0 Nick Verreos Attends Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Backstage, Fashion Show and After Party Pics!!

Pink Fabulous, Ethnic Mixing Provides VS Supermodel Fabulousness, my New "Boyfriend", Mantilla 2.0, and my St. Louis Sister from Another Mother--Read on...

Presenting Pink: Nick Verreos at the "Step-and-Repeat" Pink Carpet, 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Lexington Avenue 69th Regiment Armory

About three weeks ago--on November 8th--I flew to NYC for some business pitch meetings. But there was something else I had to do: I was asked to do some "Backstage and Pink Carpet Coverage" for a new forthcoming fashion/lifestyle YouTube web show "LookTV" for the 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show!

Heading Out: Nick Verreos, pink watch on wrist, Starbucks coffee in hand, red "Florence Italy Bag" in arm, ready to do my LookTV interviewing duties, The Marcel at Gramercy Hotel, NYC

Naturally, I was happy to oblige and provide my "OMG! I LUV Supermodels!!" self to all the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Fabulousness. As you know, the actual show was televised last night on CBS but yes, it was taped back in early November (it takes time to edit it and make it look even more FAB!).

Pink Robe Princesses: (Left to right) Models Caroline Winberg (Sweden), Julia Stegner (Germany), Cameron Russell (Boston, USA)

Trying to get to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show backstage area--even as "official press"--was like trying to get clearance to enter The Pentagon (I'm just assuming, since I've never tried to go to The Pentagon). After getting my photo taken, my ID checked (yes, I'm GAY and don't mind seeing half-naked girls, thank you VERY MUCH!), with my camera and sound men in tow, I was ready to head into the "Pink Chamber".

Backstage Madness: Backstage--as you can see above--was a madhouse. I had covered a VS Fashion Show Backstage before so this was "a piece of cake" for me--but even my "crew" was like "Oh Dear!": too many gorgeous women, too many reporters, too many make-up-and-hair people and too many Blackberry-carrying pr agents and model bookers trying to pretend to look busy. Of course, I began spotting all the VS girls: Adrianna, Alessandra, Candice, Chanel, Miranda (first names only!). I immediately got to work. At one point, as I was interviewing Miranda Kerr, a guy strolled on by us, and said "hey!" and gave her a kiss. It was Kanye West. Yes, kids, Kanye! (didn't realize he was shorter than me). Later, of course, he would be performing.

Pardon Me Gorgeous, Can I Interview You: Nick Verreos with model Shanina Shaik, from Melbourne, Australia. Shanina has the most delicious skin color, piercing eyes and beautiful hair. I soon found out why: her mother is of Lithuanian and Australian heritage, while her father has Pakistani and Saudi Arabian roots. Note to People Wanting to have babies: YOU NEED TO MIX. Mixing cultures gives you future Victoria's Secret Supermodels!

The $2.5 Million 2011 Fantasy Treasure Bra: On display backstage at the 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. It was created by London Jewelers. Its President, the lovely Candy Udell was there--along with her big tough bodyguard (he was actually a total sweetheart).

I was backstage for about three hours, interviewing every girl I could get my microphone in front of--asking them everything from "How excited are you to be in the show?" to " Can you give us your best Bitchy/Sexy/Loving Look to the camera!". They were all a DREAM, and yes, supernaturally beautiful. Once you are back there, up-close-and-personal, you: A) realize they are Genetically-blessed "Super Creatures" all 6 feet and size ZERO of them, and B) That I am just a sub-human mortal who needs to hit the tread mill more often and stop my addiction to Fettuccine Alfredo!

Now, onto The Show!

David Paul and Nick Verreos, 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Lexington Avenue 69th Regiment Armory

Partners-in-VS Fashion Show Crime: I was lucky enough to have gotten TWO tickets to actually see the show (after I was done with my backstage filming/interviews), and so naturally, I brought my NIKOLAKI design partner for life, David Paul. He put on his best Zara jacket (he looks so handsome!) and we made our way to our seats.

The Performances:

Kanye and Jay-Z: Kanye West first performed by himself doing "Stronger"--wearing a black velvet and multicolored printed bomber jacket from the Versace for H&M Collection (which back then, hadn't even been out yet--naturally Donatella gave him one ahead of schedule). Then, he brought out "surprise guest" Jay-Z to do "N***** In Paris". I'm not necessarily a Kanye or Jay-Z fan (I'm more a Kylie type of boy!) so I had no idea what they were singing or rapping but the crowd was loving it, as we were all forced to get up and do our best head bobbing and arm up-and-down swinging. Needless to say, they were great!

Nicki Minaj did her "SuperBass" song during the last "Club Pink" section of the VS Fashion Show, which seemed great to have a fun and sassy ending to the entire extravaganza. I do know this song (thank you very much!) so I was singing along. Miss Nicki also had a bunch of hot-and-sexy dancers onstage with her as part of her performance.

My New Boyfriend: Adam Levine and Maroon 5 also performed and to be honest, they were MY favorite performers of the night (just because I really like the song "Moves Like Jagger" and I really, really like cutie Adam!). But yes, he's taken, as you can see from the above photo, with his girlfriend, Russian-born model Anne Vyalitsyna. They were SO cute together, especially when he kissed her on the cheek as she posed at the end of the Swarovski crystal covered catwalk.

