Five Celebrity Businesswomen Luxe Models Admires

This week we decided to name the five celebrity businesswomen Luxe Models most admires, to salute the famous female faces who’ve used their talents to build huge financial empires.

It’s a woman’s world

The girls have come a long way. When the modern concept of “celebrity” first arose in the 40’s and 50’s, a woman could be famous but she couldn’t control her own financial future. It was the men who had their hands on the purse strings.

Oh how times have changed. Fast forward a few decades and you’ll soon see that it’s the girls who run the show these days. Female stars are using their fame as a platform to develop entire business empires, and show that the girls are every bit as good as the boys when it comes to making money.

These five women know how to make money!

There are a few women who stand head and shoulders above the rest; women so talented, intelligent and ambitious that they have accumulated serious piles of cash throughout their careers. Here are five that Luxe Models particularly admires.

1)      Oprah: Since she first started The Oprah Winfrey Show back in the 80’s, this fabulous female entrepreneur has gone on to become the world’s only African-American billionaire. Dubbed the “Queen of all media” by the international press, there isn’t a media-flavoured pie Ms Winfrey has failed to grab a slice of. She even has her own TV network.

2)      Madonna: The mother of reinvention has always had a talent for making money. Ever since her meteoric rise to stardom in the 80’s, Madonna has never missed an opportunity to market herself, turning her image into a speeding juggernaut of a global brand. She has sold more than 300 million records worldwide and has developed numerous products including her own clothing line and a chain of gyms!

3)      Beyoncé: The woman that CNN has described as a “global brand,” Queen Bey has straddled the line between marketing herself as an astute businesswoman whilst maintaining her relatable girl-next-door appeal. Not only has she sold millions of albums worldwide, but she has released so many products that we don’t have the space to list them all in this article!

4)      J.K. Rowling: We love J.K. Rowling because she lived the classic rags to riches story. She lifted herself out of a life on benefits when she dreamt up a story about a boy wizard at magic school that transformed the lives of millions of children all over the world. Rowling’s story shows that one idea can change your life.

5)      Taylor Swift: By far the youngest name on this list, T-Swizzle has such a talent for making money that it’s astounding. Named a “savvy business leader” by Entrepreneur.com, her estimated net worth is $220 million even though she’s only 25 years old. It’s really amazing how much dosh you can make off the back of a few (dozen) failed relationships!

Luxe Models salutes you!

The reason we admire these women and others like them should be obvious. They have used their talent, intelligence and raw ambition to overcome the misogyny that’s still rampant in the business community to turn their names into global brands. For that, we salute you celebrity businesswomen of the world! 

For more stories and blogs like this, be sure to stay in touch with Luxe Models on Ello today!

Which Celebrities Have The Best Smile?

A new poll has revealed to Luxe Models which celebrities the British public think have the best smile. So who won the coveted title?

The celebrity currency

Many celebrities live on their looks. They use their hair, bodies, nails and even their skin to secure lucrative advertisement deals that boost their public profiles and line their pockets.

There’s arguably no element of a celebrity’s look that matters more than their smile. As Rochelle and Marvin Humes, ambassadors for National Smile Month said recently "there's nothing better than a genuine smile." A good smile is infectious; this is why it’s the ultimate celebrity currency.

British public votes on best smile

The ambassadors also said that "the best smile ever comes down to confidence – true confidence shines through, and this is what makes smiling infectious." The British public took this to heart recently when they voted in a poll sponsored by Wrigley’s to determine which celebrity has the best smile.

The competition was fierce. Hello Magazine reported that The Duchess of Cambridge was crowned the winner when it came to the girls. She was closely followed by Holly Willoughby, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (who we’re still surprised didn’t win – she always wins these things.) and Julia Roberts.

Meanwhile David Beckham was the male celebrity who the British public thought had the best smile. He was followed by the hunkiest man on the planet, George Clooney, in second place and the man-who-just won’t-go-away (Olly Murs) in third. Honestly, we’re not sure if the British public got it right as far as Murs is concerned but oh well.

All you need is a smile

This proves our point about how far a celebrity can go if they have a good smile. With the exception of the Duchess of Cambridge, who can’t do commercial things because she’s a royal, every name on these lists is a staple of billboards, TV ads and pop up ads around the world. 

For more stories like this, be sure to stay in touch with Luxe Models on www.Luxe-Models.co.uk. 

Five Worst Celebrity Baby Names in the History of Hollywood

It’s time to name and shame the A-list set here on the Luxe Models blog this week. Here are the five worst celebrity baby names in the history of Hollywood.

The one thing Luxe Models really hates about celebrities

Here at Luxe Models we love celebrities. They’re fascinating creatures. The activities, style choices and wardrobe blunders of the A-list set keep us endlessly amused every time we open the latest edition of our favourite glossy.

