Scrapbook Dimensions Interviews Cathie Filian at CHA Winter 2011

Have a peek at this quick video from CHA and Scrapbook Dimensions.

Looks of the Day

Kenza for Sports Illustrated

We almost couldn’t believe our eyes when these scorching images of Kenza hit our inboxes, brightening our day in the dreary London rain.

The shoot, for the prestigious US publication Sports Illustrated, got us in the mood for summer and already contemplating our bikini diets. To see Kenza’s full story with the Sports Illustrated team, as well as some exclusive behind the scenes images check out:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011_swimsuit/models/kenza-fourati/

Make it: Altered Domino Pendant for St. Pats!

If you wanna create a quick and fun necklace to show off your Irish pride on St. Patrick's day all you need to do alter a domino with a little Mod Podge, Dimensional Magic and an Irish image. To add a little glitz attach a few rhinestones or add a little glitter glue.


Materials:
2051 - Royal Coat Dimensional Magic - Clear
CS11239 - Mod Podge Paper - Gloss, 16 oz.
Domino
Irish image (shrunk to fit)
Scrap paper
Scissors
Foam paintbrush
Gem glue
Rhinestones
Bail
E6000 glue
Ball chain

Steps:
1. Trace the domino onto the Irish image, cut out circle. Apply Mod Podge to the backside of the paper. Position onto the domino. Topcoat with a layer of Mod Podge. Allow to dry. Cut small strips of scrap paper and attach them around the domino in the same fashion as the top.

2. Attach rhinestones to the top and bottom of the domino using gem glue. Once dry, apply a think coat of dimensional magic to create a high gloss finish.

3. Using heavy-duty glue, attach a bail to the back side. Once dry, attach to a ball chain.

Party: Oscar Night

Learn all about the Oscars here!
Photo from Oscars.

As a TV producer and host, I have huge respect the Emmys Awards and I am proud to be two time Emmy Nominated & a Presenter. But come Oscar night, I am still a film girl! I love the Oscars so much!!! The dresses, the shoes, the opening act - ALL OF IT! I am an Oscar junkie.

Lots of peeps know me from my crafty work on TV - creative juice and witch crafts. What most people don't know is that I actually started on my creative journey in film. For 10 years I worked as a Costumer creating costumes and looks for films and a few TV shows. You can check out my IMDB page here and see the films I worked on.


Here are a few ideas if you are planning an Oscar party! They are quick and easy so you still have time before Sunday night to get ready.

Black and Gold Decorations:
Begin at the front door by placing a red carpet at the entrance. Look for inexpensive low pile bath mats at Target, etc.

Go with a gold and black “star” color theme. Look for jumbo stars at party stores or create your own with recycled cardboard and gold folk art craft paint. Add some sparkles to the stars by adding gold or black glitter. Hang the stars from the ceiling.

The TV will be the center of the party, so be sure to add a little decoration by the TV. You could drape the top and sides of the TV with red velvet fabric, tape stars to the corners of the TV or add the prizes/winning trophies around the base of the TV.

Use gold and black table linens and paper plates. Sprinkle tiny stars on the table and add a floral centerpiece to the table.

Paparazzi Your Pals:
Take “paparazzi” photos of all your guests. Have funny boas & chunky rhinestone jewelry for the ladies to wear and have Jack Nicholson style glasses for the men.

Have selection of props for the photos: the national enquirer, champagne bottle, small stuffed chihuahua, shopping bags, starbucks coffee cups, over sized hats.

Print the photos for each guest if you have a mini printer or email them to guests after the party.

Games:
Download or create your own Oscar night scorecards/pool sheets. Have the guests play along all night and tally the scores at the end. Offer prizes for the most answered correctly as we as the least.

Have prizes like, fake Oscar statues or gourmet popcorn for the winner. Party stores generally have fake awards and I have also seen some funny trophies at thrift shops. Use a p-touch labeler or stickers to doctor up an award to fit your Oscar theme.

Have games or activities for commercial breaks. Create a quick game of Oscar trivia on note cards. Create questions based on previous winners, hosts and speeches. Whoever answers first, wins a candy or popcorn prize.

Nips and Nibblers:
Be sure to have food that is made in advance and easy to eat from the sofa or around a coffee table. I like to serve small nibblers that can be eaten with toothpicks instead of utensils. To add extra pop to toothpicks place two star stickers back-to-back on one end or the toothpick. For a heartier dish try making crock-pot chili. By using a crock pot you can begin the meal hours before guests arrive.

For sweets and snacks, create a platter with “movie snacks.” Snowcaps, peanut m&ms, raisinets, and dots. Serve them in small bowls with little scoops so guest can mix and match sweets.

Serve sparkling water with lemon, sodas, beer, wine and a signature cocktail.

