Who Needs America's Next Top Model? Essence Magazine's Nataya Smalls Pivots And Hits Her Stride

Tyra's Loss, Is Our Gain

For Norfolk, Virginia native Nataya Smalls, the real competition has just begun.

"Not as many places hire African-American models, so I know it's going to be hard," she said. "I'm going to have to work 10 times harder than other girls."

Smalls, 20, was declared the winner of the "Essence It Girl" Model Search Contest after a grueling competition process that began in February.

Smalls auditioned for Essence after her original plans fell through.

"I was actually supposed to try out for 'America's Next Top Model' the same day," she said. "Then my friend, who was supposed to drive me, couldn't go."

Instead, Smalls went to New York City for the Essence audition after hearing about it on former supermodel and 'America's Next Top Model' host Tyra Banks,' website. Smalls, who had previously tried out for "America's Next Top Model," said the Essence audition process was much different.

"For 'America's Next Top Model,' they just lined us up in a big group," she said. "Essence was different. It was a lot more intimate. It was more about you. They took us in one at a time and actually looked at each girl."

Five finalists, including Smalls, were then selected to participate in a "modeling boot camp" that aired on Essence's website in a documentary series called "Making of an It Girl."

Essence named Smalls as the contest winner on June 14. She has since received a one-year contract with Elite Model Management and will appear in Essence Magazine's Fall Fashion issue this September.

Essence Communications Inc. was founded in 1968 as a media company dedicated to African-American women. Based in New York City, the company promotes a brand "Where Black Women Come First." Essence Magazine, first published in 1970, features lifestyle and fashion information intended especially for African-American women.

The "Essence It Girl" Model Search Contest intended to address a lack of diversity on runways throughout the modeling world. Collaborating with Elite Model Management, Essence launched the search for an African-American "It Girl" to inject some racial diversity into a fashion industry predominantly comprised of Caucasian models.

"I actually saw this documentary a few days ago about how there is a lack of African-American models," Smalls said. "I think it's great that Essence and Elite are reaching out to African-American girls. I thought, 'Wow, I'm going to be making it more diverse.'"

Smalls always knew she wanted to work in the fashion industry. Growing up with nine siblings, the current Norwalk Community College student learned how to stand out in a crowd from an early age.

"I've always wanted to pursue modeling," she said. "I've done local fashion shows and stuff like that."

Beyond a photoshoot for the September issue of Essence Magazine, Smalls is not sure where her modeling contract will lead. She does know that as the Essence contest winner, she can be an important advocate for increasing diversity in the fashion industry.

"A lot of darker-skinned girls want to be lighter," she said. "I'm darker-skinned, so I hope that makes other girls more confident."

While her dream job would be to model for Victoria's Secret, Smalls has no intentions of leaving her education behind. She plans to maintain her Norwalk roots by earning a business marketing degree from NCC.

"I'm going to be registering for my classes for next semester pretty soon," she said. "I'm definitely going to continue school."

By KATE MARCAL - Hour Staff Writer

The Great Black Model Search 2010 - Go For It, Girl!

Johnson Product Company, Inc. has launched The Great Model Search (TGMS) nationwide to find four beautiful faces to grace the new product boxes and let the world know that it is back on the scene.

The search is based on Internet uploads from potential models (ages 18 and over) across the United States.

The four highest voted models will win contracts to appear as models on the packaging of the popular Gentle Treatment and Ultra Sheen relaxers, which are distributed globally. They also win $5,000 each, an all expenses paid trip to Los Angeles and more prizes.

Contestants should go to www.thegreatmodelsearch.com to upload a headshot. Once approved, a link to her contestant’s profile page will be sent, which the model-hopeful will then send to all of her friends and family to garner as many votes as possible.

The public can still join the fun in the “Vote to Win” part of the contest. By registering at www.thegreatmodelsearch.com they can vote for their favorite model. Each voter who opts in can enter the sweepstakes to win one of two iPhone 3 GS smart phones with a two-year contract, or one of eight iPod nanos (now with video camera and FM radio capabilities) or the Grand Prize trip for two to Los Angeles to be a judge at the contest finale in early June.

The finale of the event will be held in early June in Los Angeles and will be streamed live. Celebrity stylists and fashion savvy media personalities will serve as judges. Model registration and photo uploading begin will continue through March 30, 2010.

