Fashion: The world wakes up to globetrotter glam
2014 May 2. | Szerző: shannon
It’s always worth paying attention to Chanel shows. Nobody has their antenna attuned to the moment quite like creative designer Karl Lagerfeld.
Take the brand’s spring 2014 show: recognising the prominence of art fairs such as Frieze and Basel, Lagerfeld transformed Paris’s Grand Palais into an art installation, displaying fashion as an art form in its own right.
The brand’s AW14 show was just as suggestive. A giant globe was erected in the middle of the venue, covered with flags showing where Chanel has stores. But rather than simply demonstrating the label’s reach, the set also reflected a wider movement in fashion.
With emerging economies in South America and Africa, combined with the continued rise of Asia, designers are looking to all corners of the world for inspiration. And, thankfully, the global traveller aesthetic has come a long way since the days of simple khaki jackets, stereotypical African prints and the styles you’ll only dig out on holiday.
Dior set the new mood with its AW13 couture show. The world of couture is inextricably linked with Paris but designer Raf Simons made it his mission to show just how global it is.
The line-up ran like the parade at an Olympics opening ceremony. We had Russian-style embroidered dresses, striking Masai jewellery, sari-type dresses, bold colours and draping that spoke of Africa and a hint of American sportswear thrown in for good measure.
Even proudly Italian label Missoni got swept up in the new mood for spring, with an Africa-by-way-of-Mexico feel. Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci departed from the fun Disney characters and fantastical motifs of seasons past in favour of a more ethnic aesthetic with dusty desert tones on über-wearable African draping and Kimono-style tuxedos.
But jumping on board doesn’t mean going OTT. Donna Karan’s spring show demonstrated how easy the trend can look. Since the 2010 earthquake, Haiti has been a firm fixture in her collections and her spring line is brimming with nomadic pieces such as languid scarf dresses, chunky low-slung leather belts and woodwork accessories, all in earthy tones.
Ottoman Hands is the perfect way to go, jewellery-wise. The brand, which is now available in Topshop, ranges from rustic arm cuffs to bold rings, all in a similar colour palette. Contemporary label Baukjen offers a more subtle take on the trend. The transformed label has draped dresses and separates that are also classic enough to last into next season.
California-based designer Raquel Allegra has long mastered the global traveller look. Her spring collection manages to make tie-dye sophisticated rather than gap-year chic.
For more of a statement, take styling cues from Valentino, which, unsurprisingly, is a decorative affair full of long black lace gowns embellished with brightly coloured details and dramatic heavily embroidered fringed capes.
Even Peter Dundas went to town with exotic bold-coloured embroidery, giving Pucci’s signature minis a new lease of life with intricate, bold-coloured embroidery.
On the high street, Zara’s beaded crop top is a good bet and Asos Africa’s Nigeria-inspired collection is full of statement prints that are ideal for dressing up basics. The charm of embracing this end of the spectrum is that you’re not faced with the ‘what do I wear with this?’ question because the trick is to keep everything else simple.
This Innovative Nail Wand Could Improve Your At-Home Manicure Skillz
2014 April 29. | Szerző: shannon
Nail polish has come a long way over the last several years, with brands introducing countless new finishes, scents, bottle shapes and methods of application. But one thing that’s rarely fiddled with is the actual brush, or wand, itself.
Well, polish brand Julep decided it was time to change that by releasing the “Plié Wand,” a magnetic, swiveling attachment that connects easily to any Julep nail color cap. The idea is that the flexible handle makes it easier to control while giving yourself an at-home manicure — particularly when using your non-dominant hand.
It’s definitely an interesting concept, and one I was eager to test out. I connected the cap, tilted the top at an angle, and began a-brushing. So did it help me perfect my stroke? Here’s my review:
Using the Plié Wand with my right hand (the dominant one, though something about that just sounds icky) was a lot less awkward that I expected. I guess I ended up gripping it more like a pen than a normal brush, and it didn’t feel weird at all — though I was a bit tempted to grip the bottom like I normally would.
