Jean Paul Gaultier says Amy Winehouse is his biggest inspiration, Naomi Campbell will mentor model hopefuls on new TV show ‘The Face’ and Stella McCartney’s autographed sketch will be auctioned to benefit children with special needs.
The French designer recently sparked controversy when his couture collection was based on her look, but claims he has always admired her style.
He said, ”When I saw Amy, I was amazed at her voice, even though I knew she was in such a bad state.
”Her look was incredible – with her sailor tattoos and clothes she was so Gaultier! At her show, I was too shy to go and see her backstage.
”Amy Winehouse is my biggest inspiration. She’s beautiful.”
Jean Paul also reveals he was upset to think her father Mitch was not happy with his homage to her.
He added to Grazia magazine, ”I was upset they were upset. I wrote to her father Mitch to explain that my intention was to pay homage to her talent.
”Since her death the media has focused too much on her problems, my show was intended as a celebration of her. The world has lost someone amazing who will never come again.”
Move over Tyra Banks! Naomi will front a model search series along the lines of ‘America’s Next Top Model’ produced by NBC Universal.
The British supermodel – who is renowned for her fiery temper – will be responsible for ”moulding, nurturing and transforming” the contestants on the show, which will also feature two other mentors who have yet to be announced.
NBC president Rod Aissa said, ”’The Face’ is a fresh new series that delivers all the elements our audience craves; fashion, beauty and drama.”
The models will take part in a series of challenges to eventually become the brand ambassador of a big company. Naomi has continued to be one of the most well-known models on the fashion scene despite soon turning 42. She recently rejected the title ”supermodel” because she does not have any extra-ordinary abilities.
She said, ”I would never call myself that. I don’t have any superhuman powers.”
The fashion designer has given her drawing to the sale, which will benefit children with special needs and the auction will also feature works by David Hockney, Damien Hirst, Gavin Turk and 22 other contemporary artists.
Although Stella is not an official patron of the Special Yoga Centre – which specialises in providing yoga therapy and other support for children with cerebral palsy, down’s syndrome and epilepsy – she helps out in other ways, and has supplied the children attending the center with clothes for the past several years.
Jo Manuel, founder and director of the charity, said, ”The art auction is the main fundraising event of the year and this year is extra special. The center’s move to West Hampstead will provide us with a ground-floor space accessible to wheelchair users, and providing facilities that children and families are in dire need of.”
Honorary patrons of the charity include British Prime Minster David Cameron’s wife Samantha Cameron and Trudie Styler.
