The Art of War: AMTI Showcase May 28, 2011

This past Saturday, I participated for my second year in Angie's Models and Talent Annual Showcase at the Canadian War Museum.

First, some photos taken by Greg Kolz of my collection!  I completed seven new swimsuits and made small alterations to a few of the pieces I already had in order to produce a collection that I can truly say I was proud to send out on that runway.  It's true that we are our own worst critics, so to be able to say that I really honestly loved what I had created was a HUGE deal for me.  Anyway, enjoy!

Earrings by Pica Jewellery

Earrings by Pica Jewellery

Earrings by Pica Jewellery

A few points:

• The AMTI Showcase is for the models and talent.  Designers are asked to participate in exchange for free exposure and experience, but the show is ultimately meant for AND paid for by the models and and actors hoping to be picked up by national and international agencies who have flown in to see which girls and guys strike their fancy this year.  It's a privilege and it's an opportunity to remind ourselves as designers that it's not all about us, and that we couldn't do what we do without those who bring our ideas to life on the runways and in photos.
• There are no breaks between designers during the show.  None.  This means that models that have back to back designers need to quick change backstage.  This is both scary and challenging, but not impossible...thankfully I had a great volunteer, Natalie, to help change the girls in and out of the flimsy and finnicky little swimsuits.
• I was going to post pics of the other collections, but this post took unbelievably long as it is...oh the time lost watching pictures loading.  So, instead I'm going to direct you to Greg Kolz's photos as well as Ming Wu's blog for an in-depth summary.

Thank you again to Greg Kolz for his fantastic photography skills.  Another huge thanks to Pica Jewellery for the amazing accessories!  Thanks as well to my models, Liane Cote for organizing the entire event and to Angie and her wonderful family.  Had another (even better) time this year!

xo Amber

Who likes the Merry-Go-Round?

Over the last couple of weeks, my life has certainly followed a slightly erratic path.  Without going too detailed, between the devastating outcome of the election for myself and my friends that tossed us into an unwanted decision-making situation and my own personal ups and downs that I have experienced, I certainly feel like I have been taken for a ride.  This is where a good movie quote can come in handy just to feel like you’re not alone.  This one is from the 1989 film Parenthood starring Steve Martin as Gil Buckman.  If you haven’t seen it, I sincerely suggest you rent it right now.  It’s hilarious.  Need more incentive?  A young Keanu Reeves plays “that Todd”, who is really just like every other pre-2000s movie role he has ever played, but still SO funny.  It's one of mine and my bff's all-time favourite movies.  OK, on to the quote:

(Gil has been complaining about his complicated life; Grandma wanders into the room) 

Grandma: You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller coaster. 

Gil: Oh? 

Grandma: Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride! 

Gil: What a great story. 

Grandma: I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn't like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it. 

I can honestly say I have quoted that scene with some degree of paraphrasing so many times because of how often it seems a propos.  I guess what I’m trying to say is that even though yes, there are inevitable ups and downs, I have to continually remind myself that it’s what keeps things interesting.  

On that note, below are a few images from a casual photo shoot I wanted to do at a little carnival near my apartment at Dow’s Lake.  Unfortunately at the time it wasn’t open yet.  The workers were setting it up, hanging prizes and making cotton candy, but the rides weren’t running yet.  So, we just took a couple of photos and continued on our bike ride.  I have always loved carnivals.  Maybe it’s because of the disgustingly delicious food, or for the nostalgic feeling they bring about.  Or, maybe I, with my freakishly small hands, nomadic desires and gypsy ancestry, just feel at home.  Who can say?

Pretty sure in those stilts I would be tall enough no matter what

American Apparel bodysuit, H&M belt, skirt bought in Buenos Aires, vintage necklace,  Michael Kors watch, all other accessories and shoes are Aldo

My bf made me post this one because it was his fave, even though I'm not so sure how I feel about it.

No, I did not bike in those shoes. 

So....the question is, which do you prefer:  The merry-go-round or the rollercoaster?

xo Amber