When it came to using the wand with my left hand, I didn’t necessarily find that the different angle option was beneficial. Painting with your opposite hand is just hard. There’s no real way around that. Plus, I paint my nails fairly frequently, so I kind of have the technique down. But for a less experienced manicurist, I imagine the wand would make polish application easier. (Lauren, who doesn’t paint her nails often, held the wand like a chop stick when she tried it, and said it made her non-dominant hand less shaky when applying the polish.)
The one major detriment I noticed with the Plié Wand is that, when you’re not actively painting, the wand itself (which is quite a bit longer and therefore, heavier than your average wand) makes the bottle top-heavy and more prone to falling over. But as long as you make sure to screw the cap on securely between coats, that shouldn’t really be an issue.
In short, I think the people over there at Julep are onto something. This product could appeal to those who don’t feel confident enough in their skills to paint their own nails with a regular wand. But whether it’ll catch on with the notoriously fickle — and capable — #nailart community is left to be seen.
How to Shop for Vintage Fashion Like a Pro: Arden Wohl Shares Tips from NYC
2014 April 25. | Szerző: shannon
There’s no shortage of well-dressed women in the world, but the ones who continuously catch our eye seem to have mastered the art of mixing vintage and secondhand pieces with current high street and designer labels. Each day this week, we’ll ask one of them to share her tips and tricks—from where to find the best Thai silk fisherman pants to how to avoid looking like a period actor. Today, Arden Wohl, the New York–based designer and filmmaker, shares her love of dresses and loud prints.
What are your favorite vintage stores or flea markets?
Of course Resurrection Vintage in Nolita and Southpaw Vintage in Midtown. I also love the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show held at the Metropolitan Pavilion every year. My friend Rachel Zabar always has a fantastic stand there and I once bought an amazing Todd Oldham dress from his first collection!
What’s your favorite vintage find?
A polka dot Marimekko dress I bought at Sasparilla Vintage in Miami.
Do you have any strategies when it comes to vintage shopping?
I look for color and anything vintage Moschino! For me, it’s all about print.
Do you collect anything?
I am always looking for dresses–that is my main goal when vintage shopping. There’s so much energy in a dress. I love imagining where it’s been worn, who’s worn it, and what kind of person they were.
How do you avoid looking like you’re wearing a costume?
I always look costume-y and I think that’s fashion. I believe that I wear the dress and find the dress that I can overpower rather than the other way around.
What label or era are you constantly hunting for?
I am a seventies and eighties and early nineties girl. I do also love a lot of earlier stuff but I find that they tend to be very delicate and hard to wear. I do love Geminola and all of the amazing older fabrics that Lorraine Kirke works with there.
What are you willing to splurge on?
Moschino, Jean Paul Gaultier, Ossie Clark, and Vivienne Westwood!
What’s on your current vintage wish list?
A wild, long Halston disco gown from the seventies!
Pakistani fashion gala finale pays ode to women empowerment
2014 April 14. | Szerző: shannon
In a country where women are still finding it tough to enjoy full freedom in the way they dress up, showcasing at PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week 2014 a collection that pays an ode to “women empowerment” was a bold step. Designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin feels that it is a step to give back to the country that has nurtured him and given him so much.
In the spirit of his 20th year motto, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin showcased a collection titled “Sher” under his label HSY which was in homage to and in support of, women empowerment.
As part of the initiative, Team HSY collaborated with the Anjuman-e-Khuddam-e-Rasul Allah (AKRA), a renowned voluntary organisation in Shergarh, Okara district, which is working towards improving education and poverty alleviation.
There are nearly 4,000 students in AKRA’s 30 schools in and around Shergarh, more than half of whom are girls. AKRA also runs a teacher training centre in Shergarh and employs most of the graduates in its schools.
HSY draws from the strength of AKRA, with a project called “Sher”, named in homage to the village Shergarh itself.
