohawks or maybe a sleeve of tattoos.

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE BONY

The fashion industry has distinct ties to the media and society as a whole, but is this union for better or worse when it comes to our young people? by Chaendra Gittens

Eating disorders, low self- esteem, feelings of inadequacy; they are all interlinked with one another in more ways than one. All three of these issues are growing epidemics in today’s society for which we have yet to find cures. However, whose responsibility is it to solve these problems: our parents? The schools? Surprisingly, a large amount of the population seem to think that the blame for these severe problems should lie solely on the shoulders of the fashion industry, the media who promotes them, and the models who give them life.

Industry of Ideals
Someone like Tyra Banks would probably be the first person to tell you that the industry is mainly for those with thick skin and a fierce mentality. Unfortunately, what about those who are not in the industry? Not everyone is that strong-minded and equipped with a sense of invincibility. Most young women and men do have insecurities and are sensitive when faced with issues of appearance and the need for acceptance. This is where the problem starts. Many may feel like the fashion industry promotes that it is unacceptable not to meet the standards that are portrayed everyday in the media or those from the mouths of the industry’s experts. The industry, itself, has the responsibility of showcasing this idea of, “the glamorous life”, to their consumers and this is why it is such a lucrative business. Who doesn’t want to live the extravagant life and be beautiful? However, it is this dream-like quality that has the ability to draw in so many young, impressionable people. They clearly do not see the fashion industry as just a business because they are not exposed to that aspect as much as the finished products: beautiful clothing on beautiful people with a celebrity lifestyle. So, of course, they are going to believe that the only way to acquire this way of life is to be a carbon copy of the people they see on television by any means necessary. Although, majority of the time, the fashion companies’ main concern is usually just finding the best way to market and sell their fashions and beauty products.

Media, Models, & Malnourishment
These products are sold with the help of the massive tag team force of nature: media and models. This collaboration manipulates probably the largest percentage of our society. Whether it runway models or celebrities from other areas of the industry, they all play the same role of life-size dolls to the viewing public. Therefore, it is no shock that young children, especially young girls, are so obsessed with these stars and how they look. With the help of the media, these images of these celebrities are flooding our television and movie screens making it impossible to ignore. These obsessions, though, can become increasingly dangerous if not monitored. A current study stated that, “the average height and weight for a model is 5'10" and 110 lbs., while the average height and weight for a woman is 5'4" and 145 lbs”. With statistics like these, we can see where most of these problems evolve. Even when there are models that are a little closer to the average size of a woman, they have to have the term “plus-size” attached to their title; this tends to carry a negative connotation with it. Due to these extreme differences, the average young woman or man almost feels as if they have no choice but try to obtain the more “ideal” body type. This is where the eating disorders such as: Anorexia and Bulimia rear their ugly heads. Young people have a tendency to do anything to receive the same admiration and acceptance that is given to their idols on a daily basis. Some would use the example of “Canada’s Next Top Model” winner, Andrea Muizelaar.
Although she was deemed the winner and given the opportunity of a lifetime, she was far from happy. It was only after she had left the fashion industry indefinitely that she felt inclined to share her story about how she had acquired an eating disorder. She had been living with Anorexia for about five years. It began before she was ever on the show, but she candidly admitted that it was fuelled by the notion that she could potentially make it as a model. From that point on, her disorder grew; in the midst of it she still made it on the show without any questions asked. In her own words from an interview, her anorexia “was hidden due to the fact that well, skinny is modeling and it is really okay for this business.” That quote alone shows that there is, in fact, a problem within the industry and with the expectations of a typical model.
Industry professionals, however, would argue that the job of any model or celebrity who happens to be wearing a designer gown on the red carpet is to sell the idea of fantasy and fantasy is not supposed to reflect reality. The models have to look a certain way to make the outfits as appealing as possible, even if no one else looks like that particular model. This is true, unfortunately, the little girl or boy sitting at home does not know the difference and would just love to be looked upon as the symbol of beauty just like any model because they are treated like modern day goddesses or gods and loved by everyone.

