BRITAIN AND IRELAND’S NEXT TOP MODEL LIVE – WITH FRESH ACADEMY EXHIBITING!

We are getting excited because Fresh Academy will be exhibiting at Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model Live from 28^th – 30^th October at Excel in London. We are so pleased to be associated with such a highly prestigious event and a part of this great buzz.  At last year’s BINTM Fresh Academy’s Charlotte Holmes was one of the runners up and she’ll be hosting the Kiss Open Catwalk, if you’re spotted at BINTM 2011 Live it could be you next year! Have you got those all important and precious tickets yet?

As Fresh Academy specialise in image makeovers and fashion photo-shoots, we will be on our fabulous stand giving hair and make-up advice as well as having examples of all our stunning fashion photo-shoots on display. We will also be walking around our stand and the show scouting for gorgeous girls to enter the Miss Fresh Teen and Miss Fresh Photographic competitions, so don’t forget to visit us.  You’ll be able to chat to us about what we do and book appointments for fashion photo-shoots. At Fresh, we have a state of the art 8000 sq foot photo studio in Watford with over 30 sets, hairdressing and make up salon plus cinema viewing.  See www.freshacademy.com for information and come and talk to us at BINTM Live, we’re looking forward to meeting you.  

Just for you - we attach some incredible shots of our very own Fresh Academy girls - each of whom have been on Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model!  Catherine Thomas, Charlotte Holmes, Samantha Gerrard and Maddie Wheatley, all stunners!

Fresh Academy are proud to have many stunning girls come to their studios and have their dreams come true by becoming models, it could be you too…Have you booked your tickets yet?  Quick!  Don’t miss out on this sensational event.

Sophie Ayris Fresh Academy's September Model of the Month re-FRESHING talent!

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  We were delighted to meet 21 year old Sophie Ayris very recently. Sophie came to the Fresh Academy for a fashion photo shoot and here are the sensational results. As you can see, she's absolutely stunning so we have selected her as the Model of the Month for September.
  
  Sophie lives near Aylesbury in Waddesdon. Her real passion is modelling and she's been doing some promotional work and photo -shoots sfor Superdry, Crazybear Hotels, various wedding boutiques among other interesting bookings. Sophie also works in a cafe, so if you're in Waddesdon and fancy a cup of tea - you never know, you could have the beautiful Sophie serve you, well, that's until she gets snapped up by a modelling agency! Sophie would love to model full time particularly in fashion for the high street and for big magazine titles - we wish her every success, we have a feeling she'll go far!

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

Fresh has the X Factor all sewn up...

As we all know now, the X Factor is about re-inventing people and creating the ultimate pop star.  Unless you’ve been living on another planet for the past few years you will also know that after the excitement of the “Judges Houses” stage, the remaining contestants are “made over” with fabulous make up, incredible hair styling and interesting fashion all coming together to create individual pop icons.  We should know all about that because that’s where we at Fresh Academy are at, sensational transformations.  Fresh Academy would love to be the consultants on the X Factor because we reckon we could get the best out of all the remaining contestants, image is paramount in such a volatile industry so it’s important to get the best results.

As we watch the 2^nd October X Factor show come to a climax, we’re finally down to the last sixteen. Surely one of the best bits of the X Factor is seeing just how well these “wannabe” pop stars scrub up!   For us we’re as interested in the ones who could do with a helping hand in the makeover stakes as we are those who already have great individual style.  Wonder who you think really needs a new look?  Goldie, perhaps?  Whatever the X Factor stylists choose to do, we know that next week, when the final 16 are let loose on the live shows, they will look out of this world!

Back to us though, how would Fresh Academy advise the style of the final sixteen?  With half the remaining contestants gone and some big makeover challenges now out of the picture we are going to focus on who’s left and make our suggestions as to what we’d do to them.