“The initiative looks at giving back to the country that nurtured me. It also seeks to empower specifically the women of the village Shergarh, through employment opportunities and highlighting the work of their female artisans through the embroideries, embellishments and detailing found on HSY’s collection at the fashion gala,” said the designer.
“The initiative’s focus is not on charitable donations alone but on giving long term and sustainable working and educational opportunities to underprivileged women by empowering them with the skill and resources to earn independently,” he added.
HSY is best known for combining contemporary silhouettes with the traditional techniques of old and this is what one witnessed at the show’s finale. The designs were not only wearable but also very modern and elegant in approach.
The collection featured both men’s wear and women’s wear in luxurious fabrics including pure chiffons, silks, and georgettes paired with indigenous embroideries fashioned by the female artisans of the village Shergarh.
Diverse colour palette inspired by earthy colours naturally observed in the rural environment, particularly in Shergarh, dominated the line. The colour of wood, water, pure indigo, beige, chilli red and turmeric yellow were prominently featured in the collection.
Some of the key trends that were highlighted with the brand’s collection included looser silhouettes, varying options of short and long hemlines, indigenous embroideries and summer jackets.
All in all it was a finale that was the mix of contemporary meets class with some cause involved in it.
Cleanse your way to clearer skin with products suited to you
2014 April 10. | Szerző: shannon
If I had my way they would be banned from every bathroom.
Wipes may have revolutionised the beauty industry (sales have trebled over the last few years and, yes, they come in handy when you’re on the go or after a very late night) but they cannot and should not replace a proper cleansing routine.
For starters many wipes contain potent ingredients such as high levels of alcohol, which can strip the complexion of its natural oils and cause excessive dryness. Others may contain MI (methylisothiazolinone), a preservative, which has been proven to cause rashes and allergies.
Moist cloths packed on top of each other can be a breeding ground for bacteria so for this reason many contain high levels of preservatives. Finally, when using them, the majority of women are far too heavy handed, rubbing them vigorously all over the face and tugging at the delicate skin around the eyes which can accelerate the ageing process and even cause more wrinkles and bags. So what should you use instead?
Invest in a good cleanser
Why splash out on expensive moisturisers and masks but then skimp on the most important part of any skin-transforming routine – a cleanser?
A high-performance cleanser will penetrate deeply and will often moisturise and tone the skin too. Cleansing with the right products will make a real difference to the quality and health of your skin. It will revive your complexion at the beginning as well as at the end of a long day, ridding it of all make-up, pollutants and impurities and ultimately allowing it to breathe.
It will also hydrate, soothe and invigorate skin cells.
More importantly it will prepare the skin to absorb a moisturiser or serum much more effectively.
If you are still wedded to your wipes then at least read the ingredients’ list and opt for a paraben-free option. Look for packs that are labelled with words such as “gentle”, “safe”, “hypoallergenic”, “dermatologist tested” and “fragrance-free”.
Then double cleanse by using a cleanser.
MY TOP CLEANSING TIPS
If you’re using a cream or balm use your fingertips and cleanse using circular movements for at least 30 seconds then let the cleanser sit for at least one or two minutes.
Do not be too harsh with your skin, even if it’s oily. Always wash cleanser off with tepid water and a flannel or sponge. This way you get rid of surface dead skin cells as it’s like a mild exfoliation.
Gentle steams once a week can really help to deep clean but don’t do this if you have broken capillaries or sensitive skin.
It is especially important to cleanse at night. Morning washing will wake you up but if you don’t clean your skin well at night, the time when your body is making repairs, it will not be able to detoxify.
The Health And Safety Lowdown On 4 Common Hair Products
2014 April 8. | Szerző: shannon
With all the hair care products available, consumers can easily become entangled in their choices. Some products promise to be gentler on hair, while others offer thickening or smoothing solutions, but not all of these claims are scientifically based.
Despite their uplifting promises, some products can be just a waste of money, and some can actually damage the hair, said Dr. Nicole Rogers, an assistant professor of dermatology at Tulane University in New Orleans.