The Fashion Show and Models:
The Show was divided into six different sections: "Ballet", "Super Angels", "Passion", "Angels Aquatic", "I Put A Spell On You" and "Club Pink". The Collection of Fantasy Couture Lingerie/Costumes/Sassy Sportswear was designed by Todd Thomas and its Creative Design Director was fashion editor and stylist Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou. Lots of the creations seemed to be sub-contracted out to many different designers and costume houses. They created some wonders, for sure!

Here were some of my favorites (with my "Nick VS Fashion Show and Model Scores"):

Mantilla LOCA--Doutzen Kroes (Netherlands): During the "Passion" section, Doutzen came out in this STUNNING oversized lace embroidered and Swarovski crystal-encrusted Mantilla and Peineta "Wing" ensemble. It was INSANE: this should seriously be Miss Spain's national costume for the next Miss Universe pageant! Oh, I forgot, she also wore Victoria's Secret Miraculous Bra and matching panty. VS Fashion & Model Score: 9.9

Catwalkin' In The Rain--Izabel Goulart (Brazil): This was one of my favorite pieces of the 2011 VS Fashion Show. This was during the "I Put A Spell On You" segment. She wore a custom striped bra and panty, Giuseppe Zanotti Designed black boots and TWO MOVING PARASOLS (!) attached to her back. These "Parasol Wings" were created by Ted Southern. I remember sitting there in the audience thinking "She's got TWO moving umbrellas as her Wings! You Go Izabel!". VS Fashion and Model Score: 9.8

Miss Oceania 2011: This was one of my favorite non-winged looks from the show, worn by French model Constance Jablonski in the "Angels Aquatic" section. The 2011 VS Fashion Show Run-of-Show Booklet (which was on my seat) credits this gorgeous beaded and feathered gown to Jolibe Atelier. Kudos on an amazing dress Jolibe Atelier, whoever you are: I need to see this gown on the next Miss Venezuela...or a really SCANDALOUS Figure Skater (a mini version perhaps?). VS Fashion and Model Score: 9.9

SuperWoman: Model Anja Rubik (Poland) is the DEFINITION of a "Super Angel" in this out of control ensemble. She's got the Victoria's Secret BioFit Bra and Incredible Panty (somewhere in there), a leather body suit and hand-painted (by Jeff Fender Studio) silk cape, all created by "By Barak" and thigh-high yellow boots by Zanotti. All on top of Anja's ZERO-FAT 5'10" figure that could make any woman--who might have a tinge of insecurity--not want to be within a mile radius from her. VS Fashion and Model Score: 10!

Inflatable Supermodel: When the beautiful Joan Smalls (USA) stomped onto the VS Fashion Show--wearing a blue Latex Bodysuit from "House of Harlot" and what seemed like just a regular ol' cape, something KRAZEE happened at the end of the runway: her damn cape inflated and stood horizontally erect for the rest of her walk! "Oh No She Didn't!" is what I uttered to David. I think EVERY Gay in the audience stood up and gave Joan a standing ovation right then and there. VS Fashion and Model Score: 10!

My New DIVA: I could barely talk when this STUNNING beauty stomped onto the catwalk. I was like "Who the H*** is that???" Her exotic face, her 6-foot long legs (she is actually 6 feet tall!), her 31.5" bust: 23" waist: 33" hips body (perfect for Haute Couture), her walk, everything was like she was a Goddess from the Amazon! Well, in fact, kind of: Lais Ribeiro is from Brazil, of course. Oh, and she's also a mom! VS Fashion and Model Score: 10!

St. Louis Star: Last but certainly not least was what I considered "The Star of the Night", model Karlie Kloss, from the Good Ol' U. S. of A! This was Karlie's FIRST TIME modeling in a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Why? She just turned 18 and well, you have to be 18-and over to model in the VS Fashion Show, so she finally made it! For her first time, Miss Karlie BROUGHT IT, huney! The walk, the come-hither wink, the playing to the audience to get them excited and the shaking of the hair as the "Beyonce Fan" hit her right at the end of the runway...it was as if she'd been doing this for AGES! To be honest it put some of the "old timers" to shame (not naming names, kids!). VS Fashion and Model Score: 10!

The After Party at Dream Downtown Hotel NYC:
After the show, David and I headed to the Dream Downtown NYC Hotel where the official 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show After Party was held. All the models were there--sans their costumes and runway creations of course.

What Models Wear to Cocktail Parties: Lais Ribeiro (Brazil), Emanuela De Paula (Brazil), Behati Prinsloo (Namibia), 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show After Party, Dream Downtown NYC

They were all in very chic cocktail dresses or long gowns (I know: gowns!). Also, it was interesting that I didn't see ONE model in a tight Herve Leger "bandage dress". A couple of years ago when I also covered the VS Fashion Show, EVERY other model wore one to the After Party. Not so much this year. Kanye was there at the After Party of course, holding court with a bevy of beauties and his friends, and so was Adam Levine (my cutie!), his girlfriend, model Anne V. and the rest of Maroon 5. I even spotted Donna Karan, HUNK of all HUNKS actor Joe Manganiello (OMG!) and bearded (trying-to-be-incognito) Jake Gyllenhaal.