Voting begins February 1 and lasts through April 15. Voters should check the website as prizewinners will be announced weekly.

Who Says Black Women Can't Enjoy Some Swirl?

Ladies, it's all about us today. If you want to find out who this

former military man is, No Cream No Sugar reveals all!

While Christie Brinkley & Hubby Settle, What About The Black Man Who Discovered Her Who Got Screwed?

Brinkley, Cook Drama Ends... For Now

Christie Brinkley arrived at divorce court this morning flashing a megawatt smile after settling her dispute with her now fourth ex Peter Cook. Asked whether this was her "independence day," the supermodel said, "Yes. I Hope so."

What NOONE'S mentioned, however, is this little unresolved matter of Errol Sawyer, the African American photographer who discovered Christie Brinkley in Paris back in 1973.

The son of Black playwright Robert Earl Sawyer, Errol introduced Christie to model agent John Casablancas of Elite Model Management with whom he collaborated on portfolio development of prospective models.

Initially hesitate, John had confidence in Errol's taste and agreed to send Christie on several "Go and Sees" the next day, and, as they say, "The rest is history."

Contrary to Mr. Casablancas’s description: “Errol Sawyer was a scout on our payroll.” Except for a small advance against future “Test Shoots”, Elite Model Management compensated Errol Sawyer for normal costs of film and development, but nothing more.

John Casablancas NEVER informed Errol Sawyer that he should have recieved a “Finder’s Fee” of approximately six percent of Ms. Brinkley’s future earnings while under contract with Elite Model Management.

In fact, here's Mr. Sawyer's reaction to the lack of diversity in the modeling industry:

Errol said:

I am an African-American photographer residing in Amsterdam, The Netherlands I discovered Christie Brinkley in Paris, France in 1973 so trust I know what I am talking about.

Unless African-Americans, Africans, Hispanics, Asians begin to boycott the health and beauty products manufactured by transnational conglomerates like L'OreaL and Proctor&Gamble which feed off the minority communities worldwide by insisting they make it a part of their policy not to employ advertising agencies or purchase advertising pages in publications like Vogue, Marie Claire, Elle et al.

Unless these entities diversify the employment of minorities in ALL sectors of the fashion and beauty industry instead of just "models", nothing, absolutely nothing will change simply because contrary to Bethann Hardison's claim that making everyone "aware..." should alter the status quo, which quite obviously reads like a cop-out because I recall her efforts as head of the The Black Models Coalition from twenty years ago and the situation has only gotten worse, power is never surrendered willingly: it must be taken, period.

Looks like Sawyer, who grew up in New York City, Harlem and the Bronx is keeping up with current events. It would be fascinating to hear his take on this case.

Oh well, maybe we'll never know. Because after eight days of scandalous testimony, Brinkley and Cook worked through the night to hash out an agreement on custody and division of marital assets. The two have been fighting over custody of 13-year-old Jack and 10-year-old Sailor since their split in the summer of 2006.

Mainstream media have been hanging on every tidbit of info the trial has offered up. And admittedly, it's been full of salacious revelations about Cook's sex addiction, affair with teenage Diana Bianchi and his $3000-a-month Internet porn habit.

A court-appointed shrink testified that the 49-year-old architect is a narcissist with sexual compulsion but said Brinkley, 54, needs therapy, too, for anger issues.

Meanwhile the man responsible for her "fabulous" career is still waiting for his check! Source

Who Is This Model Guy And Why Do We Care?

No Cream No Sugar Has The Scoop On Joshua Sarrazola!

Ethiopian Supermodel Liya Kebede Covers British Harpers Bazaar

It was announced recently that supermodel Liya Kebede was tapped to play Somalian model Waris Dirie in Desert Flower, a film based on Dirie's successful autobiography about her tragic experience with female circumcision. Slated to begin filming in Europe in June, find out what else this beauty is up to under the hood.

Add childrenswear designer to Liya many interests and talents. The model/activist/ambassador/actress launched a beautiful line of children's clothing that is handmade in her native Ethiopia this season called Lemlem.