Here are some tips to help you decide which hair care products to buy, as well as the lowdown on the science of some commonly touted ingredients.
Are sulfate-free shampoos really better?
Sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate are two of the most common shampoo ingredients. These chemicals are what make shampoos turn into a thick lather in the shower, which removes dirt and debris from hair.
Recently, sulfates have come under attack for being harsh on the hair by removing natural oils, causing frizziness and damage to dyed hair. Now, many products bear a “sulfate-free” label, and these are often more expensive than their counterparts.
However, Rogers said there is no scientific evidence that sulfate-free shampoos are gentler on the hair than shampoos that contain sulfate.
Similarly, no scientific data supports marketing claims that some sulfate-free shampoos extend the life of hair color or keratin treatments, Rogers said.
It is possible that some people, particularly those with the skin condition eczema, are sensitive to sulfates. There have been a few reports linking sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate to contact dermatitis in some people. For these people, sulfate-free shampoos can be beneficial, Rogers said.
Are keratin treatments safe?
Keratin treatments are touted for their ability to smooth and straighten hair, turning the tightest curls into silky threads, with an effect lasting up to five months.
However, in addition to keratin, these products contain the dangerous chemical formaldehyde, often exceeding the concentrations permitted in Canada and European countries. Keratin treatment products have also been cited numerous times by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for using higher levels of formaldehyde than are allowed in the United States.
Formaldehyde can harm the eyes, lungs and nasal passages, Rogers said. The chemical is also thought to be a carcinogen.
Moreover, there is no data showing that keratin treatments can strengthen the hair. Rather, the high-heat flat irons needed to seal the formaldehyde into the hair shaft can cause long-term damage to the hair, Rogers said.
Are hair-thickening products safe?
Products marketed as hair thickeners temporarily coat the hair shaft to make hair look thicker, but they cannot change the natural density of hair. The thickening effect will only last until the hair is washed.
Rogers said that these products are very safe, and advised consumers to look for hair-thickening products that contain hydrolyzed keratin or dimethicone, which coat the hair shaft to make hair appear thicker.
Some hair-thickening products now being marketed also contain the drug minoxidil, which can boost the density of thinning hair and create noticeably thicker hair. Minoxidil is the only topical medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration to regrow hair and slow future hair loss, Rogers said.
Should heat protectants be used when blow drying?
Heat from hair dryers, flat irons or curling irons can be very damaging to hair, and cause a condition that dermatologists call bubble hair: When the water in the hair is heated and turns to steam, it causes bubbles to form within the hair shaft. The result is brittle hair, with frizzy ends.
To counteract the effects of heat, Rogers recommended using a heat protectant before applying any heat to the hair. These products are sprayed or applied onto the hair, and contain protective polymers and silicones that insulate hair from heat.
Also, it is better to use the lowest temperature settings on hair dryers, and use heat as little as necessary and for the shortest time possible, Rogers said.
For hair already damaged by heat, moisturizing the hair regularly can help reduce the appearance of heat damage, but it cannot repair the hair, Rogers said. Cutting damaged hair, and allowing healthy hair to regrow, can also improve your locks’ appearance.
Vidya Balan Dazzles At Padma Shri Awards 2014
2014 April 1. | Szerző: shannon
Vidya Balan is one of the few women in Bollywood who can carry herself well in a saree. The Indian beauty who received the Padma Shri Awards 2014 along with South Indian actor, Kamal Haasan, looked dazzling in the cheery yellow saree, the gold jewellery, the red lips and severe hair to go along with the South Indian look. At the ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan, Vidya Balan was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award 2014, which is India’s fourth highest civilian award. Actress Vidya Balan carried herself to perfection in this heavily decked up saree. The bright colour of the saree and the makeup she wore along with the look was perfect. In the recent past, Vidya Balan has stepped out into the limelight wearing a series of Westernised attires which caught a lot of negative attention.
