The culture of the celebrity has also given rise to the culture of the celebrity image. We are used to seeing pop-stars preened to perfection, and aesthetically pleasing actresses smiling back at us from the covers of magazines that we often fail to stop and question whether such images are a reality.
The art of retouching has become common place in today's media, with advertising and magazine covers giving the faces of the so-called 'beautiful people' a helping hand. The process is relatively easy but not always particularly cheap; but the price of perfection it seems can never be too high-or can it? One world famous actress believed that the myth of retouching needed exploding after her somewhat altered image appeared on the front cover of an upmarket men's magazine title.
In 2003, British actress and 'Titanic' star, Kate Winslet appeared on the cover of GQ Magazine; the result was surprising, particularly for Winslet herself, as her legs were reduced in size and extended in length by as much as 'a third' the actress claimed. Although editor of GQ Magazine Dylan Jones admitted to the digital changes he did not agree with Winslet's view that the 'retouching is excessive.' The actress has been consistently honest about her views of the media's obsession with the female body and the circle-of-shame culture we currently live in.
Other celebrities are also hitting back at digitally enhanced images, believing that people deserve to see the truth behind the lens. One of the biggest supporters of the natural look is Alesha Dixon, pop starlet and winner of hit TV show 'Strictly Come Dancing'. In her BBC Three show 'Look but Don't Touch' broadcast this July, Alesha adorned the front cover of a well known magazine without her image being retouched at all, and the image was also used on billboards across London.
Alesha's stance was simple: 'Women aspire to be like flawless pictures in magazines but they don't realise what goes into making them like that'. Like Kate Winslet, Alesha felt compelled to speak out after feeling that the retouching performed on a series of photos that were taken for FHM magazine was a step too far.
The BBC Three documentary confronted the tricky subject of celebrity images head on, but although women do appreciate that images have often been manipulated, they still aspire to look like them. However you can't help but wonder, if images were more realistic, would that translate to society's idea of beauty?
Although the morals of celebrity retouching may be unclear, there's nothing to stop you trying the technique for fun at home. It's relatively simple and can make you look great in the process. With the help of Photoshop and a digital camera you can try a few celebrity beauty treatments for yourself. The technique allows for spot removal, teeth whitening and even slimming that post-Christmas photo down a few pounds!
Then, simply pop all your favourite images in one of the latest digital photo frames and watch yourself transformed on screen.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Picture Perfect Celebrities? Don't You Believe It!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
John, Bips and Gucci Konnection
John-Bipasha relationship has come a long way facing all odds and experiencing their share of all ups and downs. As a gesture of love for his lady, John surprised Bips by gifting her an expensive Babouska bag from Gucci while they were holidaying in New York.
Bipasha was in New York to give company to John Abraham while he was there to shoot for Kabir Khan ’s film ‘New York’. While exploring the place, Bips came across one Babouska bag in a Gucci store, but she did not buy it because she she felt it was a bit too costly. John kept his lady’s heart and surprised her by gifting the same bag and that is a brown-and-gold coloured Gucci Babouska Medium Boston worth Rs 15 lakhs in Indian currency.
Now that’s what we call true love!!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Forest Fire “Clear Cut” Robot
Traditional back burning would certainly be cheaper and possibly less lethal to surrounding wildlife, but complete with and array of hubless motors, and integrated fuel system of its back this robot is a hell of a lot cooler. Unfortunately this version is intended for entertainment design rather than the production line, but with the help of Governor Schwarzenegger maybe the production line is possible?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Premiere of Bollywood film ”Drona” held in Mumbai
The film is produced by Shrishti Arya and directed by Goldie Behl.
Behl’’s film stars Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Kay Kay Menon and Jaya Bachchan.
Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan who essays the role of Drona in the film said that entire team had really worked hard on the film and hoped that it did well in theaters.
“I am very excited and nervous as well. We will come to know in one two days that how did people like the film. We have all worked very hard for the film and I want it to do well,” said Abhishek.
Drona is the modern tale of one man’’s spectacular voyage through the labyrinths of mystic myths and legendary legacies. As good and evil clash in this contemporary fantasy fable, a breathtaking journey beckons one into a world of mythic heroes and malicious magicians, of cunning curses and absolute innocence.
Shahrukh Khan walked into the premiere with his wife and daughter to put at rest the rumours about his differences with the Bachchan family.
Bollywood super star Amitabh Bachchan congratulated the makers of the film for its unique presentation and said Bachchan family’’s expectations about it are high.
“This is our profession. In our profession we make films and want the public to appreciate them. In this film Goldie, Abhishek and Priyanka have done the same and as colleagues we are putting in an effort that people should like the film,” said Amitabh.
Former Miss World and Bollywood actor, Aishwarya Rai looking at her best in an off-shoulder dress sought media’’s help in the success of the film.
“He (Abhishek) is a darling and I am very happy for him and entire team’’s effort. So looking forward to Drona and you (the media) do your job and invite the audience to watch the film,” said Aishwarya.
Vaibhav Modi has penned the lyrics of the film, while Dhruv Ghanekar has given the music to the film.
