TYRA BANKS!

Yesterday, the 12th of August 2012, I had the chance to meet the Queen of Smizes and Booty Tooches, Tyra Banks, at the Asia's Next Top Model Press Conference. The event was held at Equarius Hotel and Beach Villas, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore. Though the event started at such an early hour, I somehow had the energy to get out of the bed and get ready for the event after having 4 hours worth of sleep.

On the way there, I thought it all was over when my car started to overheat. I only realized this when smoke started to appear from the bonnet. I was thinking... What happens if my car dies halfway. I definitely would not have been able to see her. Thankfully, it didn't.

At the press conference, Tyra addressed many questions asked from the Press. Though Top Model, she really has a good business mindset. As founder and producer of the America's Next Top Model series, she addressed issues concerning model sizes, model trends, why the industry expects these standards from models and how lucrative will it be in Asia. It was great seeing a different side to her as compared to her on screen. It shows she really cares a lot for models in the industry and how she wants to change the mindset of society towards the size 0 models.

The event ended within 15 minutes where she was escorted out with her body guards. It was a pity that we didn't get to take photos with her. But oh well... that's the life of a celebrity...

IM'MA REBEL by narcissisthephotographer

This is my latest shoot, IM'MA REBEL by narcissisthephotographer. It was inspired by the idea of a hang over where what my friends and I used, n some still do, do after clubbing. We would wait for the first train and that is the time you see people going to markets and kids playing in playgrounds. Therefore, wardrobe wise was inspired to have a chic, glam, rebellious look. Merging these 2 different themes into one. Thus, the caption: "watch your night turn into day". 

PHOTOGRAPHER: WESLEY KOW
STYLIST: NICOLE KOW
MAKE-UP ARTIST: WYMOND CHEE
MODEL: MARCELA DELACOSTA

To check out the other snaps of this series, you may visit narcissisthephotographer on Facebook. Keep the "likes" coming!

www.facebook.com/narcissisthephotographer 

New York Skin Solution Visit DISASTER!

I have been suffering from a major acne breakout for the past 2 months. Is it the stress, hormones, or lack of sleep? What will I do to get rid of it???!!!

A few weeks ago, I was at the IT & Food Convention at Suntec where I came across New York Skin Solution's booth. The girl was friendly and managed to psycho me into getting a $10 voucher which gives me 2 facials. Why not? I thought. So I bought it. They asked me where I would like to target for the facial, so I decided, why not my dark circles? So I asked, do I have to sign up for packages or what, or is it just a facial? She said it's just a facial. Do not need to sign up for anything. 

On Mon, I decided to head to New York Skin Solution at Ngee Ann City after making an appointment with them. Perfect time since Audi Fashion Festival was the week before, and my skin was starting to get really bad from all the late nights of work(it was enjoyable though). An outbreak of Acne sprouted across my cheeks. So, at New York Skin Solution, I told them to target my acne instead. When I arrived, I was with much dismay as they greeted in me in mandarin. I did wonder whether I was at New York Skin Solution or China Skin Solution. It was annoying that they did not live up to their company's name, but anyhow, I brushed that impression aside and went on. I was brought into a room where the consultant put this magnifier thing which looked like a telescope onto my face. I saw all the acne up-close and personal! 

Then she went on telling me that I should go for an acne treatment package. I told her that I wasn't so interested to pay so much for a treatment like that. She kept insisting and insisting in her weak English that if I did not do it, it would spread and get worse. I was wondering, was that the only solution to acne? So, anyway, I was persistent with my "NOs" and she finally gave up. She called someone else in who couldn't speak English fluently too, who tried the same thing on me. She said that I need to sign the package today to get the first trial price and blah blah blah. I told her that I just need my face to settle down after a week of late nights and hard work. She said it won't work. Then she went on insisting again, trying to persuade to me that it won't work and that it's an infection, showing me pictures of her customers whose skins have improved. But the persuasion still didn't work. Seriously, hard selling doesn't work on me honey...

