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Chinese New Year 2013

Beijing, China -- So no one thought that we could survive the Mayan calendar end, but who anticipated surviving the Chinese AIR...

You really have to keep an eye on things. I started to question why I am in China and how much damage I'm doing to myself and is it worth it? I look at my friends in NYC and I think of those 4th Avenue Days & 14th, fresh juice bars every block, yoga every 5 minutes. I dont have to stop to think about my friends in Los Angeles, how they wake up every day with the SUN and just stepping outside their door is pure heaven of nature within 1 hour in every direction, rock climbing in Yosemite. I understand why people choose to work in a grocery store instead of a skyscraper, and instead scrape by because they can then dedicate their weekends to camping, hiking, rock climbing. So what am I doing this for? For getting rich? For protecting myself in my old age? I have seen some people who did that then get sick and they had nothing to fall back on except their friends and asking them for money because they could not pay for that operation etc. That somehow doesnt seem right. I dont want to be like that.

At the same time, I wonder what I'm doing here in China. Joanna got out with her husband Ryan and went to Silicon Valley. I thought they would be here forever--especially since he has a big fund here that he has to run. How can he do it from overseas? And Joanna jetting back and forth across the ocean also must wear on her body. I cant figure out what is worse--pollution or planes? How does it all balance out? And how do the carbon miles add into the equasion? I guess when she and her husband go for a walk along the water and dip their toes in, the salt wipes it all away. I see the lovely photos on facebook of all the nature they enjoy. I cant remember the last time I saw pure nature.

Maybe, I should want for less. Opa Art always says "Less is more."

My friend Thomas Reemer, his wife, and I went out to Ying Ying's birthday party and afterwards I showed them the private club. We had a great time talking and Thomas said there was a book that was pretty short that summed it up that most likely the Earth will be hit by a commet so you'd better enjoy it all now. We talked about his two children and the type of life they are being born into--what is that going to be like in 2030 when they are older (they are 12 and 15 now but looking more like 15 and 17!). Thomas says that the world will be full of people and that we had better come up with synthetic food to subdue the masses. That there will be a war of food soon. Funny, there was exactly that being developed and won the technology award in France was the synthetic protein being developed from mushrooms and insects to feed animals instead of feeding the animals what we feed them: their own bodies. Makes me glad to not eat meat that thought. Mushrooms are a great solution though. I wonder if it can be one day for humans. The whole conversation with Thomas reminded me of the movie Daybreakers--and how the movie showed me what would happen if the world ever got into food problems. I recommend it, one of my favorite movies.

Ok, back to work...it's 0:22 and I have to meet the Chinese government tomorrow to give them a demo of our AR app and MobileMags. They are going to sell it to their clients--that's why I'm here, because who else is in position now to create such massive change to move the fashion industry away from paper? 360Fashion Network MobileMags awesome do-it-yourself flyer app solution and 360AR.

Lets see what the future holds...

What is NFC? NFC是什么？NFC means “near field communication” system.

NFC Technology

powered by 360Fashion Network

由360时尚网络提供技术支持

1、What is NFC? NFC是什么？

NFC means “near field communication” system. It uses an RFID tag and a built-in mobile phone reader to pass information between objects when touched together. An example of NFC is when people scan their Beijing metro card to enter the train area. The metro card uses an RFID chip to pass information to the metro card and allow the gates to the train area to open. The most common form of NFC used in fashion is to track freight on clothing items or shipments to protect against lost or stolen materials.

NFC是指“近距离无线通讯”系统。当两个物体相接触，它使用一种射频身份识别标签和一种嵌入手机的读码器，将信息从一个物体传输到另一个物体上。举个例子，当人们在乘坐地铁的时候刷卡进入，“一卡通”内就有一种射频身份识别芯片，它可以把信息传输到“一卡通”中。从而刷开地铁的闸机门。在时尚界， NFC功能普遍用于记录服装或者货物的重量，防止物品遗失或被盗。

2、How to use NFC and the ESMOD Technology Textile Collage? 如何使用NFC和ESMOD科技纺织品拼贴画？

a. Using the phone provided touch the phone to the fabric on the wall. 请使用所提供的电话接触展示墙上的纺织品。

b. The phone will vibrate and ask if it should display the information, click YES 电话会发出震动声并询问是否需要显示信息，请点击“是”。

c. The name of the fabric and information will be displayed on the screen of the phone. 电话上会显示出纺织品的名字和相关信息。

 

3、How can I use NFC in my business? 我如何在经营中使用NFC?

NFC can be used inside physical stores to download coupons and discounts from posters, create check-in areas for VIP guests, or link to additional information in the store environment. It can encourage new customers to come inside and try new collections, download an app to the mobile, or watch a video. NFC is useful because it is a 2-way communication and can be used in customer loyalty programs and events.

