Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Choo praise is a shoe-in


An ice-breaker, the opener or a pickup line; regardless of the terminology used the introductory line has always been a source of mystery and intrigue. Love them or hate them, it is guaranteed you have uttered or heard one.

Those who have delivered a line with a shoe observation will know it is undoubtedly a surefire way to get a woman’s attention and if executed with charismatic poise, it’s powerful stuff.

Having been on the receiving end of some pickup tsunamis, I am wondering if the shoe opener is given equitable gravity by the male population.

'Those shoes look so good, they’re about to turn up missing'. What kind of man says something like that? I wasn’t sure if he was about to roll me for them or if he was suggesting I let him try them on? Quite clearly this sounded far better in his head than it did when it was verbalized.

Women find a strong, confident (clearly heterosexual) man who can open with the line ‘love the Louboutins’ significantly impressive. While the glossy red sole is typically a dead giveaway, it takes a skilled eye to decipher a Louboutin from its mimics and even if he gets it wrong he’s made the effort, the shoe bond is made and the suitor is instantaneously at the forefront of his competitors.

Do men not understand that a woman will dress from the feet up without a second thought and be so delighted with their outfit of choice that it can dictate how their entire evening will materialize? How a woman feels when she dresses and the type of evening she plans on having can from time to time, be illustrated by her shoe of choice. The average girl is not going to slide on a pair of red satin stilettos to go home early, solo.

Men of the world listen up, a woman’s shoe can tell you far more than you give it credit for. If her shoe de jour isn’t a result of her emotions it most certainly can guide them.

To verify this declaration take a woman wearing flats, pop her into a pair of sassy strappy sandals and watch that walk become a strut before your very eyes. If she’s wearing ballet flats to meet you for drinks, she’s telling you she is comfortable, girly and cute. If she turns up wearing a slick pair of patent platform peeps that dwarf most of whom are six feet tall, she seeking calculated domination and most certainly means business.

So we are clear this doesn’t apply to all women, just shoe gals. It takes a shoe enthusiast to understand the power of the Choo. If you are dealing with a shoe gal the number one rule to live by is; compliment the shoes, even if you don’t know your Hush Puppies from your Manolos, shoe praise will always be well received.

In the name of research, I embark on an excursion to a local bar. Popping on a delectable pair of patent platform Jimmy Choos a grey knit dress and a trench, I head off to the crowded establishment. Not wanting to make it too easy for them, my selection is a beige and black patent sandal. My shoes say groomed and confident with a dash of sexy.

I am with a girlfriend so I am not flying solo on this mission which means to make an approach can be more treacherous, but I am determined to deploy the strong from the weak.

First cab off the rank is a slightly graying forty-five year old gent who announces (within the first two minutes I might add) that he has more money than God. When I question where he had the occasion to glance at God’s P&L, he gives me a look that accuses me of having a smart mouth, surveys the length of my body and says, ‘hot shoes’. In an attempt to reconcile his financial broadcast, I contemplate whether or not he has decided I like nice shoes and quite clearly am out seeking someone to buy them for me? In a gesture of peace, I offer to buy him a drink in our next round and am met with a venomous ‘Jeez, a woman with shoes like that, that wants to buy a drink for a bloke… that’s a first’. Handing him another Corona, we politely disembark from angry man and abscond to seek a more secure conversationalist.

The second contestant is groovy guy. A well put together guy in his mid thirties who opens with ‘So you’re obviously not from here’. Puzzled at his erroneous observation I enquire as to why he would make such a précis? ‘Women who live here just don’t dress like that’, he tells me. Clearly he’s never met any of my friends.

Moving on to a new corner of the bar we are approached by Captain Smooth. Captain Smooth is thirty-one, attractive and fit, in a not-too-over-the-top way. One beam from his immaculately whitened teeth and it’s clear he is well rehearsed in such circumstances. He opens with, ‘You’re killing me with those shoes.’