Nick Verreos with model Anais Mali of France--I interviewed Anais backstage before the show so it was very nice seeing her after the show--she did an outfit change--from her pink VS robe to a long grape-colored satin gown with a high side slit with blue-green inside lining. Anais is another gorgeous ethnically-mixed model: her mom is from Chad and her dad is Polish.

St. Louis Beauty: I was so exited when I saw MY Star of The VS Fashion Show Night, the gorgeous Karlie Kloss. I had to stop her and annoy her with my gushing. Also, since she's from St. Louis Missouri and that's where I was born (I know!), I also wanted to give her some "St. Louis Kisses"!

Midwest Stunner: Karlie was SOOO sweet--no attitude, no "why are you bothering me, I'm at a party..." NADA. Her parents done taught her right. Simply beautiful inside and out--even in my brief meeting. Also, notice in the photo above, where her waist is, compared to me next to her: her WAIST is at the same level as MY CHEST! Those legs went on for FOREVER! Soon after that, David and I decided it was time to call it a night and end our amazing Pink-Fabulous Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Day.

0 The Twilight Saga: The Breaking Dawn Part 1 (Movie Review)

The reason why the 'Twilight' series captured our imagination a few years ago was the originality of its idea and execution. Watching the penultimate film in the series, you will be stuck with a series of dejà vus.

You won't have to rake your head hard to figure out where you had seen bits and pieces of "The Breaking Dawn" for it literally takes inspiration from and shamelessly copies the execution of almost every single TV soap-opera and their Indian avatar - the saas-bahu sagas.

Isabella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) finally get married and Edward unwittingly gets Isabella pregnant. As the fetus grows rapidly, it threatens Bella's life. But she is unwilling to abort the baby despite the urging of everyone around.

Afraid of the half-human, half-vampire baby growing inside Bella, the wolves plan to kill her even as the Cullen family and Jacob (Taylor Lautner), fight to save her.

The only originality the film hold is in its combination of cliches of multiple genres. Thus you have an exotic woman in possession of an ancient wisdom (from the monster movie genre) calling Edward a monster.

You have once again a jealous friend in Jacob who mouths cheesy lines (teenage romance genre) and you have a understanding and protective family speaking dialogues straight from soaps (family drama genre)...the list goes on.

It even begins with 'the' teenage cinematic marriage sequence of the millennium.

As the jealous best fried Jacob runs off in anger, the couple is married in a dream marriage that even Prince Charles and Diana could not have dreamt of. This and the honeymoon is slow and long, but has enough oomph for girls with romance in their eyes to lap up.

There is no point commenting on the acting department which actually relies on the inability of its actors to act, and their abilities to look either pale and white, expressionless or perennially angry.

"The Breaking Dawn" is good only for the die-hard fans of the franchisee, or teenage girls with fairy tale romance lighting up their eyes or fans of Mills and Boons. Others beware of a headache.

0 Yoga, Potter are evil: Vatican exorcist

Vatican’s chief exorcist has claimed that practicing yoga and reading ‘Harry Potter’ brings evil. Father Gabriel Amorth, who has carried out more than 70,000 exorcisms in the past 25 years after being appointed by the late Pope John Paul II, surprised delegates at a conference by revealing his dislike for yoga and ‘Harry Potter’.

“Practising yoga brings evil as does reading Harry Potter. They may both seem innocuous but they both deal with magic and that leads to evil,” the Daily Mail quoted him as saying.

“Yoga is the Devil’s work. You thing you are doing it for stretching your mind and body but it leads to Hinduism. All these oriental religions are based on the false belief of reincarnation,” he said.

Speaking on the subject of People And Religion at a fringe event at the Umbria Film Festival in Terni, Father Amorth spoke of his distaste for JK Rowling’s young wizard.

“People think it is an innocuous book for children but it’s about magic and that leads to evil. In Harry Potter the Devil is at work in a cunning and crafty way, he is using his extraordinary powers of magic and evil,” he said.

“Satan is always hidden and the thing he desires more than anything is for people to believe he does not exist. He studies each and everyone of us and our tendencies towards good and evil and then he tempts us.

“My advice to young people would be to watch out for nightclubs because the path is always the same: alcohol, sex, drugs and Satanic sects,” he added.

This is not the first time that the 85-year-old has raised eyebrows with his forthright views, as last year he had said that the ongoing child sex scandals rocking the Catholic Church were evidence that “the Devil was at work in the Vatican”.

0 Lady Gaga wants balls or brains!

Lady Gaga has revealed that her ideal man must push the boundaries.

The 'Marry The Night' star, whose current relationship status is not known, said her ideal partner must have a range of qualities.

Asked what she looked for in a man, Lady Gaga said, "Talent and perseverance, and pushing the boundaries of love and acceptance.

"I don't know, I can't really say. It ranges from a really big [d**k] to a degree at Harvard. Just about anything."

Lady Gaga was recently reported to be dating 30-year-old actor Taylor Kinney, although the star has not confirmed the relationship.

0 Bigg Boss's Sunny Leone is bisexual

Porn star Sunny Leone, who entered the Bigg Boss house recently, has claimed that she discovered she was bisexual when she was 18, but says she prefers men.

The entry of an X-rated star has made season five of Bigg Boss its most controversial season ever.

Leone, now a citizen of US, was born in Canada as Karen Malhotra on May 13, 1981 to Sikh parents.

She was sent to a Catholic school because her parents thought a public school would be unsafe for her.

