KURFUU

Horatio Rankine and his clothing line KURFUU is the new brand name to hit the streets. KURFUU, which is pronounced Curfew and stands for Knowledge-Unity-Respect-Freedom-Univesally-Undisputed was created by this young man at the tender age of 17.
Originally from Papine, St.Andrews, Jamaica Horatio now resides in Toronto, Canada, where his label began by making embroidered hats and t’shirts, which he sold in the streets. After selling a thousand items and receiving positive feedback from businesses and customers in Toronto and its surrounding cities Horatio felt confident in the label name and his creations.
The product KURFUU is aimed at an urban market this is
"Because of my raw designs simply because I want my customers to be able to relate to my products, rather then just buying into a brand name they know nothing about or have nothing in common with."- Horatio Rankine.
KURFUU’s official launch will be held in his hometown of St. Andrews, Jamaica The clothing line will carry a range of products, such as Mens and Womens clothing along with lingerie and accessories. Currently Horatio is working on photo-shoots for a wide range of merchandise, which will be uploaded onto his myspace page where people can view and make comments on his designs.
Horatio Rankine is a young man with a bright future ahead of him. Describing his brand as:
"A brand, which is innovative in exclusive designs, production and marketing, a brand, which is seen as expert, trustworthy, likeable and also a brand that communicates with a consistent and clear voice."-Horatio Rankine
A force to be reckoned with, Horatio Rankine and his clothing line KURFUU will definitely take urban wear to the next level.

For more on KURFUU and Horatio Rankine go to:

http://www.myspace.com/kurfuuclothing

Phophoto- It's you.. In Cartoon

If you haven’t yet heard of Phophoto you will definitely be hearing about them a lot in the future. Phophoto is a company that transforms your photo into personalized digital art by doing Vector Portraits and also Manga Caricatures. Vector graphics are extremely popular and widely used in graphic design, art, movies and many other forms of multi-media. Phophoto’s unique style amplifies characteristic details with clean sharp lines and colours but it’s not a caricature. Manga is Japanese style comics and cartoons that have been around for almost two centuries and although every portrait Phophoto do is unique typically their Manga Caricatures will be drawn to exaggerate and distort the subjects features in very specific ways. The hair will usually be brightly coloured and pointed and the eyes with be disproportionately big with a small discreet nose and mouth. Every portrait is digitally drawn by hand and inked by an experienced graphic artist. It is digital yet organic.

Nathan Muntner built, maintains and does all the art work for Phophoto:

Tell us a bit about yourself and what made you want to start Phophoto?
Me and my company are out of the innovative yet small town of Boulder, Colorado USA. I have always loved art and photography. Digital photography and software such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and Painter opened up a whole new world to me, and enabled me to express myself in new and exciting ways.
I do free-lance graphic and web design work but my main passion right now is that I love to draw digitally and love to draw people.


What are your main inspirations?
I would say my biggest inspirations for doing Vector Art was the movie A Scanner Darkly, and my inspiration for my Manga Caricatures stems from my love of Jap Anime.


What do you do when you’re not doing portraits?
When I am not indulging in my photography and art I am mountain biking in the summer and snowboarding in the winter (it's why I love Colorado)


Phophoto is a very distinctive company and with every order from Phophoto you get a PDF, a large and small JPEG, and a PC and Mac icon file, and unlike other companies, there is no water mark therefore you can have any text/logos you want printed on your portrait. So If you want something a little exclusive and fun to add to your myspace profile, business cards or even your portfolio then Phophoto are the best people to help you. (FU has already requested a portrait, So look out for that on the site)

For more info on Phophoto including prices etc go to:

