Paul Mitchell Holiday Giveaway. You Look Skinny Today

What could be better than Beyonce's new album? Well, a whole lot of things.

Including the fact that Finally It's Freaking Friday and our friends at Paul Mitchell are helping us giveaway some of their hottest products for Christmas.

All you have to do (yes you have to do something. No free lunch.) Like/Share our Facebook Fan Page or if you're already a fan like and share our Editorials from 2012 for a chance to win 1 of 2 great prizes.

We'll let you know the winner Friday the 20th, just in time for the holidays.

Catchup Reel Thanks--Giving

Oh no, not another holiday top ten list!  Yes, as cynical as we are about the holidays, we can't miss out on the opportunity for a bit of cheesy reminiscing. Besides, Finally It's Freaking Friday, you're on the sofa in a comatose from food and alcohol and the closest thing you'll get to exercise in the next 2 months is fork to mouth and scrolling through your Facebook News Feed. Now that you're in a good mood.  Find out what we're thankful for this holiday season.    

10: Bound 2: Music Trends.
   

We're so thankful that it took Kayne West so long to release this video. Any longer and we'd still be questioning if he'd officially sold out. Thanks for confirming Yeezy. Don't quit your day job as a designer. Nick Knight, you know in art school when they tell you to never compromise your own identity for a client's? Just sayin.

9. Shutter Ball: Techie Fashion Trends

This is every Narcissist's dream. Yes, we are aware of what it looks like. Keep your mind out of the gutter. Not only has the Oxford Dictionary defined "Selfie" this season. We have a reason to pretend to be Terry Richardson. We love this device. It allows you to take DIY Selfies, without dropping your phone on your face or accidentally calling grandma, on Face Time while in a compromising position.
                                                   We are truly thankful for Shutter Balls.                                                                          

8. Stiletto nails: Nail Art: Beauty Trend. 

We were so inspired by the obsession with nail art this season.  Along with it came the beautifully masterminded, Stiletto nail.  Freakishly adding an instant accessory to any great look. So great for the photo shoot so bad for picking up coins off the ground. Thanks for making our nails jewelry.

7: Dolce Gabana FW/2013

Shot by Mariano Vivanco in Taormina.  Thank you for reminding us how much we love and need Lace, Capes, Baroque Tailoring, romance and of course Italy. Vivanco, nearly made us forget that 

we'll be spending the holidays alone with a Shutter Ball.

                                                                     

6: The High Bun: Hair Trends:

We're so thankful that we can finally use home shopping, as seen on TV, devices. The high bun was seen on the runway from NY to Milan.  The great thing about this trend is that it can go straight to the streets. Just make sure you don't snag a bobby pin on someone's Tweed Chanel blazer while Twerking.

5: The Diversity Coalition: Fashion Politics:
          

They're making a list and checking it twice, going to find out who's naughty or nice. This list is long overdue. Yet, we're happy that someone brought light to this issue in fashion, yet so sad that Marc Jacobs made the list.

4: Suite 18: Pretty, Pink and Proper: Catchup Productions: Fashion Editorials

Shot by Sabine Liewald for Quality Magazine Featuring Ronja Furrer. We fell in love with this editorial and obviously so did everyone else, it was published in over 5 magazines. Lea Kueng, evoked the Fashionistas of the past to brilliantly encompass the story of the art of seduction.

3. Color, Texture and Movement: Fashion Trends

Thank you for bringing color and movement back to editorials.  It felt like a millennium of over-sized nerd glasses and Hipster everything, on pale, motionless, emaciated models. Now if we could just get rid of the Hashtag. 

 Our editorial featuring Teng-Teng, shot by Patrick Walter for Livid Magazine gave a whole new meaning to living color.

2. The Jeweled Face Mask: Fashion Editorial Trend

Do we even have to explain? Take the most beautiful girls in the world and cover them with bedazzled fencing masks.  Genius! We're thankful that even famed Karlie Kloss put her vanity aside this season, to prove just how cool this look is. You definitely can't rock a Swarowski covered mask on the town.  We're hoping for a more modified look.

1. Fashion Films: New Age Silent Films: 

Our number one pick to be thankful for this season is the fashion film.  We know what you're saying.  Fashion films didn't just happen this season. Right! What did happen this season, was an emergence of recognition from the fashion world. Fashion Film Festivals are popping up faster than Hipsters in Brooklyn.  Rightfully so.  There are some great directors and artistic directors out there. Not to toot our own horn, but we entered 2 fashion film festivals this year.  Here's one of our contestants. Carats and Bananas, featuring, Natalie and Valentina Neumeister, Swiss Top Models and twins.  