Impressive. Really impressive. I envisage that countless women have been awed by Captain Smooth and I imagine that I am but another impending conquest. I would have been far more impressed had an associate attempting to get some wing-man action not informed me a mere five minutes earlier that Captain Smooth was in fact getting married next Friday. See, what wing-man desires is the knowledge that Captain Smooth already has. The Choo compliment is a shoe-in.

So as not to confuse things, it is important to note that one can go too far with the shoe compliment and transition into creepy. Any peculiar admission about a foot fetish you may have is really, well, disturbing. Most women don’t want to know (under any circumstance) what you would do to her feet should she not be standing in the bar she is currently standing in. This is not smooth; it is disconcerting and is more likely to have a woman reaching into her handbag for a can of mace than her business card.

I have had the unfortunate occasion to appreciate what happens when foot fetishist meets shoe addict and it is all kinds of wrong.

As a treat, I am intermittently contacted by men who have read my columns and gleefully bound onto my website to further their research. Once on and faced with the gift of my contact form an insatiable desire to correspond and tell me all their dirty little foot fetish secrets apparently overwhelms them.

On the tame end of the spectrum was the thirty-nine year old man who read my column in Melbourne and emailed me to ask if I could send him a picture of my own foot in the pair of strappy gold bejeweled Jimmy Choos I was referring to herewith. To validate his request, he attached the scanned hardcopy version of the column in the publication, presumably in the event I forgot which specimens I was referring to?

Higher on the Richter scale was the twenty-five year old male who posted me a ten page diatribe outlining his shoe and foot loves, why he loves them and HOW he loves them… And yes, in this instance, ‘how’ is being used as a noun.

Not smooth. Not sexy. Just plain creepy.

A well executed shoe remark should have a touch of sexy or a dollop of humour. Don’t attempt to get too witty and distort the delivery, because what sounded first-rate internally may not come out as you anticipate and your good intentions may get lost in translation. There is a fine line between a woman throwing her head back with laughter and a woman tilting her head back to look for security.

Having scanned numerous male chat rooms and forums on the topic I can unquestionably advise not to carry out your research here. It is in these places I discovered such gems as; ‘Nice shoes, wanna screw?’ And ‘Nice shoes, but they’d look better on my floor’. Your buddies may find these comical but there is every chance serving this up to any self respecting woman may get you slapped.

The best place for you to pursue a line of investigation is with your female friends. Ask them for their thoughts and go from there. I can tell you emphatically that the shoe accolade is worth its weight in gold.

So Gentlemen, if you haven’t tried it give it a shot, what do you have to lose?


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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

KATE'S LOVELY CHOO'S














Loving how well Kate Middleton...pardon me... Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is doing in the style stakes.

Here she is, stepping out today in LOVELY from Jimmy Choo's CHOO 24:7 collection, at the launch of the Royal wedding dress exhibition at Buckingham Palace.

Buck Palace is exhibiting all things nuptial; tiara, flowers, heels, diamond acorn earrings and a replica cake all as part of its annual Summer Opening.

Ahead of its launch tomorrow the exhibit is causing quite the sensation with the latest figures for advanced sales indicating they are up 107% on last year with 125,751 tickets snapped up already.

Also loving Choo's LOVELY, even more fabulous in black. Check them out.


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BECKHAM WEARS HEART ON HIS SHOES




David Beckham has taken to the ground for LA Galaxy’s World Football Challenge match against English premiere league side Manchester City, wearing customized gold boots.

The boots featured the names of all four of his children, his initials, and the American and English flags.

Just last week, Beckham wore a set of pink shoes in honor of the birth of his daughter, Harper Seven. Of course he did.

Want more Beckham? Click here.


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Monday, July 25, 2011

THE MAKING OF GUCCI PRE FALL CAMPAIGN



The Making of Gucci Pre-Fall 2011 advertising campaign, featuring Lenz Von Johnston and Sigrid Agren.

It's hard not to love this collection. Love!


