Whether it's fights with celebrities, snarky judges, or a transgendered model, America's Next Top Model always knows how to attract controversy -- and ratings! But that's exactly what makes Jaslene Gonzalez, who won the show in 2007, such an anomaly: she brings zero drama!

Throughout the show she was cool, calm and actually friendly, proving that nice girls can finish first. I caught up with her at a private party in New York City and after marvelling over how good she looked in a simple tee and jeans, I had to ask her what winning strategy the contestants can use this season. "Take it as a learning experience. That's what it is. Go in there like a sponge, be open minded. But at the same time be confident and know what your objective is. My objective was to win."

We don't recall having to carry a backpack in elementary school, but we do remember having to walk uphill to school, both ways, in the snow. Seems like we would recall a backpack.

Times have changed, and much to the delight of chiropractors everywhere, kids are carrying twice their body weight to school and back, albeit on snow-free, relatively flat surfaces.

This is what they're using:

Michael Buckner is a fashion and celebrity photographer who travels around the world taking pictures on the red carpet. He gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the hottest entertainment industry events.


It was a sunny afternoon at the Pasadena Civic Center, where the 10th annual ALMA Awards hosted by hot housewife Eva Longoria in 15 different dresses, all my Latin designers. My Favorite was this over-the-shoulder shot wearing Venezuelan designer Armando Piquer.

You were actually able to stop staring at the picture above and start reading this post? You have my full respect. I on the other hand, could barely write after getting an eyeful of these male models in all their semi-naked glory. But perhaps that's exactly what FreshPair, the online underwear retailer, was going for when it planned this fashion show in honor of National Underwear Day.

British pop star, Estelle and and Danity-Kane member, D.Woods were part of a long list of celebrities who turned out to help Vibe Magazine Celebrate its 15th Anniversary in New York City on Tuesday. The party, which was held at the breathtaking venue, The Cathedral, in New York City was "Black Tie Fly" and attracted artists like T.I, Cassie and Salt-n-Pepa.

Michael Buckner is a fashion and celebrity photographer who travels around the world taking pictures on the red carpet. He gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the hottest entertainment industry events.


I stopped by the Miss Me Couture Showroom in downtown Los Angeles yesterday, where television star Mischa Barton and her sister browsed through the Fall 2008 line.

Michael Buckner is a fashion and celebrity photographer who travels around the world taking pictures on the red carpet. He gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the hottest entertainment industry events.


Former Dawson's Creek star and Tom Cruise wife, Katie Holmes, debuted her new line of clothing at the Tropic Thunder premiere last night. The stars swooped in at the last minute to a baffled crowd of photographers, who were amazed they came. Holmes has been working on a clothing line for Georgio Armani, and this might be the first ever look at what she can do.

The dress looks amazing, blue satin on the bottom half with a leather halter-top and a strap running around the neck. I know one thing: she sure can design for her bottom frame.

Along with TomKat, came the stars of the film Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr and Jack Black and surprise co-stars Matthew McConaughey, Justin Theroux, Amy Adams and Tobey Maguire.

Michael Buckner is a fashion and celebrity photographer who travels around the world taking pictures on the red carpet. He gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the hottest entertainment industry events.


Robertson Blvd is a notorious hot spot for paparazzi and celebrities. The street is constantly filled with double parked SUVs, along with snappers jumping out and bombarding Paris Hilton on her way to Kitson. Quite frankly, it's dangerous, but I won't go political on you today! I was hired to shoot inside the launch of Muxo Handbags designed by new mom Camila Alves (which, you guessed it, was on Roberston).

Matthew McConaughey arrived with his newborn Levi Alves, breaking through a crowd of paparazzi and running into Kitson Studio.

The leather travel bags, handbags and clutches co-designed by Camila's mother and handmade by the mother-daughter team represent a lifetime of design experience with one-of-a-kind leather finishes and superb construction -- the result of which is this highly anticipated collection where elegance meets tribal exotic in the most beautiful way.

The handbags are a bohemian chic, with leather fringe, mixing blacks and browns that add an elegance to the laid back, distressed materials.

