Alexander Wang's Balenciaga Campaign is Here!

Balenciaga recently revealed Le Dix, its first collection of handbags for Fall 2013 designed by Alexander Wang. If you already saw the teaser video and it whet your appetite for luxury bags, you'll be pleased to see Le Dix featured front and center in the Fall campaign.

And just in case you missed the Le Dix video shot by Toby McFarlan Pond under the artistic direction of Alexander Wang, here you go!

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All About The Benjamins: FORBES List Of Highest-Paid Models

FORBES released their annual list of the world's highest-paid models and it should come as no surprise that Gisele Bündchen has topped it for the 7th year in a row. Her savvy business sense puts her leaps and bounds ahead of the rest of the pack, raking in 7x more than second place holder Miranda Kerr. Bündchen can attribute her success not only to her modeling, but to her partnership with Grendene, her cosmetics company, Sejaa, and international contracts with the likes of Pantene, Oral-B, and Sky HDTV.

Here's the Top 10

1. Gisele Bündchen - $42 million

2. Miranda Kerr - $7.2 million

3. Adriana Lima - $6 million

4. Kate Moss - $5.7 million

5. Liu Wen - $4.3 million

6. Hilary Rhoda - $4 million

7. Carolyn Murphy - $3.6 million

8. Joan Smalls - $3.5 million

9. Candice Swanepoel - $3.3 million

10. Lara Stone - $3.2 million

Is there anyone you're surprised to see on or left off of the list? Comment and let us know!

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ASK JOEY: Don't Be Afraid To Be Commercial!

One of my favorite things to do is to review portfolios on ModelWire Network. Many of you don't have specific questions, but are eager to welcome feedback that could help push your careers in one direction or another. When reviewing portfolios, it seems that a lot of you shy away from "commercial" photos. I know of lot of models dream of being the next famous supermodel, but don't be afraid to seek work in commercial print and television. There are many more opportunities in the commercial world for all different looks and types. Make sure you have the photos in your portfolio to highlight the commercial side of your look!


MORGANMENDEZ
I would like you to look at my profile and tell me what you think - if there is something that I need to change or enhance. Based on my profile, are there agencies in L.A. you would suggest I contact?

Your portfolio is very commercial so I hope you are taking advantage of all of the great acting classes available in L.A. There is definitely a lot of competition out there, especially with your look and type. From your photos, you have more of a commercial look than fashion modeling. If you are interested in pursuing fashion modeling, make sure to test test test. You'll need more of those shots in your portfolio. I definitely see you having a commercial acting and modeling career. There are lots of commercial agents in L.A., so I would start by contacting them. Don't be afraid to contact the heavy hitters as well as some of the great boutique agencies who work with fewer clients.

 LUSSIETTE
I would love for you to review my portfolio. It would be so great to get your feedback!

I like your book and think you're off to a great start. Have you seen anyone at Ford or Factor in Chicago? Your portfolio is definitely good enough to find an agent. Once you've found one you like, let them work with you on improving it more to their taste. They will let you know what kind of photos they'd like to see, test you and can recommend photographers in the area to help build upon the great foundation you already have.

 TRACEY
Would you mind taking a look at my portfolio and stats? I would love to know what you think of my look and images. What do you think I should work on?

I like your book for fashion modeling and think it's definitely good enough to present to agents in L.A. They will let you know what they want to see more of in terms of additional photos. As far as your stats, you've got the right height for fashion. Your hips may be big for some sample sizes, but you certainly can't tell from your photos! You look very slim and obviously know how to pose to get great results.

JENNIFERG
I would love for you to review my portfolio!

I like the pictures you have so far, but you definitely need some full body shots. You've got a very commercial look and should also consider adding some business type shots and more traditional commercial headshots. You have a great look, so definitely get yourself a commercial agent if you don't already have one. You're in NYC, so there are plenty of great agencies you should be able to meet with. You've definitely got the right look to get in the door.

JESSICA KO 
I'd love for you to review my portfolio and give your feedback/advice!

You've got a great look but your book is too much fashion. I see you as a very commercial type who could work a lot in commercial print and television. Try incorporating more commercial type pictures into your portfolio - headshots, sports shots, business attire, boy/girl shots, etc. Take a commercial acting class to see where it leads you! There are a lot of great photographers, stylists and makeup artists from NY on ModelWire Network you could shoot with to diversify your book.