The Blame Game
This is a debate that could go on forever, and probably will because we all know that the fashion industry and the media’s images go hand in hand. Yes, the media along with any model or celebrity has a responsibility to ensure that what they are sending a positive message to their consumers. However, does it stop right there? People seem to forget that, even though the media is something that surrounds us constantly, the parents and other authority figures should be around just as much if not more. Keeping this in mind, the fashion industry does seem to be making some strides to distance themselves from this negative stigma. For instance, the issue that arose in Madrid when many models were banned from the catwalk for being too thin was the first stand of its kind that the fashion world has taken in such a situation. This may have been just one occurrence, but even one difference helps to show that thin is not always in. It showed everyone that it is not the whole world that feels the same way about the industry’s portrayal of beauty. By parents also paying more attention to what their children watch and how they view themselves in comparison to what they are seeing consistently on their televisions or in their magazines, the world and our young people growing up may obtain a different and healthier outlook on reality. So, society may need to take a long look at itself and think twice before being so quick to point a judgmental finger at what seems to be the easy target.

What Colour Is Your Belief?

When what you believe is on your sleeve.

It’s not new, but it’s the biggest craze in showing off what you believe and making a statement. Wearing shirts and accessories to show off your belief. Some statements are bolder than others, well some hit really close to home. Think of the Breast Cancer Pink. People wear it to show their support and to remember those who have been lost to the disease. In Buddhism, the colour yellow represents humility. Since it resembles the colour of the earth, it symbolizes a certain oneness with the earth. So what’s the latest colour belief trend? Red t-shirt Fridays.

It’s actually pretty well known, even if you’ve never heard of it. Basically, wearing a red t-shirt on Friday is a way to show that you are thinking of the soldiers in Afghanistan (and elsewhere) and believe in what they are fighting for. Things like democracy and a safer lifestyle for Afghani civilians. Sure, the red t-shirt isn’t for everybody. Just walking from the Dupont subway station to the front doors of George Brown College, you see ten to twenty posters trying to rally people to get the troops to come home. Also, you may be asking how wearing a shirt can support people who are overseas. It’s not about showing them, but showing their family, friends and other supporters that you are thinking about them. Some places have made a rather big deal about it too. The Kitchener Oktoberfest parade had a whole section of people wearing their red t-shirts carrying signs that say Support Our Troops. Not to mention, all of the GTA’s emergency crews have taken to showing their support for their fellow men and women.

Along with the red t-shirts has been the yellow ribbon. The same ribbon the emergency crews have stuck in their window, on their trucks, cars and vans. The yellow ribbon that mothers and fathers of the Canadian soldiers have tied to trees and pinned to their blouses. These people don’t just wear the red and yellow, they believe in it. They go to support meetings and sell the shirts to fellow supporters; they participate in parades and help each other get through the hard times.

But maybe red and yellow aren’t your colours. And maybe you don’t think that we should have soldiers overseas right now. There have been several other ways people have shown their “true colours” through clothing. Look at the homosexual community. Ever been to a Pride parade? Personally, I haven’t, but I’ve seen several pictures. It’s all about the rainbows. What does that rainbow represent anyway? The red means life, orange is for healing, the yellow is for sun, the green represents nature, the blue means harmony and the purple is meant to show spirit. That’s a lot of information to take in. However, the people who wear these rainbows believe in what all those colours stand for. They show them proudly as shirts, belt buckles, bumper stickers, and even flags outside their homes. They’re not ashamed, and they take their pride seriously.

Orange in this next example doesn’t mean healing. It was actually a political statement in the Ukraine. The back-story is this. There was an election in November of 2004 that was incredibly corrupt. Basically the people chose one guy (Viktor Yushchenko) and the authorities rigged the election in favour of a guy named Viktor Yanukovych. So, to protest the people chose the colour orange, in the form of headbands, shirts, pants, etc. to unify themselves and used several variances of protesting. From sit-ins to strikes to just general acts of civil disobedience, they protested for several months. In the end, they got their way, and Yushchenko was inaugurated in January of 2005. Some people still wear the orange to remember the times. And orange has popped up a few times in the past and since then. There was even a movie made about the entire event, The Orange Revolution.

