The name Cartier on their watches, jewellery and accessories is the essence of glamour. To find out more visit http://iwmagazine.com/

Synonymous with glamour

The name Cartier is synonymous with beautiful objects of quality and style. Although Cartier are perhaps better known for their fine jewellery, their signed wristwatches have made a huge impression on the global watch market and have become increasingly collectable over the years. Many of their fabulous watches can be regarded as pieces of jewellery in their own right and Cartier watches have become renowned throughout the world. Marilyn Monroe may have been referring to the jewellery rather than the Cartier watches when she sang about diamonds being a girl’s best friend, but this just about sums up Cartier’s image – pure glamour.

Friends in high places  

Cartier grew thanks to the patronage of Princess Mathilde, the Emperor of France’s first cousin, and in 1859 moved into premises at 9, boulevard des Italians, the core of fashionable Paris. Louis – Francois Cartier attracted the favours of the Empress Eugenie (first imperial order in 1859), and formed a strong bond of friendship with Worth, the great couturier of international renown.  One of Cartier’s latest collections of jewellery, accessories and Cartier watches is, La Dona de Cartier, which was conceptualised from the desire of a famous Mexican actress to have a necklace made in the shape of her pet crocodile. She’s said to have arrived at Cartier with the pet in tow.

La Belle Epoque

In 1901, Edward VII’s accession to the British throne upon the death of his mother, Queen Victoria, marked the beginning of the Belle Époque. Literally meaning ‘beautiful era’ it was a time when elegance was valued above all else in fashion and jewellery.  The upper and middle classes flourished, especially in America, and indulged in clothing, jewels and Cartier watches that expressed their wealth. At the turn of the century, Cartier was one of the pre-eminent jewellers to the elite of Paris, London and New York.

The Kennedy Connection

Mrs. Evelyn Lincoln was Kennedy’s secretary from the day he entered the Senate in 1953 to the day he was assassinated in November 1963. It was to Mrs. Lincoln that Parkland Hospital staff handed the late President’s personal effects, including his Cartier watch. It was also Mrs. Lincoln who, ordered by President Lyndon B. Johnson, cleaned out the Oval Office of all Kennedy’s possessions.  Jackie Kennedy Onassis was another Cartier watch fan, and is associated with the Cartier ‘Tank’. Other fans of the Cartier watch include Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston and Camilla Parker Bowles, to name a few.

Cartier watches remain at the cutting edge of men’s fashion. To find out more visit http://www.qpmagazine.com

Off the cuff

Dedicated followers of fashion argue that men in the year 2007 are becoming much more aware of their appearance.  Not only is the market for men’s cleansing and hair products booming, but they are beginning to be much more open about their fashion choices.  One style commentator points to the trend, begun by the Fiat billionaire, Gianni Agnelli, and picked up by Cartier ambassador Arnault Bamberger, for strapping the watch over a shirt cuff: “it’s an affectation, but it’s quite stylish. And it shows that you value your Cartier watch.”

Fashion accessories

Watches used to have two hands and some numbers, and were made to tell the time. Now they are objects of desire, collectors’ items and fashion accessories. And some people still use them to tell the time.   More likely, however, they will tell people about taste, style and even the size of the wearer’s bank account.  The popularity and desirability of having a beautiful timepiece so close to one’s pulse means that Cartier and other watchmakers can’t keep up with global demand.

Demand for design

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Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont designed, built, and flew the first practical dirigible balloons (airships). In doing so he became the first person to demonstrate that routine, controlled flight was possible. This “conquest of the air”, in particular winning the Deutsch de la Meurthe prize on 19 October 1901 on a flight that rounded the Eiffel Tower, made him one of the most famous people in the world during the early 1900s – an early celebrity.  In 1904, Santos-Dumont met Louis Cartier, and collaboration in the design of a Cartier watch was born.

Unreliability of the pocket watch

Santos-Dumont complained to Cartier of the unreliability of pocket watches in flight. Cartier rose to the challenge, and together with master watchmaker Edmond Jaeger, designed a flat wristwatch with a distinctive square bezel.  Santos-Dumont wore it on every flight thereafter, including his world record-making 220-meter flight, lasting twenty-one seconds, on November 12, 1906.  This model of Cartier watch was not only a hit with Santos-Dumont, but also with Cartier’s many clients. Thus, out of this timeless design, the “Santos” was born. Incredibly enough, this watch is still produced today in much the same form.

