NYFW Beauty Re-Cap, PART 1

Hi Pretties! Can I just say that I'm soooo happy for this 3 day weekend?! I'm getting out of the concrete jungle and can NOT wait! Hopefully it will help to prep my mind for the tumultuous time to come...also known as Fashion Week. As stressful as I know it is, I'm still excited about seeing all the new beauty looks and trends to come!!  So, with that said, let's backtrack to Fall 2009 fashion week. (Well, backtrack for ME, right on time for you guys!) And, complete side note, I'm heading to the Bliss spa this evening for a much needed oxygenation facial..woooosaaaaaa!

xo

Ferocia

Charlotte Ronson 

Inspired by the recession, senior MAC makeup artist Luc Brouchard created a very strong lip and matte toned eyes for this show.

"This girl has no money," he said. "She's used to using stuff that she already has. The lips are where she's getting her attention."

For the foundation, he created a sheer look by mixing together MAC Studio Sculpt and a moisturizer. 

Sebastian's Thomas Duncan described the hair as a look very easy to get at home. He removed all of the body from the models' hair, pulled it back tight and used Sebastian shining products to finish.

TREND: Dark lips and slicked back hair

Barbie

Hands down, this was my favorite show! If only Barbie could have a fashion show every season...sigh.

Since there were three different sections to the show (the past, present and future), head makeup artist Charlotte Tillbury (for MAC), kind of had her hands full when it came to creating these different looks for all 51 models.

She described the past as a "1950's dominatrix" because of her red lip, high gloss, black cat liquid eyeliner and shimmery eyelights.

The past was "a very dull look, like Sharon Tate," Tillbury said. "We used lilacs, soft pinks, white and grey. Beigey soft pink lids for a frosted look."

Tillbury also said this was her favorite show to work on. "Barbie has lasted for 50 years because she's perfect," she said. "She's got the perfect hair, the perfect boobs, the perfect legs and she doesn't talk!" 

The future? A Venetian mask, "like a peacock or a butterfly," she said. 

The hair looks (created by hairstylist Orlando Pita) were also broken into categories. For the past, a ponytail with bangs; the present, big teased hair ("Very Valley of the Dolls," he said); and for the future, the hair was braided and pulled up with bangs. Pita loved the future look the best because he was able to be a bit more creative with it.

TREND: "Pillow-box red lips are fabulous." - Charlotte Tillbury

Diane Von Furstenberg

The inspiration for DVF? A nomad; like the Sudanese women who go out into the desert. 

Tan, bone-beige eyeshadow was used to create naturally dark lids. Lips were also bone-beige and finished with a bit of lip balm; a very dry lip. No mascara was used and pearl-shiny cheeks rounded out the look.

The hair was also easy, breezy. Head hairstylist Orlando Pita used a curling iron to create big waves and described the look as very simple. "This woman is a free spirit, so we didn't use much product," Pita said.

TREND: Stick to nude eyeshadows for a new version of the smokey eye.

Miss Sixty

This makeup look wasn't complicated at all! The inspiration was very young and casual.

So, in accordance the models were given a deep, purple smokey eye. Four shades of purple were used and smudged together. A makeup artist there told me to stick to shadows with more blue to get this look at home. 

Hair was prepped with products from Living Proof and then extensions were used to add volume. Two chunks of hair were tied and laid to the side and no brush was used to give the illusion of more texture.

TREND: Blending together several of the same shade before applying on the eye will give you a cool, edgy look. 

Matthew Williamson

Head makeup artist Charlotte Tillbury (for MAC) described the inspiration for this look as a "1990's woman." 

Dove, brownish gray matte colors were used for a "groomed, soft smokey eye," she said.

"We chose to use gray of the usual hard smokey eye," Tillbury said. 

Lipliner and lipstick were both used to create the perfect pout. Very light foundation finished the look.

The hair was also very minimal; very flat with a square finish for a gypsy, boho look. Extensions were used to add length and hairspray was applied to the scalp to make the hair stay down at the top. A side part was created and no product added to the ends for a natural look. 

TREND: "Matte eyes give you a more done, finished look." - Charlotte Tillbury

Carolina Herrera 

Diane Kendall (for MAC) applied tonal, peachy colors to the cheeks; added a bit of shimmer highlighter underneath the eyes and a pretty shimmer on the eyes. Natural colored lipstick finished the look.

Hairstylist Orlando Pita was busy applying about 68-70 hair pins to each of the models' hair. Describing the style as "young and easy," he calmly explained that the hair had to be put up due to the big collars, scarves and furs that the models would be wearing during the runway show. Volume was created at the top, finger combed and sprayed with hairspray to set. 

TREND: Create your own hairpins! The brass flowers in the models' hair were actually pins that came off of the shoes and handbags from the clothing line. The hairstylists simply slid the bobby pins through the little hooks that were on the flowers.