Paul Mitchell Backstage Pass

This season Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days Zürich featured some of our favorite designers. Frankie Morello, Laend Phuengkit, Aziza Zina & LBD.

Sadly, there was an extreme lack of diversity on the runway and gusto from the models.

The H&M look for the Gabriele Colangelo show

Who didn't let us down? Our friends at Paul Mitchell. Who did an impeccable job with hair styling. 

Here's our inside look at the hair and makeup styles from this season at Zürich Fashion Days.

                                   

Little Black Dress

Our favorite designers from LBD.  Designers Eliane Diethelm and Joanna Skoczylas consulting with Jana at Paul Mitchell

The Final Look

Felder & Felder

Paul Mitchell Stylist backstage with model Lena Gercke for Felder & Felder

The Final Look

Anne Valérie Hash

Model Sero Demir Backstage preparing for Anne Valèrie Hash

The Final Look

Frankie Morello

Waiting to Exhale. Frankie Morello backstage. Maurizio Modica and Pierfrancesco Gigliotti patiently watch the monitor.

The Final Look

Laend Phuengkit

Touch-up's backstage with Paul Mitchell for Laend Phuengkit.

The Final Look

Here's an inside look to the products used for all styles during Zürich Fashion Days

Designer Profile: Fashion One: Kazu Huggler

Finally It's Freaking Friday: Designer Profile: Dimitrios Panagiotopoulos

Dimitri has worked for the likes of Jil Sander and Hugo Boss before venturing out on his own in 2007. You can definitely see the influence of his Grecian and Italian roots from his structured yet risky designs. The thing that really captivates me about Dimitri, besides his purposeful use of vibrant colors, is his art of transforming hard pieces by using soft textures.

I first had the pleasure of viewing Dimitri’s collection for Mercedes Benz Zurich Fashion Days and just fell in love with his designs and the way he puts on a show. He has an old-skool show that is so utterly cohesive and refined that it is difficult to distinguish the models as they strut down the runway; there are no distractions. 

A lot of young designers try to emulate Karl Lagerfeld by producing clothing that they think embodies who they are. Not to say that is a bad thing, but I think it’s about time that womenswear designers take a walk in our Jimmy Choos. That is exactly what Dimitri has done. He knows “his girl” and what she would wear to a party, to the office and on a date. He designs for a confident, streetwise, chic and strong lady. Now lets see if he can handle this tough chick, as I grill him on the in’s and out’s of the industry, his opinion on feminism and his flare for fashion.

Lights, camera, ACTION...Finally It’s Freaking Friday!

Jordan: Dimitri, your full name is Dimitrios Panagiotopoulos (say that 3 times fast), does it get under your skin when people mispronounce your name? What’s the etymology? Please tell me you were spawn from Greek Gods. If its not true please tell me anyway.

D.P.: I’m used to it, most of the people cannot pronounce my last name and even for me as a child that was very hard, too. That’s why almost everyone calls me by my first name, Dimitrios.

Dimitrios, is a very common, Greek, male name, the Greek version of the name Demetrius. The name Dimitrios or Dimitris refers to the one born from mother earth.

Jordan: Heavenly. If you tried to explain your collection to some sadly, unaware person who mispronounced your name and wasn't familiar with your fashion line, do you think the aesthetic alone could be described in one word. Like POW! You know like in cartoons when they have the thought bubbles for the actions? What would be your one word to describe your collection? 

D.P. : Hmm, that’s a difficult question! I’m very self-critical and I always think, that I could have done better, but the reaction that I want from the audience after showing my collection is definitely a POW or a WOW! And most of all, feminine and sexy! 

Jordan: On the topic of superheroes, who is one of your fashion superheroes?

D.P. : Definitely Karl Lagerfeld! He is an excellent fashion designer and at the same time a great artist and photographer.

Jordan: Karl Lagerfeld would make a great fashion superhero. He already has a costume. He just needs a cape--made from couture lace or some other unassumingly subtle fabric drenched in Diamantes. Nevertheless, what are some of your favorite trends this season?

Actually, I hate that question. 

I'm not a big fan on trends.

I prefer to ask you--What are some of your go-to-looks. What I mean by that is.. what is that one trick, that one go-to-thing that you love to do?

Like in the 80's, my mom always used to rock stockings under her Gloria Vanderbilt jeans with red snakeskin pumps (I'd be lying if I didn't admit to trying to recreate the look--Epic fail). That was her go-to-look. Anyway, what's your's...?