Yet there’s one unfortunate character trait of the average celebrity that fails to amuse us every time it rears the ugly head. The A-list penchant for giving their progeny ridiculous names. Seriously, how are these kids going to survive in the playground with names like ‘Apple?’

Naming and shaming five A-list parents

In other words this week we’re taking a stand for every child forced to endure a stupendous name by their famous parents. The five worst celebrity baby names in the history of Hollywood are…

1)      North West: Only Kanye West could come up with a name that makes him look more arrogant than he did after THAT TaylorSwift incident at the VMAs. He was blatantly trying to be clever when he decided to name his daughter after a point on the compass but it totally back-fired.

2)      Destiny Cyrus: Stop the presses. Miley’s real name is Destiny! Seriously, dad Billy Ray should be flogged for this. No wonder she made such a show of herself at the 2013 VMAS with a name like Destiny!

3)      Apple Martin: God Gwyneth Paltrow’s annoying. Only the queen of GOOP would think it’s a good idea to name her kid after a fruit. She probably got the idea from whatever crazy fad diet she was following at the time.

4)      Kal-El Cage: Apparently Nicholas Cage is a massive geek. How have we come to this conclusion? He named his son after Superman. It doesn’t get any more Big Bang Theory than that.

5)      Zuma Nesta Rock: There are no words. Apparently Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale named their kid after “Zuma” beach in Malibu, which is kind of cool. Yet maybe they should have picked another beach – they’ve made their child sound like an odd mix between a fitness technique and a coffee brand.

Five of many horrific baby names

Do you agree? These are five pretty bad Hollywood baby names but let’s face it, they’re just five of many. If anything this post has reminded us that apparently the minute you reach the stars you forget how things are for the rest of us back down here on earth. 

For more stories like this, be sure to stay in touch with Luxe Models on Ello. 

Oh No Rihanna, What Were You Thinking?!

A new snap of one of the world’s famous pop stars that came to our attention recently has caused Luxe Models to ask this week; oh no Rihanna, what were you thinking?!

The Evolution of Rihanna’s Fashion Sense

Luxe Models hasn’t always lauded Rihanna as a fashion icon. Our love of the Bajan beauty has evolved over time as she’s grown into her sense of style.

Back in her ‘Pon de Replay’ days Rihanna looked no different than every other teenage starlet looking to make a name for themselves in the music industry. Yet by the time megahit ‘Umbrella’ first inched onto the air waves it was quite clear that Riri had grown up a little, and with her trend-setting new haircut, sleek threads and effortless makeup it was quite clear that the ‘Take a Bow’ singer was taking her first steps towards establishing herself as a fashion icon.

Luxe Models is So Disappointed in Rihanna!

Which she very much is in 2015. The intervening years following ‘Umbrella’ have seen Rihanna become just as famous for her daring, provocative wardrobe choices as her infectious pop ditties. We still can’t forget that fabulous sheer dress she wore at the Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards!

That’s why we were so disappointed recently when the Daily Mail brought to our attention one Rihanna wardrobe choice that proved even she doesn’t get it right all the time! She rocked up to a recording studio in West Hollywood last Wednesday sporting an outfit that made us want to gouge our eyes out with a rusty spoon.

The Kids from Saved by the Bell Called…

At this point we hear you asking; what outfit could Rihanna of all people have worn that was bad enough to make LuxeModels want to gouge their own eyes out?’ Just you wait…

Riri chose to arrive at a recording studio rocking a long, loose and layered blue and white checked dress which descended down over her knees, teamed with a cropped yet distinctly unstylish leather jacket. Riri, the kids from Saved by the Bell called, they want their wardrobes back! She may have saved the look if she’d chosen to flash a little leg. Instead she opted by chunky light-blue boyfriend jeans and non-descript lace-up trainers.

You Get What We Mean

As such, we’re fairly sure you understand why the sight of this one picture alone spurred Luxe Models to ask; oh no Rihanna, what were you thinking?! A woman with fashion credentials as pronounced as Rihanna’s really should know better!!

Is Taylor Swift Starting to Take Herself Too Seriously?

Taylor Swift’s recent decision to trademark phrases from new album 1989 has prompted Luxe Models to ask this week; is Taylor Swift starting to take herself too seriously?

The Year of Taylor Swift

2014 was the year of Taylor Swift. The former country music starlet has always had a rabid fan base, but the release of her latest album 1989 has catapulted her to into the realm of pop superstardom.

As such Swift has become a role model for women around the world. We’ve welcomed this here at Luxe Models. The ‘Shake it Off’ singer’s penchant for simple yet elegant fashion is one that translates on a universal scale. Anyone can pull off the Taylor Swift look.

Is Taylor as Down to Earth as she’s Always Seemed?

That relatability is the reason so many people like Taylor Swift. She’s the down to earth nice girl of pop and in an industry often characterised by glamour and seduction, she often proves a refreshing change of pace.

