Dinner with the Chassids

Adoring fans, I must apologize. I've been going through a very dark period in my life for a variety of reasons and withdrew from the blogosphere as a result. You see, last year my agent informed me that Persian cats are no longer in vogue in the pussycat modeling world and I've been struggling to re-invent my career and way of being.

As the venerable Mistress of Beauty, Fashion, Victoria's Secret Angeldom and Supermodeldom Heidi Klum says every time on her show Project Runway, "In Fashion, You Eida In, or you Out!" Because German, as everyone knows, is the international language of fashion! But please don't tell that to the French, because that will get you into hot water!





Well, I've been struggling with this for a year. The girls at Kitty Wigs, who specialize in short haired fashion models of the pussy cat world - you know, like the pretty Siamese and domestic short haired pussy cats have been giving me a real run for my money with their kitty wigs, pictorials and poses.


Glamourpuss: The Enchanting World of Kitty Wigs by Julie Jackson, photographed by Jill Johnson














As you can see, some of these short haired girls have serious talent, but I can't, as a long furred Persian cat, change my tiger stripes or my trademarked mane. I am who I am and I can only adapt. Unemployment is high, print shoots are becoming a bit more scarce, advertising in the fashion magazines are down and the Kindle is replacing the printed book -- so all of these issues have been a major factor in the stalling of what is, a budding career as a supermodel! I am determined to succeed and refuse to let the whims of fashion and economic factors dictate casting decisions and my career aspirations. After all, this is my life! I was born to be a budding supermodel in the pussycat world among other things like singing soul music, starring in the movies, creating a top selling fashion brand and writing a hot newsletter for fashion addicts, pussy cat lovers and hipsters who love satire, irony and comedy!

All of this led to me the Chabad House of East Hampton last Friday for Shabbat services. I needed to get some "religion" and bring me closer to G-d to give me hope and a bit of solace. You see, to paraphrase President Obama's famous April 2008 quote when he was on the campaign trail in Pennsylvania, "When things get tough, they cling to their guns and their religion....in order to explain their frustrations."





Well, President Obama, I have news for you - I don't cling to guns but find spiritual awakenings and solace in G-d to be something that is very nurturing for me. Your wife Michelle may think she's some kind of "fashion icon", but every up and coming, nascent fashion designer that she's worn has gone straight out of business. So much for your star power and your husbands economic policies! The New York Times even made a point of this in an article about Michelle's style.

Michelle Obama's Fashion Disaster "Victory" dress by Narcisso Rodriguez

My Mistress of Beauty and Adventure was a big fan of Tracey Feith - and as soon as Michelle wore his dresses, the poor designer went out of business. Contrary to what you may think about your wife, Barack Obama, fashion icon or NOT, Michelle Obama really is the kiss of death for talented fashion designers.

Michelle Obama in Tracey Feith (RIP Fabulous Fashion Brand!)

Back to Chabad House, Hats and Chassidic style -- the interesting thing is that Chabadnics cannot take their hats off in public. This is just one of the 613 commandments that we as Jews are instructed to do in deference to our G-d. That rule is for the men only...but we're here to talk about fashion so I shouldn't digress anymore. Chabad people tend to dress in a very specific way....which almost always includes a Borsolino hat. The one that the Chassids wear is very similar to the Ombra model pictured here:




These hats are not inexpensive -- the Ombra model is made of pure fur felt and is available for $375.00 at the J.J. Hat Center of New York - New York's oldest hat shop established in 1911 which located at 310 Fifth Avenue. They also sell other really cool brands of hats and are well worth checking out in person or via their catalogue or online store.


The Chassidic look is quite unique -- so much so that Jean Paul Gaultier memorialized this look on the couture runway a few years back as an ode to Chassidic Jews entitled, "Rabbi Chic" in the Fall/Winter collections of 1993/1994 in Paris. Check out the videos!! Some people thought this was done as a nasty jab, others saw the beauty in it. I myself, see it as interesting inspiration from a designer perspective. After all, Jean Paul Gaultier wants to sell beautiful clothes and Chassidics have a very unique style all unto their own!

Jean Paul Gaultier - "Rabbi Chic" collection Fall/Winter 1993/1994 - Part I

Jean Paul Gaultier - "Rabbi Chic" collection, Fall Winter 1993/1994 - Part II

Which brings me to another topic, my Mistress of Beauty and Adventure's former hero, John Galliano.



John Galliano was a brilliant fashion designer for Mistresses of Beauty and Adventure, Mistresses of the Masters of the Universe and anyone who knows anything about French fashion. The problem is that he was drunk and made some very nasty comments in public about Jews that were highly illegal and less than flattering.




