Images of Summer 08′ (so far)

 As promised here is some of what I’ve been working on with “Images of Summer 08″ before the collective decision was made to pay Tribute by dedicating an entire post to Ruslana Korshunova. Just before we launch this weeks offering I’d like to pose a question to anyone, everyone in the fashion business or friends, relatives, or direct family: Do you feel that she died as a result of suicide? 

Maybe it’s because I grew up as what is fondly referred to as a “water baby” but for some reason Summer brings out the ‘inner wild thing’ in me that’s dying to get out during other times during the year. Not to be oversold here; however, each of the various seasons Autumn, Winter, and Spring all have their affects on me.

In everything I do from writing, to coffee flavors, to my clothes, and especially my ‘inner and outer’ drives are so influenced by the season. This is no doubt from where “Spring Fever”got it’s name. Imagine being couped-up for a very long winter; the extreme kind where you can’t go out, given of course where you’re at,  I’m talking freezing temperatures well below zero degrees C or F when even your breath freezes upon exhale.

Believe me, I’m not about to bitch about long winters! There’s something to be said about cuddling-up with your lover and not getting out of bed, or away from the fire for any reason whatsoever. Ahh yes but when the temps start warming up and we begin to wear less and less and ’some kind of wonderful’ pheromone’s start floating through the air, these are just mere precursors too the Summer.

Seriously…just think about music: More songs are written about Summer than just about any other season I can think of; moreover, I firmly believe that those artist’s who write about life during those seasons are bound to have an easier shot at a hit song. Think of it: ‘Summer in the City;’ with, “…go upstairs and I’ll meet you on the roof-top.” Or the masterful and bluesey…”Summertime” and the livin’ is easy…’

When you honestly think about it, more anthem’s are written and played in the Summer than ever be counted. I think…it’s because of the parties!! It’s also a season where the parties are harder and last longer, often from sun-up to sun-down to sun-back-up. Think of “Good Day Sunshine” by the Beatles; or of course certainly an American anthem, “Born to Run” by the ‘Boss’ himself, Bruce Springstein.

One of the great all time images of summer is of course, anything “Nautical.” It seems like every man alive dons a pair of ‘topsiders’ once in their lives, others just live in theirs. Don’t leave home without the ‘Aloha Shirt’ and the Vans.

We ladies should never be caught without appropriate attire–beachwear, after beachwear, cocktail and early evening wear, and of course, the ever convertable swimwear-to-cocktails-to-semi-formal wear.

Models: Kookat:Unknown; Vivana Greco in blue, Yesica in black bikini with stars, Florencia Fabiano for Curves

An Angel Goes Home…

So for the last couple of days I have been putting together a new posting called, “Images of Summer 08′” with all the gaiety of new swimwear adorning the most exquisite and fabulous models available.

I was having the greatest time with “Images of Summer 08′” with all of the new cocktails, trendy nightspots, and of course, always featuring models number one, then the designers, and parties and just what Summer does to all of us.

Imagine my horror, anguish, and disbelief when the news regarding Ruslana Korshunova gets confirmed and released! Even close to 24 hours later I feel sick to my stomach. I know that the grieving is mine; I also know that the tears I shed are mine; surely I don’t mean to be selfish. The goddess like beauty of Ruslana Korshunova was something she didn’t flaunt insofar as she was as down-to-earth as you or me.

Everyone who came into contact with this angelic supermodel says nothing but great things about her; and I believe that was the affect she had on just about everyone who came into her presence, that is, without that ‘uppity’ fashion persona, Ruslana was one of us.

So much for the “Images of Summer” for now. With the database assistance from my good friends at The Fashion Model Directory (FMD), and of course, what is becoming ‘the voice of the models’ my friends at models blog. I dedicate this post to the magnetically stunning Ruslana Korshunova.

 Please if you are interested in fashion, design, beauty and the being in the “know” visit the great folks at models blog. And if it’s the inth degree of perfection you desire, please rush immediately over and say hello to the experts at  The Fashion Model Directory

 

Ruslana Korshunova 1987-2008

 

 

Not Nearly the Last of the Lot!

G’day! We hope you’ve enjoyed this little expose featuring some of Australia’s fine models. I would be completely remiss if I eneded things here. ‘Why’? You ask…Because the younger models in development, and those models with the very distinctive title as the ones2watch deserve to be seen and Whew! Wait until you see some of these up and coming models!

The rest of this space is dedicated to some brand new girls as well as some of Australia’s modeling supermodels. They don’t call it ‘Oz’ for nothing. Btw, please say ‘G’day’ to Pania to the left.

This next lady has totally taken the fashion world by storm below and in the center, please say “Hello” to Abbey-Lee!

 

 

 

 

 

Directly below in “Cat-Mac” or Catherine, Abbey-Lee below, and of course, Elyse to the far right.                                        

                                                    

What more could possibly be said about NICOLE!        Directly below and at right is Angela M. 

 

     

We’ve Known all Along!