Over to final 4 groups – after spending a no doubt truly terrific time in a beachside villa in Mykanos with Tulisa and Jessie J, could this be the first time ever that the groups may win?  It’s a tough call being given the groups to mentor, no doubt. 

One of the first of the final four of the groups to go through is Two Shoes.  Fresh Academy actually love their style already and we think we’d just capitalise on their look – big personalities, big hair and big make up – looks great, however perhaps there’s a softer side, so we’d also like to see how stunning these two girls would look with fresh faces and hair scraped back with toned-down clothing.  However, it’s possible that would ruin their The Only Way is Essex image which is absolutely brilliant!

Second group “in” is manufactured NuVibe, young, fun and full of charisma with great rap.  This boy band are crying out for some sharp haircuts, baggy trousers and layered t shirts and tops with chunky boots to finish off….as long as they all compliment each-other we’re sure this group of handsome boys will end up as style icon themselves.  Lose the coloured jeans and t shirts under done up shirt look – it’s not 2011 enough for us!

The third group to get the nod are Rythmix, who perform for the first time together and they sound and look great.  Already we can see that they are young and street savvy but does their style work well enough?  It’s bright, bold and busy – it needs toning down yet still keeping it “street” – great hair and make up will work and less of the school girl look will ensure that they are taken seriously!

Finally – Tulisa does something that has never been done before and combines two bands together (losing some hopefuls along the way) – a new band is formed and as they are a combination of the Keys and the Risk – maybe they should be named the Risky’s?!  This will be an interesting one to style as there are some preppy looks in there as well as real street style.  We’d like to reserve judgement here but the thought is street style….with something a bit more suited and booted, let’s see a combination of both!  That would be interesting.

Moving on to the Girls – surely, potentially the strongest group of the contest? (In Fresh Academy’s humble opinion).  In sunny Miami, Kelly really had a tough choice but, with the help of the ever stunning Jennifer Hudson, her choice made and the following beauties become part of the line up for the live shows!

First up is Amelia Lily from Middlesborough – at only 16 years old, this little lady has a big voice and a great image.  Almost a cross between Christina Aguilera and Pink.  Loving the blonde hair and bright pink lipstick.  Let’s combine the Aguilera look with the Pink attitude and style her in between the both of them.

Sophie from North London, also a young one at just 19 will be in the Live Shows.  We think with her eyes she should get some wild eye make up to really show them off and please let that hair loose, it’s too severe tied back so tightly!

Misha B – with a star’s name already and star quality oozing from every pore.  How good did Misha look in her black dress with its flowing skirt and bright electric blue shoes?  Girl – you don’t need styling, you need some strong make up and a great photographer to capture your look, you have already got great attitude and presence!

Finally, the Irish beauty Janet with the Alanis Morisette voice but no confidence sadly.  We’re sure that won’t last long.  A true Boho chick we would style her as with some great natural make up, flowers in her hair and some boho attitude look to bring out her Irish beauty – love her bare feet!   Or be really dramatic and turn this little lady into a Punk!  Why not?  Mad hair, bright make up, ripped jeans – perhaps even some body art… you name it, but that will definitely bring her out of her shell!

Back over in Barcelona with Louis and his Spanish castle – complete with Senorita Sinitta we are off to visit the over 25’s and see who survives this notorious tough category?  Well, some strange choices in our view but nevertheless – a good opportunity to go to town and really re-style and re-vamp!

First in is 45 year old Johnny – we think, whilst he is obviously a lovely guy, he’s going to be a hard one to style!  We’d like to see him in an Elvis look with a plain white t shirt, black biker jacket and denim jeans with great shoes.  Strong hair will give his face a rounder look and toughen him up a bit!  Whatever the style is – the blue mirrored aviator sunglasses have got to go!  NO matter what, he most definitely stands out from the crowd!

Another wild card to go through is Goldie the Tai chi instructor.  Surely Louis’ novelty act?  According to the Sunday tabloids she’s already quit so maybe we don’t need to style her, frankly may be a bit relieved as she’s a tough one to style!  Fresh would like to see her with dark, straight hair razor cut bob, creamy white complexion and dark sultry eyes with simple, chic and tailored clothing – make her sharper and more business like!