http://www.phophoto.com/

http://www.myspace.com/phototoavatar

Sasha Rae

After being asked to model for the front cover of a local magazine Sasha Bennett aka Sasha Rae decided to get some new pictures done and with a little persuasion from friends and family she began pursuing modelling on the side and hasn’t looked back since.
This hardworking young lady is not only on her way to becoming a successful model, she is also at Greenwich University studying towards a BA honours combined degree in English and Drama, She works weekends as a Librarian and is the gossip and entertainment features writer for her local magazine Southwark Young People's Magazine Project-which has run for 5 years. In addition to this Sasha Rae is a keen actress,
“I have a immense love for all things theatrical and drama based” - Sasha Rae
It was her love of drama and writing which promoted her to do a combined honours degree so that she could pursue both of her passions simultaneously. It also encouraged her to join up with her old drama teacher and ex students to form a drama company called -In Translation. They have already received rave reviews for their performance of DNA and are now filming a documentary which Sasha Rae is excited about.
Although Sasha Rae admits it has been hard to find the right representation she still remains optimistic and tries to keep her face out there by entering competitions such as the face of the Urban Music Magazine-Touch, where she placed in the top 3. She has also been honing her catwalk skills by doing fashion shows for designers House of Georgie and Danielle Raffa. In addition to this Sasha Rae is receiving positive feedback via her Myspace page and feels that it’s only a matter of time before she gets the right team of people to manage her.

What makes you so unique
It might sound cliché, but what I feel makes me considerably unique is a combination of 3 vital components:
1: I am educated and continue to educate myself, away from University I am also using the time off university to train as a Gym and exercise teacher. I live and breath education and I believe that an educated mind will eventually take you places.
2: I have very unique features. All my life I have been given comments about my nose and its pronounced shape. It is very pronounced and many have believed that my nose is not real, but I can assure you, it was the nose I was born with. I have a very unique and defined face and no one looks like me and vice versa- I look like no one either.
3: There are many strings to my bow. I want to construct a career that is not only double edged but triple edged!. I want to act, model and be teach exercise in between. I am my own upcoming business enterprise.

Who I would like to work with in the future
The goals I have created for myself are endless. I hope to act in some more amazing plays, get a showreel done of my work. I would love to model in hair shows or in my favourite magazine, Pride. I would love to star in a few short films and music videos, to model lingerie and bikini's as I look really good in a bikini!! On a serious note, I would like to work with people who can see my potential and want to work with me to create something amazing. Being in a magazine, modelling sleek makeup or being in a advert are all things I would like to do, and it would be a dream to work with people who could make that happen. I’ve just entered a bikini competition run by a company called Toby Girl and I’m waiting to see where that will take me.

For more info on Sasha Rae go to:

http://www.myspace.com/_sashaben

Kirsty- UK's 1st Singer/Model/Hairdresser

FU interviewed Kirsty who told us about modelling, her girl band Addiction and what Simon Cowell is really like…

What do you do?
I’m a hairdresser/model/singer, very busy as you see, but I love it that way.

What made you decide to start modelling?
I wanted to do it from a young age. I enjoy doing shoots and seeing the end results…

What type of modelling would you like to do?
Fashion and glamour work. I want to be published in a variety of magazines and be an icon for young girls, and prove to them that if you have determination like me, then you can make it.

Who is your favourite model, why?
I love Jackie Deggs work. Jodie Marsh is also an inspiration for me, as she made it on her own after being bullied through her childhood.

Tell us about your band Addiction
Well we’ve been together for 2 years and I’m loving every minute of it. I’d love to do more though and eventually give up hairdressing and commit to the band full time.

What type of music do you do, how would you describe your sound?
We’re an urban R&B type pop girl band. We like to do a wide range of music.

Who are your musical influences?
Mine personally is Mariah Carey. Her voice is just amazing and sends shivers through my whole body.

We heard you guys were on Xfactor, did you get to meet Simon, is he really that evil?

Yes we did meet him, they put us through to boot camp. He really is that evil, but he wasn’t evil to us. He loves the ladies lol

On top of all this you’re also a hairdresser, what do you love about hairdressing?
I love making people look and feel good about themselves, it gives me a great buzz.

Everyone’s cutting their hair really short at the moment but what look do you predict will be big for the summer?

Long fringes and very short haircuts are this summers must haves… or long hair with flicks/big waves.

What makes you so unique?
Well do you know anyone else who does modelling, hairdressing is in a girl band and is fun and friendly like me :-)

Back to the singing and modelling, who would you like to work with in the future?
I’d love to work with some of the FHM photographers and be in the magazine (front cover of course) I’d also like to work with some fantastic producers and be signed by Simon Cowell hehe

What’s next for you?
Well I’m building up my portfolio for modelling and singing. We’re [Addiction] writing more songs so watch this space! I also want to be published as a glamour model to kick start my career

For more info on Kirsty go to:

http://www.myspace.com/kirstyxxm

http://www.myspace.com/addictiongirls (Kirstys girl group Addiction)

Danielle

Danielle is a recent Literature graduate, whose aspirations of becoming a teacher and model truly make her unique.
Her passion for Renaissance and Victorian literature is what drives her to become a teacher.
"I want to share my passion with others and try to inspire them to see what I see in literary texts, hopefully one day I’ll do that soon." -Danielle-
Not only does this bright young woman have the passion for the arts, but she has also set her sights on modelling. Winning a competition held by a newspaper a few years ago modelling took a back seat to her education, but with completing university and some spare- time Danielle has now signed up with an agency .