Celebrity culture

This collaboration between Santos-Dumont and Cartier is of great importance for the watch industry. For the first time, a celebrity gave his name -“Santos”- to a line of wristwatches commercialized from 1911 to the present day by Cartier watches.  Santos-Dumont loved living the celebrity lifestyle and this was the perfect advertisement to give Cartier watches the kudos Louis couldn’t have bought – he was seen as the dashing young man about town. Wristwatches were in a sense the perfect illustration of the Modern Movement, which favoured rationality and functionalism. These principles, generally applied to art, also influenced serially produced items such as wristwatches.

Innovative design

During the early twentieth century any man wearing a wristwatch made a very daring statement, as the classic pocket watch was considered the only timepiece a gentleman should carry. Cartier was a major influence in persuading the Parisian aristocracy to accept the idea of wristwatches for men. The Santos was promoted to show that the adventurous gentleman was wearing a Cartier watch in all walks of his life. In 1978 Cartier redesigned its Santos collection and included an innovative new signature – the screws of the watch were not hidden, but became a feature of the design.  Today the collection of Santos Cartier watches comes under four headings – Santos Dumont, Santos Demoiselle, Santos 100 and Santos Cartier de Galibee.

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Badges are one of the mainstays of the promotional gift market. Used for anything from promoting in-store sales to rock bands, they are worn and used by nearly all the population in one form or another. To find out more visit http://www.giftfocus.com/articles.cfm

The versatility of the badge is the key to its success. Button badges are still found on many a teenager’s school bag, whilst charities give away enamelled lapel-badges in return for donations. Badges identify people at exhibitions and conferences, celebrate achievements and successes and promote brands.

At Korporate Creations, we can supply badges of all sizes and to any design specification. Improvements in technology mean that badges can be die-cut or moulded in a variety of materials, including plastic and rubber, and fitted with different types of pin fastening, including the traditional safety-pin catch and the butterfly clutch pin. The types of badge we can produce include:

Button Badges

Button badges are the traditional, round, plastic coated badges, although the category has been stretched to include square and rectangular buttons. With sizes ranging from 25mm to 77mm, button badges can be as loud or discreet as you require. Button badges are useful for promotions aimed at children and for slogans or character badges.

Special Effect Badges

These badges can be designed to include sound and light. Because they incorporate additional features, these badges usually need to be metal, and are often die-cut to shape.

Steel Badges

Steel badges can be cut into any shape or design, and filled with colour. They are coated to prevent scratching. These badges are particularly popular with businesses who want to reproduce their logo or identity exactly.

Nickel and Gold-Plated Badges

For a more up-market badge, we can provide nickel-plated and gold-plated badges. These can accommodate detailed and fine designs and the plating provides a high-class finish.

Lapel Badges

Usually smaller and more discreet than the general badge range, lapel badges can be made to any design and are coated for additional protection. From country flags to logos, to individual lettering, they are an ideal corporate gift or incentive product and one of the most popular types of badges ordered.

Key rings are a key part of any promotional catalogue and have maintained their popularity as a corporate gift for many years. To find out more visit http://www.executivepa.com/promotions-and-incentives-directory/corporate-gifts/ 

New technology means that the market has expanded, and rather than just printing logos onto regular shapes, we can now produce key rings to exact orders. Shape, size, function and material are all much more flexible than before, giving the key ring a new lease of life.

Everyone has a set of keys. Car keys, house keys, office keys all require a method of keeping them together. Walk into any gift shop at an amusement park, museum or tourist attraction and you will see a whole range of key rings that match the theme of the ride or exhibition. Importantly, key rings have also become a vital way of making information available; your blood group or emergency details can be printed on your key ring and some insurance companies give their clients key rings so that anyone finding lost keys can claim a reward by ringing the insurer or handing the keys into a police station. These multiple uses mean that the key ring is an extremely useful corporate and retail item.

Key rings can be manufactured in rubber, plastic and a variety of metals. They can be made to any shape and size and enamelled so that your corporate colours and logo can be exactly reproduced. This makes them one of the most versatile corporate gifts and can be used for anything from exclusive silver executive gifts to exhibition giveaways that each cost pence to make.  Speciality key rings are available, such as those that include mini torches or pens or fully moulded, 3D key rings, which allow companies to re-produce characters or bring their logo to life. Technology also allows for key rings to be produced quickly, which means that your lead times are shortened and we can supply you with large quantities at great prices.

The popularity of digital technology means that we can also personalise your key rings with pictures or images that you send us. So, for a retirement party, wedding or other occasions, we can put your picture onto the key ring, creating the most personalised gift or giveaway.