The Glamazons DID NY Fall 2009 Fashion Week

The weather's cooler, the days are shorter and the clothes are heavier, which only means one thing---fall is upon us. At the NY Fall 2009 Fashion Week last February, we had the pleasure of seeing all the new and fabulous trends firsthand that are perfect for updating your look. In preparation for the new season (and with NY Spring 2010 Fashion Week approaching---no rest for the weary), we'll bring you the hottest Fall fashion and make-up looks straight from the catwalk, plus tips on how to bring these trends from the runway to real life. What's more? We chatted with everyone from celebrity make-up artists (Bobbi Brown!) to celebs (like the beautiful Joi Bryant) about what they LOVED about Fall's trends and will report it back to you.

So stay tuned for our fashion and beauty Fall 2009 trend report...straight from the runways!

xo

The Glamazons

Racism on the Runways: Bethann Hardison and Naomi Cambpell Demand Change

Hey Glamazons,

With New York Fashion Week days away, the discussion about African-American visibility in Fashion has resurfaced---thanks to Bethann Hardison. The former model and agent, who also happens to be my hero, hosted an informal meet-and-greet with models and casting directors last night called the Paradigm Shift. Held at the Deitch projects, the meeting is the latest effort in Hardison's crusade to give models of colors a significant presence on the runway.

Designer Sophie Theallet famously used only black models in her Fall 2009 runway show.

The mother of actor, Kadeem Hardison, Bethann is responsible for initiating the discussion with industry heavyweights about diversity in Fashion, which indirectly led to the wildly-popular Vogue Italia issue and the i-D magazine September cover that features four rising supermodels, Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn, Sessilee Lopez and Arlenis Sosa. Hardison acknowledged how her efforts made the i-D magazine cover a possibility: "...the fact that they can find four girls is genius. That means something," she told Modelinia.com. "It’s much improved from 2007. i-D’s always been cutting-edge. But the fact that you can find four girls? That’s a tribute to the work we do.”

Here are recent covers depicting black models from Trace's Black Girls Rule! issue to the legendary Vogue Italia "All-Black" issue.

Bethann Hardison's own career is just as groundbreaking: a successful model in her own right, she's guided the careers of such prominent African-American faces as Tyson Beckford and Veronica Webb. Though her strides toward diversity in Fashion should be heralded, she acknowledges that racism on the runways persists. For example, Naomi Campbell made headlines recently by asserting that ad execs, in fear of losing consumers during a recession, refrain from using black models for their campaigns: “I don’t see any black woman, or of any other race, in big advertising campaigns," said Naomi. "People, in the panic of the recession, don’t dare to put a girl of colour in their campaign, full stop. Nor of any other race. It’s a shame. It’s very sad.”

When I interviewed Hardison last September, she explained that yet another impediment to creating diversity is that designers don't see their aversion to use black models as racist. "Though their actions aren't necessarily racially motivated, there are racially-conscious results," she said. "Designers claim they want uniformity simply because it's editorially appealing, but they have to modernize their thinking. Uniform-looking models don't reflect the world."

Why aren't designers using black models for campaigns or runway shows? Do you think it's a product of racism, because they want uniformity or because they fear that they'll lose consumers? Do you think diversity in Fashion increased after the Vogue Italia issue proved that black magazine covers sell? Do you anticipate that more designers will use black models this Fashion Week? Discuss.

Kisses,

Coutura

FIRST LOOK!!! Chanel Collection Noirs Obscurs

Hi Pretties! Black is back.

Chanel will introduce their black collection (entitled Collection Noirs Obscurs) at department and specialty stores and on chanel.com November 2009. Created by Peter Philips (Creative Director of Chanel MakeUp), the collection includes a creamy black eyeliner, three lipsticks, Quadra Eye Shadow, two mascaras and a Nail Colour. Check out the pics below...what do you think? I personally think that the MAC Black Style Collection trumps this one! I don't have any price information just yet on this, so I have no clue as to how much it costs (sorry!) Just wanted to give you guys a sneak peak =)

xo

Ferocia

Overview shot of the new products. The two mascaras are (from L to R): Imitable Noir Obscur Multi-Dimensionnel Mascara (for Volume, Length, Curl and Separation) & Exceptionnel De Chanel Noir Obscur Mascara Volume (for Intense Volume and Curl). Black eyeliner Pencil is Precision Eye Definer in Demoniac. Nail Colour is Diabolic.

Chanel Rouge Allure Le Rouge Satine Luminous Satin Lip Colour in (from L to R) Maniac, Hysteria & Obscure. 

Quadra Eye Shadow 

NEW! Jay-Z Designs Charity Arthur Ashe T-Shirt

Hey Glamazons!