The Estee Lauder model (the only woman of color in its 59 year history to be one) employed local weavers to do the embroidery and handweaving to improve economic conditions there. Kebede held a launch party recently for the fall line (its second season) which was attended by the likes of model/tv host Veronica Webb and Showtime's Weeds star Mary Louise Parker among others.

Kebede with her daughter Raee wearing Lemlem Pictured here are shots of Kebede with her gorgeous daughter, 2 year-old Raee in photos taken for the February 2008 issue of Cookie magazine. The coverstars were shot in Turks & Caicos with Raee's modeling debut posing in items from Lemlem, which means "to bloom" in Amharic. A natural star, the dimpled beauty is also the line's fit model. Check out Little Miss Thing striking a fierce pose in the blue striped dress. Is she ready to follow in her mother's footsteps or what?

You can preview the line at http://www.lemlem.com%20/and check out other fierce pics of Liya at her website at http://www.liyakebede.com/.

Check out more hot pictures over at No Cream No Sugar!

Source

Come To Papi! Nikki Dubose IS The Next Brazilian Bombshell!!!

This Brazilian model’s tigress stare and sea blue eyes are giving Adriana Lima a run for her money. Her name is Nikki Dubose, and she is quickly making her way to the top of the modeling world.

The 23-year-old is the latest modelo for designer brands like True Religion and Juicy Couture. .

She has managed to grab our attention, but do you think she topples over the long list of Brazilian bombshells? [Lossip]

Naomi's A Very Naughty Girl... AGAIN???

What's Up With Girlfriend?

Sexy Black supermodel Naomi Campbell has been arrested at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 for allegedly spitting at a police officer.

A London Metropolitan Police spokesman said a woman was arrested at the terminal for an assault on police, but refused to disclose her identity or give her age.

The spokesman spoke on condition of anonymity in line with force policy.BAA PLC, the company that runs Heathrow, did not immediately return a call seeking comment Thursday.

British Airways PLC, the terminal's sole occupant, referred questions to BAA.

Campbell, a British fashion diva in every sense of the word, has a history of getting physical with assistants and employees, and has attended an anger management program.

In 2000, Campbell pleaded guilty in Toronto to an assault charge for beating an assistant while making a film in Canada in 1998. Under an agreement with prosecutors, Campbell expressed remorse and was released without punishment or a criminal record.

In January 2007, the sistah pled guilty to misdemeanor assault for throwing her mobile phone at her maid in a dispute over a missing pair of jeans. [AP]

AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL LOSER TOCCARA GOES ON CELEBRITY FIT CLUB AND COMES OUT A WINNER

The battle of the bulge rages on as VH1 returns with a new twist on "Celebrity Fit Club: Boot Camp." Premiering this Thursday, March 13th, a leaner with just those last 10-20 pounds to lose, battle together under the watchful eye of hardcore Drill Sgt Harvey Walden IV to look better naked!

Returning Fit Club vets -- Tina Yothers ("Family Ties"), Willie Aames ("Charles in Charge"), and rebel Dustin Diamond ("Saved by the Bell") --are back for a second chance to complete their weight-loss mission, while the new recruits -- Erin Moran ("Happy Days"), Sommore ("The Queens of Comedy"), Brian Dunkleman ("American Idol"), and A.J. Benza ("High Stakes Poker") report for duty to receive their very first fitness assignments.

Toccara ("Take the Cake"), already looks like the hands down victor to us.

BODY OF FORMER TOP BLACK FASHION MODEL KATOUCHA NIANE FOUND IN A RIVER

DEATH OF A PARIS SUPERMODEL

Katoucha Niane, one of the first African women to attain international stardom as a model and a vocal opponent of female genital mutilation, was found in the Seine River, police said Friday.

Although I have never heard of this woman, many were very fond of the fashion diva known simply as Katoucha. The former top model for Yves Saint Laurent and other top designers was found Thursday near the Garigliano bridge in Paris, judicial police in Paris said. An autopsy showed no signs of foul play, pointing to the possibility that the 47-year-old may have fallen accidentally into the river, they said.

She had been missing since January and was last seen returning home from a party. She lived in a houseboat near Paris' Alexandre III bridge, and her handbag was later found on the boat.

The Guinean-born model told The Associated Press in 1994 that she ran away to Europe at 17 aiming to be a model. Her big break came when Jules-Francois Crahay, then the designer at Lanvin, spotted her in a line-up. The label hired her as a fitting model. Her first catwalk modeling was for Thierry Mugler at the start of the 1980s.