Yet Swift’s down to earth temperament has come under doubt as of late due to her latest decision. One that seems more characteristic of Madonna or Mariah than the former Nashville darling. According to Digital Spy, Swift has decided to trademark certain phrases that feature in songs from 1989.

Protecting the Brand

According to legal database Justia, Swift has applied to the US government to legally trademark a range of phrases. These include 'Party Like its 1989,'  'This Sick Beat,' 'Cause We Never Go Out of Style,' 'Nice to Meet You, Where You Been?' and 'Could Show You Incredible Things.'

Swift has taken this step to protect her brand. Trademarking these phrases will prevent others from using them for marketing purposes. It will, for example, stop them featuring the phrases on products such as Christmas stockings, whalebone and removal tattoos and guitar straps, as well as whips, saddlery, pot holders, typewriters and non-medicated toiletries.

She’s Gone too Far This Time

Swift hasn’t done anything unusual. Pop stars use trademarking every day as a way to protect their brand. However, usually they limit it to album titles, song titles etc.

Trademarking a phrase just seems like a step too far. Is Taylor Swift so desperate to safeguard her brand that she feels the need to ensure people don’t have permission to use certain sentences? If so then yes, maybe the ‘Blank Space’ crooner really is starting to take herself too seriously! 

Luxe Models: Zooey Deschanel’s Expecting!

This week we want to take this opportunity here on the Luxe Models blog to congratulate Hollywood starlet Zooey Deschanel. Last week saw the New Girl actress announce that she’s expecting!

Why Do Models Never Crack a Joke?

Have you ever wondered why models never crack a joke? You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to make people laugh when you’re rocking killer threads!

That’s why we’ve always admired Zooey Deschanel. The talented actress manages to make us laugh on US TV comedy New Girl on a weekly basis, whilst showing off her fabulous looks with her kooky sense of 60’s style at the same time. Some people really do have it all!

Zooey Deschanel and Jacob Pechenik Announce Pregnancy

Now it looks as though we’re going to have another reason to fill with envy every time our line of site falls on the girl who once shined in Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. She’s just announced that she’s expecting her first child.

According to Digital Spy, Zooey Deschanel’s representative took the time to tell People Magazine that Deschanel and partner Jacob Pechenik are pregnant with their first child. The pair have been dating since mid-2014 and look as though they’re crazy in love, despite the age gap. The New Girl actress is 34, whilst her producer boyfriend is 42!

“So Excited to Meet Our Little One.”

Deschanel’s representative commented to People Magazine that “Jacob and I are over the moon. We are so excited to meet our little one.” 

We bet the actress is also excited by her sister’s recent news. Bones star Emily Deschanel announced that she and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor David Hornby are expecting their second child last year. The pair are already parents to 3 year old son Henry. We bet these cousins will get along like a house on fire!

Congratulations to the Entire Deschanel Family!

So congratulations Zooey Deschanel. Congratulations Emily Deschanel. Luxe Models are over the moon for the entire Deschanel family! It looks like you guys are in for an amazing 2015! Who knows, if you keep producing at this rate you could end up taking over Hollywood!

Fore more stories and blogs like this, be sure to stay in touch with Luxe Models on Facebook. 

Katie Hopkins Enters Celebrity Big Brother House

For those of you who still haven’t heard the news, last week saw Katie Hopkins enter the Celebrity Big Brother House. Here at Luxe Models, we can’t help but think this is a case of genius casting.

“Like a Baby. Just So Much Harder to Love.”

Katie Hopkins may once have been nothing more than a wannabe celeb duking it out for a contract with Lord Sugar on The Apprentice, but times they are a-changing. She’s still wannabe celeb, but these days she’s far less of the former and far more of the latter.

Since her days on The Apprentice Hopkins has made it her business to craft a career as a professional troll, offending everyone from fat people to Gazza to suicidal prisoners to ginger babies. What she said about ginger babies was particularly brutal. Here are her exact words… “Ginger babies. Like a baby. Just so much harder to love."

The Same Bunch of Wannabes, No-Names and Has-Beens

Yeah. Pretty brutal. As such, it was no surprise whatsoever last week when Katie Hopkins turned out to be a housemate on this year’s series of Celebrity Big Brother.

It looks as though the house is populated with the same horde of wannabes, no-names and has-beens it is every year. However there are in a few names in this year’s bunch which have given us something to get excited about. Perez Hilton, Patsy Kensit. Nadia Sawalha, These are actually (fairly) famous people.

Do You Remember?

Yet it’s Hopkins we’re most excited about. We genuinely believe that she is set to become the best housemate the Celebrity Big Brother has ever seen. It’s all about controversy.

Do you remember when George Galloway chose to imitate a cat and lick cream off Rula Lenska’s hands? Do you remember when Jackie Stallone and former daughter-in-law Brigette Nielson found out they’d be forced to live together? Do you remember Vanessa Feltz… lost it, and we mean really lost it?