Bright and passionate about everything she does this young lady has the drive and determination to reach her goals of becoming a teacher and model.

For more info on Danielle go to:

http://www.myspace.com/princess_dani86

http://www.modelpics.co.uk/models/0033/index.htm

Linda Noel

FU interviewed new model Linda Noel aka Loverhomiefriend who told us about her forthcoming Calender, Film roles and her plans to start a management agency.

What made you want to model?

Ummm... Firstly I'm 5'10 so that helped, plus, I think I've got the right features and body type. As a Taurus I've always been into dancing, clothes, modeling, music and so on. I did performing arts so it was always in me, I just needed the right time to get it out...lol

Have you always been one of those people who just loves to be in front of the camera (or mirror) posing?

Yeah defo, lol (at home) I just never had the confidence to it it until now.

What jobs have you done so far?

When I signed with 831 Females [Model Agency] they got me a casting for Joint Effects video shoot 'Summertime' I had a great time. We did the shoot in a mansion by the sea, everyone worked really hard that day, and everyone was beautiful. Then I did 'Let it Go' Featuring Jukkie Mundo, D-Power, Fumin, Top Cat. I had a great experience on set, they were very professional and treated us with the up most respect. I then went on to do a video with BMD, RIBS, SKRILLS and Gappy Ranks, 'Punchline'

Before I did any of these I was very shy, (Which you would never believe because normally I'm very out going) but in different atmosphere's your character changes. Doing this work helped me gain more confidence and now I'm raring to go!

What’s the best job you’ve been on?

So far the 'Let it Go' Video shoot, it was wicked. Plus the tune is tough

What do you do when you’re not modelling?

As well as looking after my daughter Cereece who's 6, myself and my friends K Levels and Prestige (who also model) are currently developing our own calender and working towards starting up our own management company in the near future.

Who is your favourite model, do you aspire to be like any model in particular?

I would have to say that would be Emily Rose, who has helped me a lot and given me a lot of advice, she is a lovely girl and very beautiful. Rachel Ritfeld is beautiful too so is Melissa Ford. But I don't want to be like anyone, I just want to be remembered for being me.

What type of modelling would you never do?

Naked!!!!!!!!!

Obviously models have to have a tight body, what do you do to keep in shape?

I dance a lot that's mainly it...but i do need to join a gym lol

Do you think it’s harder for black models to get jobs over here (in the UK) than it is in America, Why do you think this is?

Its hard for a certain type of black girl to get jobs out here. In America all shades of black are considered as beautiful, but out here people seem to have a preference for one particular type.

Most people think that being a model is an easy job, they don’t realize that it’s a lot of hard work and new models face a lot of criticism and rejection are you ready for that?

Yeah, you get that through your whole life both inside and outside the workplace, it will only make u stronger. People hate what they fear and wish they could be.

There’s loads of girls who want to be the next top model how do you stand out, obviously your Fabulous and Undiscovered but what makes you so different?

I'm me, I don't front. I'm hard working and I'm not your average chick. I strive to be seen in a different light....

Who would you like to work with in the future?

Apple bottom Jeans, Gucci and any British clothing brand who are looking for a different sort of model...me lol

What’s next for you/any projects in the pipeline?

Well, I went for the auditions for KOJO's Angel's and got that so I will be featuring in a black history month calender and also a short film with HGE Model Management. Other than this I just want to work as hard as possible to feature in a high fashion magazine or a billboard.