ELITE MODEL Q&A

Elite: Who is your favourite photographer you have worked with?

Shauna: Christian Bragg

E: What was your first modelling job?

S: Hair & make-up test

E: What is your favourite film?

S: The Incredibles or The Lion King

E: What is your nickname?

S: Shaw

E: Guilty pleasure?

S: Ben & Jerry's Cookie Dough ice-cream…and brownies

E: What is the best thing about the agency?

S: The Welsh invasion!

E: Best thing about London/Paris/Milan?

S: London - Definitely the sunny weather HA.

E: What did you want to be when you were younger?

S: A secret agent of course.

E: Marmite: Love/Hate

S: HATE

E: Who is your celebrity crush?

S: Johnny Depp

E: If we took you to Starbucks right now what would you order?

S: Caramel cream Frappachino

E: What song is most played on your ipod?

S: Knockin' on Heavens Door - Guns n Roses

E: What did you have for breakfast today?

S: Cheerios

E: How would you describe your style?

S: Kind of messy

E: What's the best freebie you've ever got?

S: T-shirts with funny slogans on 

E: What's your Facebook status at the moment?

S: My roommate is trying to teach me French…key word being 'trying'

E: How much is a pint of milk?

S: 50p

E: What is your fashion week survival strategy?

S: Get lots of sleep

E: Describe yourself in 3 words…

S: Fun, sarcastic happy

E: If you had a million pounds what would you spend it on?

S: I'd get an Audi R8

Looks of the Day

The Model Sanctuary

 Our boys and girls escaped the madness of London Fashion to kick back at the Model Sanctuary in Convent Garden. They were treated to massages, facials and manicures, as well as complementary food and smoothies. So we'd like to say a massive thank-you to the Model sanctuary for keeping the Elite lovelies in tip-top condition for fashion week! 

Looks of the Day

Bake it: Mini Peach Cobblers

Bake it: Mini Peach Cobblers

If you are baking for 1 or two, this is a quick and easy dessert that is made with fresh peaches. Of course you could substitute the peaches for a melody of berries or apples. Double the recipe as needed if you are cooking for more. For dinner parties, I love making them in ramekins - yes a little more dishes at the end of the night....but way cool presentation and easy serving at a time when everyone will be drooling over the fresh baked dessert.

Shop List:
2 fresh ripe peaches
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon (more if you wish)
dash of salt
1/4 cup softened butter (unsalted preferred)

NOTE: this recipe is for two mini peach cobblers - for 1 cut the list in half.

Steps:

Wash your fruit!

Peel and cut into chunks.

Place the fruit from 1 peach in 1 ramekin.
(repeat for the other peach)

gather your dry ingredients.

Place the dry ingredients in sifter.

Sift together.

Cube the softened butter and blend with the dry ingredients using a pastry/dough tool. You can also use a fork.

Blend until it looks like buttery sand.

Top each fruit filled ramekin with the blended butter.

Bake in oven proof dish (prevents dangerous and messy sugary spill overs). Bake at 375 for 45 to 50 minutes. The peaches will be soft, warm and delicious and the top will be sweet, crunchy and crumbly.

ELITE MODEL Q&A

Elite: If we were to take you to Starbucks right now what would you order? 

Jonny: A Frapamochacapuchinolattedecaffcoffee

E: What do you miss most about home when you're travelling?

J: Playing in my band and the boys.

E: As an experienced traveller what gets you through a long haul flight?

J: An aeroplane

E: What did you have for breakfast this morning?

J: Sausage and egg sandwich and a cup of tea

E: What song is the most played on your ipod?

J: At the moment Harmonix - Surfer Blood

E: Who's your celebrity crush?

J: Alison Mosshart

E: How were you scouted?

J: At Glastonbury

E: Apart from your portfolio what do you carry in your bag during a casting day?

J: Paracetamol 

E: How would you describe your style? 

J: James Dean if he was in an indie band

E: Whats the oldest thing in your wardrobe?

J: Vintage leather jacket

E: Have you ever been in a school play?

J: I played the wind in Jack and the Beanstalk

E: What's your earliest memory?

J: First Everton game.

E: If you could be on any magazine cover which one would you choose?

J: Rolling Stone

E: What's the best freebie you've ever got? 

J: Glastonbury ticket

E: Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with?

J: Mr Blobby 

E: What's your Facebook status at the moment?

J: Summer please!

E: How much is a pint of milk?

J: 50p

E:What's your fashion week survival strategy?

J: iPod and Google maps

E: Tell us a joke.

J: How do you make a sausage roll? Push it down a hill.

E: What's on your Sky+ this week?

J: Take me out

E: If you had a million pounds what would you spend it on?

J: I would buy my parents a house (E: Awww!)

Paul ist wunderbar!