Celebrity Big Brother’s Most Controversial Housemate Ever?

In other words, Celebrity Big Brother was built on controversy. It wouldn’t be what it is today if celebs hadn’t lost their minds and embarrassed themselves on national TV. Considering the fact that she’s the queen of the controversial statement, Katie Hopkins is set to become the best – and by that we mean controversial – housemate the Celebrity Big Brother House has ever seen!

For more stories like this, from the world of fashion, celebrity news and beyond, be sure to stay in touch with Luxe Models on Facebook. 

What Does it Mean to be a Feminist?

Following comments recently made by The Big Bang Theory starlet Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, this week Luxe Models asks; what does it mean to be a feminist?

Rehabilitating the Image of the Word ‘Feminist.’

Ask anyone in the know – like Luxe Models – and they’ll soon tell you that 2014 could very well be labelled as the year the word ‘feminist’ made a comeback.

Long derided as a term reserved for the man-haters of the world, stars such as Beyoncé and Taylor Swift took on the considerable task of rehabilitating the image of this loaded word in 2014. By year’s end, the efforts of these vaunted A-listers saw the word feminist reimagined as a term referring to the equality of the sexes.

Kaley Cuoco Admits to Not Thinking About Feminism

Yet feminism’s stand-out year did not stop Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, the actress who plays Penny on phenomenally popular comedy The Big Bang Theory, from denying that the term applied to her.

According to Digital Spy, Cuoco-Sweeting was asked whether she considered herself as a feminist in a recent interview with Redbook. Her answer? "Is it bad if I say no? It's not really something I think about."

Cuoco-Sweeting “Never Really Faced Inequality.”

Going on to reveal that she’s “never really faced inequality," the actress who rose to fame in 8 Simple Rules went on to talk about her own experiences as a woman.

"Things are different now, and I know a lot of the work that paved the way for women happened before I was around... I was never that feminist girl demanding equality, but maybe that's because I've never really faced inequality."

You Could Face Discrimination at Any Time

In other words, Cuoco-Sweeting seems to be suggesting that in order to be a feminist, you need to be given a reason to take up the cause of women everywhere. At Luxe Models, we’d suggest that this is perhaps just a little short-sighted. Just because you haven’t faced inequality so far, doesn’t mean you won’t as you continue to craft a standout career in what is still sometimes considered a male-dominated world. 

For more news and updates like this, be sure to stay in touch with Luxe Models on LinkedIn

Luxe Models: Our Top 5 Christmas Films

So, it’s that time of the year again – it’s wet, it’s cold, it’s dark and everyone’s broke. Guess what, it’s nearly Christmas! And whilst we can’t help being a little cynical this time of year, here at Luxe Models, deep down, we do actually love Christmas. And so should you.

One thing here at Luxe Models that we’re not a big fan of when it comes to the winter holidays, is the build-up. Big corporations and advertisers with their November Xmas tv ad campaigns always put us in a bad mood. Christmas is a time for sharing and caring, not profits and growth – we like getting halfway through December and waking up thinking “wow, it’s Christmas in 7 days”.

And when the big day is just around the corner, we like nothing better than sitting back with a cup of mulled wine, a box of chocolates and a hard-drive full of Christmas movies.

So, with it being Christmas and all, we thought we’d do a quick countdown of our all-time favourite Xmas films. A selection of five winter classics that will be sure to get you festive just in time.

It’s A Wonderful Life

An undisputed classic, It’s A Wonderful Life tells the beautiful tale of George Bailey and his search for happiness and peace at Christmas time. Directed by Frank Capra, and released in 1946, this black and white piece of cinema gold is guaranteed to warm even the coldest of hearts.

Elf

A surprise hit, modern comedy Elf tells the story of Buddy the Elf, a man raised in the North Pole who travels to New York to find his real family. Staring the endlessly funny Will Ferrell, Elf is an effortless watch and will make you laugh until you feel sick – especially if you’ve been at the Quality Street.

Love Actually

“Love actually, is all around” – says a clean cut, Hugh Grant at the start of Richard Curtis’ all-star hit Love Actually – and in its 135 minute run-time, we actually believe him. It’s an amazingly well-paced flick with one of the best UK casts ever assembled.  If you haven’t seen it, then you haven’t lived.

A Muppet Christmas Carol

A wildcard, A Muppet Christmas Carol is silly, often cringe worthy and contains a rather dishevelled looking Michael Caine for the most part, but, it’s absolutely amazing. If you can embrace the absurdity of the whole thing, then you’re in for a treat.

Home Alone

And finally, one of our all-time favourites from when we were a lot younger, Home Alone is a 90s classic that deserves watching every single year. And, it marks one of the few times when Macaulay Culkin is actually cute!

So, if you find yourself with a free day or two in the Christmas period this Christmas, then line these five bad boys up and be prepared to get festive. 

Is Angelina Jolie Really a ‘Spoiled Brat?’

