Catherine Ruze Agency Blog

Focus ON Francis

2012-01-29T20:11:00.008+08:00

Melbourne Based ~ Francis Kwamee

Expressive Tees, Vibrant Colors and Inspiring Clothing - That's Kwamee!!

African, Melbourne Based Designer Francis Kwamee is by far we feel bringing vibrant inspiring clothing to the streets of Melbourne, our closets and setting a standard that shouts;

"BE YOU, BE FUN, BE INSPIRED"

His Tees are expressive, colorful and fun. His clothing is vibrant and reminiscent of Africa and dipped in African American History.

He combines African Fabrics with History in a way that is well placed, and iconic.

Image ~ Francis Kwamee

Good news for all that aren't Melbourne based, they SHIP!!

Visit http://www.kwamee.com.au and let your Kwamee experience begin.

♥ March on Kwamee ♥

KICK START 2012!!!

2012-01-14T03:28:00.040+08:00

Happy New Year!! 

Who are you watching in 2012???

Models that we are watching; 

Ayor Makur Chuot - Major Models New York

Sandro Petrovic - Catherine Ruze Agency Australia

Nyasha Matonhodze - Elite London

Steph Shen - Catherine Ruze Agency Australia

Hanne Gaby Odiele- Ford New York

All our Catherine Ruze Models as they achieve great things!!

Are you watching??

Watch Catherine Ruze Agency leap into Africa ~ www.catherineruze.com

The Great Umzingeli - Jan Malan 'Renowned Fashion Show Producer'

2011-12-05T21:06:00.120+08:00

Interview between Jan Malan and Catherine Ruze Agency owner Shamiso Ruzvidzo:

Image courtesy of Ladybrille Magazine

I had the pleasure of interviewing a man who to me, and I am sure to many is viewed as the most respected fashion show producer in Africa and the World, Jan Malan. My interest in Jan and his work began when he discovered Oluchi, now an internationally known supermodel with a resume like Victoria's Secret and Sports Illustrated. I loved Oluchi and still do, she embodied strength and such a beauty on the catwalk that when you watched her glide up the runway, she was so reminiscent of a young Naomi Campbell; a black panther on the runway.

I started to read a lot about Oluchi and what she was doing, and from reading about her i discovered the source; Jan Malan.

“He conceptualised and orchestrated the original ‘Face of Africa Model Search’ for MNET in 1997” (Jan Man - About), and has produced so many unique and vibrant shows. My favorite one was for South African designer David Tlale for his African fashion week showcase, a fashion show that made history at the Nelson Mandela Bridge in South Africa.

Jan is a true professional and an inspiration. When we met in the sunny city of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, he and his team were putting the final touches to Swahili Fashion Week. Jan was refreshingly friendly and easy going. A meeting that I thought would last 10 minutes (due to his hectic schedule) ended up being an hour and a half. He invited me to the National Museum where the show was taking place, and I got a chance to see the set come alive. Everything from the stage being built from scratch to the models fitting, to his team busy at work. (Something that I don’t often get to see as an outsider, as I am always caught up in the whirlwind of it; managing the shows)

Below is our chat:

CR: When did this all start for you Jan, why fashion show production?

Jan: I was once in the military and in those days you had no choice, you were forced into the military. One day I walked past a modeling agency and went in, they took me on and i started to do some modeling work. I started to do shows, but it seems that I was organisng them more than anything. I would say, "why don't you do this, why don't you do that" (he laughs) and they ended up hiring me to organise. That’s where it all began.

CR: What is the most memorable show that you've ever produced?

Jan: Wow that's a tough one.....(thinks). The finals of Face of Africa in the beginning. They were held in Zimbabwe, and that is where Oluchi won. It was the beginning that's why it was so memorable.

CR: What's the biggest challenge you have faced when producing shows?

Jan: Lights with no bulbs (laughs). We ordered stage lights for a show once and they arrived with no bulbs (laughs), when we called them to find out what had happened to the bulbs, they said we didn't ask for them (we both laugh).

CR: What advice do you have for us newcomers in this industry?

Jan: The 3 P's - Patience, Passion and Persistence.

Final note:

Inspiration is the only word that comes to mind, thank you Jan for your time and wisdom.

Jan Malan and Shamiso Ruzvidzo

Pigeonhole’s Autumn Winter 2012 Lookbook

2011-11-02T22:15:00.002+08:00

CR Models Rachel and Mikaela in Pigeonhole’s Autumn Winter 2012 Lookbook

Next Blog Edition: The Life of a Model Agent

Fashion Campaigns

2011-10-25T20:23:00.037+08:00

As the fashion weeks start to approach their finale (most recently Africa Fashion Week, Perth Fashion Festival and Audi Fashion Festival) we have started to reflect on the campaigns. Campaigns create awareness and generally set the theme of whats to come, but most importantly they create excitement, expectation and buzz.