By the time she was 14 her family had moved from Canada, to Fort Gratiot in Michigan before finally settling in Lake Forest, California, the Mirror reported.

Leone was training to be a paediatric nurse in Orange County when she was introduced to agent John Stevens by an exotic dancer friend.

He, in turn, introduced her to Jay Allen, a photographer for lad’s mag Penthouse, in fact the second half of her porn name ‘Leone’ was chosen by Bob Guccione, the former owner of Penthouse magazine.

She moved into hardcore pornography in 2005 when she signed a three-year contract with Vivid Entertainment.

Her first film was entitled Sunny and her second film, Virtual Vivid Girl Sunny Leone, won her an AVN adult industry award.

Despite her chosen field being far from family-friendly, Leone, who presently lives in Hollywood, hopes to retire one day, get married and start a family.

0 Heidi Klum named 'Most Dangerous Celebrity' on the web

Heidi Klum has replaced Cameron Diaz as the most dangerous celebrity to search for on the Web, according to Internet security company McAfee. For the fifth year in a row, McAfee researched popular culture’s most famous people to reveal the riskiest celebrity athletes, musicians, politicians, comedians and Hollywood stars on the Web. The McAfee Most Dangerous Celebrities™ study found movie stars and models top the “most dangerous” list this year while singers and sports stars are among the safest.

Cybercriminals often use the names of popular celebrities to lure people to sites that are actually laden with malicious software. Anyone looking for the latest videos or pictures could end up with a malware-ridden computer instead of just trendy content.

Fans searching for “Heidi Klum” or “Heidi Klum and downloads,” “Heidi Klum and ‘free’ downloads,” “Heidi Klum and photos” and “Heidi Klum and videos” are at risk of running into online threats designed to steal personal information. Clicking on these risky sites and downloading files like photos, videos or screensavers exposes surfers or consumers to the risk of downloading the viruses and malware.

McAfee research found that searching for the latest Heidi Klum pictures and downloads yields more than a 9% chance of landing on a website that has tested positive for online threats, such as spyware, adware, spam, phishing, viruses and other malware.

The study uses McAfee SiteAdvisor software that provides ratings that indicate which sites are risky to search for celebrity names on the Web and calculate an overall risk percentage. The top 10 celebrities from this year’s study with the highest percentages of risk are:

1. Heidi Klum – Klum, the former Victoria’s Secret model and current producer of “Project Runway” moved up from #10 on last year’s list to #1 today. Searching for Klum results in nearly a one in ten chance of landing on a risky site.

2. Cameron Diaz – 2010’s Most Dangerous Celebrity fell to 2nd place, with searches resulting in slightly fewer risky sites this year. She has most recently been in the spotlight with her 2011 movies “Bad Teacher” and “The Green Hornet.”

3. Piers Morgan – A new addition to the top 10 list, Morgan also the most dangerous male celebrity. He is best known as the host of “Piers Morgan Tonight,” taking over for Larry King, a winner of the “Celebrity Apprentice,” and one of the judges on “America’s Got Talent.”

4. Jessica Biel – 2009’s Most Dangerous Celebrity fell one more spot this year with searches resulting in fewer risky sites. Biel continues to be in the spotlight with her on-again, off-again relationship with Justin Timberlake, and appeared in “The A-Team” in June 2010.

5. Katherine Heigl – The former “Grey’s Anatomy” star moved into the top 10 for the first time this year. Heigl has appeared in recent movies such as “Killers” and “Life as We Know It.”

6. Mila Kunis – The former star of “That 70s Show” makes her first showing in the top 10 list, bolstered by starring in movies such as “Black Swan” and “Friends with Benefits.”

7. Anna Paquin – This “True Blood” star is as dangerous on the Web as she is on the screen. She moved up from #10 last year to #7 this year.

8. Adriana Lima – Searching for downloads of this Brazilian beauty can direct users to red-ranked sites. Lima is best known for being a Victoria’s Secret Angel since 2000. Searching for Lima became slightly safer, moving her from #6 last year, to #8 this year.

9. Scarlett Johansson – The former child star has gotten more dangerous as she’s grown up. Named in 2010, as “Babe of The Year” by GQ Magazine, Johansson most recently appeared in “Iron Man 2.”

10. Emma Stone, Brad Pitt and Rachel McAdams – Pitt has been a mainstay of this list, appearing in the top 10 for the past four years. Stone and McAdams are new to the top ten. Stone, the star of last year’s “Easy A” has appeared in “The Help” and “Crazy Stupid Love” this year. McAdams has most recently appeared in “Morning Glory” and “Midnight in Paris.”

0 Demi Moore to 'punish' Ashton Kutcher

Actress Demi Moore has reportedly instructed lawyers to "punish" her estranged husband Ashton Kutcher by "grabbing his fortune".

The 49-year-old actress has confirmed she is splitting from the 33year-old Kutcher after it was alleged that he had cheated on her with another woman.

She is said to be planning to claim part of his personal fortune, even though they signed a pre-nuptial agreement while tying the knot in 2005.

"With a pre-nuptial agreement, Ashton should be sitting pretty. But Demi is furious. She wants to punish him financially because of the way he has broken her heart.

"She is talking about going after a share of what he has earned since their marriage on the grounds that she contributed to much of what he has achieved," femalefirst.co.uk quoted a source as saying.