Yep! This is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Australian ladies have long been the one’s in the front. Just think of Olivia Newton-John doing that singer to ‘Grease‘ thing with John Travolta. If one were to critically review just ‘Liv’s’ impact on history we’d have to: ‘Just get Physical’ on our way to ‘Xanadu’ whilst stopping at every ‘Koala Blue’ store and buy our Aussie regalia with Ken Done art and writing. Olivia, who started out as a model, moved to Malibu, California in the very early 1980s with preset dates to return to Australia several times a year.

Which I find by the way, to be inherent in every Aussie I’ve ever known. “You can take the girl out of the trailer park, but…” Precisely the same with this mob. They have a patriotism that lasts; they have a very unique since of pride in themselves and in their country. This was clearly demonstrated in the 2000 Olympiad, particular during their shows in the opening cermonies and the closing, and hell, everything day and event in between.

Therefore, one can take the Aussie out of Australia, but you’ll never be able to take the “Australia out of the Aussie.” Here….let’s see some names, think of our reactions, then look at the pictures, shall we?

So then what comes to your mind when you think of Elle MacPherson? For me, I think of success from the ground up! Elle is no small human being! What does one do when after adolescence one is the tallest female or maybe the entire student body at the local Australian high school? 

Elle has gone on to a reasonably good acting career, good or bad film, we all went….fingers crossed! Now after the kids and family life, Elle still is very active in Elle’s Intimates.

Just as “In the beginning there was ‘Olivia and Elle’ tradition continued with Lisa Seiffert and Alyssa Sutherland, both seen on the Vogue Magazine cover (at left).

So what about the ‘new guard’?

Well first we need to examine and appreciate those fine felines who came, conquered, and kicked-butt, before the ultimate new…ladies like Fabienne and Miranda Kerr and Adele McClain who are genuine showstopper’s!  Now my friends who really care for the female form and what’s going on in the world of fashion…between Brazil and Southeastern European ladies Australian ladies have just about RULED the CATWALK with their newest delights.

There are so many, perhaps starting with one of the most sought after models today and of all time: Ms. Gemma Ward:

Diazas! Perhaps there are others who are just as in demand albeit, for other areas of modeling say, beauty, glamour, parts or the entire package? First up  have the unequalled and unparalleled Elyse T. featured on the cover of Bazaar Magazine and a portfolio shot.       

There are just too many young upcoming stars, I will do one short post later to feature them…CHEERS!
 

The author, contributors, and webmistress wish to thank the great folks over at The Fashion Model Directory for the use of some famous photographs. Everyone should take the time and visit them; it will take the better part of a week exploring, yet, a year or more going through those databases!

 

 

Where have they been Hiding?

This is, of course, a continuation from the series “Where have they all been…?” At last publication for this series was entitled “Argentina II” and featured: Ines Riverio, Pampita, Celeste Munge, Ms.’ Lanaro, Albrect, Fabiano, and the show-stopper, Tatiana Y.

Quite a list, but there’s so much to cover–the world–and though I love the Argentinians, we must move on.

So I was thinking…Ahem….Summertime, white sandy beaches, blue water, add a touch of accent, and VIOLA! Let’s go to Australia! 

Now before I get started, Australia, is very much like Brazil or Czechoslovakia,there are so many beautiful ladies it would take years to even list them all; however, as we have always narrowed our scope to beauty, fashion, and the design professions; therefore, we will be focusing on mostly on ‘fashion’ models, or for that matter, any human being that brings a sweet smelling aroma to our noses, much the same as for what God asked for when honoring him–a fragrance people–not human or blood sacrifices, so let’s focus on beauty, vivaciousness, lusciousness, tightness, skin texture and tone, and for all of what God has created.Just as a sidebar…the author spent some years living in Australia and has a profound fondness for the nation and people of Australia…fair dinkum’mate! 

So when you even think about ‘Aussie’s’ what comes to mind? IMMEDIATELY! No time to think here…I think of (originally) beach babes, perfect skin, long hair, athletic, fit yet not buffed, and yes! there are plenty of those stunning Aussie’s.

Then again, most folks don’t know that Melbourne, AUS has been declared the most ‘multicultural’ city in the world by UNESCO (so sorry, NYC). And with that fact, let’s look at some of the ‘not’ so quasi-typical Australians, shall we? 

   So from the top left: Christina, Miranda, Cheyenne, Lisa, Jessica, Nicole, and Cassie. 

Eye Pleaser’s!

Just couldn’t take it anymore! It seems like forever since I’ve been here! I’ve been engaged playing the game of Chess lately. Whew! Meeting and making friends from all over the world, it has been awesome!

I came across this website a few months ago called Chess.com and after pursuing every other site imagineable, beyond any question of doubt they are the best! Helpful, kind, willing to teach, on-board trainers, different computers to play against the lot gang. Very nice to be here with you folks today. Anyone here or even those who just stop by play the ultimate game of Chess?