Our recent favorite (not being bias just because we live in Perth) has to have been the Perth Fashion Festival campaign. A very surprising campaign "bringing a bit of New York to Perth". At first we thought "that's a bit boring, do something different and exciting". For one it would be nice to have the face of PFF be an asian model or a black model for a change, the last 8 years have seen only one diverse model selected; Emily Cattermole. But after seeing the images where Western Australian born model Nicole Trunfio featured, we seriously got sucked in. Just looking at the images you truly feel New York, in the clothes, in the black and white theme and the look. It grew on us..ok who we kidding we loved it!! Below are our two favourite shots;

Another strong campaign (once again we are not being bias) was the African Fashion Week Campaign. We love love the bold, strong feel of the campaign. Nothing spells out Africa like this strong image,we love the feathers and the selected color palette.

A lot of thought goes into campaigns with the team planning the campaign months in advance. From the model of choice, photographer of choice and location, it is really important that the style suits the message. The entire process is an experience worth watching (or being in). We can't wait to see what Perth Fashion Festival does next year!! A diverse face maybe....we're just putting it out there ;)

CR Models hit Perth Fashion Festival 2011

2011-10-11T18:42:00.011+08:00

Perth Fashion Festival 2011

Models Mikaela C, Rachel and Sandro hit the Perth Fashion Festival 2011 Runways

Rachel on the Runway for Student Runway

Mikaela C on the runway for Ae'lkemi

Sandro on the Runway for Student Runway

Rachel on the Runway for Student Runway

Sandro on the Runway for Student Runway

2011 = ♥ !!!!

2011-01-25T16:47:00.002+08:00

Gosh its good to be back!!! 2011 is looking so exciting, here at Catherine Ruze we cannot wait for the months to unfold and for us to expose our true potential. There are so many shows and events coming up in Perth this year gosh how can you not feel excited to be part of this rich industry....did someone say Perth Fashion Week ;) Its going to be interesting to see the array of designers that will be part of the event.

Catherine Ruze Agency is growing and we will continue to keep you all updated, not only on our blog but on our website news section as well ~ Catherine Ruze Agency News & Events.

But we can't say that we are excited about the months to come and not give you a Sneak Peek on what we have in store!! We have a team of talented photographers, stylists, makeup artists and an events team that has just joined our team here at CR which makes us UBER excited about what 2011 will unfold!! Our annual model casting will be held towards end of MARCH, where yet again we will have guests judges straight from the Perth Fashion Industry (to help us add to our already growing faces) as we grow and expand as a local agency!! Our Runway Event service is also growing, and we cannot wait to assist two emerging designers showcase their designs in two very different fabulous fashion shows in the months to come. Keep your eyes peeled for more information. Also keep an eye out for our models at different shows!!

But enough for now about US...on another note how exciting was the Gucci Spring/Summer 2011 Ad Campaign. Yes i am a bit late on commenting on this, but i have been seeing it everywhere and loving loving the bold colours and the typical Gucci style. I love when campaigns push the boundaries and produce something different, and with this campaign i can honestly say WOW. I love the tones, the vibrant garments and the bold models...really makes you want to be in Gucci from head to toe for summer!!

Final notes...look out for guest bloggers this year!! Each month we will feature a different blogger who will discuss everything from model stories, health & nutrition, photography, fashion and styling tips.

Comeback of the Supermodel?

2010-10-15T19:54:00.001+08:00

I guess everyone will go back and forth with this and how they feel on the matter, and I’ve noticed a few magazines have been touching on the matter quite a bit, especially this year. But i feel that the rise of the supermodel is on its way back if it isn’t already. Or maybe we latch onto models we feel are our own "supermodels". Growing up I loved the supermodel era...Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista!!! They made me want to become a model, these women were everything i thought (at that age) a model should embody, gorgeous, strong, intelligent, savvy curvaceous woman. I devoured magazines with these supermodels on the covers, and admired their determination. My favourite at the age of 13 was Tyra Banks, i fell in love with her in the "Got Milk" Ad. At the time it was even more exciting to watch Trya emerge, as she i guess showed the world "no Naomi" is not the only African American Supermodel.

I was UBER excited when i saw Cindy Crawford on the cover of Harper's Bazaar UK in March, and even more excited to see Elle Macpherson emerge in Marc Jacobs "Marilyn Monroe inspired corset gown" at this year's Paris Fashion Week - Fall 2010. There is something about the "Supermodel" that definitely makes you feel excited about fashion, and respect the hard work and effort it takes to become a model. It drives new models to find their own uniqueness, and work hard at becoming the best.