Next in the final 16 is soldier boy John Joe who has a great voice.  Keep it simple with jeans and a t shirt or loose shirt.  Maybe something sleeveless to see your muscles – they must be great looking being a soldier!  Or do something totally way off track with sharp tailored styling, sharp suit and tie would look cool.

The wild girl of the group being Kitty who is a bit well, wild!  Controversial!  Pushing the boundaries so let’s push the boundaries back, cut and colour her hair, put some loose tousled layers in, soften the make up and cut it to chin length – keep her image tough by using leather, silks and lace but she has such a beautiful face it would be good to see some more vulnerability!  Or bow to her sassy personality and style her as Gaga – with out of control outfits which will make her really stand proud from the crowd!

The final boys to reach the last 16 had the enviable task of being in Gary Barlow’s stunning LA mansion with the gorgeous Robbie Williams – has to be the best place to go in our mind!  Know where we’d like to have gone…

With Gary Barlow’s own great styling, it will be interesting to see if he has any influence on the final 4 boys.  Let’s hope it’s not Robbie in his dress up outfit comprising of giant leaves (yes, we know, he was just trying to put Sinitta in the shade!) 

One of the first in the last 16 is Frankie Cocozza who you wouldn’t forget that’s for sure.  Like a young Robbie, and a real rocker he’s a modern Noel Gallagher.  Personally not loving the vest and trainers look we’d like him to man up!  We’d also like to cut that hair to see his face more – but a rocker with looser jeans and a vest would do fine and a beat up old leather jacket…or really go in a different direction and style him in a dinner suit with a cropped, manly haircut!  Whatever his style, Frankie has definitely got character.

The next character is curly haired James who seemed very lost without his guitar.  At least he had his own individual style.  Let’s try and loose the hat though.  Linen trousers, pale coloured shirt left loose, flip flops and beads give him that hippie Boho look which suits him so well.

Marcus, the third of the final 4 boys can definitely come and do some hairdressing at the Fresh Studios if all else fails!  He knows how to do hair – as well as his great looks, style, fashion sense and of course that sexy accent we think Marcus has great presence as well as a good soul voice.  In fact, Marcus, you should be the stylist on the show!

Finally, the last male and the last in the final 16, 22 year old Craig who’s a big guy with an even bigger voice.  Craig, you’ve got a great sound but we think you need a hair cut and some up to the minute new clothes.  Its time to get rid of the red checked shirts or it will be the shirts that are memorable and not Craig!

So there you have it – and we cannot wait for Saturday night to see the future stars and how they look and sound on the next X Factor Show – good luck all of you, we’re looking forward to placing our bets!

If you fancy a make over and a fashion photo shoot – look no further than the Fresh Academy at www.freshacademy.com a state of the art studio with industry professionals ready to turn you into your wildest dreams!

Face of the Hair Group Competition - great Model Behaviour so far!

We’ve started our search for the next Face of the Hair Group.  The entrants are coming in via our web entry form on www.faceofthehairgroup.co.uk.  This is no ordinary modelling competition – as well as the opportunity to win a whole year’s modelling contract with Models Plus, you will become the face we use for all of our Hair Group promotions for the next year.  The website also has further information on the type of promotions we run so you can see for yourself how the winner will become our chosen model for the Group.  There are plenty more incredible prizes for the winner, but more of that later.