I went into a room which really looked like a hospital in a room, with the hospital curtains and people snoring. Not to mention the disgusting "ting tong" music which came out from the ceiling speakers. Another girl attended to my facial. She seemed to have been able to speak English a lot better but still not very good. During the facial, she kept annoying me asking me to upgrade to a Collagen package and blah blah blah. It was $60 more, mind you. I declined. But like her colleague, she kept persisting. I really did not enjoy myself being relaxed and getting a facial. She left for a while and later came back and said she upgraded my facial FOC. I mean, if the $60 was such a big deal initially, why is it free now? Anyway, during the facial, she did half of my face with collagen and then took a mirror for me to take a look at the difference. She said, "Can you see the difference?" I replied.. No... She went on showing me that there was a difference but I really did not see any difference but I played along and said yes. 

After the whole facial was over, I was brought into a room again. This time, yet another consultant tried to persuade me into getting a package. I was really fuming with anger and annoyance. I told her, "I came here to get my facial done, not to sign any packages!" I think she got the hint this time. She said it's ok then. Nice try New York Skin Solution. How can a company's reputation be left in the arms of Mandarin speaking workers whose aim is just to sell packages instead of creating the best atmosphere for the client? In total disgust, never again, never will I recommend anyone there. Seriously... it's not worth the $10, not to mention, they did not tell me whether I could book the 2nd appointment. 

On a lighter note, I headed home and visited Dr. Georgia Lee's website. I came across this product called ACNE Cleanser. I was thinking, should I give it a shot? $78 for a cleanser when I normally spend $10-20 on a normal one. I emailed Dr. Georgia Lee about my condition(without sending her pics of my acne) and she replied by the next morning. She told me that I would need antibiotics and to do it early to prevent scarring, not forcing me to get any of her products. I decided to visit one of their booths at Robinsons the day after the facial to see if there was anything that could help speed up the process. The counter girl was so helpful. She was telling me that I just needed to use the Skin Repair serum for the targeted areas as my acne wasn't that bad. It was however, $20 more than the cleanser. But I thought, what the heck, I need it! and it's so much cheaper than getting a package at New York Skin Solution. So, I bought it. It's been 3 days of using the product and guess what... My acne is actually clearing off! It's not fully gone but it's gotten flatter. The counter girl did say that I'll see results in a week, but it's working wonders on my face already! So since the acne is clearing up, I do not need any antibiotics. The wonders of DrGL. I'll continue with this product review for 2 weeks and see whether it fully clears up. 

Nonetheless, Thank You Dr. Georgia Lee!

It all began with $7/hr...

"2 years ago, I worked to earn S$7/hr. NOW... I have fun and earn a minimum of S$100-200/hr! And it keeps getting more by the year!"

From left to right: Me(Wesley Kow), Nicola Formichetti(LADY GAGA's Stylist & Creative Director of Mugler), Ashley Isham

Initially, I was like the average Singaporean kid who just worked for someone or a company because a monthly salary of about S$1,000 was about enough to keep me going. However, one day, I woke up and decided to think of my future. How could I live life just working for someone and earning so little in a year? How could I make money with my talents? How can I market myself? Why would people want me?

The launch of narcissisthephotographer was just a hobby which slowly, I got more and more jobs. I used my hobby in photography and a bit of entrepreneurship, which were drilled to me from young, and put them together. I started learning on how to earn money from massaging aunts at parties where I got coins. As I grew older, I started performing for my own family functions together with my cousins, be it dance, singing or magic. At 9 years old, I had my first opportunity to perform at a kindergarden. I had my first public performance on Christmas that year and believe or not, I had a call to perform again the next day by one of the kid's parents. Well, it did start with small amounts of money but as the years past, I raised my charges more and more. During semestral breaks, I used to work at offices earning about $6-8/hr. It felt good as the money which came in felt like a lot at that point. With all that money, I decided to get my own DSLR after getting enticed by its quality during my internship in Thailand during my poly years. As the years past, I started snapping more and more. Soon, I had calls from friends who needed a photographer for their works. As my experience grew, so did my contacts. However, I never knew how much to charge. I could never learn from other photographers as most were quite selfish with the knowledge they had(this explains why the industry doesn't grow much). Well... I did learn how to use a camera from friends and books but how to shoot or get this or that effect was mostly done through trial and error. I put my mind as a camera and figured as much as I could out.