McConaughey sipped margaritas and snacked on catering by Beverly Hills hot spot Crustaceans

Check out the handbag line in my gallery below along with the few guests who showed up.

Gallery: Matthew McConaughey Muxo Handbags

Michael Buckner is a fashion and celebrity photographer who travels around the world taking pictures on the red carpet. He gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the hottest entertainment industry events


It's been a while since my last post from Miami Fashion Week. I spent last weekend in San Diego for the International Comic Convention, where high fashion was sci-fi T-shirts and cargo shorts. Batman costumes took over the hallways of the convention center, so there wasn't much to post about. I missed Styledash, but I'm back with a bang of an event.

Critically acclaimed director Woody Allen's 43rd film, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," brings together actor Javier Bardem and girlfriend Penelope Cruz with the ever talented Scarlett Johansson. The Los Angeles premiere brought them together again in top designer dresses. Scarlett in Monique Lhullier. Penelope in Herve L. Leroux. Selma in Balenciaga. These women of Hollywood stormed the red carpet in high fashion.

Scarlet won the fashion contest for last night in the Phillipino fashion designer's red gown, and with two of Hollywood's fashion elite on the carpet, that's a victory that deserves a trophy, right?

See the dresses from the premiere in my gallery below.

Michael Buckner is a fashion and celebrity photographer who travels around the world taking pictures on the red carpet. He gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the hottest entertainment industry events.


Saturday night's Ank by Mirla Sabino show was the highlight of the week, and second to none as far as quality, easy to wear swimwear for the real woman. Every suit was something you'd let your sister wear, but also would love if your friend's sister wore it, but please don't get those two confused.

I was running around for nearly six hours by this time shooting for the sponsors, so it was quite a relief to watch a couple shows towards the end of the night.

The Ank show had a great variety of suits, that like the one above, featured a little extra fabric to play with, whether it was covering up part of the body, or folding under to show a little more.

The slide show highlights four looks with the same color to show the variety which the designer gives in her 2008 Cruise line.

Gallery: Ank

We love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.

If you love cute, girly, Japanese street fashion inspired trends, you're going to love today's featured designer, Stephanie McCann of Sugarpop Clothing. This UK-based label is stocked full of adorable duds sure to thrill your inner child.

One of the country's preeminent, fashion boutiques, Atelier New York, is known for a strict color palette of blacks, grays, charcoals, and other, sophisticated urban tones. And the designer lineup is truly second to none: Ann Demeulemeester, Undercover by Jun Takahashi, Label Under Construction, Number (Nine), Carpe Diem and others.

Now, in collaboration with Atelier New York, one of the store's most popular and acclaimed designers, Rick Owens, has his own flagship boutique at 250 Hudson Street. Owens designed the space, which includes a few chairs and benches of his own design (for sale through Galerie Philippe Jousse) plus a towering, 6-way mirror and unique, fog installation (he calls it a "fog aquarium").

So last Thursday we found ourselves standing in blistering 80ish degree sunshine on the Santa Monica Pier. We had to wait in the corner between the coeds of USC and UCLA while they shouted "spirit" at each other. It was very peppy and just a bit intimidating.

Why were we there with rivals and cheerleaders? For Pinkapalooza, of course! Duh.

The first annual (or whenever) Pinkapalooza was thrown by the good people at Victoria's Secret Pink to introduce their new Pink Collegiate Collection (still no University of Arizona?!) to the masses. Fall Out Boy performed. It was what we in the biz call "a major event."

Just a few ticks away from his s/s '09 runway show-held at NYC's, member's only, Classic Car Club-Andy Salzer takes a minute to hint at his inspiration for Yoko Devereaux's newest looks: "classic convertibles" and "invading East Hampton."

We ran into Robert Burke, a familiar face from the front row, just outside the men's room at a trade show, Blue, this week. The former senior VP at Bergdorf Goodman currently oversees his own, big time consulting company but still manages a type of effortless style.

He's got a summer weight, two-piece suit and skips on a tie to beat the heat. Then, add those signature glasses for a touch of whimsy and a tad of intellectualism. The look is totally soft and approachable, classic and tailored but still relaxed and refined. We're digging what Mr. Burke puts together. Anyone else?