We’re having to ask a question we never thought we’d have to ask when it comes to one A-List actress here at Luxe  Models this week; is Angelina Jolie really a spoiled brat?

A Universally Held Truth

We’ve used many words to describe the new Mrs Pitt here on the Luxe Models Blog in the past. Common descriptions of the humanitarian include ‘visionary,’ saint-like’ and ‘Mother Teresa.’

OK, so we’re exaggerating, but you get the point. A universally held truth of the A-List world is that Angelina Jolie has somehow avoided the sense of entitlement that’s stricken down many of her peers at the pinnacle of their tenures in showbiz.

“Minimally Talented Spoiled Brat.”

Yet one person doesn’t seem to agree. According to Digital Spy, a recently leaked email conversation between movie producer Scott Rudin and Sony co-chairperson Amy Pascal, saw the latter label Jolie a “minimally talented spoiled brat.”

The pair were discussing the actress’ alleged wish for acclaimed director David Fincher to spearhead one of her latest projects, Cleopatra. Fincher was attached to the Steve Jobs biopic that until last month, Sony was slated to oversee. Since, the picture has fallen under the creative management of rival film industry monolith, Universal Pictures.

A $180 Million Ego-Bath

Rudin was quite vocal in several emails when it came to both his opinion of Jolie and the concept of a Cleopatra movie. One email scathingly read: "I've told you exactly how I want to do this material. It's the ONLY way I want to do this material. I'm not remotely interested in presiding over a $180m ego bath that we both know will be the career-defining debacle for us both."

Rudin went on to say: "I'm not destroying my career over a minimally talented spoiled brat who thought nothing of shoving this off her plate for eighteen months so she could go direct a movie. I have no desire to be making a movie with her, or anybody, that she runs and that we don't.”

Maybe that’s Why We Find Them so Fascinating

In other words, this is just the opinion of one man. Yet his opinion has left Luxe Models wondering, do we really know the true personalities behind the celebs whose wardrobes we admire so much?  Maybe that’s why we find them so fascinating!

Sexism Suit Sells for $6,500

When we learned that the ‘sexism suit’ recently sold for $6,500, Luxe Models was reminded that women are judged far more harshly than their male counterparts when it comes to what they wear.

Society Judges Women More Severely Than Men

When you see a woman in an unflattering shade of puce, or sporting a dress cut in a particular way, what do you think? For the most people, the answer to that question unfortunately is often ‘god she looks awful.’

The society in which we live judges women more severely than men, especially when it comes to their wardrobe. A male Australian TV presenter strove to make that point clear over the last year by wearing the same suit on air for 365 days.

Nobody Noticed, Nobody Cared

According to the Independent, Australian presenter Karl Stefanovic of the Nine Network’s Today Show, kick-started his experiment by wearing the blue suit on air for a couple of days in a row.

Nobody noticed, nobody cared. He tried doing it for month; nobody noticed, nobody cared. Then he strove to carry on the experiment for a year, revealing it only recently. Nobody noticed, nobody cared. They did care, and frequently comment on, what his female co-anchor was wearing.

No One Gives a Sh*t

Commenting on the reaction to his experiment to Fairfax Media, Stefanovic said that “no one has noticed; no one gives a sh*t.” He expanded the point by talking about the reactions to his female co-anchor’s wardrobe choices, saying:

“Women, they wear the wrong colour and they get pulled up. They say the wrong thing and there’s thousands of tweets written about them. Women are judged much more harshly and more keenly for what they do, what they say and what they wear.”

Someone Paid $6,500 for a Knock Off Stanky Burberry Suit!

Stefanovic’s efforts to raise awareness of the issue have now stepped up a gear. Recently, he auctioned the suit off on EBay, raising $6,500 for White Ribbon – a campaign designed to help end violence towards women.

In advertising what has come to be dubbed the ‘sexism suit,’ Stefanovic described the “knock off” Burberry number as “super comfy, super stylist, super cool.” Although he added that it may need a good dry cleaning, as after a year of use it may be “a little bit stanky.” With a blurb like that, whoever paid $6,500 for this suit must really dig Stefanovic’s campaign! 

Shedding Light on a Problem Women Have Faced Over and Over Again

A campaign which seeks to shed light to a problem women have faced over and over again at every point in their lives. When a woman dons her outfit, she knows she’s more likely to receive criticism for what she’s wearing than a man would, and that’s a problem that as a society we need to address. 

Fore more stories and news updates like this, be sure to stay in touch with Luxe Models on Facebook. 

Taylor Swift Bans Music From Spotify

Swifties including Luxe Models were left severely disappointed last week, when the woman herself decided to ban her music from Spotify.

Swiftie: Fan of Taylor Swift

Yes, Luxe Models are self-proclaimed Swifties and proud of it. For those of you not familiar with the term, it’s a word used to describe fans of pop star Taylor Swift.