I think that the "supermodel" is unofficially back, but i personally would like to see the "elite" exclusive like in the "Cindy, Claudia, Naomi days". My picks for Australia would have to be Samantha Harris; "i like her look" and Miranda Kerr (of course) what's not to like? Her Kora (organic) products are pretty good (and when they say they are for all skin types they really are "i now live by the Kora Cream Cleanser") and her Kora Blog is one of my daily reads. She puts back the fun in being a model and emphasis on taking care of yourself in this industry.

My International favourite's, have to be Liya Kebede - i like her grace and elegance.

Chanel Iman and Nicole Trunfio (Ok Nicole is not international, she's Australian but doing so well internationally, i love her "cool")

Catherine Ruze models at Skattwalk 2010

2010-02-01T21:52:00.001+08:00

Catherine Ruze's models kicked off the new year with a bang! Our talented models - Rebecca, Alice, Bronwyn, Farah, and Cameron starred in Wonderland as part of Skattwalk 2010.

I must say rabbit eared Cameron was one of the most popular stars of the production. It was also amazing to see how talented the guys were not just as runway models but as 'actors'. Truly multi talented they were. Models (or should I say characters) must have been casted quite carefully as none of them looked nervous or out of place. Yes, it is regrettable but not all models are created equal. I'm proud to say they were absolutely fabulous and hair and make-up was pretty spectacular.

Catherine Ruze is expecting quite an exciting year in 2010. Official launch isn't too far away. Along with that, there are some special shows and collaborations lined up for local designers and models. Fashion modelling agency with difference, that is what Catherine Ruze is all about and our models in Skattwalk Wonderland showed just that.

Digital Prints by McQueen, Goot and Trotman

2009-12-14T17:36:00.000+08:00

It is that crazy time of the year, partying hard and getting together with friends and family so that we can say at least we caught up with guys before the end of the year. It’s that time of the year when even seven or eight hours of sleep isn’t enough to recover from the wildness of the night before. While I’m still trying to get over this festivity fever I noticed something rather interesting.

Alexander McQueen's Spring 2010 Ready to Wear collection.

We've had printed tees as long as I can remember. However, having anything printed on stylish garments especially on luxury garments isn’t something one would expect from high fashion houses. I’m definitely very late in noticing this as Alexander McQueen presented to the world the most wild collection (surprise!) with wilder digital prints last season (ss collection). Actually, before I saw his amazing and intricate prints I witnessed Josh Goot’s digital prints during the fashion talk at Fremantle Arts Centre. Goot’s prints are geometrical and seem more mechanical while McQueen’s prints are downright wild.

Josh Goot's SS 2010 Collection.

I then saw Zoe Trotman’s cute digital prints in cotton jersey. Now I think about it we started having wild prints on tights as well.

Of course, these are early adopters and not really mainstream. It will be interesting to see how much of this will catch on in the year(s) to come, seeing as it took a year and a bit for major retailers to start mass producing gladiator sandals and Boho maxi dresses.

Zoe Trotman and her digital prints from Swan TAFE Graduation 2009.

Will it catch on? What do you think? Or maybe a better question would be ‘Will you wear it’?

Balmain's 2010 Spring - more shoulder pads but get some laceups

2009-10-03T12:14:00.000+08:00

Very first post for Catherine Ruze's blog has to be something special I thought. I could have gone for local news but I got distracted by Paris Fashion Week featuring Spring and Summer fashion for 2010. Yay. Well, we, Perthlings, are welcoming Spring 2009. It's annoying to think that what Christophe Decarnin presented for Balmain the other day won't be coming to our shores for another six to eight months also.

You know what I mean by 'coming to our shores'. His first big shoulder pads, gladiator sandals and military jackets were such a huge commercial success that now we are seeing all different flavours of 'Balmain' in every big retail outlets around the country.

Looking at Mr. Decarnin's new releases he hasn't had enough of big shoulder pads or skinny jeans or military chic yet. If you thought skinny jeans should be packed away think again. Go out there and look for faded gray, olive coloured skinnies if you can. Shorts are brilliant too if you are suitably leggy. I would also look for some tees to tear and shred to match the grungy look. The biggest investment you may have to make is a pair of solid lace-up boots - be it stiletto or Ann Demeulemeester style chunky heels.

That's only if Balmain is your cup of tea and you want to beat the 'crowd' before this covettable style becomes 'same all same all' across the city. These top models look utterly gorgeous but to my mind Christophe's style is truly effortless for a guy. It's so clear that he is feeling it himself and it's natural to him - putting together a show that is so his style for the moment. I'd love to steal boots, jeans and his hair style.

{images from Style.com}