Watch Linda in the new Joint Effects video for 'Summertime'

For more info on Linda go to:

http://www.myspace.com/loverhomiefriend

http://www.myspace.com/kojosangels (Kojos Angels)

Beverly Marie

Since her formative years Actress Beverly Marie has been determined to reach her goal of becoming an Actress, Director and Editor. Working as a Model in her spare-time, this innovative young women was the first student in 8 years at her 6th form to receive a full mark distinction for her A level performance of Stoning Mary by Debbie Tucker Green. She also received this mark and the best music video award for her re-make of Ludacris’s video "Runaway Love, which she Directed, Filmed and Edited by herself.
As an Actress Beverly is not one to shy away from challenges, taking on demanding roles in order to grow and develop as an actress.
"I do not believe in settling for what one claims to be your best, I would definitely challenge that statement and defeat the contemporary." -Beverly Marie
Having gained recognition by a charity in Atlanta for her short documentary called "American Dream," which was filmed whilst on Holiday in New York and Atlanta, Beverly has gone on to act in several short films, which have gone on to gain recognition from the BBC and the Metropolitan Police.
Currently involved in a film project organized by HGE Model Management, in which she plays the lead character Beverly can also be seen on a TV series for BEN television.
"It hurts me to dream, because I don’t want to dream it..I want to ACHIEVE IT! Dreaming is for delusional suckers!"-Beverly Marie
Listing her mother, Spike Lee and Edward Norton amongst others as her influences Beverly Marie is definitely a young lady, who has the attitude and drive to physically reach up and touch the stars and is unquestionably one to watch in the future.


See how Beverly got the lead role:
HGE docusoap castng



Add to My Profile | More Videos

See why she deserved that distinction:


Watch her in Early B's music video 'Think'



For more info on Beverly go to:
www.myspace.com/if_you_were_me

Coral Lane Beach Apartments

If you have ever been to Barbados or plan on going you obviously know how truly beautiful the island is and how expensive accommodation can be. St James one of the most popular parishes situated in the west of the island has some of the most expensive hotels, which are lined along the powdery white sandy beaches. To stay at these hotels such as the Sandy Lane Hotel could cost you as much as £1000 a night. Now that’s fine if you have Oprah Winfrey’s bank account, but for the average folk amongst us there is a cheaper alternative by the name of Coral Lane Apartments. Coral Lane is located a stones throw away from the golden beach of Paynes Bay. The Apartments boasts the quality and high standard of any 3* property for half the price especially in an area where celebrities like Tiger Woods and Simon Cowell visit regularly. The rooms inside the apartment have a sea or island facing view , Kitchenette, en suite bathroom, TV with satellite and a double bed.(obviously sea views cost a slight bit more but they do come with air conditioning which you'll need if you go there in the summer) The owners of this family run business are very welcoming and once you step into these apartments you will instantly feel as though it’s a home away from home.They also give you a mobile phone which is handy for keeping in touch with your people. All the regular amenities such as shops, restaurants and bars are nearby. There is also a bus stop 10yards away from the accommodation, which can take you anywhere around the island. In an area where the rich and famous come to play Coral Lane Apartments is a hidden gem making the usually expensive parish of St James comfortable and available for all.



For more information on Coral Lane Beach Apartments go to:

http://www.barbados.org/apt/paynesbay/index.php

Midnight Butterfly

FU interviewed well travelled new model Leah a.k.a Midnight_Butterfly who is not just a pretty face. With fashion shoots, International launches and a book on the way Midnight Butterfly is soon to be a huge star. So remember the face as FU thinks we will be seeing her everywhere very soon.

What you do?
Well, Well I’m an international girl born and raised in the Caribbean, then lived in Brazil. I have lived in London for about 5 years. I work in the city as a junior property manager. It’s a great well paid job, so I’m continuing my blessings there.

I’m also an up and coming model being involved in good quality music videos, fashion shows, fashion shoots, launches, magazine spreads etc. I have a few projects underway for the end of this year and into 2008 which will be targeted for the British population, Brazil and also back home in the Caribbean. Apart from those two things, I enjoy singing, painting and am currently writing a book.

How did you get your start?
I was initially approached by an up and coming modelling agency in London, and was asked to be one of their 11 exclusive girls. After a week or so, I had other offers and interest in London and strangely enough, from the USA just from regular shots. Since then I've been networking and making friends with some of these people. You haven’t seen ANYTHING yet! So all support will be appreciated.

For my career in property, I was just fortunate enough to be offered that position when I had originally applied for something not as high up as that. The job I’ve got now is what I wanted to work and progress to, as its not an easy position to get. I’m just lucky I guess. You need to keep pushing and looking for what you want to get it. Especially in the UK where there are so many things to pull you back and discourage you.