Elite boy Paul Boche appears in the March issue of German Vogue. He looks amazing in the retro Elvis Presley inspired shoot, that see's androgyny at it's best with a mix of girls and boys all paying homage to 'the King'. 

Looks of the Day

Looks of the Day

Partying with the Elite

We took a break from the madness of fashion week last night, to celebrate the success of our girls and boys this London Fashion Week. We partied at Mortons Club in Mayfair and a great time was had by all, for more pictures check out our Facebook page.

ELITE MODEL Q&A

Elite: If we were to take you to Starbucks right now what would you order? 

Rory: A cookie

E: What do you miss most about home when you're travelling?

R: The excellent transport service

E: What item of clothing is on your S/S wishlist?

R: 1971 Arsenal Shirt

E: As an experienced traveller what gets you through a long haul flight?

R: Lots of free red wine and air stewardesses 

E: What song is the most played on your ipod?

R: Gimme the loot - Notorious B.I.G

E: Who's your celebrity crush?

R: Carla Bruni

E: What do you do on your days off?

R: Watch Dragon Ball-Z and play FIFA

E: How were you scouted?

R: In Brent Cross

E: Which established model do you most admire?

R: Derek Zoolander

E: What is your life philosophy?

R: Party on Wayne!

E: Mac or PC?

R: MAC! 

E: Apart from your portfolio what do you carry in your bag during a casting day?

R: Frank Miller graphic novels.

E: How would you describe your style? 

R: Dereliqte

E: Whats the oldest thing in your wardrobe?

R: Original burgundy Harrington Jacket

E: Have you ever been in a school play?

R: Yes, I put in a stellar performance in Macbeth

E: What's your earliest memory?

R: Getting the Thundercats sword I always wanted.

E: What's your karaoke song?

R: Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty (the sax is immense)

E: What's the best freebie you've ever got? 

R: Louis Galloway

E: Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with?

R: [Fellow Elite boys] Andrew Jones & Jonny Alderton...with ducktape around their traps

E: What's your Facebook status at the moment?

R: Arsenal 2 - Barcelona 1

E: How much is a pint of milk?

R: Milk creeps me out, I wouldn't know...70p?

E: Tell us a joke.

R: Tottenham Hotspur

E: What would your last meal be and where?

R: Steak and chips in Buckingham Palace?

E: What's on your Sky+ this week?

R: Boardwalk Empire

E: Vogue or Heat?

R: Vogue on heat

Trend of the Week

We recently caught up with Elite beauty Ming Xi and got the low-down on her off-catwalk style. We're loving her take on traditional monochrome stripes with a splash of scarlet. The shirt and boxy jacket give this classic look, an on trend twist. What can we say she is a girl after our own heart with a wardrobe to envy.

Jacket: Givenchy

Shirt: Alexander Wang

Trousers: Vintage

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Bake it: Homemade Banana Chips!

 Homemade Banana Chips

Slice and dry, it is as easy as that to create your own homemade banana chips.  They are sweet and yummy.  Toss them into trail mix, eat them as a snack, chop them and sprinkle over ice cream or pop on top of hot or cold cereal.  Kids will love making them and eating them!  I also like to dry strawberries,  apples, kiwi, figs....well, I guess I like to dry any fruit!

 Begin with brown spotted bananas and 1 lemon.

I use a Nesco Dehydrator.  

I like to use the dehydrator in the garage, so I don't have to hear the fan.

Slice the bananas into even slices.

Use an egg slicer if making with kids.

Use a good old-fashioned knife to slice. 

Slice the bananas 1/4" thick. 

Squeeze the juice from a lemon.

This helps prevent browning and adds Vitamin C.

 Toss the slices with the juice.

Place the slices evenly on a dehydrator tray.

Leave a space between the slices. 

If you don't have a dehydrator, see this oven recipe from ehow. 

 Layer trays until all the bananas are layered.

 I do my fruit on 135.  Bananas for 8 hours.

This is after 4 hours.

Looks of the Day

Hannah Noble for JW Anderson

Looks of the Day

Chocolate therapy

Sometimes only chocolate will do...Elite show girls Alice & Morgan take a much needed break from shows, fittings and castings to drop by the agency and indulge in some much needed comfort food while going over their manic schedules for the day. Hot brownie with cream...key to models fashion week survival!

Bora Aksu...our LFW highlight!

Here at Elite we've always been HUGE fans of designer Bora Aksu...from to Istanbul Fashion Week to the London BFC tents, Elite models have been there every step of the way! Last night Bora showcased his A/W collection and we couldn't resist sending our spies to capture all the backstage antics...don't our girls (and the clothes!) look divine? Big thank you to our favourite producer Luke Foy and photographer Tomek Jasinski xx

Helen in hair and make up

the model fashion week must have...the A to Z!

the beautiful Karo

Little miss Jade looking lovely in..errr....jade?