Originally known for her passionate country music efforts, Swift has steadily been gaining a reputation recently for her ability to craft a killer pop tune. She’s also got a fabulous sense of style, and we worship at her altar. She manages to combine glamour with demureness; something quite rare for the modern pop star, and which we respect.

A Pop Music Heavyweight

Swift’s mission to rebrand herself as a pop music heavyweight stepped up several gears recently with the release of new album 1989, and lead single, ‘Shake It Off.’ As you can imagine, they’ve both sold phenomenally well, and topped various charts across the world.

Which is why it seems odd that Taylor would take any step which could alienate her fans. Nevertheless, it appears that she has taken one, as she has decided to withdraw her tracks frommusic-streaming service Spotify.

Not Willing to contribute Life’s Work to an Experiment

Speaking on the decision to Yahoo News, Swift said that: "All I can say is that music is changing so quickly, and the landscape of the music industry itself is changing so quickly, that everything new, like Spotify, all feels to me a bit like a grand experiment.

And I'm not willing to contribute my life's work to an experiment that I don't feel fairly compensates the writers, producers, artists, and creators of this music. And I just don't agree with perpetuating the perception that music has no value and should be free.

How Will She Shake That Off?

She kind of makes a valid point. Working in the fashion industry, Luxe Models can’t imagine what would happen if a designer, for example, went unpaid for their art. Nevertheless, as Taylor points out, the music industry is changing, and it just may leave her in the dust. How will she shake that off?

Malala Yousafzai Wins Nobel Peace Prize

This week Luxe Models wants to take the time to congratulate girls’ education activist Malala Yousafzai on winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

Luxe Models Believes in the Power of Women’s Education

Working in the fashion industry, Luxe Models have seen what a good education can do for women looking to get ahead in this industry.

With education, a woman can evolve in fashion, starting out her career as a model and learning about the industry from the ground up, before moving on to become a celebrated designer. That is why we want to take the time to congratulate Malala this week for winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

Who is Malala Yousafzai?

For anybody who hasn’t been listening, Malala Yousafzai is a 17 year old girl from the Swat Valley in North-West Pakistan. She first came to prominence as an anonymous blogger for the BBC in 2009. She wrote about her life and the restrictions she faced as a girl wanting an education, during the time her region came under Taliban rule.

Malala’s life changed forever one day in 2012. Whilst riding the bus to her school in the Swat Valley, the Taliban bordered it asking for her. When they found her, they shot her in the head. Miraculously, she survived, after being flown to a hospital in the UK for treatment.

Malala Becomes Youngest Person to Ever Win the Nobel Peace Prize

Like any true activist though, the Taliban didn’t manage to keep Malala down for long. What they did to her only made her stronger. Since the attack, she has become a world famous advocate for the right of women to receive an education, even speaking on the subject at the UN in New York.

That work has now been recognised, as according to the BBC, she is one of two people to have won this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, from a list of hundreds. She even won over Pope Francis, who has been heralded for his work in modernising the Catholic Church since he took on the mantel of the Papacy. At 17, she is the youngest person to ever receive the prize.

The other recipient was Indian children’s rights activist, Kailash Satyarthi. In commenting on the pair’s wins, the Nobel Committee commented their "struggle against the suppression of children and young people."

An Example to Us All

So congratulations Malala, it’s a prize that is truly deserved. You act as an example to us all. Through you, the world has been reminded of what a woman is truly capable of when she has the backing of a good education.

For more articles like this, make sure you stay in touch with Luxe Models on Facebook. 

Five Summer Trends from Milan Fashion Week

Continuing our series of summer 2015 trends, this week Luxe Models bring you five trends from Milan Fashion week you’ll be rocking next summer!

This Week, It Was Milan’s Turn

We’re almost through Fashion Month now. We know, we’re saddened too, but what a Fashion month it’s been. So far we’ve had New York and London, and with the re-introduction of the bucket bag and alpha plaits at the former, and the presentation of nail decoration and elephant ponies at the latter, we already know our wardrobes are going to look fabulous next summer.

Last week it was the turn of Milan, and what a show! Seeing as Milan is known for its uber-sophisticated take on fashion, it’s always an absolute delight, but this years was a sight for sore eyes, as we bore witness to the introduction of a number of exciting new trends.

You’ll No Doubt Be Rocking These Five Trends

We loved them all, but for this article Luxe Models had to choose, and we managed to slim it down to the following five trends from Milan Fashion Week you’ll no doubt be rushing to try out in summer 2015…

1)      Culottes: Whilst they’ve been a bit of a niche trend this summer, culottes are set to explode next year. You won’t be able to look left or right without seeing them, if designers such as Giorgio Armani, Jil Sander and Gucci are to be believed, who all featured daring takes on culottes in Milan.