So, while deciding to name my company, I decided to have a name which linked what I do, the type of people in the industry and definitely a bit of me. I decided not to have Wesley Kow Photography as it pretty common and nothing fantastic about just naming yourself to what you do. So, the name narcissisthephotographer came about. Narcissist which refers to Vanity, speaks about me, fashion, fame, beauty and all the aspects of what I do. It refers to people. Therefore, people can understand that I do people photography. Vanity is one of the deadly sins, Pride, which I feel is in a lot of people in the industry(not all though). Honestly, a lot of people in the industry think they are everything, but they don't realize that this is just an island called Singapore. Therefore, narcissisthephotographer stands as a reminder to what we are and what I do. Nothing wrong with the truths of life, no one is perfect, not even me, but we got to fake it till we make it.

From last year to this year, I've established shooting for all the Singapore Fashion Weeks in 2011 and so far for 2012(excluding Women's Fashion Week 2012 which has not begun). I've shot for other runways and attended or shot at other events. I've shot at a variety of clubs too. My contacts grew further as I was never shy at talking to random people. Somehow, I kinda realized that people are actually friendly.... HAHA! As my confidence grew, my communication skills grew, I marketed myself better and I learnt to differentiate myself from other photographers. What makes me different? I went to so many Fashion events and photographers who shot Fashion, just shot Fashion. I believe that by shooting it, you got to live it. I went for events all dressed up in different themes each event and even though normal guests usually dressed up, at the media pit, I stood out. Well, even if it may look a little bizarre, I still managed to grab good attention. Honestly, I didn't need to wear the latest Gucci or Prada to do it, it's just knowing how to put an outfit together to be presentable and show what you do. I always believe that it's not what you wear, but how you wear!

Therefore, how did I do it? I used my talents to my benefit. However, to grow in whatever you do, you NEED passion, it's a drive which will remove the word "work" and change it to "fun". Then, you will have to have contacts which will drive your passion further, and lastly, you need GUTS(why bother be shy and let everyone step on you?)!!!

Audi Fashion Festival Gala Dinner 2012

Audi Fashion Festival 2012, launched the Audi R8 GT Spyder. This state of the art automobile is a convertible with a matt finish. It is really a beautiful piece and it can travel really fast.

The event began at 8pm and ended promptly at 11pm. The Gala dinner opened up with the first runway done by the Costume National Show. The designs from the Costume National Show were outrageous as some of it's pieces were furred up, leathered up or exposed! It was an interesting show to watch. 

The Gala dinner ended with the launch of their latest car and some performances. Oh, btw, guess who was in the crowd? Nicola! Lady Gaga's stylist. I managed to get some paparazzi shots of him and not forgetting, a picture with him and Ashley Isham. They will be posted up once I get a hold on them!

AUDI FASHION FESTIVAL 2012

Audi Fashion Festival 2012 is around the corner. Last year, I shot for the whole event. This year I'll be back! Commencing this coming Monday, 14th May 2012, this 7-day festival will surely be The Fashion Event of the year. Not forgetting the launch of the new Audi car! Last year, it was the Audi A7 Sportback, I really wonder what will be launched for this year's festival! Catch me at the Tentage outside of Ngee Ann City Mall during that period! Who knows.. you might even see Lady Gaga there!

Music & Men's Fashion Week 2012 Day 2

The second day of Music & Men's Fashion Week 2012 showcased Korean Fashion with Korean labels from beyond closet to the Vandalist Collection to Resurrection to D. Gnak and finally concluding with The General Idea Show.

Beyond Closet kicked started Korean Night with their colorful range of apparel. It was interesting merges of more than 2 colors in their outfits. 

Following which was the Vandalist Collection where the outfits were mostly black yet very stylist in its own nature. I love a lot of the pieces from this collection as it was loud to a certain extent despite the use of just one color(black). The headdresses they wore made everything seem so dark and evil. It kinda reminded me of the Death Eaters from the Harry Potter Series.

Another stunning collection followed with Resurrection leading the Runway with interesting designs using black and dirty green colors. Of all the runways on this day, I enjoyed looking at Resurrection's collection the most. I loved the details of not just the main apparels but the accessories used like the gloves, shoes, headphones, etc. They were really nice and more suited for Singapore's weather. Not to walk all over Orchard Road though, but to go for events with.