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Saturday, July 23, 2011

KARDASHIAN & ODOM'S SHOE LOVE




You wanted more celebrity shoe-robes and this one will knock your pumps off - inside Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odam's walk-in.

Kardashian tells ELLE Magazine, “I love all of my shoes! It is a must to have them color coordinated, and to be able to see each and every one of them. I know exactly where each one lives and I can tell if one has even been moved! It definitely helps to put one shoe facing front, and the other to the back. It saves space, but it is also nice to be able to see the back-side of the shoe. I am an organization freak!”

“My hubby [Odom] is such a sneaker king….and I am a stiletto queen! He always wants to see me in sneakers, but I believe I can do anything in heels. When Louboutin came out with these bling-bling sneakers (center) I had to grab them—they are so fab! When he said he wanted me to wear sneakers, I don’t think this is what he meant. They are over the top but super comfy and blingy!”

The couple that shoe shops together - stays together. Love!


(Image Credit: ELLE / The Coveteur)

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EPISODE 4 - BABES TV















Not a Babes in Business member? Go to the website to find out more.


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Thursday, July 21, 2011

'WHO NEEDS PRINCE CHARMING?' VIP BOOK LAUNCH



After inspiring women everywhere with her first two books 'I Hate Cinderella' and 'You Are My Future', Amanda Cole has done it all again for the third time.

In her latest offering, 'Who Needs Prince Charming? Fabulous girls’ tips on life, love and getting what you want', Amanda has collaborated with some of Australia’s most-loved women, with the VIP Launch Party held in Sydney last night.

Featuring accomplished and admired ladies such as Bianca Dye, Dr Cindy Pan, Bessie Bardot, Camilla Franks, Kathryn Eisman, Jacinta Tynan, Melinda Hutchings and Lyndsey Rodrigues – there’s a story for every woman to identify and connect with.

As Brisbane's only addition to this inspiring 35 strong ensemble, I was humbled and delighted to be included in the finish product that is 'Who Needs Prince Charming?'

This girl's go-to book encourages readers to search for their passion and direction and offers tools, positive reinforcement and resources to find their own way.

Available through leading book retailers and online. RRP $34.95.

Want a copy? Click here.

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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

ONE HOT TUNISIAN



I've said it once, I'll say it again: Azzedine Alaïa is one hot Tunisian (designer).

Opening his first Parisian atelier in the '70s, using the experience he gained from working at Dior and Thierry Mugler, he became a hit with Hollywood's elite and in 1980 launched his own ready-to-wear collection. He was instantly crowned the 'King of Cling' - his second-skin dresses helped define the era's style aesthetic.

This man gives good ankle boot. Love!


Buy online @ Net-A-Porter.

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Monday, July 18, 2011

INTRODUCING: MELINDA HUTCHINGS


In the lead up to this Wednesday's release of Who Needs Prince Charming? I'll be introducing you to some of my co-contributors; giving you a taste of what these incredible women have to share.

Following a successful career in marketing, Melinda made the bold decision to move on from her corporate role and focus on becoming a writer and speaker in order to use her knowledge and personal experience to help young people believe in themselves.

Having lost her teenage years to anorexia, she is passionate about promoting positive body image as well as empowering young people to trust the voice that speaks from their heart to create a happy and fulfilling future.

She has written three books about eating disorders, including the recently published Why Can’t I Look the Way I Want? Overcoming Eating Issues, which have helped thousands of people understand the dynamics of eating disorders from early warning signs through to the recovery process.

A high profile role model and mentor, Melinda was a Finalist in Cosmopolitan's ‘Fun Fearless Female 2009’ awards in the category ‘Inspirational Role Model’.

Her fourth book It Will Get Better; Finding Your Way Through Teen Issues was recently published by Allen & Unwin and aims to help teenagers find their way through the maze of emotions and challenges facing them today as well as providing a deeper level of awareness for parents and carers.

Melinda is Ambassador for Life Changing Experiences Foundation. An experienced speaker, she has presented at several conferences and forums, including Generation Next during 2010, and has also been profiled extensively in the media in Australia and in the USA.