Speaking of revolutions, let’s go back a few hundred years to the invention of something called a cockade. A cockade is “an ornament, such as a rosette or knot of ribbon, usually worn on the hat as a badge” (www.dictionary.com). Basically, it’s just a circle in several colours that dates back to the pre-revolution years of France. They started out white to support the Bourbon dynasty of Great Britain. They slowly turned to different colours to support different beliefs. However, the most commonly known one is the tricolore of France. You may remember it. It’s a circle made of the colours red, white and blue in that order from the outside in. They represented the allegiance to France. Several different loyalties used several different cockades to show their commitment to whatever flag or country the cockade represented.

See, wearing colours to show your belief isn’t lame. Nor is it uncommon. It can be traced back to the early 1700s straight through to today. Some people look in their closet to find a shirt to compliment their skin tone. Others go looking for a shirt that represents their “true colours”. These people may just wear the shirt to bring what’s on the inside to the outside. However, others wear it to spread awareness to others. Whatever the reason, whatever your belief, don’t be afraid to wear it on your sleeve, or belt or bumper. And if people ask, you should tell them. Spread the message and share the news.

I wear my red t-shirt on Fridays. In fact, mine is usually emblazoned with the yellow ribbon screen printed on chest. When people ask, I tell them why I’m wearing my shirt. That doesn’t mean that they are going to agree with me, but I leave knowing they have a new opinion of me. Whether good or bad, if I know I have informed just one more person that makes all the difference to me. Next time you go to your closet to choose your outfit for the day, ask yourself one question: what colour is your belief?

Feature Article: Made in China

Made In China
What is the real cost of a good bargain?


As technology advances, our hunger for the new and exciting item grows. Society has developed a form of “fashion ADD” and it seems that our appetites just can’t seem to be satisfied. With new seasons being created just to keep up with the pace of a never-ending demand, the competition has become fiercer than ever before. Not only have we become seekers of constant change, but also seekers of the lowest price; to compensate, of course, for the fact that there is so much more to buy. So, at what cost really is that great deal? What do we really pay for the ultimate cheap and chic find?
It is no secret that the majority of the clothing, accessories, and even food we buy are manufactured overseas. It is also no secret why. It’s much cheaper. The average North American makes no less than five dollars per hour, and that is not even close to the Canadian minimum wage, whereas in China employees make less than a dollar. The working conditions are primitive in relation to what we consider acceptable in the West. The factories are small, the hours are long and the employees are forced to live far below poverty, simply because it’s better than nothing at all. There have also been numerous accounts of abuse, including physical, verbal, and even sexual. All qualities we would not only never subject ourselves to on this side of the world, but our government as well as various other organizations protect us from such standards. While the labourers suffer, the economy of countries like China benefit from such transactions, gaining control of the international market and creating more companies and more jobs.
By paying these minimal fees, companies are able to make more products at much lower costs, drastically improving their profit and giving us the bargain we hunt for. There are many sides to this debate, especially when it comes to the fashion perspective. The retail industry is one of the leading industries in outsourcing production of its goods. It is also one of the most competitive industries with the most drastic demand for constant change in products. For example, we do not expect the food industry to import oranges from a new country every week, we do not expect a new flavour of ice cream every month, and we do not expect (and probably couldn’t afford) to buy the latest television every few months. When it comes to fashion, however, our demand changes on an almost weekly basis. New clothing companies are popping up at an increasing speed with clothing that costs less and less. We are also quickly bored, and will call an item dated almost as fast as our produce expires.
The speed of our taste is greatly reflected in our ever-changing, rapid-paced society. After all, we in the West like to consider ourselves as being advanced. We are the “free” people. We are the hungry, the rich, the powerful, and we want it all. No task is too great and nothing is inaccessible. This mentality defines the way we live, think, and act. Despite the great rising in social consciousness, our constant desires are hard to contain. We do want to save the world, but only after we pop in to H&M for a quick browse, and possibly a purchase. We want to fight AIDS in Africa, so we buy a “made in China” t-shirt from the Gap. It is a vicious cycle, especially when one is on a budget.
So, what can we do, and are we ready to do it? Without the use of overseas labour, prices would drastically rise. Potential quantity of production would also probably decrease. This is assuming that it is even a possibility. Without a nationwide agreement to end, or control, outsourced production, capitalism will inevitably prevail. The action would have to be made at a global level, so that there are no loopholes and no possibility of any company indulging in cheap labour, which would discard all positive action. Or, companies can pay higher wages to overseas workers. This option opens up a whole new plethora of questions and debate. How will the country react/be affected by such a change. And, why would they not then hire workers in their own country? Are we helping other countries by supporting, though minimally, their economy? Or, are we abusing other countries and taking advantage of the low-costs they provide us?
Ultimately it is up to us (the people, the fashion-lovers, the citizens) to decide for ourselves where we stand on the subject. Though it can often be easy to judge and point fingers, it is a complicated topic with no quick solution. We want to save the world, we want justice and freedom and equality, but we have a price limit. Creating a global change and a “perfect” society takes a lot of personal sacrifice, but we live in a world where we are raised and trained to look out for number one. We have gotten used to the luxuries of the Western world, and it is sometimes easier to turn a blind eye to the problems seemingly far removed from us when it conflicts with what we want. On the other hand, just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. These problems are real. Unlike Santa or the Easter Bunny, unfair working conditions exist. Everyday people are exploited to support the increasing demand for profit. As much as we may hate to admit it, sometimes when the dress is that cute, it can be really easy to ignore that tag that reads, “made in China”.