"She is going to give him a bitter fight and, whether or not she wins, it will be an expensive lesson for him," the source added.

0 Lady Gaga's perfume to smell like 'An expensive hooker'

Lady Gaga says her new perfume may have been based on blood and semen, but it smells like an 'expensive hooker'.

Coty Beauty, which is the firm behind the fragrance, has not yet confirmed the details behind the name of the pop queen's creation.

But given Gaga's fondness for the Monster association as her fans are called Little Monsters, and has given herself the moniker Mother Monster, as well as tattooed the name on her arm, so the name seems a likely one.

The 25-year-old singer signed the license in September 2010, and allegedly requested that the scent smell of "blood and semen."

The 'Born This Way' hitmaker's request was for the fragrance to be based on the molecular structure of the bodily fluids, not the actual aromas themselves.

"You get the after-feeling of sex from the semen and the blood is primal," the Daily Mail quoted Gaga as saying.

The blood element is based on the molecular make-up of the star's own blood.

"It was taken out of my own blood sample so it's a sense of having me on your skin," she said.

"I wanted to extract sort of the feeling and sense of blood and semen from molecular structures, so that's where [the rumours] came from.

"That is in the perfume but it doesn't smell like that.

"Actually the perfume smells like an expensive hooker," she added.

0 Kate Middleton's teeth deliberately unaligned

Kate Middleton's teeth have been deliberately made "not too perfect" which helped her in giving a "natural, healthy smile, but not an artificial one", a French dentist has claimed.

Didier Fillion uses a system of "micro-rotations" and gentle whitening to make teeth look spectacular. The process involves fitting invisible braces to the back of teeth to twist them very slightly until the desired look is achieved, The Sun reported.

A state-of-the-art computer system produces a virtual 3D model of what a patient's teeth will look like when they're finished.

A fellow dentist Bernard Touati claimed that the Duchess Of Cambridge has used Fillion's services.

"You know why they look good? Because they are not absolutely aligned. "He (Fillion) did some little micro-rotations on Kate Middleton to produce something which is natural. That is what we like - a natural, healthy smile, but not artificial," Touati was quoted as saying.

David Winkler, of the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry, said the trick was to aim for "harmonious asymmetry".

"By slightly rotating teeth, it can break up that unnatural straight line," Winkler said.

Fillion's job takes six months to two years, and costs 4,000 to 11,000 pounds.

His other clients include actresses Kelly Brook and Sadie Frost.

0 Dressed to Kill: Kangna to share Lady Gaga's darzi

Kangna Ranaut, who is all set to play a mutant in the Krrish sequel, has to lose five kilos to get into her costume. We give you a sneak peak of what her character will look like in the visual-effects laden superhero flick.

It has been learnt that Kangna's designer Gavin Miguel has sourced a plastic-like material from the US for her character's costume.

"One of the teams sourced to make the outfit for her in Krissh also stitches Lady Gaga's costumes, " reveals our source.

Giving further details about her costume, the source says, "Considering the kind of material it's made from, Kangna will have to apply special oil on herself to be able to wear it."

Perhaps she should take some tips from SRK on staying in such costumes for long hours, as he did for RA.One.

Our source adds that director Rakesh Roshan wants to make sure people forget Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider when Kangna makes her entry in the movie. Kangna's character is a mutant said to be inspired by Mystique from the X Men series.

When contacted, Gavin maintained that they're still in the process of finalising the costume, so that it looks "more like a second skin."

He asserts, "Since it's a completely body-hugging costume, we require a fabric that stretches and fits perfectly. Hence a lubricant-based oil has to be applied on the body before getting into it. We're still in the testing stages because the costume should not be suffocating."

The designer says that they're also figuring out a way to make the actress avoid wearing the costume all day. "We're trying to work out a design that is easy for her to get into and get out of, " he points out.

The designer and his team have a month to finalise the costume as Kangna still has a month before she starts shooting for the film. "So far, they're happy with the way the look is coming up. Since it's a challenging assignment, I hope it becomes an iconic look in Bollywood, " Gavin signs off.

Credit: Mid-Day.com

0 Anarkali is different from Munni: Malaika Arora Khan

Malaika Arora Khan tells MiD DAY about her next item song and more in an exclusive during her touch-and-go visit to town yesterday

Your next item number is Anarkali Chali Disco for Sajid Khan's Housefull 2.
I have collaborated with Farah Khan yet again. I dance with Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Ritesh Deshmukh, Shreyas Talpade, Mithun Da and Boman Irani in the song.

It was great fun as this is not the first time I'm working in this environment, which is a Sajid Khan film. I have been a part of all his films.

I truly believe Farah, who has choreographed this number as well, is very talented and manages to do something different every time and bring out the best. So, I'm quite excited.

The success of Munni Badnam Hui can be partially attributed to its risque lyrics. What are the lyrics of Anarkali like?
They're not risque. It's a completely different song. Munni was very tongue-in cheek and had a North Indian feel to it. The reason I decided to do it is because it's very different from Munni. It's a hardcore disco song. I'm wearing club wear. We have finished shooting it in Mumbai. The film releases in May.

What's keeping you busy right now?
Right now what's keeping me really busy is pre production of Dabangg 2. We are in the process of finalising everything because we start early next year. What I am really enjoying is that I'm very hands on as a producer this time. The first time, I was merely a rubber stamp.