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

*Have a question for me? Ask away at my ModelWire Network Profile.

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ASK JOEY: Finding The Right Agent

Whether you are new to the business or have experience and are looking for a change, finding the right agent can be tough. Start with smaller agencies who will get you out there while you build your portfolio. Take your time and find someone who you will work well with, and always be cautious when meeting with unknown agents or scouts. Some will try to take advantage of models eager to get repped. Use your best judgement and you'll find the perfect fit!


CHELSEA DIDIER
I would love any advice you might have about acquiring a modeling manager/agent. I know I have what it takes, I just need to be in the right room. Any advice you have on how I can improve my portfolio would also be more than appreciated.

Your look is more on the commercial side of the modeling business so definitely keep working on your acting as well. You've got a good start to your portfolio, but it could be broader in terms of different types of pictures. You have a lot of headshots, which are great for meeting with talent agents for commercial work, but you'll need more diversity to sign with a print agency. (Try collaborating with some photographers on MWN who have good fashion shots in their portfolios.) Luckily you are in L.A., so make appointments and insist on seeing agents in person! 

TYE HUNTER
I would love to hear some constructive criticism. Please take a look at my portfolio and let me know what you think. Also, I've been contacted by a modeling scout who claims to place models with all the top agencies. We have set up a meeting at a cafe because he says he works more from a home office. Does this seem legit? It's hard to tell in this business who's real and who's trying to scam you.  

Your portfolio could use a little work, but it's definitely in the right place to get you in the door. If the agents like you, they will get you tested. As for model scouts, some are honest and some are not - you really have to trust your gut. Meet him in a cafe and feel him out. Find out who he scouts for and make a call to find out if he's telling the truth and the agency knows him. Whatever you do, do NOT give him any money. If he places you with an agent, the agency will pay him.

MEAGHANM
It is my dream to be represented by FORD. I have read so much about the agency and I like how they mold their models into success stories. I know you are asked this question all the time but what does FORD look for in a model? I'm 5'9" and have an interesting look. I wish FORD had open calls because I would love to meet with someone and show them my portfolio. Any suggestions?

FORD does hold open calls. (You can find out when and where they are here.) You can also submit to them online. For FORD, your book will need some work. Definitely more fashion shots. Since you are in New York, there are a lot of agencies like FORD you can interview with. Most will have open calls, so find out when and get out there and meet with as many as you can!

JAMIE P
I have two small agencies in L.A. but have been trying to go with a bigger agency. L.A. Models said I was cute but the wrong bone structure, elite said they have girls that look like me, and FORD, Vision, Photogenics, etc. all just said no. Any advice? Are they politely telling me I suck?

They are not telling you that you suck, simply that you're not right for them right now! For now, stay with the smaller agents that are getting work for you. Most people would die to have a rep working for them. Take this time to work on expanding your book and defining your look. It's all about timing. 

GRETCHEN STOLL 
I was with Vision in New York and am eager to get with an agency in L.A. Who should I go to first and how should I go about doing it?

Why not Vision in L.A.? If you are still repped in NY or parted on good terms, they should be able to set it up. They have a well run agency in L.A., so that's definitely where you should start. Also, MWN has scouting features for ModelWire agencies and you don't have any stats on your profile. Make sure to add them so you're not overlooked!

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

*Have a question for me? Ask away at my ModelWire Network Profile.

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Lookbook: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target

The loobook for Phillip Lim's Fall 2013 collab with Target is here, and we're jumping up and down in delight. The collection (officially dubbed "3.1 Phillip Lim for Target") will feature looks for both men and women, as well as shoes, bags and accessories. Price points range from $19.99 - $299.99, so there is definitely something for everyone.  

The looks are effortless and chic, and are sure to be favorites among the fans of Target's designer collaborations. 

Take a gander and the full lookbook here.

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Jennifer Lawrence Covers Vogue

Jennifer Lawrence has landed her first Vogue cover! Not only that - she nabbed the cover of the coveted September issue. Hollywood's "It" girl got her start at 14 when a model scout photographed her in New York's Union Square. In the issue, Jennifer talks about deciding to be an actress and why she chose to do the Hunger Games films. 