Feature Article Assignment

The Reality of it All!
Fame, Fortune or just plain old Fantasy,
What will life on a reality show really get you?

Reality shows have taken over the prime time airways of our television sets, popping out instant professionals on a weekly basis. Shows like Project Runway, Americas Next Top Model and Hell’s Kitchen create instant celebrities out of ordinary people who have yet to make a name fo

r themselves in their chosen field. Although the popularity of these people grow to immense and sometimes obsessed quantities during the duration of the shows running time, what happens to them when their cut from the program or, as said by the host of Project Runway, Iman, they ‘just don’t measure up’?

How does a thirteen-week stint on a television set actually prepare a person for the demands of the real world? Is it fair to allow these people to propel to fame at the expense of hard-working ‘up-and-comers’ who work for years to achieve recognition for their efforts? How do practiced workers receive these ‘professional wannabes’ when they attempt to begin their post-television careers? How are they able to have a high profile career and yet maintain the quality of their work and the attitudes towards the importance of hard work?
The term “Reality Television” is a very broad name given to television programming, according to Wikipedia.org it‘presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and features ordinary people instead of professional actors.’ Reality television can then be broken down into several genres of reality programming. There are eight different categories of Reality shows. The two most prominent being Documentary-style shows, and Elimination/Game shows. Documentary style shows are then broken down to programming that includes special living environmens, such as the Real World; celebrity reality shows, such as The Osbournes or The Simple Life; and Professional activities, examples being Cops, LA Ink and The First 48. These types of reality shows basically follow the lives of the characters in the program, and use the entertaining bits captured on film to create a series. Elimination or Game shows use compitition to draw in their audience. There are dating based competitions, as in The Bachelor, or Average Joe; fear-centric games shows such as Fear Factor, and there are job search shows, which are the variety of reality television that produces their version of career celebrities, as in America’s/Canada’s Next Top Model, producing a spanking new supermodel, or Project Runway, which produces the ‘next big thing’ in the fashion design circit.
How does being a contestant on these types of programs prepare a person for the full time career of not only say, designer, but also the celebrity of being a television star? During the months of taping these productions the participating contestants are given a number of tasks to complete, and challenges to surpass. These challenges are meant to simulate problems that may arise in the day-to-day of a careered person in that chosen field. The winner to the challenges is awarded a luxury prize to reward their winning efforts and the rest of the contestents are left with a feeling of self-doubt and lack of worth. Each week a contestant is removed from the competition, and the chance of winning the grand prize, generally being a contract with a top company in the field, exposure in a popular media source, and funding to help jump-start their career. With the offering all of these great gifts for the winner, its a sure bet that these people will be successive, Or is it?
Project Runway Winners, Jay McCarroll (season 1), Chloe Dao (season 2) and Jeffrey Sebelia (season 3) have each gone on to produce post-Project Runway collections, however for Jay McCarroll, it was on his own budget, with his own contacts, and with proceeds going straight back to his wallet. McCarroll decided post-show not to accept the offer of the gifts, when he found that there was ‘a contractual clause stipulating that the Project Runway production company would own a 10% stake of all his professional ventures in perpetuity.’