D.P. : Skinny leather pants or leggings, white shirt and a tweed or blazer jacket and high heels! Clean but great. That’s my kind of go-to-look!

Jordan: That sounds like any 'it girl's' look this season. You have such a respect or admiration, shall I say, for the woman’s body, which comes across in your design aesthetic. Tell us what is the source of your connection with femininity?

D.P. : I simply love the silhouette of the women’s body! Creating women’s clothing is much more fun than men’s clothing because you can play with forms, silhouettes so well. You simply have more opportunities: dresses, skirts…I love creating feminine clothes.

Jordan: I’m sure your Grecian and Italian origins have a big influence on your euphoric use of color and texture in your designs, but what are some other inspirations. Who is your muse?

http://controvento.foliodrop.com/

D.P. : My muse is definitely the Mediterranean woman, very sensual, sophisticated and feminine.
When I design clothes, I often think of strong women such as Monica Bellucci, Bianca Balti etc.

Jordan: Monica Bellucci, definitely embodies a voluptuous woman.
The fashion industry gets a bad rep for glorifying skinny models and not embracing curvier women.
I think both should be represented. There should be a variety of body types on the runway. Albeit, fit and healthy women. What are your views on designers like Eden Miller creating and showing their plus size label at New York Fashion Week? Do you think it is a solution to the problem or that it is creating a divide between women?

D.P. : I don’t think that’s a solution! It was always like this, that’s the fashion business. The only thing you can do is to not book models, which are too skinny or look unhealthy.

Jordan: That's a good individualistic approach to the problem. Did you find it difficult to subside your individuality while working for designers like Jil Sander and Hugo Boss, who have design aesthetics that are more structured and matter-of-fact, or commercial as they say in the biz. Was it difficult for you to hold yourself back from exploring your creativity?

D.P. : No, absolutely not! I’m not that kind of designer, who shows theatrical clothes on the catwalk that no one is able to wear on the streets. My designs are made to wear in everyday life. Ready-to-wear.

Jordan: Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things...

What would be the lyrics to your au courant “My Favorite Things”?

D.P. : Pasta, Pizza and Minestrone. Sun, beach and cocktails. Gimme that and I am more than happy!

Jordan: Not to blow smoke up your bum, but your SS14 collection is full of my favs. I’m such a self proclaimed “girly girl” and always fall for texture and color. Silks, chiffon's, satin, and lace. Make it bright tight or white and I’m sold. I also have to admit that I’m a fan of the faux fur in your last winter collection. You do only use faux fur right?

D.P. : Thank you! I have to admit that in my last winter collection I used both faux fur and real fur.

Jordan: In the late 80’s anti-fur protesters threw red paint on women wearing fur in the streets and during fashion weeks. There has been a re-emergence of these tactics with certain protesters today. The Nina Ricci show was bombarded this season by FEMEN the famed Ukrainian feminist chicks (love calling them chicks because I’m sure it gets under their skin) barrage the catwalk, naked with slogans written all over their body. My view on it is, I’m all for feminism, but, if an artist put their efforts, passion, blood, sweat and tears into essentially designing art for people to wear, it’s extremely rude and barbaric to destroy the efforts of someone else in vein. What would you have done if someone made an effort to destroy your show?

D.P.: I don’t know? Probably freak out, but what can you do? The show must go on!

Jordan: While we’re on the topic of scandals, what do you think of Oprah and the, “This bag is too expensive for you honey” scandal? (Please read this out loud with a Swiss German Accent starting with Grützi).

D.P. : Indeed it is a scandal! Nowadays you can’t judge a person or a client on how she is dressed. That’s an absolute no-go!!!

Jordan: Did you know that Tina Turner lives in Switzerland? Yup, right around the corner from us. I play, 'Private Dancer' at top volume hoping that she’ll call the police to complain and then realize that it’s her own music. How cool would that be. Never-mind, her McMansion is humongous and she’d never hear it...What’s your favorite Tina Turner track?

D.P. : My favorite track is 'Rolling on the River' – full of power and I love the way she dances. I love music in general. It inspires me and is also important for my shows. I put a lot of effort in choosing the perfect soundtrack to my shows. And usually, people like it very much!

Jordan: 'Big wheel, keep on turning...'. What can we expect from Dimitri next season in Berlin?