As I sorted through hundreds of emails (including electronic NYFW invites...woohoo!), I stumbled across a press release for yet another Jay-Z venture. While preparing for the release of the most-anticipated album of the Fall, the rap star found time to design a Rocawear t-shirt featuring legendary tennis great, Arthur Ashe, for the 2009 U.S. Open. Proceeds from the simple black tee sporting Ashe's iconic image will go to the National Junior Tennis and Learning Network (NJTL) and the Arthur Ashe Endowment for the Defeat of Aids, both organizations Ashe founded. The Glamazons commend Jay-Z for giving back and acknowledging significant African-American contribution to a sport other than basketball (his actions completely redeem the rest of you design-stars (see last post)!). The limited-edition shirt will be released on the 40th anniversary of the NJTL in Ashe's honor.



Arthur Ashe's widow, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, told the press she was "thrilled that someone of Jay-Z's stature would take part in this project. This shirt will honor the legacy of my husband and remind people of his contributions to both the sport of tennis and this country's underprivileged youth." Agreed. It's wonderful that Jay-Z is lending his celebrity for a significant and worthy cause.

While Arthur Ashe gets inducted into the U.S. Court of Champions on September 10th, Jay-Z will be preparing for his Blueprint III album release and benefit concert on September 11th. Go out and support our favorite rapper with a heart of gold, and be sure to get the t-shirt for $36 at usopen.org, arthurashe.com or, if you're lucky enough to be attending, the US Open in Queens.

Kisses,

Coutura

Somebody Save Fashion Week: Pamela Anderson and Sheree to Show at NYFW

Glamazons,

I'm calling in a S.O.S.! When I first heard She by Sheree was presenting at Fashion Week, I have to admit I was slightly perturbed. Fashion Week is notoriously elite and a drama-loving, reality star turned designer is as mainstream as it gets. Background info for the non-Bravo watcher: She by Sheree is the brain-child of reality diva, Sheree Whitfield, from Bravo's Real Housewives of Atlanta. The problem---besides her obvious lack of experience---is that her first foray into fashion went famously awry on Season 1. After receiving poorly-crafted samples from her seamstress days before the debut of "She by Sheree," Sheree was forced to hold a "fashion show with no fashions," just sketches. I'm hoping her Fashion Week presentation fares better.



But even She by Sheree's presentation is acceptable compared to Pamela Anderson's. Yes, people, Pamela Anderson is showing her new collection, "MUSE," during Fashion Week. It hurts to even type that. Seriously, what qualifies celebrities without an ounce of fashion work experience to design and show during Fashion Week? Especially when there are so many bright-eyed, hard-working FIT/Parsons students who would give their left lung for a chance to participate in Fashion Week.

Pamela Anderson's MUSE does have some redeeming qualities that should not go ignored. The most important factor is that MUSE is a collaboration with Richie Rich (formerly of Heatherette), who is, for all intents and purposes, the love of my life (see our pic below). Their fondness for each other was evident at his Spring 2009 show, which I had the pleasure of attending, where she worked the catwalk in a hot, gold one-piece number from his first solo collection. Richie Rich spoke to New York Times Fashion about their past collaborations: “A few years ago in Vegas, she had a T-shirt line, so I styled her show. She sent me to Michael’s, a craft store, in a limousine, and she was like, ‘Doll up my line!’ And I did. Glitter, pom-poms, you name it.” Well, there's nothing wrong with a little glitter. With Richie Rich on board, there's hope for Pamela Anderson's line.

The Glamazons LOVE Richie Rich

The second factor that really sets her line apart is that it's an eco- and animal-friendly collection, which is an amazing, and commendable, feat. Not quite worthy of presenting at Fashion Week, but commendable nonetheless. What do you think? Are Pamela Anderson and Sheree qualified to design and present at NYFW? Is it unfair to other up-and-coming designers who have experience and education in the field? Is their participation in NYFW acceptable as long as they collaborate with established designers? Are you excited (for the right reasons) to see either of their shows? Discuss.

Check out She by Sheree's collection below:






Yawn.

Kisses,

Coutura

Photos: ybf.com. Starpulse.com.

NEW! i-D Magazine Spread: Chanel Iman, Arlenis Sosa, Jourdan Dunn, Sessilee Lopez

Hey Glamazons,

The magazine glamour continues! As a fashion assistant, I know how hard it is to nail an amazing shot with more than one model. When one model looks stunning, the other has a hair out of place or needs her eye make-up touched up or is too stiff to deliver a great pose. Furthermore, the energy and the model/photographer chemistry has to be perfect in order to arrive at that rare moment where everyone looks striking and flawless.

i-D Magazine accomplishes this with their September 2009 Cover spread and their success is a testament to the photographer, Emma Summerton, the fashion editor, Edward Enninful, and the phenomenal models, Arlenis Sosa, Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn and Sessilee Lopez. These women prove why they are the best black models in the business. They are each a beauty in their own right and together, they are simply breathtaking.

By the way, after seeing the September issue yesterday, I have to say I lament the fact that supermodels no longer cover magazines. While celebrities aren't always the best posers (this clearly excludes Rihanna) and have outrageous demands like 400 white candles and separated M&Ms (true story), models come to do a job and just deliver incredible shots. Proof? Take a look at the spread below (courtesy of our friends at The Fashion Bomb).











Kisses,

Coutura