Chitrangada Singh recently said that her she idolises you.
Oh my god. I think that's really sweet. I know her and she's absolutely fantastic, beautiful and talented. And it's great to see mommies today are giving young girls a run for their money.

It's flattering to hear someone admires you and great to see women post marriage and babies, out there, looking better than ever and not letting themselves go after marriage and children. That, for me, is more exciting.

Designer Sanchita recently said in a fashion magazine that everything about you is flawless except that you don't experiment too much with your hair.
(laughs) I shall definitely take that into consideration. I think I am very straight jacket when it comes to my hair and make up. I don't experiment too much with that. I like to reinvent myself every now and then though.

Your New Year's Eve performance last year was the talk of the nation. Where are you performing this year?
This time I'm not so sure. I haven't quite decided whether I'll be in Mumbai or travelling with my family.

According to your D.O.B in a website, you will be 40 in the next two years. How are you so ageless?
Not really. You are ageing me way before my time. They have my birth date and year wrong. I have another five years to go. As for being ageless, the secret is yoga. If you're happy on the inside, you're happy on the outside.

Credit: Mid-Day.com

0 'Breaking Dawn' tops weekend box office

NEW YORK: Vampires feasted at the Thanksgiving weekend box office, bringing the newest "Twilight" movie its second win in a row, over a strong comeback for "The Muppets" and other family fare that filled theaters.

"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 1" delivered an estimated $113.5 million around the globe from Friday through Sunday. The film ranked No. 1 for the second straight week at U.S. and Canadian theaters, where ticket sales hit $42 million for three days and $62.3 million over the five-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

The film's total box-office take since its release reached $489.3 million globally.

"Breaking Dawn: Part 1" is the fourth movie in the "Twilight" series, one of Hollywood's most lucrative franchises. The movies are based on best-selling novels by Stephenie Meyer about a human-vampire-werewolf love triangle, a story that has generated legions of die-hard female fans.

For the latest movie, "word of mouth is good. (Fans) are supporting the film," said Richie Fay, president of domestic distribution for independent studio Summit Entertainment, which backed the film.

In second place, audiences welcomed the Muppets back to theaters for the first time in 12 years.

New Disney movie "The Muppets," starring Jason Segel and Amy Adams alongside Kermit, Miss Piggy and their puppet friends, took in a strong $29.5 million at North American (U.S. and Canadian) theaters in three days. The five-day holiday weekend haul reached $42 million domestically. Two international markets added $1.6 million.

Disney bought the rights to the Muppets in 2004, and the media, entertainment and consumer-products giant is eager to interest a new generation in the characters.

"It's hard to have anyone argue we didn't bring them back," said Dave Hollis, Disney's executive vice president for motion picture sales and distribution. The movie's performance "exceeded expectations," he said.

The Muppets starred on a weekly television show in the 1970s and early 1980s plus a series of films, the last being 1999's "Muppets from Space."

Critics loved the new Muppets movie, with 98 percent giving it a favorable review, according to aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences awarded an A rating on average, according to exit-polling firm CinemaScore. The movie cost about $45 million to produce.

FAMILY FILMS COMPETE

In third place for the weekend, dancing penguin sequel "Happy Feet Two" earned $13.4 million over three days domestically during its second weekend in theaters and $18.4 million through five days.

Rounding out the top five were two other new family movies that critics adored.

Animated 3D movie "Arthur Christmas," which cost about $98 million to produce, pulled in $12.7 million at domestic theaters over three days and $17 million in five days to finish in fourth place. The movie explains how Santa delivers presents around the world in one night and has earned $22.3 million overseas since opening two weeks ago.

Rory Bruer, president of worldwide distribution for Sony Pictures, said the film "opened about where we hoped it would," adding that he expected the Christmas theme would appeal throughout the holiday season.

"Hugo," a 3D family movie, ended the weekend in fifth place with $11.4 million over three days and $15.4 million over five days. The movie centers on an orphan living in a Paris train station in the 1930s.

The film exceeded studio forecasts for its release in about 1,300 locations, far fewer than the 3,000-plus for the other widely released films, said Don Harris, president of domestic distribution for Paramount.

In a small number of theaters, "My Week with Marilyn," starring Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe, opened with $1.8 million from 244 screens from Friday through Sunday. Critics have praised Williams' performance in the Weinstein Co. film and mentioned her as an Academy Award contender for the role.

Walt Disney Co released "The Muppets." Privately held Summit Entertainment released "Breaking Dawn: Part 1." "Arthur Christmas" was distributed by Sony, and "Hugo" was released by Paramount, a unit of Viacom Inc. Time Warner unit Warner Bros. distributed "Happy Feet Two." (Reuters)

0 Pageant Minute: The new Miss Spain is Miss Barcelona Andrea Huisgen

Una Diosa Española

Olé : The newly crowned "Miss Spain 2011" Andrea Huisgen Serrano, who represented Barcelona

This past Sunday, Andrea Huisgen Serrano, Miss Barcelona was crowned Miss España (Miss Spain) 2011, at the Palacio de los Sueños in Seville, Spain. She is expected to represent Spain in the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant next year (where she will be known as "Miss Spain 2012").