After quitting the runway, she turned to speaking out actively against female circumcision, describing her own experience at age 9 in a book, "Katoucha, In My Flesh," which was published last year.

"I will never get the incomparable pain out of my head," she wrote in the book, which she dedicated to her three children.

Vanity Fair's fashion and style director, Michael Roberts, said Katoucha was "one those girls who used her fame to spotlight the misfortunes of others.""She always seemed so gracious and very lovely," he said. "She was sunny and she was bright, and I liked her a lot."

Katoucha set up her own label in 1994 after years of modeling for the likes of Christian Lacroix and Saint Laurent. Singers Cher and France's Johnny Hallyday were among the stars who turned out for her show.

"I don't pretend to be like Lacroix, Saint Laurent or the others," she said at the time. "But I was certainly in a great school by wearing their clothes and going to the fittings. I learned several basic lessons, including: Don't cut the fabric until you've got the 'toile,' or heavy linen prototype, just right."

Katoucha was the daughter of Djibril Tamsir Niane, an archaeologist and writer. She said that her father was initially disappointed that she didn't become "a professional intellectual, with a university degree," but later reconciled to her other successes. [CNN]

Off The Catwalk, Black Supermodel Naomi Campbell Is Hospitalized In Brazil Over Mysterious Infection

Stop the presses family! 37-year-old British supermodel Naomi Campbell has something terribly wrong with her.

Treated at a hospital and having had a small cyst removed, speculation is running rampant over exactly what caused this latest health scare for the black beauty with style, flair, killer legs, and much attitude.

"Following the successful procedure, she is now resting and is looking forward to getting back to work. She would like to thank the doctors who have kindly looked after her, " according to her publicist.

Naomi Campbell has been hospitalized in Sao Paulo and is being treated by one of Brazil's top specialists in infectious disease, the hospital's press office said Tuesday. Campbell, a frequent visitor to Brazil, celebrated Carnival earlier this month in the northeastern city of Salvador. She was hospitalized Sunday in Sao Paulo's Sirio Libanes Hospital.

She is under the care of David Uip, a specialist in infectious diseases, and gynecologist Jose Aristodemo Pinotti, the hospital said in a statement.

"The patient and her advisers have determined that the hospital's medical staff will not issue any formal or informal information on her medical condition," the hospital statement said. [CNN]

It's A Man, No It's A Woman, No... It's Paris Vogue's Cover Model Andre J???

How You Doin'?

Why Black Women Are Angy: Up & Comer Supermodel Chanel Iman Is Just Too Damn Skinny

It's Fashion Week in New York and the industry's new "it" girl is strutting her stuff big time. Meet Chanel Iman.



Could someone throw girlfriend some ribs, potato salad and Wonder Bread?

Janice Dickerson Knows Eye Candy When She Sees It: Meet Mauricio!

Ladies, check out this tasty Black man's MySpace page!

Black Model Tyson Beckford Wants To "Make Me A Supermodel"

Relax Ladies, Haven't You Seen My Man Shirtless Before?

Black Voices is reporting that the chisel-chest hottie -- also known as "the first black male supermodel" will be the host of Bravo's upcoming reality show 'Make Me A Supermodel.' Along with fellow former supermodel Niki Taylor, Beckford will be the ringleader of the show, which is based on the successful UK series where beautiful and talented men and women are selected and will compete for a chance to launch their modeling career and win $100,000.

According to a network spokesperson, 'Supermodel' is scheduled to premiere in the first quarter of 2008.

Prince Will Sue You In A Minute Over His Incredible Music, This Time It's YouTube & Ebay

His Purple Badness Sues YouTube, eBay Over Music Use

Gay Alliance Attacks Ja Rule, Calls Comments 'Prejudice'

Marley Estate Disputes Ringtone Deal

Bonds' No. 756 Ball Tops $750K

Houstonians Prepare for 'Jena 6' Protest
Clinton Pushes Civil Rights Agenda

GOP Leaders Beg Off Black-Sponsored Debate

Central Africa Guard Unit is Implicated in Atrocities

Leaders Urge Patience in Torture Case
Models Launch Anti-Racism Campaign