在实体商店中，您可以使用NFC下载海报上的优惠券和促销信息，开辟VIP客户登记区域，或者连接更多的商店信息。这样一来，能够鼓励新客户走进商店体验新品，并且用他们的手机下载应用程序，或者观看一段视频。由于NFC运用了一种双向通讯模式，所以它也可以用于增加客户忠诚度的项目和商业活动中。

Shooting Chique in Meili Style

It's always a great feeling when a client contacts you saying that you have been recommended for the job. Meili recently has put together a team of people who are performing top level work. Finding a stylist in Beijing is a challenge with an international eye so it was a great pleasure to work with Meili (http://www.meilistyle.com) and see her bring up the brand to a new level. It was also great to finally work with Chique. It's also great when a client tells you that they will be happy to use you again. All in all a perfect day!

A Model's Plight: Chasing Down Tearsheets

Getting new photos in a models' book is one of the most important things to the career and evolution of the fashion model. The book is like a CV, showing all the work experience and "level" of the model. Clients looking at the model's book can understand if this model is a working model, if she/he has enough experience to handle the job, and of course, what they look like on camera. 

Many times models travel to a country and stay for 3 months, and then return to their hometown or move on to another market, leaving their past agents to collect any photos/tearsheets that they maybe have done, but had not published during their time in that country. This can often be a nightmare as agents have a new batch of girls coming into the country and have already forgotten about the last model. As their business is on turnover, they are not concerned with "the last batch", unlike in markets such as Europe, where the models may return periodically, Asian markets often have the models leaving and not returning again. So the question is, how does the model manage to collect their tearsheets?

First, as a model, try to get as much information about the client, the name of the client, or photostudio as possible. We all know it's not professional to take the contact information of the client, photographer, etc and may make your agent mad if you do so--they may think that you will work with them directly. However, in markets such as Asia, I would recommend most definitly to get the telephone number/email of the assistant, photographer, or the photostudio, and then if your agent doesn't follow up, I most certainly contact them. For example, I have been chasing these photos here for 6 months because I knew the shooting was so successful and great photos. Asking my agent repeatedly, he got no results for whatever reason. I finally asked him to give me the contact of the client so that I could try. The client finally gave me 3 photos from the shooting for my book.

Persistance. The only way is to keep asking your agent. Keep it in their mind--they have so many girls to take care of you will need to send them a reminder. If this is not successful, then go for the client and write them a sweet note thanking them for the job and asking if you could receive any beautiful photos from the shooting. If they were to ever ask you to work with them directly, you can simply refer them back to your agent for any job booking. This way you avoid any conflicts and return the client to your agent for work matters and you still get the photos for your book.

Models Should Support Young Designers

(Models viewing the ESMOD Beijing Mobile Event Guide sponsored by 360Fashion at the Fitting)

Many times in my career when I started, I worked for free for this exhibition of that upcoming designer, or this editorial for that big photographer. As I progressed in my career I had less time due to bookings, and passed through a period where I was no longer doing free things for anything, that's called the money making period: when you are hot, you have to grab it all. Then you come to the top of the piramid and you are financially stable, with your clients, and booking less but for more money. This is the stage where it's time to start your next life projects and thinking, and to give back. Never forget the exposure that xyz designer/event/magazine/photographer gave to you when you started, and now it's time to lend your name to support with attention, contacts, and notoriety the next generation.

I know some models just want to go to they gym or laze around in the sunshine (never!) all day dreaming lazy dreams of beauty, but it is in these moment that I promise you we are actually thinking, planning, diving deep into the soul to know what we are to be doing. 

So it is with great pleasure and honor that I participated in the ESMOD Beijing graduate class of 2011 fashion show. Let me tell you! The quality of the designs were stunning. I have a few pieces that I would love to buy and I like all my outfits (of course since I"m the princiapal model I got my pick). The whole fitting was so super professional and many of my model friends from the New Silk Road Modelling School greeted me with "Anina!!!" and we instantly hugged (even though we cant really talk to eachother there's that model-bond). Sitting on my friend's lap I show her my photos I'd been snapping during the fitting of her and the other models. We laugh and she QQ Weibo's me and another girl Sina Weibo's me (there are so many social networks in China). I still cant write in Chinese....at least they can read my English.

It's fun the imagination of the graduating class's imagination. Some highlights to entice you to stay tuned. You can see the article written, but it's in Chinese. The fashion show was covered by the whole Chinese media as ESMOD is a very prestegious school from France. 360Fashion are the proud sponsor, with the ESMOD EVENT GUIDE MobileMags fashion app you can download from the gallery and check out all the designers directly in your mobile phone!

Model Tip: Strutt your Stuff, Getting Ready for Fashion Week

It's getting to be fashion week in China and soon there will be so many casting and fittings and big competition between the Chinese models, the western models, and everyone else. Body size will be a major issue along with height and makeup. How to know what the designers want and how to get that job?

First, you need the perfect Casting Dress. It should be black and slim. If you hips are a bit bigger, wear a bra to increase your bust size and choose something with a slight A-Line.