Gracias Chicos: Andrea Huisgen "Miss Barcelona" being crowned "Miss Spain 2011" by her predecessor, Paula Guillo (right photo, in red gown)

Andrea, who was studying law (don't they all say that?!--or engineering or bio chemistry!) and also modeling (of course)...

Modelicious: Model photos of the new Miss Spain 2011 Andrea Huisgen (as a blonde)

Andrea Huisgen stands 1.81 meters (5'11") and is 21 years old. She was born in Barcelona Spain to a German father and Spanish mother and speaks 4 languages--Spanish, German, English and Catalan.

Feathered Gown Queen: Andrea Huisgen "Miss Barcelona"--and soon-to-be crowned "Miss Spain 2011"-- in her ivory strapless "Princess" ball gown of satin and feathers with crystal thin belt. To be honest, I am not a fan of this gown but still, she looked very "Beauty Pageant Perfect". However, the look is a bit dated and well, about five minutes away from a Quinceañera. (Keep reading below for an UPDATE regarding their gown choices...)

At first when I saw photos the beautiful new Miss Spain, I thought "Boy, she's got kind-of a "Venezuelan" air to her...(in terms of her stance, aplomb, hair, make-up...). So, it came as no shock when (after a little web research--yes kids, I do my Homework!) I learned that she was trained by Venezuelan Pageant "Trainer" and Missosologist (Pageant Expert/Fan) Ricardo Rodríguez, alias El Soplón.

The Day After: The beautiful--and newly-crowned "Miss Spain 2011", Andrea Huisgen, being interviewed the following day after her win

Ricardo has been preparing her with oratory, runway, make-up and hair, protocol, as well as all the other necessary "classes" needed to have a winner. It payed off, because, yes, she won! Could Ricardo be the new Osmel Sousa?? One thing's for sure, his "Day Rate" should go up.

Top Three: (Left to right) First Runner Up (Primera Dama de Honor) Miss Las Palmas Aranzazu Estévez, Miss Spain 2011 Andrea Huisgen, and 2nd Runner Up (Segunda Dama de Honor), Ana Amparo Crespo

Peineta (Spanish Hair Comb) Bathing Beauty: The new Miss Spain, Andrea Huisgen "Miss Barcelona", in her Official Swimsuit Photo for the Miss Spain 2011 Competition

Blush Beauties: There were Ten Semi-Finalists and they all had to model in Swimsuit as well as Evening Gowns, of course. Interestingly enough, during the evening gown portion, all the Semi-Finalists wore gowns in the same color: nude/putty/blush.

One Shouldered Señorita: Andrea (above) wore a one-shouldered draped gown with Empire-waist crystal trim detail that was very pretty and seemed to be one of those "high-low" gowns. However, I feel if you're going to show a "high-low" (short in the front/longer in the back) gown, the difference should be greater. Here, it looks like her gown is too short. She still looked gorgeous though.
**UPDATE on the Gowns: I actually heard from her fabulous Pageant Trainer--"El Soplon", Richard Rodríguez --via Twitter (the beauty of Social Media!), who told me something I already suspected: that the gowns were sponsored and that they actually were "given" their gowns the day of, the actual pageant and therefore, the girls had "little choice".

Fashion Diva:

Hostess With The Fashion Mostess: María José Suárez, co-host of the televised "Miss Spain 2011" Contest (above with Agustín Bravo). María José is a TV Presenter in Spain as well as of course, a former Miss Spain (in 1996). The Spanish Celeb Magazines just LUV her! She also wins my unofficial "Best Dressed of Miss España TV Show" Award. Wearing the same blush-colored type gown as the Semi-Finalists during the contest, she still somehow stood out for her elegance and overall "I've Won Already Ladies!" pose. This gown fits her to perfection. Note to the new Miss Spain: it's not too short...you barely see the shoes! Good job María José!

Sequined Goddess: And above (as any good DIVA TV presenter, María José had an outfit change), she looks STUNNING in a gold-and-blue ombre sequined strapless gown. She's almost looking at the new Miss Spain as if to hint to her "Mija, THIS is the gown, you should wear next time...at Miss Universe!"

Felicitaciones to the new gorgeous Miss Spain, Andrea Huisgen!

Click below for video showing HIGHLIGHTS of the new "Miss Spain 2011", Andrea Huisgen, during the contest and being CROWNED:

0 Desi Boyz (Movie Review)

When a young guy makes his debut as a director and ends up dishing out the stale, tasteless fare, the disappointment is twice as much.

At the outset, Desi Boyz (that z in the title made me cringe even before watching the film) dealing with two hard working fellas turning gigolos because of recession, might have held some promise of a sensitive story line.

But Rohit Dhawan's movie manages to take it to a level which veers between the utterly ridiculous to plain unbelievable.

Two college friends, Jerry Patel (Akshay) and Nick (John) decide to take up the profession of being male escorts when they are laid off due to recession. They have a veteran gigolo, Sanjay Dutt to mentor them.

The movie makes this otherwise shady profession look so glorious, that don't be surprised if some impressionable youths now aspire to be male escorts.

All Jerry and Nick have to do is dance at bachelorette parties amidst semi nude women and still emerge being the wonderful twosome just gone astray for a bit.

While the first half has some fleetingly funny moments, in the second half the movie collapses altogether.

At one point it seemed like no one, not the script writer, not the director and definitely not the actors had even an inkling of what was going on.