Chloe Dao and Jeffrey Sebelia took the gifts and are now working on expanding their own businesses, although Sebelia admits that once he paid off the debt he had aquired by creating his clothing label, Cosa Nostra, his winnings were gone and he was flat broke. Currently he is making a living by creating costumes for the children’s movie, Bratz. Something he is fairly embarassed to admit to, but one that pays the bills.
This is just one example of the results of a reality television program, there have been records of success being achieved from these shows, such is the case of ‘The Bachelorette’, Trista Rehn, she went on to marry her Bachelorette co-star Ryan Sutter, and the couple has recently welcomed their first child. Another example is Canada’s Next Top Model, Rebecca Hardy, who can be seen walking all of the hottest runways, and lining all the most fashionable magazines. All of this being post-reality television success. It seems that the end result of these shows can generally be narrowed down to the following: The Fantasy of a career jump-start due to the exposure of the person’s talents performed on the reality show, while also boosting their popularity and reputation within their career’s community. The Fortune they dream of being able the earn by the masses and masses of people who will be interested in the services they provide; and the Fame, being the popularity the show will allow them to enjoy as they soar leaps and bounds above the competition by using dramatic character plots and multiple personalities. Out of these three conclusions of a reality tv show, not a single one seems to hold up much longer then the air time of the programming. Leaving contestants broken and loathing in self pity, trying to pick up the pieces of their shattered careers. So heres my question: Where is the real in the reality?

advertising sales...
does anyone have any hot leads yet?
britt mills

Sartorial group

Hey guys,

Could everyone who's interested in taking pictures please send me your email address so I can send you the permission form, I figure that will be the easiest way to get it to everyone in a timely manner. Take as many pictures as you can and we'll bring them all together the second week back after reading week and decide which ones should be in the magazine. Thanks guys!

Laura

Circulation & Distribution

Hey Ladies.....

I was wondering if anyone has set up a circulation team, Im really interested I have some awesome ideas of places. I know there was a post a while ago about circulation, but im not sure whos involved, let me know what I can do, and we can talk next class.

Ashley Soutar

Sartorial group

Hey guys,

This post is for the group who's taking pictures of people with wicked style. I was supposed to make up a permission form to give you guys to have your subjects sign before you take their photo, but I completely forgot...I'm so sorry! I will make that up tonight and hopefully I will see most of you at school tomorrow. Nobody will probably be taking pictures next week since it's reading week, so if not tomorrow, then the first week back I will hunt you guys down and hand them out then. Sorry again friends. Talk soon.

Laura

The Simple Bare Necessities

Every woman has a closet filled with clothing from throughout the eras, different fads and fashions long passed and current. Why clutter your closet with fashion statements that change as quickly as a woman can change her mind? Why not fill your closet with items that never go out of style. These are the 10 essentials that should complete every woman’s closet.

The Little Black Dress
Sexy, classic, and always in style-these 3 words perfectly define the little black dress. The LBD is essential for an evening out on the town or to be worn to a gala. It is always dependable and always chic.