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Because of its individual nature, corporate jewellery is made-to-order and is usually ordered in small quantities. Pieces can be commissioned to mark a special occasion such as a long-service award, retirement or employee achievement. They can also be used as prestige gifts for key clients.

The most common use for corporate jewellery is from associations, organisations and academic institutions. Branded cufflinks, tie pins, lapel badges and charms are all good ways to show you belong to a certain body, and for that body to generate income. Classically and cleverly-designed pieces will sell well to membership, and increase revenue in shops and retail outlets.  Museums and art galleries often have jewellery that refers to or depicts the most celebrated items in their collection and, if well made from solid silver, these items sell well to the institution’s visitors, particularly tourists.

Your items do not have to be solid silver, of course. Cufflinks in particular can be made with a base metal and then enamelled with the colour and pattern you require. This process can also be used with pendants and tie-pins. This flexibility allows you to offer jewellery in your corporate colours or with an exact reproduction of your logo. For special occasions such as the anniversary of an institution or business, we can help design a bespoke piece of jewellery to mark the event. For this process, we will work closely with you, talking through your requirements, before producing one or more designs for you to consider and approve. You will be able to see a full design drawing of the piece before it is made, giving you the opportunity to make suggestions or alter the design.  All our bespoke and solid silver jewellery comes in presentation boxes, giving them a professional look, and we can deliver all the products to you, or individually to the recipients as required.

How much can you earn from modelling? To find out more visit: http://www.modelsconnect.net/ 

Depending on which area of the modelling industry you work in, and how successful you are, you can make as little or as much money as you want to.

Fame and Fortune?

The modelling industry is one which rewards the look of the moment with fame and fortune. For those supermodels whose look lasts for several years and bucks the ever-changing trends in face and body shape, the earning potential is extremely high. Not only do they get paid very well for runway appearances and advertising, but they often sign lucrative contracts to promote make-up ranges, fragrances and selective collections. Models in this bracket can earn millions each year, but they have to work hard to get there and stay on top.

When you start modelling, the pay will be much more modest. In the first instance, you may be sent on lots of go-sees by your agent, for which you will fund the travel costs and you will also have to invest in comp cards, make-up, clothing and other essential modelling tools in order to look professional. Your starting pay can vary from £50 to £300 for a days work, but as you gain experience and a reputation within the industry, your pay could rise to between £300 and £1000 for the day. Remember though, that your agent will take a commission from your pay – usually about 20% – and that you will have to put money aside to pay your tax bill.

Also bear in mind that you’re unlikely to paid on the day; once you have completed the job, the agency will bill the client and you will have to wait for the client to pay the agency before the agency pays you. If you are booked to work abroad, the client will normally fund the cost of your travel and accommodation, although you should always check this before you agree to the job.

Plan for the Long Term

Whilst fashion editorial and advertising modelling work can be very hard to get, other jobs, such as catalogue or commercial modelling can be great choices for making a good living. The competition for jobs like these is still intense, but if you get the job, you will be guaranteed a certain number of days work, as catalogue shooting can take several weeks. This provides you with a steady income for a period of time, which will allow you to spend some time trying for fashion editorial or advertising work later.

Many models take on a second job at the start of their career, as it can take over a year to get established and begin earning regular money. Living in an expensive place like London means that you will need some form of monthly or weekly income when you begin your modelling career, and you can then adapt your circumstances as the modelling becomes more frequent.

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 There’s a lots of talk about model’s portfolios. Do you know what you need when you approach an agency? A good range of experience will broaden your options with a portfolio that contains fashion and jewellery modeling like Pandora 790448 shoots.

Two Will Do

Actually, you usually don’t need a portfolio at all. Most agencies just ask for two good quality pictures of you – a head and shoulders shot and a full length photograph – often in swimwear, or form-fitting clothes. It is from these simple shots that agencies will decide whether to take you on or not. Don’t make the mistake of dragging out any old photograph, though. Your shots should be good quality, but you absolutely don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds getting a series of photographs done by a professional photographer before you approach an agency. They don’t need it and it will be a waste of your money, which will be better used for your travel and time going round the agencies.

Print Photographs

Once you have been selected by an agency, they will quite often send you to their own photographer for some additional portfolio shots. Whilst the agency will usually pay for the photo shoot, you will need to pay to get there, and if you want extra copies of the photos you will have to pay for those too.

As you get modelling work, you will be able to add to your portfolio. When you get a job, check with your agency  whether you will be able to get a print to add to your portfolio. Be aware that if you are being given photographs, then the photographer will keep the copyright, and you will be limited by what you can do with it. You may be asked to sign a release form, which states for example, that you can use the print for your own self-promotion, but not sell it to any third party. Even if you use it on your website, or a general modelling site, you will normally need to credit the photographer.