As well as being a lover of shoes and a girl I am delighted to call my friend, she is a member of the International Coach Federation, the Australian Society of Authors and the NSW Writers Centre.

You can read Melinda's amazing story in Who Needs Prince Charming? in bookstores from July 21st. For those requiring instant gratification, go to her website.


To order a pre release copy of Who Needs Prince Charming? click here.

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Saturday, July 16, 2011

INTRODUCING: KATHRYN EISMAN


In the lead up to next Wednesday's release of Who Needs Prince Charming? I'll be introducing you to some of my co-contributors, to give you a taste of what these amazing women have to share.

From U.S. Presidents to Hollywood Royalty to Pop Culture Icons such as George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Bono and Borat — Kathryn has interviewed the biggest names of our time.

Introducing: Kathryn Eisman - Award-Winning television personality, NBC-journalist and popular magazine columnist. She is also the author of two international bestselling books, "HOW TO TELL A MAN BY HIS SHOES" and "HOW TO TELL A WOMAN BY HER HANDBAG".

Published in 15 countries and ten languages, Kathryn is the youngest Australian author to be awarded a coveted three-book-deal.

Kathryn has served as the “Face” of ARENA TV on Foxtel (branded as Australia’s Bravo Channel). Each weeknight Kathryn hosted, wrote and produced their flagship daily entertainment program Xclusive. She and her team quickly established Xclusive as one of the top rating shows on the channel.

Kathryn is an ambassador for SISTER2sister, a life changing organization that mentors ‘at risk’ teenage girls and an Earth Hour Ambassador, working to encourage the reduction of carbon emissions.

Journalistic integrity and professionalism coupled with quick-wit and natural warmth are Kathryn’s trademarks. She quickly established herself as a dependable, well-rounded reporter, covering issues such as: Social Welfare Reforms and Equal Opportunity in the Workforce, fashion (providing the station’s complete NY Fashion Week coverage, film (Tribeca and New York Film Festival) as well as in-depth human interest stories (Young Heroes of NYC and ‘We Beat the Street’ program).

She is a popular on–air lifestyle expert for VH1 and other MTV productions including their weekly pop culture wrap-up show Best Week Ever and The Fab Life series. Her ability to think on her feet has made her a popular guest on MSNBC’S LIVE debate shows discussing everything from ‘Media Wars’ (Donald Trump V’s Martha Stewart) to ‘Royal Fashion’.

For some shoe advice, Kathryn says, "As the author of How to tell a man by his Shoes and How to Tell a Woman by her Handbag I’ve researched the powerful link between the clothes we wear and the message they send out to the world. But did you know that wearing the perfect pair of shoes might just be the a step in the right direction to attracting the love of your life? Don’t laugh, there’s a reason they call it “sole-mates!”

Kathryn has recently moved to West Hollywood, California, where she is completing her first screenplay and leisurely considering the pros and cons of getting a personal trainer.

Go to Kathryn's official website. To buy a pre release copy of Who Needs Prince Charming? click here.


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Friday, July 15, 2011

BABES TV - EPISODE 4 - COMING SOON!



















Filmed at Brisbane's gorgeous Portside Wharf, this episode of Babes TV is shaping up to be a great one.

The Babes in Business gals take you to Paris, the city of light, with some recommendations on how to live like a local in this most magnificent City.

Want to learn how to be a barista in your very own home? Babes TV brings you a master class with Queensland Coffee Machine Sales, and we look back at the highlights of our second Treasury Wine Estates Miss Behaving event at Freestyle West End.

Love! Episode 4, coming soon thanks to Livewire Productions.

Missed Episode 3? Watch it here.


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Thursday, July 14, 2011

SJP IN SHOE REVOLT



Sarah Jessica Parker has donated a pair of autographed bejewelled cowboy boots to shoe revolt, an organization dedicated to eradicating commercial sex trafficking in the United States.