2)      Glitter: Simple has been the word of the year in New York and London – i.e. the alpha plait, but as ever, Milan bucked the trend, by embracing glitter strewn clothing. It was literally sprinkled throughout Milan this year, but a highlight has to be Dolce and Gabbana’s interpretation; crystal studded jeans. How can this not be everywhere in summer 2015?

3)      Wacky Flats: Even Milan seems to be getting tired of heels, and took to embracing the flats craze with gusto this year. But of course, they had to be different, and as such we saw a range of wacky flats strutting down the catwalk this year i.e. Fausto Puglisi’s crystal-flecked pool sliders, that were all so gorgeous, we’re sure high street chains are already ordering their production en masse.

4)      Boutique Tied Waists: Milan went all out glam when it came to belts this Fashion Week, introducing the bouquet tied waist to the world. Sportmax achieved the look most easily, parading checked coats which were cinched with generous blots of fringed black leather, a look we know we’ll be chomping at the bit to try for ourselves next summer!

5)      Normcore Hair: We’ve seen a lot of understated hair this year, and for once, Milan followed suit with its own take on normcore hair. Whether it was at Prada, Sportmax or Gucci, models were strutting down the runway with up-dos and ponytails in waves, showing us that next summer, we can all take the time to relax when it comes to our hair.

Check Back to the Luxe Models Blog to Hear About Paris!

And that’s Milan Fashion week done, and Fashion Month almost done, with five more trends you’re sure to be trying out for yourself next summer. Check back to the Luxe Models blog next week for the biggie – Paris!

Jennifer Lawrence: Back In Business

Now that the dust has almost settled on what was arguably one of the most controversial and scandalous moments in fashion in 2014, at Luxe Models, we’re super excited to see our girl Jennifer Lawrence back to her best.

Phone Hacking

Poor Jen’s had quite a stressful past few months. Phone hacking, nude photos, lawsuits; the list isn’t a nice one at all. But, being the powerhouse that she, Jennifer has picked herself up and got on with her life. And here at Luxe Models, we respect her so much for that.

Dior Campaign

Recently, Jennifer Lawrence has been back in the headlines, but this time with her clothes well and truly on. Photos from her recent campaign with fashion powerhouse Dior were released recently, showing a confident and striking Jennifer Lawrence, dressed from head to toe in smouldering black.

Shot by prolific photographer Patrick Demarchelier, Jen’s new photos show a more professional side, with the 24 year old in a number of black suits and accenting handbags. And wow, does she look good! This marks her fourth campaign with Dior, so look out for more in the future.

The Hunger Games & Serena

Not only has Jennifer been busy in the photography studio it seems, but she’s also set to come back on our movies screens in a big way with the up-coming release of American period drama ‘Serena’ and all out blockbuster ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1’.

Starring alongside Luxe Models favourite Bradley Cooper again in ‘Serena’, which tells the tale of love and loss in 1930s North Carolina, Jennifer plays a gutsy wife of a successful business man – and again, looks stunning in the process.

As well as ‘Senera’ – set for release on the 24^th of October – Jennifer is also set to return in one of her most celebrated roles in the new instalment of ‘The Hunger Games’. So try and hold in your excitement, things are going to get crazy.

For more stories and updates like this, be sure to stay in touch with Luxe Models on Facebook. 

Welcome to the New Celeb Craze: The Ice Bucket Challenge

This week Luxe Models introduces you to the latest wacky celeb craze; otherwise known as the Ice Bucket Challenge.

Luxe Models Loves a Good Celeb Craze

We’ve got to admit, we love a good celeb craze here at Luxe Models. Usually it involves them doing or wearing something monumentally stupid, and it’s always good for a right ‘ole chuckle. Even if some of the celeb fashion crazes have left us reaching for the phone to get a hold of the fashion police.

And now it appears that there’s a new celeb craze in town; the Ice Bucket challenge. As we’re about to show you, yes it really is as insane as it sounds, but it’s all the name of a good cause. Like celebs would do it for any other reason!

What is the Ice Bucket Challenge?

The ice bucket challenge is quite simple. Basically, you are nominated by someone on social media to have a bucket of ice cold water poured over your head. Then, you nominate three other people to do the same thing in the next 24 hours!

It’s almost like a philanthropic version of NekNominate; without having to swallow a live goldfish or ride drunk on a horse through your local Tesco’s, and it’s all for a good cause. The challenge was designed to raise awareness of a condition called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, otherwise known as ALS or motor neurone disease.

Which Celebs are doing the Ice Bucket Challenge?

So far, a whole host of celebs have jumped on the bandwagon, including Lady Gaga, Hugh Jackman, David Beckham and Tom Cruise. Simon Cowell looked hilarious doing it, and then went on to nominate fellow X Factor judges Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Louis Walsh and Mel B to give it a go!

But the most outlandish example has to be Charlie Sheen. Just because Sheen always has to be a maverick, he decided to pour ice on himself instead, and then donate $10,000 to the cause. OK, he did technically cheat, but we think we’ll forgive him… this time.