D.P. : I haven't decided yet if I’ m going to show in Berlin next season. It depends on whether I will find a suitable sponsor or not. Unfortunately, having a show is a big cost driver…

The collection for FW14 will be very powerful, a lot of black, very feminine, Mediterranean of course, with some eye-catching colors.

We'll be keeping an eye out for the next collection.  Until then Catchup with DIMITRI at his blog  .

What's New: Laend Phuengkit: Look Book SS14 produced by Catchup Productions shot by Jan Hungerland in Ibiza.

F.I.F.F. Gosee's Galore: Featuring: Jorge Gonzalez

How excited are we for our Go See's Galore Blog spot featuring: The King of high heels himself, the dynamic and talented Jorge Gonzalez.

Hola Chichas y Chichos, don’t touch my shoes and walk chichas! Are just a few of the fabulous catch phrases our feature says in a 2 minute time frame.

Cuban born, now dominating the cruel world of fashion, Jorge, Mr. Gonzalez, if you're nasty, who we all know as the deliciously comedic walking coach on Heidi Klum’s Germany’s Next Top Model, knows just about everything about high heels and how to, “walk chichas”.

For those of you who don’t know him. He was Heidi Klum's answer to Miss. Jay (Jay Alexander), on America’s Next Top Model. He has done for the German fashion scene what Christian Louboutin has done for the stiletto.

That may be taking it too far, yet, the impression he has made in Germany, is that as lame and scripted as reality TV may be, there is a certain realness to many of reality TVs protagonists, a certain je ne sais quoi. In fact having talents such as Mr. Gonzalez on network television, shows just how diverse and accepting German television has actually become. German youth no longer have to look up to the American superstars. They have stars of their own. A diverse melting pot of characters whom they can admire and aspire to be.

Don’t get it twisted. Jorge Gonzalez is not your average fame whore. He’s got a good head on his shoulders as well as a good head of hair [I might add]. Not for nothing, he also has a degree in Nuclear Ecology.

Listen up while we get to know why this Cuban native left his homeland, what’s hot and what’s not and most importantly, how to walk a day in his shoes.

Finally it's Freaking Friday, lets get on with it!

Jordan: Hola Guapo!

I’m sure this is the 9,999th time that someone has asked you to explain what you studied before becoming a world-renowned catwalk diva--But please explain how a fabulous fashionable person like yourself would be interested in a degree in Nuclear Ecology? I’m still trying to imagine you in that awful white smock-frock.

Jorge:

I was always interested in science since I was a young boy and in school I was naturally very good in subjects such as biology and chemistry. I always wanted to travel and see the world and the only decent way to leave Cuba was to study abroad. The only way to study in Europe where I always wanted to go was to be one of the best in school. So from early on I worked hard at school and always got the best grades. When I checked the list of possible countries I decided for the home of my grandmother's favorite author Kafka: Chechsolowakia. I wanted to experience the culture which I only had read about in person. And only then it was that I saw the list of disciplines that were on offer. The only open spot was nuclear ecology and so I decided to study it and finished after the fall of the iron curtain with my diploma.


Parallel to my studies fashion was always of great interest to me and became a hobby of mine. Eventually I developed my skills from being a model to being a choreographer, catwalk trainer an finally a designer.

Jordan: As I see it, you pretty much brought the artistry of catwalk to Germany. You found a
niche in the industry that was missing. How did the idea come about? More importantly, how did you learn how to strut the catwalk? I've seen some horribly choreographed fashion shows here with spinning and twirling. They definitely need a crash course in runway etiquette.

Jorge:

When I was choreographing a fashion show in Prague I included a dance part and the girls complained about the high heels, which they felt they couldn't work with. I thought to myself "this cannot be so difficult". And since I had trained to walk in my grandmother's high heels, since my early childhood, I put some high heels on and showed the models how to walk and how to dance in them. And then the 'Chicas Walk' was born.

Jordan: Who would win in a catwalk battle between Ru Paul and J Alexander (Miss J)? who was your protege?

Jorge:
Ru Paul, he's the one and only original. Sorry, Miss J.

Jordan: The element that bothers me about a lot of the model and fashion reality TV shows, is that they don’t teach the girls the reality of the business. A lot of these girls graduate from the school of fashion--go out into the real industry and are disheartened by the (real) reality. The waiting, the endless rejection, the living out of a suitcase and being away from your friends and family, the shoes that are 2 sizes too small. There are endless aspects of the industry you just can’t teach. These girls come backstage at a show or on set and have a rude awakening. How was your experience on Germany’s Next Top Model?

