Image Matters

To be or not be a 007
For decades we have been mesmerized by the British avant-garde and at times reckless author Ian Flaming’s fictional character James Bond and the world loved the scandalous hero. Admired by both genders we never had enough of his adventurous shenanigans. The more we got the more we wanted.

But who is James Bond? Is Ian Fleming James Bond? The Cultural Politics of 007 is an entertaining and revealing examination of the many facets of Bond’s character, before Bond became a cinematic icon. Whatever political statement Fleming made, we fell in love with the everything knowing, everything able and ever so sexy Mr. Bond.

This scoundrel, the protagonist of a series of thrillers that appeared during the time of Britain’s decline as a major power, heated up the Cold War and women’s boudoirs. The cinematic James Bond has long eclipsed not only the fictional Bond who bore the marks of Fleming’s heroic fantasies, his restless ingenuity, his snobbery, and his creator too.
We have loved his womanizing, the ever so elegant, dashing combination of cool intelligence, lethal aggression and sexual magnetism of James Bond, portrayed by number of virile and tall Scots and Brits, accustomed to that face, that smile, that style and classic action hero, and aren’t going to accept the changing of the image of 007.

So what were they thinking when choosing a little-known actor, Daniel Craig, as the new Bond?

Changing the image of 007 into a blonde, a short, little-known actor will never suffice. If they assumed that Americans and the rest off the World will just accept it I doubt it.
What is missing with new 007? The dark and sultry look, sex appeal, oh well let be straight and call it as it is, everything is missing that made James Bond an everlasting image in our minds that will remain as such.
Next time ask an Image consultant for advice, it would help to have a hit instead of a flop on your hands. My choice, hands down, goes to the talented London-born actor Thorsten Kaye who portrays the melancholy Zach Slater of “All My Children” as the wealthy casino owner.

“This man oozes with a raw sex appeal and talent to boot, a voice that makes you wish you were next to him on some deserted island and your children had his last name.”

There is no surprise that this multi-talented and educated actor has appeared on the London stage in such plays as The Winter’s Tale, Love for Love and Tartuffe. A seasoned Shakespearean actor, he has performed in numerous theatrical productions, including Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Twelfth Night and The Taming of the Shrew.

Not since Sir Laurence Olivier has an actor been able to fill the screen with such magnetism, reach out and grab your soul and pull you into the story, as this wonderful actor does. With little botax, he could easily and effortlessly portray the role of Heathcliff, in Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights.”

Hello producers grab him before someone very smart does, and they make his name a household word, and get a hit on their hands. With class, theatrical background and huge range he dictates roles that are memorable.

An avid rugby player, Mr. Kaye played throughout Europe before enrolling in graduate school at Wayne State University. After getting his master’s degree in theater and theater history, he joined the Hilberry Repertory Theatre Company in Detroit.
He also published a book of original poetry, entitled From “Timber Ridge to Daymer Gardens”, with Dorothy Bridges, widow of actor Lloyd Bridges, whose family is a one of the finest class of people I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with on LAWHE in early 80’s. So it is not surprising that proceeds from the book, which accompanied a CD release of the same name, go to “Give Kids the World,” a charity for sick children.

“Where do you think you are going dressed like that?”

With vacation season just around the corner, traveling inquires come across my desk with concerns about how to dress when abroad. As entrepreneurial men and women, we travel from continent to continent, and the demand for information and knowledge on how we dress as we move around the world is very important.

* It affects our comfort, safety, and our etiquette.
* It affects our social interactions.
* It can make or break our travel adventure.
* And, if one packs too much, carrying bags can be tiring, not particularly elegant (seeing a lady schlepping a suitcase bigger than she is), and ultimately can cause crankiness, discomfort and a need for chiropractic services.

No matter where you are traveling, your image communicates volumes about who you are, be this your first trip to the moon or your trip to your Aunt Mini’s in Timbuktu. Poorly groomed people are putting themselves into financial and social jeopardy.

Your image tells those around you that you care about who you are. How you look and carry yourself is a non-verbal language you are communicating which says that you deserve only the best, or not.

Those of us who travel frequently are sadly aware that the majority of passengers dress for comfort or just simple laziness. It’s nylon tracksuits, jeans, t-shirts, shorts with sweatshirts, sneakers and, most inexcusably, many times they are just simply dirty. It is not only about our individual desires to be comfortable; we owe it to the fellow passengers who will be sitting next to us to be dressed appropriately and at least to take a shower.

Dressing this inappropriately is a major form of sabotage. And when was the last time that your ticket was upgraded? What happened to clean and smart dress attire? The only place you see it is in first class, and not always there. Wearing high heels and nylons is overdoing it and it is dangerous and most uncomfortable. However, if you care to be treated with grace and class dress the way you like to be treated, world class, and behave as such. It’s very easy to present a polished and professional image and still be comfortable when traveling.