I don't know whether you've seen the press, but it landed John Galliano straight into the unemployment line (he was fired from Christian Dior, denounced by Christian Dior's beautiful, elegant and multi-talented Jewish spokesmodel, Natalie Portman), sent straight to celebrity rehab and had to appear in a French Court!

My other bible is called Women's Wear Daily. It is known in the fashion industry as "Fashion's Bible" as it is the leading authority on all things fashion! In a recent issue, Women's Wear Daily reported that John claimed he was under too much pressure from his collections and that's why he said he "Loved Hitler". I don't know pussy cats.....but I think that alcohol is a form of truth serum. But I'll let you decide for yourselves! You can blame the system all you want, but as an adult, one must take responsibility for one's behavior!

To get the look of Chabad or just to be chic, please visit J.J. Hats of 310 Fifth Avenue. It's a fashion insider place that only I, Natasha Finkel, can fill you in on! You can always buy Jean Paul Gaultier at Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys and any other hip specialty store. Or, you can visit his designer atelier in Paris if you're up for a transatlantic trip! Purrs and kisses! xoxo

Budding Supermodel Intervention 1.0

As part of my ongoing quest to progress to be the top Supermodel of the Pussycat World from that of a Budding one, I went to visit my dear friend and adoring fan, Mia Morgan.

In case you don't know who Mia is, that must mean you are not truly a fashion insider. She is one uber cool Mistress of Glamour and Fashion! Mia Morgan is a Personal Stylist to the Stars -- too famous to mention here on this blog! In addition, she has styled photo shoots for Nicole Kidman, Beyonce, Julianna Margulies, Debra Messing, Eva Mendez and many others famous Mistresses of Glamour and Talent. She has also worked exclusively with celebrity photographer to the stars, Timothy White, styling Hollywood luminaries including Kate Hudson, Gina Gershon, Susan Sarandon, Vanessa Williams, Molly Sims and many others for retro pin up shots in the cocktail table book, "Hollywood Pin Ups" by Timothy White published by Harper Collins.

As if that's not enough, she recently worked as the Stylist for the cover of the December 2009 Brazilian edition of L'Officiel that featured Superstar Model and Socialite Lydia Hearst on its the cover.



She also recently worked as the Stylist for the cover of one of my Mistress of Beauty and Adventure's favorite fashion/lifestyle magazines, Surface in its 15th Anniversary Issue that debuted last September.



Mia also has two incredibly interesting, handsome, eligible, intelligent and talented pussycats named Sheriff and Mr. Pink - both Cornish Rex's.

Sheriff aka Biggie

Mr. Pink

I think I might want to date Sheriff/aka Biggie. He's not only a Professor of History and Philosophy at Columbia University, he is a Champion Polo Player and a consummate, award winning Equestrian Jumper and a real snuggler! Plus, he has a Mercedes Convertible! That's what we in the Pussycat world call a catch! But I digress!

Natasha Finkel: What goes on behind the scenes at Fashion Shows?

Mia Morgan: Absolute mayhem Natasha! But before we get to the actual show, fashion designers and their preferred stylists have what we call in the business, a casting call. At the casting call, the models try on designer clothing and are asked to walk in 7" high stillettos - very high heels, sometimes with platforms! Their walk must be EXCELLENT, you must not trip and the sample size must fit like a glove! Polariods are taken and then the models are selected. This is true in the Mistress of Beauty and Glamour world as well as in the Pussycat world!

Natasha Finkel: What does it take to become a Supermodel in the Pussycat world?

Mia Morgan: Natasha...you are a budding Supermodel, but, I need to see you walk!

Natasha Finkel: OK! How is this?

Mia Morgan: In an upcoming show that you are going to be possibly cast for, you are up against Fiona Fumenheimer, the German Supermodel of the Pussycat world who reeks of Animale fragrance at every show! You know exactly who I'm talking about! She models for Victoria's Secret! I don't mean to be too critical, but the fashion business and the modeling business are ultra competitive, sometimes even catty! You need to perfect your turn! I'm also highly concerned that your paw size is too big because the tufts of fur between your claws are going to fill up the shoes we're using in the show. I'm concerned that your paws will be 1/2 size too big for the shoes you have to wear and you will be in terrible pain stomping down the catwalk!

When we do the rehearsals and line up, you need to focus on looking your absolute best with shoes that are really pinching you tight! You also need to make certain that you do not slow the model dresser down, because that could screw up the timing of the show. There are DJ's playing music and all of the models must step to the beat and progress in the line, in time!

