Niki Taylor

Business

The Changing Face of the All-American Model

Over the past 50 years, the U.S. population has become increasingly diverse: According to the most recent census, 36% of the American population now identifies as non-Caucasian--that's in comparison to just 16% in 1970. The idea of what it means to be American and to look American this July 4, 2013, is vastly different than the July 4ths of half a century ago. So how has this changed the American beauty ideals, and, by default, the American modeling industry?

Business

Fashion News Roundup: Benetton Pulls Its Ad Featuring the Pope Kissing an Imam, Costello Tagliapietra Has a Diffusion Line, and Arizona Muse Lands Another Vogue Cover

Benetton Smooching Ad Pulled: In what comes as a surprise to no one, Benetton had to pull its ad featuring Pope Benedict XVI and a senior Egyptian imam kissing for the brand's "Unhate" campaign. Apparently, the religious crowd was not feeling the shot. {Daily Mail} Alber Elbaz and Betsey Johnson Decorate Christmas Trees: Famed London hotel, Claridge's, is enlisting the help of Alber Elbaz to deck out their Christmas tree for the holidays. The tree will showcase Mr. Elbaz's whimsical style, with marionettes dressed in Claridge's staff uniforms hanging from its branches. Stateside, Betsey Johnson is set to decorate the tree at the Plaza Hotel. {WWD (Subscription required)} Costello Tagliapietra to Release Lower Priced Line: For those women who "[can't] afford what equates to rent on a dress," Costello Tagliapietra brings you C&T, their diffusion line set to release this spring. Each dress in the 13-piece collection will retail for $298. {WWD (Subscription required)}

Style

Adrienne Vittadini Fall 2011: Modern Muses--Don't Call Them Old

A mere seven models walked in only 13 looks at the Adrienne Vittadini presentation at Lincoln Center yesterday afternoon. But it wasn’t about the clothes. It was about the models. The presentation, aptly titled “Modern Muses,” featured Niki Taylor, Carol Alt, Roshumba, Pat Cleveland, Frederique van Der Wal, Irina Pantaeva, and Carmen Dell’Orefice. All old school, and all fabulous. After a week of watching prepubescent beanpoles walk all over New York City, it was a pleasure to see these ladies looking real and having a blast. It was a brilliant move by Adrienne Vittadini, because the place was packed with an enthusiastic crowd.