Jorge:
At the end of the day a TV show is what it is: a TV show. It only can include a certain portion of reality since in reality you do not have a camera following you 24/7. They did a pretty good job though creating challenges that reflect parts of the real model world. Again, it is a casting show-- not a real model job. All judges and Heidi Klum herself have brought a lot of useful knowledge into the show which the contestants could learn and benefit from. I personally have also always tried to keep my training as relevant for the real model life as possible.

Jordan: Bethann Hardisson, together with Naomi Campbell and famed fashion model Iman, recently spoke out against racism in the fashion industry. They were even brave enough to form the Diversity Coalition, which released a list of shame--detailing the designers who don’t book models-of-color. Do you think there needs to be more diversity on the runway?

Jorge:
Yes, the world's societies become more diverse every day and this should reflect on the world of runways as well. However, I would not go as far as forcing designers to do something like booking models who they don't see representing their fashion - no matter what color they're of. Peace and freedom rather than political dogmatism - also in the world of beauty and fashion.

Jordan: It’s getting a bit hot in here. While we’re on the subject of color. You’re quite a colorful character with a quirky and in-your-face sense of humor. German’s can be quite serious and reserved. How do you remain ‘yourself’ without offending people?

Jorge:
Opposite attracts. Authenticity is the key here. I am what and who I am and I am aware that I do polarize the way I am. Most people can deal with it so far.

Jordan: The stereotypical image of German fashion--unfashionable Birkenstock and Socks—camera toting tourist chic types. What would you say to someone who said that Germans have bad sense of style? I think you've done a good job of falsifying that stereotype. I mean Karl Lagerfeld is the Godfather of Fashion--he’s German.

Jorge:

You can not generalize this at all. Do Americans have style? Or the British? It depends on who you look at and what you're judging. In no country is everyone a Fashionista. But in general I would still say the Germans build great cars and some good fashion and actually have got a good portion of style.

Jordan: You’re also a style consultant and have a good sense of style. Let's play a little game called, "Count me in or Ain't nobody got time for that." I tell you a trend and if it's over you tell me, "Ain't nobody got time for that." If it's in you tell me, "Count me in."

Blue Nail Polish?
"Ain't nobody got time for that."

Miley Cyrus?
"Ain't nobody got time for that."

Matching your eye shadow and shirt?
"Ain't nobody got time for that."

Neon Colors?
"Ain't nobody got time for that."

Side Cleavage?
"Ain't nobody got time for that."

Smokey Eyes?
"Count me in."

Nerd Glasses?
"Ain't nobody got time for that."

Shaving off one side of your hair?
"Ain't nobody got time for that."

Copying someone else's style?
"Ain't nobody got time for that."

Chanel short suits?
"Count me in."

Vajazzaling /The art of bedazzaling your vah jay jay)?
"Ain't nobody got time for that."

Jordan: You're working on a new project right?

E! Factor on E! Entertainment.

What's it all about? Give us some dirt por favor.

Jorge:

Well, E! Entertainment asked me to put on a fashion talk show which contains elements of Red Carpet criticism as well as constructive styling and fashion tips for stars and everyone. So my team and I together with the director of programming and developed a show totally around stars and fashion. It is all about the "E! FACTOR" who's got it and who has not. The inner and authentic glam that exists in each and every person just not only get revealed. We have elements like the "Inspeccion", the "Reconstruction" and the part "Bitch you stole my look"! And in each show we feature a German celebrity and one or more independent designers.

Jordan: If you had a band following you. Every time you walk into the room and they play a song. Your song. Which song would they play? Mine is, "Black Betty" by Ram Jam. I'm sure yours would be--Scandalous?

Jorge:
"Don't touch my shoes by Jorge Gonzalez" (laughs).

Jordan: PLUG..but cute. Finally, what does it for you on a Friday?

When you get that feeling that it’s the weekend and you’re gonna have a good time.

Obviously mine is taking 'Selfies', dancing around in my knickers while I put on my face and hum out of pitch tunes, which only dogs can hear. .What’s yours?

Jorge:
"Actually, I am living every day as if it was Friday. No matter how much I work I try to enjoy the ride as much as I can."

Jordan: It was so nice to get to know a little more about you. Nice to meet you. I hope to see you around the world. Is there anything left that we haven't robbed you of that you'd like to tell viewers, fans or FB stalkers?

Jorge:
"Remember: The way you walk you go through life!"


"E! FACTOR by Jorge González" starts on 28.10.2013 exclusively on E! Entertainment. Check
him out and whatever you do, Don’t touch his shoes.”