If you haven’t yet checked out the website – it’s got heaps of information, about previous winners, the actual competition and how it works, how it is judged and all about who we at the Hair Group are.  The competition has been running for 4 years now.  Each year thousands of applicants pour into the Hair Group’s email in box and we have the enormous task and terrific job of selecting those to go through to round 2.  When we say we have thousands, it’s hardly surprising when the winner gets to represent the Hair Group for an entire year.  That means that it’s the winner’s face fronting the Hair Group’s promotions.  These promotions are run in top selling magazines and newspapers across the UK and they offer free hair cut and style to readers.  The promotions are in top selling names such as Elle, Prima, Company, the Daily Mail, the Times to name a few so the winner will have a huge opportunity to be seen over and over again, in print to millions of people, we think that’s an outstanding opportunity. 

If this prize isn’t enough, the winner also will be given an incredible modelling contract with Models Plus.  Just think!  All those fabulous modelling assignments, from catalogues to campaigns!  Maybe some catwalk opportunities too – who knows?  Whatever the modelling job this is most definitely an incredible opportunity to be launched into the world of modelling.  As if that isn’t enough!  There’s a year’s supply of delicious Barry M make-up for the winner too – so they need never go out and buy a lipstick for 12 entire months!  I think that’s my favourite prize…

Sifting through the photographs of entrants so far, it’s clear to us that the UK has so many beautiful girls, we accept ages from 14 to 30 so there’s plenty of scope, and all shapes and sizes too – you must be at least a size 6 to enter and if you’re a size 12 or more that’s great too. 

Doesn’t every girl dream about being a model?  There’s always something beautiful about everyone, whether it’s fabulous hair or gorgeous lips.  Perhaps they’ve got stunning eyes or gorgeous long, curling lashes?  Or maybe a figure to die for? We’ve all got something unique and special about us.  Some of us have the complete package and that’s where these amazing opportunities come in.  If you think you’ve got the face, the hair and the body to make you a model then this is one competition you won’t want to miss out on.

And the Fresh Model of the Month of August is...Melanie Kollatou

WOW!  This sensational looking lady paid us a visit last month for her first ever professional full photo shoot and we are blown away by the results.  This is Melanie Kollatou who is absolutely fabulous! Take a look at the incredible pictures we, at the Fresh Academy took.  We thoroughly enjoyed photographing this beauty and we think we've created some stupendous images.    

At 20 years old, she was a Miss England finalist this year - well, for us, Melanie is absolutely a winner for the camera. We expected Melanie to be a professional model, however, at the moment, Melanie is a student and lives in Derbyshire. Melanie stands a statuesque 6'3" tall and loves sport and exercise.

Our Academy focuses on creating stunning looks with our professional make up artists and hair-stylists.  Then our incredibly talented expert photographers take over and guide our model through their paces to provide the best photographs possible. 


We wish Melanie lots of luck for the future - if you want to take a trip to our studios based in Watford then please contact us on 01923 212673 to book and don't forget to check our website too www.freshacademy.com.

Be a Boudoir Babe

For those of you who are looking for a photographic experience with a twist we thought we’d give you an insight into the world of Boudoir photography. The French term “Boudoir” actually means “Ladies’ Bedroom”. It’s become very fashionable for ladies to have sensual yet tasteful photographs taken within a “Boudoir” setting. Recently launched at the Fresh Academy, this type of photography is now extremely popular and has been much sought-after in the last few years.  We can put some of that down to the upsurge in glamour modelling and also because glamour itself has become far more celebrated than it used to be.  Whilst Boudoir is NOT glamour, it has helped that there is no longer a stigma attached to a woman wanting to show off her beautiful form and capture these images forever.  There is another influence – Mr Gok Wan!  The TV programme How to Look Good Naked selects one woman who is lacking in confidence (normally due to a dislike of her own body) and transforms her into a raving beauty brimming over with self-assurance and poise who’s willing to strip down naked in front of an audience.  It doesn’t end there – she is then prepared to have a full length photograph of her bare body placed in a very public arena.  Good on her, we say!

