Looking Your Best !

By Muse Chou ( Planning Manager at Runway Development/My Radio DJ )
Translated by Cara Steenstra Pictures by David Barker

The fashion world is constantly changing, with new themes popping up every season and new ideas streaming in from every single brand name out there. As we step into the summer of 2005, the latest autumn and winter fashions are already being revealed. Is it possible to keep up with such frequent, rapid developments?
Normally speaking, there are many different ways for men and women to express themselves through fashion. To translate designers' ideas into day-to-day fashion and become a center of attraction with your own fashion sense is not an easy task at all. However, this goal is attainable with some advice below from Dior, the trainer at Runway Development Modeling Agency (who also danced and choreographed at Andy Lau, Jolin Chai, Jay Chou and S.H.E. concerts), and Gail, a lecturer at Nan Chiang Industrial and Commercial School, trainer at Chou Shi Dai

Modeling Agency and show director for Duo Yang's show. Through the insights of these professionals, you will be able to learn a few tricks about how to stay in step with the latest fashion trends and become a million-dollar hottie.
Q: While many people spend a lot of time preening themselves before they go out, they do not often achieve the desired effect. What do you think the problem is here?
Dior: It might be because some people are not as in touch with fashion trends as they ought to be, and have not found their own individual style yet. Many men especially are all decked out in designer clothing, but just don't look fashionable or stylish. So don't think that designer clothes will automatically make you look stylish. The key to style is that, whether you are wearing Versace or LBT (Lu Bian Tan, a streetside vendor), you have to dress according to your own individual style to achieve the desired effect.
Gail: Actually, there is no set standard for beauty. Each day, we should dress smartly and neatly according to our moods. Just dress in a way that makes you feel confident. You will look beautiful when you dress according to your personality.
Q: What are the key points to the summer fashion trends of 2005?
Dior: Men should dress simply. A tank top with jeans and a canvas belt will create an easy casual style. Vintage items are also a key point--a pair of old, faded jeans will bring out the manliness in you!
Gail: Trends tend to follow cycles; there is a five-year cycle and a 10-year cycle. Vintage-style full skirts, cute miniskirts, more mature-looking knee-length skirts, the timeless white shirt, jeans topped with chiffon blouses, the Greek styles that are a continuation from the Bohemian trend--all these serve to present women's charm and multiple personalities. It depends entirely on the individual. Fashion is about individuality.
Q: Apart from using clothing to make oneself look attractive, what kind of accessories should metropolitan men and women use to add to their look?
Dior: I think that men's accessories ought to be simple. Find the focus of your outfit, choose your accessories accordingly, and you will be part of the fashionable population! This summer, no matter what your style is, make sure your head is adorned with some kind of accessory. Knitwear hats and caps are the most basic styles; an eye-catching combination is the layered look of a trilby hat and a head scarf. Or, for a rougher look, top a truck driver's cap on top of your headscarf!
Gail: A famous Taiwanese stylist once said, "You can dress up all you want, but without accessories, you will not look good!" Accessories can be a simple expression of your individual taste and style. A single accessory can often accentuate the cutting of your clothing. For example, when wearing a V-neck top, accentuate your decolletage with a long necklace. If you like to tie your hair up in a ponytail, put on some short dangly earrings to show off your modern femininity.
Q: The face is often where the first impression is made. How can men and women take care of their faces in order to be in tip-top condition at all times?
Dior: Many people think that only women need skin care. The truth is that men need it, too. Most men have rather oily skin, so they should use a toner after cleansing, and an oil-free formula moisturizer to achieve the effects of proper skincare. It is not necessary for men to be too deliberate about makeup; just make sure that any extra facial hairs are removed, and you will look clean and look great.
Gail: A person's hairstyle affects the entire visual effect of one's face. Therefore, it is important to pick a suitable hairstyle. If a short cut is more suitable for you, but you insist on wearing it long, it won't help to accentuate your facial features. It still won't make you glow, no matter how you make up your face. It is also important to groom the shape of your eyebrows. If you have a more masculine face, try a softer arc to soften the angles. It is also important to maintain basic skincare. The six main steps before you step out are: moisturize, sun protection, loose powder, eyebrows, eyelashes and lip gloss. Follow these six steps and you will surely look good!
Q: Everyone is built differently. How should we dress according to our physical attributes?
Dior: You are born with your body, but we can use accessories to cover up our shortcomings and accentuate the attributes. If there are a few extra pounds on you, try to avoid horizontal stripes. Darker skin tones should avoid bright colors. Follow these rules for the perfect look!

Gail: The proportions that you are born with are difficult to alter, and everyone has some part of their body that they are not happy with, especially among women, who tend to be more aware of this. If you have an upper and lower body proportion of 6:4 or 5:5, then wear dresses and skirts and avoid hipster pants. Wear mid-waist or straight-cut pants, and avoid tight-fitting pants that taper around the ankles. Those with thick arms should wear mid-length sleeves and avoid short sleeves that wrap around their arms. Long necks can wear high collars or shirt collars, and avoid round-neck T-shirts. Thick waists can wear empire lines or Greek-style tops, and avoid midriff-baring tight tops. Or try using accessories to divert people's attention!
Q: Can you two share any beauty secrets with us?
Dior: I dance to keep fit. Dancing makes you perspire, is good for your metabolism and naturally makes you look good. So my advice is to work out, because it not only keeps you looking fit, but it's great for your health, too!
Gail: The best time for your skin to metabolize is during nighttime, when you are sleeping. Drink about 200cc of water before bedtime to ensure proper workings of your metabolic system (too much water will make your face and eyes puffy, though). Skin whitening is important in the summer. Drink about 3000cc of lemon water--add 1500cc (about one large mineral water bottle) to the freshly squeezed juice of 1/4 of a lemon. Take one water-soluble Vitamin E tablet every two days to help convert the Vitamin E into calcium when you are under the sun. Women can exfoliate their facial and body skin on the fourth or fifth day of their menstrual cycles. After exfoliation, apply toner or moisturizer. In about three months, you will find that your skin is still be white and glowing, even during the hot summer months!
If you would like to know more about current fashion trends and make yourself look even more beautiful, contact Runway Development Modeling Agency at (04) 3506-1788. Website: www.rdmodel.com.
E-mail: rd.model@msa.hinet.net