And to top it all, a few 'poignant' issues were casually thrown in, like Akshay Kumar informing how great India is, to a clueless firang professor etc..

No even those yawn inducing seen it before moments could help the movie qualify to be even called decent. Sorry did I use the word decent?

Shouldn't have with this film. Akshay Kumar is pretty good, However, can't say the same about the rest of the cast, John, Deepika and Chitrangada. Don't really blame them.

This mish mash of a movie just didn't deserve any better.

Credit: Mid-Day.com

0 Figure Skating Fashion Minute: Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia--The Men!

Soccer Balls, Chippendale's Dancers and a Dracula peplum...It's The Men !!!

World Cup...of Skating: Russian Figure Skater Sergei Voronov in a soccer ball-inspired stretch Lycra top and black pants, Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia 2011-2012 Season--Keep reading below to see if he made my "Love It" or "Not So Much" of The Men's at Cup of Russia Figure Skating "Fashion Two cents" Review

Over the weekend, the Rostelecom Cup--or Cup of Russia (of figure skating)--happened at the Megasport Arena in Moscow Russia...

Megasport Arena, Moscow Russia

In my last post, I talked about the costumes I somehow missed during this whole 2011-2012 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Season, for The Pairs. Now, I am on to The Men...and the costumes that escaped my well-trained Fashion Designer and Figure Skating Fan "Eye". Shall we get started:

Artur Gachinski of Russia: It seems fitting since it is the Cup of Russia, to begin with a Russian figure skater--and his costume choice. For his Free Skate entitled "The Demon", utilizing music from "Interview With A Vampire", "Bram Stoker's Dracula", as well as "The Red Violin", he wore an all black ensemble featuring beaded applique over the very tight outseam of the pants as well as accents on the top "jacket" section (center front, collar, cuffs).

As he skated (and especially, when doing his turns), I loved how the peplum "flapped" in the wind. I liked this costume: it reflected the music, the theme and still seemed masculine and dark. If I had one critique: I would have liked maybe...some Red! (to signify the blood of the Vampires).

Artur has been dubbed the "new" Evgeni Plushenko (above)! Plushenko was great in mixing a bit of artistry with a lot of the athleticism--and making his "Dorothy Hamill-esque" layered shag move in the wind. And Gachinski does all that. Also, they have the same coach, and many people have commented on the fact that Artur Gachinski is inspired by his movements, and he's pretty much suggested that Plushenko is his Idol. But Plushenko also knew to add some color in his costumes. Take note Artur.

Konstantin Menshov of Russia: Continuing with the Russian boys, it's Konstantin Menshov. Menshov got 8th place (out of eight) at the Rostelecom Cup this weekend and for his Free Skate, he chose to skate to "The Race" by Yellow, Kill Bill's "Battle Without Humanity", and Debussy's "Clair de Lune". His all black jacket and pant look was very Ski Instructor at some FABULOUS--and very exclusive--James Bond-ish Ski Resort in Cortina Italy. It also had the "essence" of Keanu Reeves in "The Matrix". Maybe that should have been his soundtrack. Just sayin...

Andrei Rogozine of Canada: For his Short Program, Moscow, Russia-born (don't ask, it's Figure Skating!) Rogozine skated to "Broken Sorrow" and "Fanfare" by Black Violin. Somehow, I also haven't talked about this young figure skater--and his costumes--in my "Figure Skating Costumes" blogs here. For this skate, he wore a metalized gunmetal-colored above-elbow sleeved shirt featured placket pocket accents and a large Fleur-de-lis applique on the back. I liked the sort of "Western Tex-Mex" aspect of the shirt--even though that had NOTHING to do with the music or program. Also (on a good note), I am usually NOT a fan of the "Wear-a-belt-with-your pants as part of your Grand Prix Costume" but...I liked his big buckled silver one here. However, the overall iridescent look was a bit "Chippendales Las Vegas Goes Line Dancing at a French Club". Go figure.

Sergei Voronov of Russia: For his Free Skate to Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci", Voronov's costume was a bit of a mishmash of a "Sexy Harlequin" Clown/Stripper: his silver-grey and black ensemble has cut-out applique in "Argyle"/diamond shapes, stand-up asymmetrical collar, center front "tears of a clown" in red, and a side-front chest illusion opening that "travels" dangerously near his thigh. There is A LOT here: A) I love that it's "different" but, B) It's very Cirque du Soleil after waaaay too many pre-Dinner Show drinks! It almost made me wish he would have gone this route:


Now, let's finish with Mr. Soccer Ball:

Yes, kids, it's "Mr Pagliacci" Sergei Voronov of Russia and his "Soccer Ball" ensemble. For his Short Program he skated to "The Final Game" by Hans Zimmer. THANK GOODNESS his costume had something to do with the soundtrack to his skate. Well, just a bit--in terms of being a sport-themed look; it's actually from a BASEBALL-themed film "A League of Their Own", which has NOTHING to do with soccer, or a soccer ball for that matter. Why his top is printed like one is yes, beyond me. But...somehow, I still liked it: it was kitschy, "graphic" and definitely caught my "costume eye attention". Soccer or Baseball, it's still kind-of Figure Skating Fashionable...to me!

*Next Up: The Rostelecom Cup/Cup of Russia Ice Dancers and Ladies!!!