Some of you may still be unsure as to what Boudoir photography actually is?  Well, it’s nothing to be frightened of, whilst it’s sensual, it is certainly not cheap.  The photography is done in such a stylish and sophisticated manner that the shots are dreamy, soft and utterly sexy without being overtly provocative.  Photographs are tasteful, the shoots are done in lingerie and corsets and every Boudoir model is treated professionally.  We can guarantee that at Fresh, you will be kept at ease throughout your photo shoot.  It’s great to be able to show a cheekier but still classy side of your personality without giving everything away and we want you to enjoy being the centre of attention during your time at our studios.  It’s worth knowing that our photographic studios are state of the art and everyone is an expert at what they do, from the make-up artists who will re-create your look into a Boudoir beauty, to our hairstylists and of course, our photographers who are the top of their trade.  You will be completely pampered from start to finish.  Our Boudoir sets reflect the theme of opulence, using plush materials, velvets and texture, incredible wall effects, vintage styling and detail plus incredible props to make your experience really stand out.  Soft lighting, moody settings, stunning make-over’s – that’s what we’re all about.  Take a look at some of our photographs they are, we think you will agree, sublime!

Once you’ve had your Boudoir shoot, you will then be treated to a terrific cinema style viewing of your pictures and it’s then you can select which you want.  The effect can be breath taking, when images are presented on a giant wall screen. There are plenty of different products to choose from, modern wall hangings, prints, portfolios and specially made albums.  We think these photographs make fabulous gifts for a loved one, as well as something special for you to treasure.  In fact – Christmas is only 4 months away; they would make a truly treasured Christmas present.

For further information and how to book contact us on 01923 212 673.

A Fresh View on BINTM – The Makeovers!

What with all the violence going on in (and out of) London I’ve only just got round to watching BINTM which was on Sky Living last night.  Thank goodness for my Sky Plus!  We are one week closer to the big winner and I know who my favourites are.  Loving the series so far it’s by far the best ever. Can you believe we’re half way through?  Got to make the most of it as a year is a long time to wait for the next one!

This week’s episode is definitely the one closest to my heart because it’s the make-over week and the Fresh Academy is expert in this particular field.  We do some incredible make-over’s on the gorgeous girls who come into our studio – with top professional make up artists and industry hairdressers, and a model photo-shoot as well, so now you know why BINTM is our favourite programme on TV.  As well as being our favourite part of BINTM process, it’s also Elle’s and I think she’s particularly lively throughout this episode – Elle, you’re welcome at the Fresh Academy any time you want, we’d love your input! 

Back to the box! The girls had settled down from the departures of Jo and Kim, and this next stage was all-important.  How easy was it going to be to transform these girls again – after all they were all simply beautiful.  Make-over’s are transformations, but they also enhance beauty and can bring out confidence and personality.  We know as we do these make-over’s every day of the week with superb results.  The girls were terrified and excited at the same time when they received their email about their make-over session. 

On arrival at the studios, the girls were split up into groups of 2 or 3 and the make-overs began.  Using stylists who have worked with Vogue, and the likes of Madonna and Lady Gaga – although Gaga’s style may be a bit too dramatic for these girls.

Elle was given the stunning Hannah and Holly to look after, Charley’s Angels included gorgeous Ofuoma and Jade (who it has to be said is one of my favourites – I love her red hair and natural, freckly face and her boobs, a real woman finally!), Julian Macdonald was mentoring sweet Stacey and exquisite Jessica which left Anastaja, Amy and sultry Juste, with Grace, how could anyone not adore the looks of Juste? I think she is superb, sultry, sexy and flawless… I could almost FEEL the girl’s nerves as they waited to hear the fate of their hair.  Imagine growing your hair for all those years and then it’s chopped off in an instant!  Those escaping the chop included Ofuoma and Hollie.  Hollie was lucky enough to have hair extensions adding to her already luxurious blonde mane and Ofuoma was given professional hair straightening.  Lucky Jade was also allowed to keep her incredible auburn locks which in my opinion, were already amazing and needed little change.  When I saw that Juste was going to get a boyish crop I almost felt her pain but with her dramatic features I thought…she’ll carry that off and how right I was.  STUNNING isn’t a good enough word for how she now looks with her new haircut.  It really accentuates her sharp cheek bones and big pout, it has to be said that sometimes short hair is more sophisticated.