After a lot of hype from the Vandalist Collection and Resurrection, many were surprised and highly entertained with D. Gnak's show. It was themed after the Charlie Chaplin concept. Models strutted down the runway dressed in D. Gnak's collection looking like many versions of Charlie Chaplin. It was the most entertaining runway at Men's Fashion Week from my point of view. We did not see serious models with smizes and booty tooches. Though the collection did not wow me as much as the previous 2, it was a really fun show to watch. D. Gnak's collection ended with the models coming out with no bowler's hats but a drawn tear drop on their right eyes.

The temperatures dropped with the General Idea show featuring colorful winter wear. It's pretty inappropriate to wear such outfits in Singapore without getting stared at, however, it is a must-buy if you are a fashionista traveling to a cold country. Before this day, I never knew how interesting colors could be in an outfit!

Check out more of the pictures on narcissisthephotographer!
www.facebook.com/narcissisthephotographer 

Music & Men's Fashion Week 2012 Day 1

Men's Fashion Week opened up with a Charity Night on the 18th of April 2012 featuring 2 fashion labels, Spencer Hart(UK) and Songzio(Korea). With it's theme for this year, Music and Fashion; 8eight and Sungha Jung and Megan Lee performed in between the 2 runway shows. Men's Fashion Week began with a full-house blast of VVIPs, VIPs, designers, celebrities, model agents and loads of other guests. 

The first fashion show featured Spencer Hart. Celebrities, such as P Diddy, Taylor Hackford and Benedict Cumberbatch, who attended the Oscar's Ceremony have worn pieces of Spencer Hart's collection. Though more on the formal side, some of these pieces have different cuts to differentiate itself from each design. Personally, my favorite piece from Spencer Hart's collection is the pic below. I feel it is unique with its fusion of mandarin collar and trench coat feel.

After Spencer Hart's show, 8eight performed. Following which was Songzio's collection.

Songzio's collection was stunning! There were pieces which I would have worn if Singapore wasn't as hot. However, though simple(no fanciful patterns), the designs were very interestingly put together for this runway. With it's subtle, edgy look, I would definitely want to own some pieces from Songzio's collection. Below is my favorite outfit from his showcase. I love the sleeves which ends off with a different material and how the pants is styled together with it to bring about an awesome, edgy look.

Check out more of the pictures on narcissisthephotographer!

www.facebook.com/narcissisthephotographer 

Robinson's Fashion Show at Avalon Social

Last night, I had a call from a friend that Robinson's was doing a Fashion Show at Avalon. I rushed down within the hour to catch the stunning outfits of their S/S collection. The models of course, managed to create the atmosphere with the various tracks they were playing ranging from modern pop to classical pieces from before I was born. As the genre of songs changed, so did the clothes. From more fun, modern clothes, to dresses and evening wear. 

You can check out more pics of the Robinson's Fashion Show at Avalon Social on narcissisthephotographer - https://www.facebook.com/narcissisthephotographer

Men's Fashion Week Extravaganza!

Men's Fashion Week 2012 just ended a couple of days ago and I'm so.. so.. tired... I haven't had time for sleep nor had time to blog about my life! It was jus a continuous cycle of endless Men's Fashion Fun-ness!

Anyway, Men's Fashion Week 2012 was awesome! Met loads of really nice people and friends who I've not seen in a long time! Men's Fashion Week 2012 saw talents in both the Music and Fashion Industry. As part of this incorporation, Frank Cintami mentioned that without the two, both cannot function. The music industry uses fashion as important entity to sell talents. An example includes one of the most influential artiste, Lady Gaga, with her queer but unique style in Fashion. As for the fashion industry, picture a runway without music! It will just be dead! Therefore, Frank decided to incorporate the two entities for this mega extravaganza!

Any event is a failure without people. Check below to see your pictures at Men's Fashion Week 2012. Or, you could also visit http://www.herworldplus.com/celebs/updates/celebs-updates-singapore-fashionistas-men’s-fashion-week-2012#.T5fOdBjnR5o.facebook

Avalon Social Presents RONDAVOUS!

Avalon Social presents Rondavous, a lingerie showcase which took place last wednesday at Ladies Night at Avalon. Models strut to pop hits in their Victoria's Secret look with wings and sexy lingerie. 

RONDAVOUS

Hair by 5. Make Up by Ida Offenhauser. Styling by MINK.