The Trench Coat
The trench coat is a great way to keep your outfit versatile and polished. Wear it with anything and change your outfit from drab to glam!

The Staple Blue Jean
An absolute comfort pant, the one item you can always rely on. Wear them with heels or running shoes, these jeans are the perfect wash and cut and fit you in all the right places.

The Classic Dress Pant
Smart and stylish is how you would describe these pants. Wear it with any outfit; these pants are interchangeable with any outfit. This is a great look that can take you straight from the office to a night out with your girlfriends.

The Khaki Pant
A little fancier than your blue jeans but more casual than your dress pant, this item of clothing is neutral and can be worn throughout every season.

The Seamless Knee Length Skirt
This skirt can be worn to the office instead of a pantsuit or it can be worn out and about. This skirt can make you feel feminine and sexy without showing off too much skin.

The White Blouse
The white blouse is a classic piece. It can be worn with any outfit and is very versatile. Wear it dressed up or dressed down, accessorized or worn alone. This white blouse always looks great.

The Black Pump
These are an absolute must in every woman’s closet. The black pump is your pair of transitional shoes. They will take you from day to night without ever having to take them off.

The Sneaker
Wear them on a casual stroll or to the gym, this shoe is a great way to look dressed down without looking sloppy. It is a youthful look and finding one to fit your personality will be a cinch.

The Leather Bag
This purse will always look amazing. It can be worn during the day or at night. It is a staple in your closet one you can fit the kitchen sink and more into it.

With this list of items in your closet you should never have a problem finding something to wear. Wear them together or separately these essentials will be in style forever. Reinvent them with accessories and handbags and you will never have a problem staying in style and looking well dressed.

Service Piece

Become a fashion forward fashionista!
Boutiques around Toronto that will have everyone staring-at you!

With so many trend setters, looking chic and original can be a tough job in the city. Look no further for one of a kind and limited edition pieces from the hottest boutiques in Toronto! We have searched high and low for the best quality, styles and looks exclusively for the fashion forward clientele of Toronto. Each boutique offers something wonderful and exquisite to enhance your wardrobe and compliment your style!


Looking for a funky, one of a kind shoe that will have everyone’s head turning? Balisi is the store for you! Only the best in leather and suede from London, Portugal and Spain your feet will thank you for entering one of the hottest boutiques in Little Italy! Carrying brands such as Colcci, Fly London and Portia, fashion and comfort will soon find your feet. Whether you are chic, modern, woman or a student studying to become the next Donatella Versace, Balisi will make your feet sparkle.


Tired of seeing the girl across from you on the subway wearing your same necklace? Look no further! Located on Queen Street West, Made you Look is an independent jewelry making facility with 12 self employed jewelry designers who manufacture on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Offering every piece of jewelry you could imagine, Made you Look has something for every taste, gender and budget. The Jewelry is made from numerous materials including glass, wood, feathers and silver. Not only is this jewelry boutique trendy, it also caters to the classy, business woman. The owners have expanded their sales to the internet and now you can shop in the comfort of your own home for that one of a kind fabulous accessory everyone will be talking about!


Whether you want a party dress or business clothes, Boa is the boutique for you! Opened in 2001 by twin sisters, Boa targets to the fashion forward, price conscious and chic urban female. Their pieces transition from business day to party night. The use of bold prints, satin cocktail dresses and gorgeous wool sweaters are only the beginning to this unique boutique. Their collection comes from Los Angeles, Montreal and they even carry local designers. Impress your colleagues, friends and everyone on the street with this one stop boutique shop!


Handbags anyone? Girl Friday not only carries great clothes, they carry beautiful, unique handbags. Imported from overseas, Girl Friday offers the season’s hottest colors and styles. Stocking limited amounts, you won’t likely see anyone around Toronto wearing your new shoulder candy! Prices are moderately ranged and the quality is exceptional-especially for those fashion savvy students who use their handbag as a book bag! Located on Queen West and in Little Italy, Girl Friday clearly caters to the trendy, stylish and well dressed females of Toronto!