You should keep your portfolio prints in a proper portfolio, with separate covers for each shot. This not only looks professional, but keeps the photographs flat and clean. Take your portfolio with you to each job – although the photographer or art director may have seen your agency shots, they will also want to see the other work you have done.

Modelling Web Sites

You can create your own web site, or lodge your photographs with an online agency. This widens the audience for your portfolio. Many online modelling agencies are becoming a first port of call for photographers, directors and casting agents, so having a presence on the web should be a valuable way to promote yourself. Again, make sure that the photographs are good quality, and check with the agency that you will be able to add to your gallery, or update your range of shots.

Your modelling portfolio is something that you can add to throughout your career. It will not only act as a guide to what you can do and where you have worked, but eventually, it will act as your permanent photo album of your modelling career!

Handbags can say a lot about who you are.

Conservative, flashy, loud, quiet, practical, stylish, modest or vain – the designer handbags you choose say a lot about you. The designer handbags you shop for need to fit with your wardrobe and your overall style. Whether you buy designer handbags or opt for more run-of-the-mill handbags – it says a lot about your income, social status and values. If you meticulously choose your designer handbag to match your outfit every morning, or if you carry the same old tired handbag for years on end (even if it’s falling apart), your handbag says a lot more about its owner than you may think. Find out more about hot handbags here: http://hautenessmagazine.com/

Designer Handbags – More than Necessity

Handbags are a necessity for most women. They are a functional part of our lives, allowing us to carry essentials around in an easy and comfortable way. They are ingrained in our everyday lives and as such, the kind of handbags you use say a lot about who you are. Choosing beautiful designer handbags shows you care about your appearance, so what does your handbag say about you?

Shoulder bags – If you carry an everyday shoulder bag, this suggests a certain amount of practicality – that function is put before style. Large or over-sized handbags often denote mothers or professionals who need to carry a lot around with them – whether it is dummies or business plans (or both!).

Designer handbags – Of course there are many different designer handbags to suit every woman’s needs but the mere fact that you’ve chosen a designer label says you enjoy the finer things in life, are confident about your style and have a healthy self esteem – because you’re worth it!

Fake designer handbags – Most of us can tell the difference between a fake designer handbag and the real thing; fake designer handbags risk looking tacky and cheap reflecting badly on your style.

Clutch designer handbags – The ultimate handbag for the jet setting woman. A clutch suggests you only need a minimum amount and that you’re not weighed down by practicality or responsibility.

Quiet, neutral or black leather designer handbags suggests a certain easy going friendliness – the woman opting for this style of designer handbag is easy to approach and not scarily vain or loud.

Flash, glitzy, brightly coloured or sequined designer handbags suggests plenty of personality, confidence and a desire to stand out from the crowd!

 Throwaway fashion is great, isn’t it?  You can get a cheap £10 pair of earrings from a discounted high street clothing store.  Perfect – for a couple of weeks anyway. This is the probably the estimated time of deterioration, where the seams come apart and embellishments fall away like a wet cake. If you want to save money in the long run, choose good quality diamond earrings. 

Buy Cheap, Buy Twice

This motto may be overused (in the world of brand snobbery anyway), but it is definitely true. In saying this, common sense is awfully handy. Maybe spending half your mortgage on a pretty little clutch isn’t the way forward seeing as clutch bags barely hold a lip gloss and mobile phone.  But like a good pair of jeans, some things are worth investing in.  Diamond earrings are made with premium stones crafted to the finest quality, and will not fall apart like their cheaper counterparts.

Diamond earrings – High Fashion Image

Our appearance is everything.  It’s not shallow.  It’s not vain. Those who believe that a bit of designer indulgence is a narcissistic approach to self-esteem are clearly mistaken.  A high percentage of our communication is non-verbal – this form of interaction can be seen in our body language, through our use of eye contact, in our posture, in our clothes and the way we take care of our appearance. Diamond earrings not only provide instant glamour but they also reflect our personal style – and in a way, they can provide a little glimpse into our souls. Our peers can deduct a lot from the choices we make in fashion.

Diamond earrings – A Girl’s Best Friend

Forget diamond rings, we love earrings more, and that’s got to be a scientific fact. Choose throwaway fashion and you will fork out more in the long run.  If you invest your money wisely, you can make yourself fantastic savings over time. It may seem ridiculous to spend so much of your well-earned money on flash diamond earrings, but a well designed and lovingly crafted designer earrings is like your best friend.

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