SJP has been in the industry since she was a young girl and her iconic role in HBO's Sex & the City has transformed her from an actress to a role model for women everywhere. An undeniable shoe-a-holic, she is clearly a socially responsible celebrity and has previously donated three pairs of her treasured shoes to the mission against commercial sex trafficking through Shoe Revolt and has featured in advertisements that focus on the awareness and danger of human trafficking.

Awwwe, we love SJP.

Want to know more? Click here.

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

BLOGGING TO THE TOP


I just love interesting people. When those interesting people are smart, strong professional women who just happen to be juggling pretty cool careers with Mummyhood, I love it even more.

Meet Sunshine Coast based Nikki Parkinson; award winning blogger (yes, there is such a thing), stylist, freelance writer, social media expert, shoe lover, wife and mother.

A print media journalist in her previous life, Nikki was born and bred in Maryborough, having spent much of her formative years in the country (also having lived in Gympie and Goondiwindi) she is now firmly planted on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

When she took the leap out of full-time employment at The Sunshine Coast Daily and into the world of styling, she had planned to use work in public relations to compliment her styling work - her true passion.

Nikki tells Ali Grant @ Profile Magazine, "If I didn't have access to so many real women I certainly wouldn't be an expert [in the blogging world]." Three years on there is no doubt that she is just that, winning the Best Australian Blog 2011 competition run by the Sydney Writers Centre as well as a stack of other accolades and media appearances.

I absolutely adore Profile Magazine, if you haven't read it get onto it immediately. It is one of the best locally produced magazines I have read (and I've read a lot).

Love!

Read Nikki's article in Profile or check out her awards and fab blog.

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Tuesday, July 12, 2011

BEST AUTUMN WINTER COUTURE SHOES





A quick selection of the very best shoes at the Autumn Winter couture shows.

Clockwise from bottom right: Chanel knee-hi boots, Valentino nude pumps, Worth ballerina heels and glorious Dior wedges.

Love!




(Image Credit: Courtesy of Delphine Achard, Giovanni Giannoni & Dominique Maitre)

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Monday, July 11, 2011

KATE MOSS'S SWEAR-OVSKI GIFT



It was never likely that Kate Moss would receive a toaster, bath towels or canteen of silver cutlery as a wedding gift but guests at her nuptials to rocker Jamie Hince last weekend excelled themselves, according to the UK's Daily Mail, by giving her a pair of bright red, snakeskin shoes inscribed with four-letter words on their soles.

One carried the phrase ‘F*** me’ spelled out in Swarovski crystals, while the other was emblazoned with ‘F*** you’.

The customised Seventies-style Margaux platforms, from celebrity shoe-maker Terry de Havilland, are said to have delighted the 37-year-old bride when she was presented with them at the three-day reception held in her £2million Cotswolds farmhouse.

The Daily Mail says; A source close to the model, who has an eight-year-old daughter, Lila Grace, said: ‘The shoes were commissioned by Kate’s friends as a surprise. They knew she was a great fan of Terry’s shoes but they wanted to give her something different for her wedding.

Right. Interesting.


(Image Credit: Daily Mail)

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Saturday, July 09, 2011

WESTFIELD SYDNEY, MEET MY FRIENDS; PRADA & MIU MIU

















I would like to begin with a disclaimer that goes something along the lines of not needing another reason to adore the still relatively new Westfield Sydney, but eloquence has given way to excitement.

As the highly anticipated stage two launch of Fashionista Heaven (aka Westfield Sydney) is rolling into its crescendo... heeeeeeello Prada and Miu Miu flagship boutiques. Opening on July 15th, they join the esteemed company of Gucci, Bottega Venetta, Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Fustenberg, Escada, Versace, Ferragamo, Zara, Ermenegildo Zegna, Christensen Copenhagen and Hugo Boss.

Westfield’s $1.2 billion development first opened in October 2010 with 130 fashion and food speciality retailers, and on completion will house over 280 retailers on both sides of Pitt St Mall, including many first to market and flagship stores - luxury brands that have never been in Australia - a suite of premium food retailers and dining outlets, and a five star concierge services suite. I've been in a few Global shopping destinations and let me tell you, this is up there.