"When 'Winter's Bone' was getting nominated [for an Oscar] I had only done indies, and suddenly I was introduced to this brand-new world where I didn't feel like myself. I was in these weird gowns and listening to people talk about things I didn't understand. And I remember reading that in [The Hunger Games] and being like, Oh my God, I know exactly what this feels like. I don't know what it's like to get ready for your death, but I do know what it's like to be almost a puppet. And then when I was making the second film, I had become more acquainted with that world, and I think that's something that Katniss experiences. She is different when she comes back [in 'Catching Fire']. She does feel more comfortable in the Capitol; she understands the people more, and it's not as eerie and scary and unfamiliar. She kind of knows how to work the system."

We love Jennifer and can't wait to pick up the issue, hitting stands August 20th!

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Meet Our Featured Members of the Month!

Meet our featured members of the month for August! If you are interested in being featured, please feel free to contact us at featured@modelwirenetwork.com.  If you are interested in working with any of our members, send them messages via their ModelWire Network profiles! ModelWire Network is about socializing and creating a fashion network - so get out their and network with people that share the same passion as you! Enjoy the rest of summer!

MODEL OF THE MONTH: JORDAN

We're thrilled to have Jordan as this month's featured model. Check out her portfolio here!


PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH: BEDA STUDIOS

"Given the eye of art, I started in the industry in 2004 with zero knowledge in photography. I started shooting landscapes and made a shift in portraits photography in 2010. My motivation is to do something different and unusual. I love to try new things and am shooting mostly fashion, beauty, and editorial." 

Check out BEDA Studios (Dee's) website.

MAKEUP ARTIST OF THE MONTH: SOPHIA J

Sophia is a New York based Makeup Artist and has been a professional makeup artist for over 2 years. She has always had an interest in makeup  - as a child, she would always play with her mother's makeup and try on her clothes (as most little girls do). There was no doubt in her mind that she wanted a career in the beauty/fashion industry.

Her transition into makeup artistry was a smooth one because she started an independent Avon representative and had access to an unlimited amount of makeup. Her growing customers would constantly ask about makeup application or wanted their makeup done. After a couple of successful sessions, Sophia decided to take a makeup course at NYC Chic Studio. There she learned the history of makeup products, application preparation, and business etiquette. Soon after, she was freelancing, networking and began doing photo shoots, music videos and movies.  She has met and worked with several people. In the future, Sophia plans on creating a line of makeup brushes as well as a clothing line - merging her two passions together.

HAIR STYLIST OF THE MONTH: KARL CHAN

Karl is a hair and SFX makeup artist from Hong Kong. He has been living and working in Los Angeles for the past 5 years. 

WARDROBE STYLIST OF THE MONTH: CLEAR CREATIVITY (DAHLIA WEINSTEIN)

Stylist Dahlia Jean Weinstein holds an Associate of Arts degree in Fashion Design from the International Fine Arts College in Miami, Florida. She has 18-plus years of experience working the fashion industry. Dahlia specializes in creating contemporary, cutting-edge fashion shows and fashion editorial features for lifestyle magazines, newspapers and online fashion sites. In 2007, she was the founding editor-in-chief of the luxury lifestyle publication, Denver Magazine, where she conceptualized, styled and produced all of the fashion features during her tenure. From 1999-2007, as society columnist for the Rocky Mountain News, Dahlia produced a daily column as well as special fashion, lifestyle, architecture and décor features. From 1995-1999, Dahlia produced all of the fashion editorial content as the associate editor for high-end Miami magazines, Fashion Spectrum and Channel. Dahlia's sophisticated style guides her editorial projects from inception to production to final publication.

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Cat Week Goes Glam

In case you didn't know... it's Cat Week, and today is International Cat Day! Vogue has gone all out with a slideshow dedicated to the fiercest felines to grace the pages of the fashion Bible. (And no, they're not talking about leopard print shoes.)

We're especially loving the images pulled deep out of the archives. Meow!

Check out the full slideshow here.

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Festival Fashion: Lollapalooza

300,000 music lovers descended on Grant Park in Chicago over the weekend, showcasing the best (and worst) of summer festival fashion. From flowered headbands to flower-colored hair and rock-and-roll leather to chic white suits, Lollapalooza had it all. We're especially digging all of the statement jewelry and bold eyewear.

Check out Vogue.com for the weekend's ultimate street and stage gallery.

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