Dress like you deserve exceptional customer service, if exceptional customer service is important to you. I don’t always have a first class ticket, but as first class or business class I travel upgrade more than seventy percentof the time. White linen, delicious cuisine and first class service makes a world of difference!

Before the fall of Yugoslavia, I traveled home frequently, via Germany, France, Italy or England and my most memorable times that I love and cherish were in Italy. I love Europe and then there is Italy, the culture, the fashion made by the finest and of the finest materials, and its people, let’s not forget the rich cuisine, with garlic and all, it is all just scrumptious. They know how to live a life passionately. In addition, their men – you don’t need to look like Calista Flockhart to be appreciated as a woman.

On one occasion, when TWA messed up my reservations, and as we landed in Rome, I was greeted by the airline’s manager, who personally took charge of my luggage and escorted me through customs into the waiting limousine. They provided me with a limousine service for my entire stay there . A huge compensation for a small mistake, or could it be the way I presented myself, that granted such a service?

I stayed at my favorite place, The Grand Hotel Plaza, one of the oldest hotels in Rome only steps away from Trinità dei Monti, otherwise known as the Spanish Steps - home to Via dei Condotti location of the most wonderful shops in Rome.

http://zeual1.roma1.infn.it/icons/trinita.jpeg

However, a lady traveling alone in Europe be forewarned, men will approach you if you are sitting alone in the restaurant. While waiting for my meal I was approached by five men, finally talking with my maitre ‘d stopped the intrusion. Sitting solo is a sure invitation to romance, as if Mediterranean men need an excuse, God love them.

My suggestion is very simple, when visiting another country, honor the culture and its people, learn to say hello and thank you in their language, also take the clothes on your back and your toiletries; the rest you buy in Europe as you travel. If you are in the Middle East honor the dress code, in some countries more rigid than others.

Some of my friends and clients gladly offered to share their experiences. I hope you’ll benefit from their generosity for your next traveling adventure, to whichever locale on this planet your journey takes you. “Bonne voyage!”

Your knowledge of what is appropriate, whatever you have learned about other cultures, traditions, is greatly appreciated so as to make traveling safer, more comfortable and enjoyable.

Culturally correct clothing
What worked for you?
What didn’t?
How much did you pack or, how little?
Any problems when you didn’t dress appropriately?

Where to start?

1) Think PMT before you travel; it’s an easy way to remember Photo ID/Passport, Money, Tickets!

2) Pack light or you’ll wish you did! One hint: If you’re not going to wear something more than 3 times, leave it at home. Every clothing article should match, complement or have 2 uses (sandals/slippers; scarf/shoulder wrap.)

3) Arrive at the airport early…spending time shopping and having a coffee is more fun than racing to catch the plane.

4) If you’re checking in luggage, carry essentials in your hand luggage (toiletries, make-up, undergarments and etc). If your luggage goes missing, you’ll have enough to see you through the first day of your trip, by which time your luggage will have arrived.

5) Be comfortable! This does not mean you can’t be chic…especially if you’re looking for an upgrade. Do opt for comfortable shoes and an outfit that not only looks great but will also keep you feeling cozy when you’re sitting on the plane.

Peggy Reed
Editor/Publisher, Brighton Collectibles

Please stay tuned for more tips as the week goes on.
With regards,

Ashley

Do the clothes make the person?

You don’t think so? Ok, just for a moment stop and see in your minds eye, what comes up when I say Michael Jordan? Ok you got it!

Hold on to that. Now what does come up when I say Dennis Rodman? There is a judgement no matter who is your favorite.

Study after study has shown, in the first thirty seconds people will form opinions about your economic level, your educational level, your trustworthiness, your social position, level of sophistication, social and educational heritage, your level of success, your moral character, your future and even if they like you.

What message does your appearance tell the world about who you are?

On Sunday April 30th, you can learn how to dictate what people perceive about you and find out how that can make your dreams come true.

In a one day seminar, through group exercises and makeovers you will discover and learn how you too can develop your own personal alluring signature style that will attract more money, power and romance into your life.

To participate or find out more information: call my office at 310-574-6018 or email me.

We are also starting our five day image consultant training course, STAR Power, on the same day as the seminar.
About Ashley Rothschild:

Recently listed by Wall Street Journal as the number one image consultant, I have for the last 24 years, through individual consulting, public speaking, and my seminars, multimedia, altered the lives of thousands and thousands of my participants and clients worldwide.

I have transformed lives of Presidential candidates, and CEO’s of giant business corporations.

I have turned invisible producers into money-making moguls. Polished the image of actors into the Hollywood stars.

I have turned high-powered leaders, into world shakers and movers.

I have shifted relationships that have gone dormant into romantic fiery passionate rejuvenated lives.

The list is endless. All this while you are having an amazing time.

I been called many names, but most frequently outrageous and unstoppable, with my commitment and without any qualms I will push you to the place not familiar or comfortable, while you discover the exciting and new you.

I will dare you to be the best you.

Clients Speak.