Hannah’s transformation wasn’t too dramatic and after her hair make-over (not much change there, a few lights to enhance her locks) I thought she became a dead ringer for the new Duchess of Cambridge – if all else fails Hannah, you could always find work as Kate’s double. 

My least favourite transformation had to be Stacey, I don’t know what you thought but that ash blonde left her looking colourless which is a shame because she has a truly girly beauty, I actually think she ended up looking insipid and ghostly.  Sorry Stacey if you read this!  On the other end of the scale, Jessica who is much more Amazonian resembled a young Naomi Campbell.  I can definitely see the catwalk calling her.

Back at the house the girls dropped into the Confessional room for a good chinwag – I was surprised how little they bitched about each-other.  It’s good to have an opinion and yes they did say what they liked and didn’t like but they were reasonably polite – I am sure it won’t last.  I hope it won’t last!  It’s much more fun when there’s some sniping in the house.

The entertainment continued with a nude photo-shoot to showcase the girl’s new looks.  The photo-shoot was for a bath and body company and the client wanted the girls photographed in the nude as her products are all natural.  The girls were as expected, fairly nervous (I would be too; it’s scary enough getting into a bikini on the beach!)  We saw the girls being primped and preened and then one by one they took part in a professional model photo shoot.  This is something we’re used to seeing as we do professional photo-shoots on a daily basis so we’re always on hand with suggestions as to how to pose and position yourself so you get the best set of images and we make sure to capture you at your most attractive.

Back to the shoot – which was all about the essence of innocence.  Most of the girls  photographed well, with a few exceptions, Stacey because let’s face it, she’s just too thin – girl – go and have a good 4 course meal and put some meat on those bones please!  Poor Stacey, she’s obviously very aware of her slight frame, it’s probably just the way she is built.  Another one of the girls I was not sure of is Amy.  I sometimes love her and sometimes I just don’t know what I think.  From being blonde and transformed into a Gothic siren, that glossy black mane of hair has made her look a little sinister and she’s not great at smiling anyway but the photographs taken of her were doubtless, beautiful.

Who liked the pink hair?  Anastasija’s hair didn’t seem to bother her at all but I think I’d be devastated if I was given pink hair – still, it can always be dyed back again.  Her photo shoot was terrific and she’s obviously very relaxed and comfortable in her beauty.  Do we love Tanya?  She’s not top of my list and I actually think she is a little ordinary – can’t deny she’s gorgeous but there isn’t anything “different” about her look.

All the girls did act like professionals and were deserving of a great treat and I’m not just talking about the bubbly in the limo on the way home.  On arrival at the house they were lucky enough to have a private concert by Chipmunk himself.  I think some of the girls weren’t too sure who he was (Juste!) but Imogen certainly wasn’t shy and offered him her BBM pin….he didn’t take it…

Judgement day loomed and the girls went to meet the judging panel which included George Lamb.  At this stage if it had been down to me I was thinking that Stacey should go – her looks don’t convince me and I also think she’s a little quiet and needs to eat bigger portions!

All the girls must have been so nervous, after all the panel was brutal and finally the girls were chosen with Ufuoma and Stacey left standing alone.  Unfortunately, Ufuoma is the one chosen to leave which was a shame as I thought she was bubbly and beautiful and Stacey was saved – let’s hope she has  a few good meals and some bars of chocolate this week!

All in all a fantastic episode and the excitement is building to a frenzy – who will win?  Who’s going to leave next week?  We can’t wait for next Monday, whoever thought we’d actually look forward to Mondays!

For your very own model photo shoot complete with a style consultation, professional make up and hair styling and incredible images viewed on a cinema screen visit www.freshacademy.com – look forward to seeing you at our studios soon.