Okay then credit where credit is due. I mentioned in every post for the first year of Simpleminds’ release that if one of the models ever corresponded with the site openly to stop by and say ‘Hello’ or thank you for the free promotion, or even acknowledged what we’ve done here, that I would feature ONLY THEM in a post all of their own.Well, we received a wonderfully funny and compliment from Sophia, on our research abilities, hard work, and for “so many lovely compliments.” So this one’s for Sophia! 

Playing Chess is like getting a ‘brain massage.’ Sometimes maybe just a superficial brain massage, you know more topical than any head cracker.   

Then along comes a player that pushes and pushes and pulls every which way and that way, just getting deeper into that ‘brain massage’ with enough spunk and talent to get like an athletic massage. You know, one of those deep tissue massages, yet not quite like the Europeans do. 

Then you come up against players that get you on the run, bomb the hell out of you, and with your ears aching and still ringing, they retreat only enough to let you think you’re gaining ground when Wham! Their counter attack is far more vicious than their opening attack!

 

 Then there are those games that keep me running for the asprine or acetaminophen just to keep my head from bursting wide open. That kind of game is like getting a really deep, deep, European exotic high pressure till-you-can-take-it-anymore, ‘brain massage.’

 

If you are up for it and want a great game of Chess with some real international folks on a magnificently run site, friends, come over and join me at Chess.com.  Btw, the photo of Sophia, lower right, remains my fave!

 

 

 

 

Perfection to the point of Retentive!

I have this real buning passion to leave no stones uncovered. I know it’s cliche; however, there are times when one has to do, what one must do.

I feel it would be a grave travesty of all things beauty, fashion, design, models, chic, and hell, vogue to leave something out that warrants being involved. Please indulge me if you will. I have been waiting for about two years (maybe more!) to do this so I need to fulfill this one idiosyncratic behavior…completeness.

So for what does all of this mean? The Divine Ms. Kim is indeed in high demand; with European markets, Asian, Australian, North American, as well as South American demands for Kim involves yet another agency and their brood of photographers.

 

I would be a crime not to post something that is as lovely as she is, when you have it in the power to do so. Don’t you agree? So without further ado, here’s more…….KIM!

It’s Been Awhile…

It’s been a while since I’ve had the opportunity to just kick-it; you know, leave the ‘themes’ behind and just put up pictures as one will. Any person whose visited this site before knows quite well that what we do here is promotion.

That is it; the long and short of it goes something like this…Simpleminds has always been a site for relaxation. The contributors, main writers, and editor-in-chief came to an agreement that as far as the planet Earth was concerned, the single one entity that we all believe is that the female form is God’s Greatest Work.

If one were to just have a look at the sidebar –> just about all of those sites in one way, fashion, form, or another promote those who are in an extremely tough business, that at times, can be simply heartless, whilst at other times, for those who are making cab fare and enough to rub shoulders with true megamodels that in and of itself spells ’success’ to some.

Therefore, knowing that our entire mission is to promote fashion, beauty, glamour, primarily in the female form, we have vowed not to receive an income for doing so. We must be doing something right here because our hits counter tells the tale as it were. At Simpleminds, it is about respect, dignity, and promotion that comes to those for free. Above all, we do not look to venture out of “good taste” and fill the pages with crapola!

So without further ado, I want to introduce you folks to just Kim. She’s made her appearances, although sparingly, here before but always in a very, very limited way. She is from the land where there’s something in the water and it sure seems like everyone up there is really cool!

     Isn’t she just stunning!!!

END WEEK MADNESS II

Thank goodness for this but wee bit of time that we get to spend celebrating the end of a rather difficult week; yet, in reality, how could anything be that difficult with the likes of so many of the precious felines gracing our planet?

‘When I’m down and troubled and I need a helping hand,’ do you think for an instant that I go call a friend? Heck no!

I  get straight in front of this screen and say “Hello” to some of the greatest creations God ever summoned up!

Hey, don’t get me wrong here! I love all of my friends, however, when I need a bit of a lift, I look to Amanda, Cristina, Gianne, Leticia, Alesandra, and the very special Jeisa. I wasn’t thinking about doing this…and it is the end of the week, but I’ll bet the astute fashionista sure did!

THERE  

WILL ALWAYS BE MORE TO COME!!

 

 

 

 THANK YOU FOR VISITING…HANG OUT AND ENJOY!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argentina II

As I had stated in the previous article, there are far too many ‘legends’ and legitimate ‘Supermodels’ that have come from Argentine beginnings. Seriously, to try and put four or five images up-even at one shot per model-simply won’t cut it.

So for this installment, as promised, we look to explore not just the legends, but also those up and coming models that have already made their presence well-known.

 Here’s how it’s been for me lately…”I didn’t know that she is from Argentina!” And then the proverbial, ‘OMG, have you seen so-and-so? Yep she’s from Argentina too.”

Then again I’m one of those give credit where credit is due types. And although some of my faves have come from there…preparing for this article just opened my eyes so much wider!

 

 This could get dicey…but here’s my effort: At top left is Celeste Munge, clockwise is Florencia Fabiano, Yesica Toscanini (middle) Romina Lanaro, Ines Riverio (Red) new comer, Andrea Burstein, and Pampita!