Natasha Finkel: I see!

Mia: You see Natasha, it's truly mayhem behind the scenes! You need to have your fur and make up done really quickly, many models get there barely in time (rushing from show to show), nerves are FRAYED!!!! So you'd better have a tough skin because it's a very tough business!

Natasha Finkel: Anything else?

Mia Morgan: Yes. There's a certain X Factor when it comes to becoming a Supermodel - whether you are a Pussycat or a Mistress of Beauty and Glamour! So if I were you, I'd:

1. Grow your fur out for a really dramatic look. Big manes are really in these days, just like the '80's. Perhaps some fur extensions will do the trick!

2. Perfect your turn and "smize" (smile with your eyes) just like Tyra says at the end of the catwalk!

3. To make it as a Supermodel, it's also about your personality and the way you carry yourself and the way you move! It's also about your transformation and journey!

So, if I were you, I'd elongate your neck a little more and improve your posture! You have a tendency to hunch up your back and you need to remind yourself NOT TO DO THAT! Also, be sure to maintain eye contact with the audience when you reach the end of the catwalk and STOP! You want to sell the clothing you're wearing and give the photographers enough time to take your picture! Do not turn too fast....Pause for about 3-4 seconds and count that in your head!

A few more things: You must make sure you enjoy having make up applied and that you are brushed properly before the show, your fur properly cut and groomed with no split ends or matts and no roots if you get highlights! You must make sure you show up to the show with CLEAN CLAWS. I've heard people say that there's nothing more disgusting than a model showing up with dirty claws! It's unprofessional and you may not get booked again!

Natasha Finkel: Really, I HATE BEING BRUSHED AND I DON'T LIKE HAVING MY CLAWS CUT!

Mia Morgan: Well, if you really want to make it in the business Natasha, you need to do all of these things! So be a big girl, buck up and be a tough pussycat!

Natasha Finkel: Wow Mia! You've given me some really wonderful advice. I guess I was too close to it because I thought I looked just fabulous and that everyone was in absolute awe of my natural beauty!

Mia Morgan: You have some work to do, but you do have tremendous potential! Even supermodels have to practice! A few more tips to remember Natasha: YOU MUST SHOW UP ON TIME! NO HANG OVERS, NO PUFFY EYES AND YOUR CLAWS MUST NOT BE TOO LONG! NO BARFING OF HAIRBALLS BEFORE THE SHOW AND, YOU MUST MAKE SURE YOU MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LEAN WEIGHT AT ALL TIMES!

Natasha Finkel: Thank you for all of those tips Mia. You have given me insight that I could never have known! By the way, who are your dream fashion designers that you'd like to style for?

Mia Morgan: John Galliano, Balenciaga and Marc Jacobs.

Natasha Finkel: Have you even seen fur fly behind the stage at Fashion Week?

Mia Morgan: I don't kiss and tell. That my dear, is an industry secret that you must experience for yourself!

Natasha Finkel: Have you ever done fashion shoots with Pussycats?

Mia Morgan: As a matter of fact I have. With my darling boys Sheriff aka Biggie and Mr. Pink. In fact, they posed with a Tony award winning actress from Broadway!

Natasha Finkel: Do you want to expand your business in the Pussycat modeling world?

Mia Morgan: I'm open to expanding in that direction. Perhaps doing a book of pin up style supermodel Pussycats as a follow up to the book I worked on with Timothy White! And of course, there are always shoots, fashion shows and celebrity Pussycats to work with too!

Natasha Finkel: Are there any events that you'd like to share with my readers? You have such a cool, action packed life!

Mia Morgan: As a matter of fact I do Natasha. New York Magazine is sponsoring a Red Carpet event, a retrospective, celebrating the life of my best friend, Zelda Kaplan, on February 24, 2010. I'll be able to provide you with more details on it at a later date. The price of the ticket will range between $35 and $50 so I'm told. Perhaps you can come! Do you know who Zelda Kaplan is Natasha?

Natasha Finkel: No.

Mia Morgan: Here's a video of her with clips from The Jay Leno Show!

Natasha Finkel: Absolutely! I'd love to come! Thank you for inviting me Mia, I am honored! Oh and one more thing: How does someone book you?

Mia Morgan: Have them call my manager, David Guc at Vanguard Management at 212-544-7700.

Natasha Finkel: Thank so you much for your time and insight Mia! It truly has been a pleasure! Your insight has been absolutely invaluable to me! I'll see you at the party! Be sure to send me an invitation! I'm brimming with excitement over that event!