Robot Model Almost as Good as the Real Thing
Crazy Heels
Nina Ricci Fall 2009
It is safe to say that practicality wasn't high on Olivier Theysken's list of priorities when he designed his final collection for Nina Ricci. These platformed boots with a mini heels were just one of the many pieces of gravity defining footwear in his show.
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Scherer Gonzales Spring 2009
The German designing duo had models tiptoeing through tulips (and Lucite encased orchids) at a runway show in Berlin.
Anita Bugge, WireImage.com
Mischa Barton attended the Christian Dior Spring-Summer 2009 Haute Couture Show in Paris on January 26, 2009 clad in (what else?!) head to toe Dior. Her shoes looked as tall and skinny as she did; though the platform heels,
a version of those shown at Christian Dior's Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Runway Show, were carved to mimic an African fertility goddess. Something Miss Mischa may need if she manages to lose another pound...
Vanessa Williams
In an outfit that would make Cruella De Vil jealous, the 45-year-old actress waits for her close-up in New York on the set of Ugly Betty. While we don't think Williams would wear such an ensemble, we wouldn't put it past her character, Mode Magazine Editor-In-Chief, Wilhelmina Slater, to show just how much of an animal lover she is by matching the furry footwear with an animal trimmed poncho.
Bill Davila/startraksphoto.com
Jennifer Connelly
The actress attended the premiere of her new film He's Just Not That Into You in this super chic look straight off the Balmain runway. The dress is eye-popping enough on its own but paired with those blingin' gladiator sandals, it's safe to say no one had more sparkle on the red carpet than Connelly!
Steve Granitz, WireImage | Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images
Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2009
These sculptural heels walked down the runway in a wide array of colors but nothing says spring like sunny yellow.
Chris Moore, Catwalking / Getty Images
Agynes Deyn
The smokin' British model rocked these red hot heels to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund 5th anniversary party.
Brian Ach, WireImage
Heidi Montag
Everyone knows The Hills star will do anything for attention, perhaps that explains her choice of footwear!
Tiffany Rose, WireImage
Heidi Klum
The supermodel's 80s-inspired dress at the Golden Globes got so much negative attention that her massive Christian Louboutin bondage heels went almost unnoticed!
Steve Granitz, WireImage | inset: Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2009
These Coral inspired kicks brought a whimsical touch to Lacroix's couture collection.
Karl Prouse, Catwalking/Getty Images
It's not yet Pris, the pleasure unit from Blade Runner, but in Japan they're getting very close to making a robot that could conceivably replace human models on the runway.
On Monday, the government-backed National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology unveiled the HRP-4C model robot, which is scheduled to make its modeling debut at a Tokyo fashion show next week.
The robot, which looks nearly human, is a bit unsteady its feet. There's a chance it might take a tumble like all of those "real" models lately, but at least they can be sure it won't cry.
So far the robot has failed to master Blue Steel, or any other famous modeling expressions. It mainly looks surprised. If they can just find a way to make it look bored, they might really be on to something!
Each HRP-4C costs about $200,000, although you don't have to feed it, and it will never develop a costly cocaine habit, just to stay thin.
Speaking of thin models, you'd be surprised to hear that even for robot models, "thinness" is an issue. They had to work very hard to give the robot legs that are small enough to be "feminine." And even though it only weighs 95lb, the robot's figure has been criticized as "just average."
All of which makes us wonder, why not just stick a sullen, overly made-up head on a walking hanger?