Second, your makeup should emphasize your eyes but not be too heavy. Shadow with some brown or line it with some black, but make sure your features stand out with any spots covered up, dark circles whited out, and some gloss on your lips. If you have a round face, contour under your cheekbones with a slightly darker base or powder, if you have a long face soften it with some rose on your apple cheeks.

Third, she shoe is so important. It must be high high high. It must be black. It must be comfortable to walk in, it must give you support, and it must be fashion. No exceptions to the rule, you must make sure your shoe fits you Cinderella.

Fourth, cream for your hands, cream for your legs, cream for your hair, you should sparcle and shine. Don't forget to moisturize your feet, hands, lower legs, and thighs the night before your castings so that the skin is popping and smooth. Get a petticure, a manicure, and make sure you have rubbed off all that dead skin from your heels.

Fifth, relax and do some walking at home. If you have a mirror, great, if not get a friend to come and watch eachother. Feel what it feels to walk down the runway. When you are in the casting pretend you are on stage at the Chanel show in Paris. Cop an attitude they want to see power down the runway.

Anina and Zanita shooting for M/P Magazine in Sydney

I was so thrilled when I finally got to shoot with my blogger and model soulsister, Zanita. After following her for many months she finally had a moment to shoot with me and the photos turned out so magical. Here is my backstage story with videos where I share with you the full scenario, and here is the post about the shooting on Zanita's blog.

Model Fitting: How to fit it all in!

 

When you are on a fitting, it's the final frontiere: if the shoe fits, so to speak, you got the job. If it doesnt fit, you are not invited to the ball, Cinderella, and there are no mice or fairy godmother gonna wave you a pumpkin or dress in this case. So how to conduct yourself?

The fitting is when they are making the lineup and outfit choices, so fit is what is most important. Suck in that gut, tighten those buttocks, make sure you can walk smoothly in those heels because this is the last "casting" before you are confirmed. Make the dress fit. You know you can do it.

If the bust is too big, and the dress if falling off, INHAIL. Try to hold your breath and keep the dress up.First impressions last. If they like it, the dresser will come and make it tigher and pin you up, but make sure when you walk out, it looks like it fits for a few minutes until they decide they like you.

If the skirt is too tight, cross your legs when you stand so that the hip area is smaller and you dont have that vertical wrincle. Tighten your bum as much as you can, as this will lift your butt and make your legs slimmer. Hold in your stomach (if you have one).

When the designer is tugging at you, lift your arms out of the way so that he / she can pin you without problems. If they ask you any questions about the fit, answer them truethfully but size up the situation and feel the vibe of the designer.

A lot of a fitting is also the designer checking out if you match his style and vibe, so pay attention to the personality. If they are quiet, be quiet. If they are chatty, chat and be friendly.

Smile. You cant imagine how far a smile from a model who likes their job can get you. It brightens anyone's day during the fitting. When you are walking, wipe that smile off your face and be graceful.

Its a great relievf when you see them write your name on the posters that the designers put up with the collection order. It generally means you got the job! Even if the model is not yme ou in the photos because it's the fit model, I like to see my name written...anyway...If this girl had red hair she could almost be me! See more photos from the show on my Anina China blog.

Model Goal: Getting into Photographer's Printed Books (Zack Image)

Photographers need to print books--I dont know why but believe me there's some editor somewhere who has their coffee table book on their coffee table. Some art directors somewhere have a bookshelf full of photographer's "portfolio's in print". I think it is because with a book photographers have the ultimate controll on the color saturations of their photos and can also go down in history and prove their manhood/womanhood or show to the world--I dont know--but they are nice to look at while you are waiting for the castings. For a model, you can believe me, you have just made history if you have the honor of getting your photo selected to be in a top photographer's book. They really only select the best of their best photos, so if it's you, girl you are boomin' and can show it to your children when you have them and say to yourself, "I have arrived to be timeless."

I am really honored to be included in Zack Image's book. He's one of Beijing's top photographers and it's really hard to get to shoot with him as he's really picky. I've only shot with him three times! Why? Because he only likes long hair. I managed in this photo to get away with being shot with my short hair, otherwise he always puts the long hair on me. I love going down in history and he even gave me a copy for my nostagic records.

Model Tip: Dressing Up for Fashion Week 2011

These days you cant walk out of the Louvre or Sommerset House, or the Fiera without being snapped up by photographer--if you are lucky and if you have style. It used to be that models dressed all grunge to the backstage area and were quite anti-fashion. These days you almost have to look like you just walked off the catwalk in a couture dress. That's why I recommend wearing some type of hat if you dont want to freeze to death in a mini skirt or wear something with too many colors and layers. A sparkly hat can really make your whole low-key and functional backstage look spice up enough for the bloggers and the street-fashion backstage Japanese and Chinese photographers snap you up and put you on the web!