Who are our inspirations?
Umm, that would have to be my mother. Its amazing what the wrath of a mother can do to you as a child. She gives great advice and is always there to encourage me, or say what she really thinks. She’s strong, independent, hardworking, and a great role model for me and my siblings. I’m just blessed she’s my mom and that we were all born and raised in the Caribbean.


Why are you so unique?
I'm Genuine, Friendly, Polite, Down to earth and I'm multi talented. In the fashion and entertainment industry there are zillions of great looking girls and guys, but many have a big attitude, vanity, selfishness, materialistic and all sorts. I’m not into all of that, to me, I’m just having fun and enjoying what comes my way. After a shoot or video, I'll happily go out with the girls and guys involved and grab a bite to eat and talk about the silliest things. I’m just normal.
It's not something I can really put to words...once you get to know me well, you see what I mean.

What are your future plans?
Well, I’ve got a lot on and in progress.
*Clothing line
*Book,
*Shoots
*International launch
So much I couldn’t say. But along the way it would be nice to have people drop by and say hi or show some support.

To find out more about Midnight Butterfly or to contact her for any up and coming projects, fashion/artistic photo shoots, music videos, magazines, interviews etc go to:

http://www.myspace.com/urban__chick (with 2 underscores)

Reeni - Britiains Next Top (5'3) Model

FU interviewed Shareen aka Reenii, who let us know about her quest to be the 1st successful 5'3 supermodel.

How long have you been modelling for?
Nearly 2 years

Who/What made you want to model?
Basically one day I decided to get some professional pictures done,because I wanted some really nice pictures of myself to just have and give to friends and family. Modelling didn’t even come in to my head. Then once I got them and started showing people, everyone was like....rarrhh your photos are really good why don’t you send them off to agencies and stuff. At first I was like narr don’t be silly, then I sent some out to a few [agencies] and got positive responses, so then I just went from there really.

So have you always been one of those people who just loves to be in front of the camera (or mirror) posing?
Yeah I’m definitely a poser...not because I’m vain or anything. But ever since a really young age I’ve always loved having photos taken of me. My Mum even entered me in for cutest baby in the Hackney Gazette, for 2 years in a row (and I won both times) so that must of said something...lol

What’s the best job you’ve been on?
I'd have to say Alternative Fashion week. It was for up and coming fashion designers and I got to wear really funky clothes which I’d never really wear, with crazy make up.That was really good

What’s the worst modelling experience you’ve had?
Having to do a video which took all day and in the end it never even got aired. The song wasn’t released, the whole thing got scrapped - what a waste of time

What do you do when you’re not modelling?
Well modelling is part time at the minute until I get my big break (whenever that is) But during the day I work for a property company when

Who is your favourite model, do you aspire to be like any model in particular?
I don’t actually have a favourite model and there isn’t anyone that I'd aspire to be purely because I’m not your average 5'11 stick insect, which is why I’d like to open the doors for the not so tall model (as I’m only 5'3 myself)

Most people think that being a model is an easy job, they don’t realize that it’s a lot of hard work and new models face a lot of criticism and rejection are you ready for that?
Yeah, I’ve taken a lot of rejection and that’s purely because of my height. I get comments like 'you have such a great look but you’re too short' and it does put you down, but you've just got to carry on I guess.

There’s loads of girls who want to be the next top model how do you stand out, obviously your Fabulous and Undiscovered but what makes you so different?
The fact that I’m not your typical model, I’m not a stick insect , I’m slim with shape with all the bumps are in the right places.... I can show that short girls look good too, even if I cant reach my top kitchen cupboard lol

Who would you like to work with in the future?
I'd love to be a lead in a music video with an established artist, both over here or in the US (TI...hint hint)..or model for someone like Rocawear or Baby Phat......Or just have my face on the Dark and Lovely Relaxer Box. I’d love to be a face of a product/clothing range so you can see me everywhere...lol

And lastly a bit of a cliché question, but ,where do you see yourself in the next 3 years?
Simply being the UK'S first successful 5'3 model....yayyyyyy

For more info on Shareen go to:

www.myspace.com/hazel5ft284

Shareen also appears in the new Vix and Trix video for ‘Close to you’