You Probably Shouldn’t Try This One at Home

This is the latest celebrity craze, that like the rest, you probably shouldn’t try at home. Luxe Models is just thankful that this time, it doesn’t include any questionable items of clothing that we wouldn’t want to be caught dead in!

For more from Luxe Models, be sure to stay in touch with us on Facebook. 

Oh Dear God No, Lohan to Craft Memoires?

Luxe Models were left in a state of horror last week, when we discovered that celebrity disaster zone Lindsay Lohan is planning to pen her memoires.

The Trend of the Celebrity Tell-All

Can we please start by assuring you that it isn’t Lindsay Lohan we have a specific problem with. Well, not this week anyway. It’s the trend of the celebrity tell-all itself. It’s so annoying!

Every celebrity seems to think we want to read about them. OK, we like taking a few minutes out of our day to check up on their latest ridiculous stunt in the local gossip rag, we’ll give them that. But the vast majority of people honestly aren’t going to spend good time and money buying, and then reading, an entire book about them. How self-indulgent are they?

We really do Love Reading about Your Wild Life Lohan!

Of course, La Lohan gets a special mention. Admittedly, she’s had a more exciting life than most. You’ll actually find that when it comes down to it, most celebrities are more exciting on screen than off.

The tinsel town tearaway has done it all. She’s dabbled with girls, dabbled with booze, dabbled with rehab and has been lucky to have only dabbled with prison.  Plus, love it or hate it, she has a pretty bold fashion sense. Anyone else remember that time she painted a swear word on her nails in court; hardcore!

Writing is Like Therapy for Lindsay Lohan

So we’d actually have more reason to be excited about this latest display of celebrity narcissism than most, except for the fact that apparently, it isn’t going to be that juicy!

Yes indeed, according to Digital Spy, Lohan has gone out on record saying she is planning to write her memoires, but they aren’t going to be too salacious. In her own words, Lohan said to the Mail Online "I would never write to violate someone else or objectify them; that's not my intention. I like to write because it's like therapy for me.”

Luxe Models Wants the Goss Lohan!

OK, we get it. You’re in the West End now and you’re being all nice and ‘rehabilitated.’ That shouldn’t stop you from giving us all the juicy goss! Let Luxe Models tell you something right now, Lindsey Lohan. We don’t want to play the role of your therapist!

For more stories like this be sure to stay in touch with Luxe Models on Twitter.

Kanye West’s Top Four Stupidest Moves

Yet again, idiotic pop star Kanye West did something stupid last week, but what are the four most stupid things he’s ever done? Luxe Models investigates!

Sometimes it’s Hard to Love Kanye

What is it about celebrities, which make them think that they can get away with doing stuff the rest of us would never dream of? It seems like every week, you open up your favourite gossip rag and find a new celebrity incident of a famous person well and truly stepping in it.

Kanye West is a particular offender. Admittedly, we do love us some Kanye here at Luxe Models. He really is a talented pop star, and he has a wicked fashion sense. However, sometimes it’s really hard to appreciate his awesome threads when he’s just so annoyingly arrogant!

In Luxe Models Opinion, These Are the Four Stupidest Kanye Moves Ever!

So admittedly, Kanye has done some pretty stupid things, but of course, some were monumentally more stupid than others. Since Luxe Models knows your dying to know, we thought we’d list the four most controversial thing he’s ever done!

1)      ‘That’ VMA’s Incident: The winner has to be ‘that’ VMA’s incident, where Mr West interrupted Taylor Swift in the middle of an acceptance speech, to say Beyoncé should have won the prize instead. Who even does that? We can only assume he’d had a few many at the bar that night.

2)      It Should Have Been Me: Why is it always awards ceremonies? Back in 2006, Kanye failed to win the Best Video gong at the MTV Europe Music Awards for ‘Touch the Sky.’ He then proceeded to go on stage, and say why he should have won. No one likes a sore loser Kanye!

3)      Starting a Fight with Annie Leibovitz: Kanye and Kim originally secured celebrated photographer Annie Leibovitz to take snaps at their wedding. Supposedly. She bailed. We get that you’re angry Kanye, but it’s never a good idea to do what you did next. What did he do, he ranted about it. That prompted Leibovitz to respond and say she was never confirmed, and once again, it made the self-professed king of music look like a total plonker.

4)      I’m Smarter than Britney Spears: Just last week, Kanye did one of the stupidest things of his career by comparing his intelligence to Britney Spears. According to Digital Spy he said "I'm the smartest celebrity you've ever f**king dealt with," and that "I'm not Britney Spears.” Seriously Kanye, did you think this would win you any points?

Oh, Kanye, Kanye, Kanye. What are you like eh? One thing we can say though. When Kanye does something this stupid, it is hard to love his killer sense of fashion but it does provide great reading material though!

For more from the luxurious world of fashion and gossip be sure to stay in touch with Luxe Models.