5 September 2010

Weather Warning!

So, I'm not sure how many of you are aware of this, but the East Coast has been suffering a severe heat wave for the last week or so. As a matter of fact, New York is breaking records: this is the hottest summer it has ever had. With temperatures consistantly in the high 90s, the United States Tennis Association was forced to change procedures at the US Open (currently taking place at Flushing Meadows) to allow female players a ten minute break between the second and third sets, and male players medical time outs for heat related illnesses.


You might be wondering why I'm bringing this up, but I assure you, I have a valid reason: New York Fashion Week starts on Thursday! As you know, this means loads of fashion gurus and celebrities squishing into front rows under the tents at the Lincoln Center and at various other locations around the city. If the heat wave persists as it has been lately, this is going to mean a lot of sweaty people, and discomfort. Who are the people I'm most worried about? The models.


While fashion fans tend to shy away from discussions about the health of models, there is a sort of unspoken understanding that many of them are a bit thinner than they ought to be. In extreme heat conditions like what we've had recently, people of the model persuasion are perfect targets for severe dehydration, not just because half are severely emaciated and half are almost certainly underweight, but also because of the demands of the profession. These girls (and boys) will be running all over New York for castings, fittings, shows, and shoots for the whole of the week, often on very little sleep because of their hectic schedules (I'm looking directly at you, Vlada). As a result, there is enormous strain on their bodies, which, with the added aggravation of record high temperatures, will be even more dangerous than usual.


Most models carry water around with them, but this will be extremely important this year given the circumstances. Staying fully hydrated will be a problem, especially with the amount of things to do, but I really hope models have been warned of the situation by their agencies. I also hope show organizers are properly prepared for the week with lots of water, not just for models, but for staff as well. Fingers crossed!


Now, having said that, I've had my eye on the forecasts, and after the passing of Hurricane Earl, things seem to be cooling off around here to more tolerable temperatures, but who really knows how long that's going to last? I encourage everyone attending shows in New York to also make sure they're staying on top of water consumption as well: we don't want to have anyone getting hurt and whatnot. And when I say water, that's what I mean: no soft drinks, sport drinks, or things like that, water is what you want, even if it doesn't have a good taste. Another note: warm water is easier for your body to use, so if you're feeling dizzy or whatever, don't pass up a drink just because it's not cold!


Anyway, on a happier note, it looks like most of the showcards have been posted on models.com. Of the major agencies, it looks like we're still missing IMG... I've seen a couple of the cards they released on other sites, and I have to say, not impressive. Not that I was really expecting anything fantastic, but still, a little effort might be nice. But either way, it looks like all my favorites are going to be present at NYFW, so high fives all around!


We also have a schedule for the shows at Lincoln Center (And I stress, AT LINCOLN CENTER. So don't pop your top when you don't see Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, or Rag & Bone like I did at first... they're showing at off-site locations!). Looks like a great lineup this year... I AM SO EXCITED!!


What about you lot? Were you expecting any models that aren't showing up? What are you doing to stay cool during NYFW? What shows are you looking forward to most this year? And most importantly, do you think the person in charge of fonts at Wilhelmina should be fired immediately?


Peace, love, and floating,
Gill Ford

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