Need a little more to love? Go to Westfield Sydney's website and you can search by shoe style. How many heels can one chose from on the site at present? 630. Thank you. Case closed. Loving you even more now Westfield Sydney!

Want the heel porn? Click here.


ACTUAL DISCLAIMER: This blogger was not bribed or coerced into sprouting adoring opinions about Westfield Sydney. Seriously.

(Image: Prada Fall Winter 2011-2012)

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Thursday, July 07, 2011

WALK THE LINE WITH JIMMY CHOO, GENTS.



Loving this short film ‘Walking the Line’, created to celebrate the launch of the debut Jimmy Choo Men’s Collection for Autumn/Winter 11

To walk the new Men's Collection click here.

Gents, get to Jimmy Choo. Stat. Love!


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LIGHT ME UP MR LAGERFELD

















Bless Karl Lagerfeld. Who else could get away with scheduling a fashion show for 10pm mid-week?

According to New York Magazine, "at that hour, everyone is supposed to be out at a party in celebration of the launch of a postage stamp or ice cream bar or whatever else the industry has decided needs to be celebrated that evening."

Regardless, last night, every fabulous person you can think of (Anna Wintour, Andr! Leon Talley, Diane Kruger and Alexa Chung to name a few...) went to the Grand Palais at 10pm to see the Fall Winter 2011 Chanel Couture Show.

I love the OTT Mr Lagerfeld — who has hosted previous Broadway worthy shows that include an iceberg, a barn, and a volcano — turned the Palais into the Place Vendôme, replacing the Napoleon Bonaparte statue with one of Coco Chanel.

The pièce de résistance? Just as Lagerfeld took his walk through the elaborate setting reveling in yet another great success, the boots adorning the models in the show lit up. Bravo.

Love!

(Image Credit: NY Mag/Dominique Charriau/WireImage)

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Sunday, July 03, 2011

VERY VERSACE




Oh I love a good Italian. Heel that is.

Want them? Pop into the Boutique next time you're on the Gold Coast.

Love!









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Friday, July 01, 2011

NINE WEST'S VINCE CAMUTO - FORTUNE TELLING

















It's always a thrill when one of the more serious business publication's I love gives the inside-skinny on a topic I adore.

Fortune Magazine talks to Vince Camuto and tells how he went from shoe clerk to legend of the fashion footwear industry.

Camuto says, "My father was an artisan who died when I was 2, so I was always self-supporting and helping my mom. I grew up in Manhattan, and after high school I became a service manager at I. Miller, a fashionable store that sold women's footwear and accessories in the early '60s. Later, when I started selling in the store, all the ladies whom I'd met in the service area wanted to buy from me. They were starlets, professional models, and wealthy women.

I started sketching shoes in my early twenties, and I met Ted Poland, founder of Sudbury Shoe Co., who became my mentor. I was hired as a fashion merchandiser in Miami for National Shoe, then took over a Sudbury factory that wasn't doing well. I designed, produced, and sold the collection, and the factory went into the black. Then I became president of the import division for Beck Industries, a footwear retailer."

In the '70s he met Jerome Fisher, who was also a contractor for Sumitomo, and they started their own company marketing themselves as having Japanese financing, Italian design, and Brazilian manufacturing.

1979 saw them move to 9 West 57th Street and deliberating over a name for their new label. "I looked out the window, saw the number 9, and said, "Let's call ourselves Nine West," he says.

Adding, "We wanted to give women shoes with great style while keeping prices low. We became a hot brand, opened retail stores, and owned the entry-level customer. Ten years later we repositioned the brand to attract a higher-level customer."

It seems the mission is complete and growing, in 2010 they took in $2.5 billion at retail across all brands and categories.

Do yourself a favour and read the full Fortune article.


(Image Credit: Adam Krause / Fortune Magazine)

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