However, when the actress adorns herself in a saree, she looks breathtaking. At the ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan, Vidya’s smile on her face was all the more beautiful as she received the Padma Shri award from President of India, Pranab Mukherjee. On receiving the Padma Shri award 2014, Vidya Balan said that she never imagined to receive such an honour, “With a film award, there is a nomination process, so you know there’s a possibility. Here, there was nothing of that sort. It was a wonderful surprise.” Here are some of the most stunning moments of Vidya Balan when she received the Padma Shri award 2014:
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In Yellow
At the ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan, the beautiful Vidya Balan looked amazing in a bright yellow saree. The saree which she wore for the ceremony to receive the Padma Shri was just about perfect. The border of the saree which had a touch of pink and bottle green caught our attention the most.
Her Makeup
Vidya is one actress in tinsel town who does not like heavy makeup. The actress applied a slight pink blush and cherry lips which made her look outstanding. The red bindi and the mark of marriage made her look just perfect.
Indian Style Earrings
The golden jhumkas which she wore along with the saree was a perfect choice. The entire set of her jewellery is from Jaipur Gems.
Golden Necklace
We loved the golden necklace wrapped around her neck. Though it was a bit too glitzy, it went well with her South Indian look.
Simple Hairstyle
The simple hairstyle she wore to the the ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhavan to receive her Padma Shri award 2014 was traditional. The bun hairstyle was wrapped up with fresh sweet smelling flowers adding to her Indian look.
Nail Art
The actress Vidya Balan applied a simple nail polish to her clean manicured nails. Opting for transparent nail polish was just the right pick.
Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan was the other South Indian actor who received the Padma Shri award 2014 along with Vidya Balan from the president, Pranab Mukherjee. The actor looked dapper in a black formal suit.
Organic beauty, spa products are a rage
2014 March 28. | Szerző: shannon
Where in today’s world, people prefer to have an organic lifestyle, it is finding an entry in cosmetics’ as well
The term ‘organic’ can mean so many different things, from carbon compounds to fundamental laws. Now- with the times where people are getting more and more conscious about their health and lifestyles, they are preferring to move towards ‘organic living’- which includes- consumption of products which are safer for all living things, pro-environment and healthier and maintain ecological balance too. It refers to using the products made out of totally made sans the use of chemicals. Be it food, fabrics or cosmetics- organic products are catching up popularity.
There is one more aspect to going organic — usage of organic cosmetics, beauty and spa treatments. Interestingly, this is a sector wherein the preference for usage of natural products was always high in demand. It is just in the case where people need a quick treatment, they prefer chemical based treatments. Otherwise, higher emphasis of all the beauty treatments as well as hair treatments is towards usage of herbal and natural ingredients in the beauty products. Like for facials, home-care products, spa and salon regulars always prefer herbal products. Similar is for spa treatments where we have sea-based minerals, sea weed, algae products- these are all 100% natural. It is undoubtedly preferred as they are eco-friendly and show good results on long term-basis on your skin and hair. It seems like surely the chemical-free products are finding more and more takers day by day. And why not?
When the side effects are almost zilch, beauty is going ‘organic way’!
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Graphic designer Peter Saville still rocks the fashion world
2014 March 22. | Szerző: shannon
Fashion finds it difficult to get over Peter Saville. References abound to his work, past and present. His aesthetic stamp chimes constantly with fashion’s offerings. That’s because Saville isn’t just fashionable. His work is a style unto itself. He’s the original. In Factory cataloguing lingo, Saville would be FAC-0.
Maybe that’s because Saville’s aesthetic imprint is vast. His Factory work seismically shifted popular culture, the graphics he devised have been ripped off on every level – especially in fashion.
Saville doesn’t mind that, though. He’s been involved in fashion for years, working with Nick Knight on ground-breaking catalogues for Yohji Yamamoto which, like his album covers, became design fetish objects. The Yamamoto catalogues were supposed, ostensibly, to show clothing to sell clothing. It did the latter often by eschewing the former.
Even before Saville began working with fashion, he was fascinated with it. “From back when I was at college, I was always more interested in the other disciplines that were going on at art school than the one I was doing,” he says. “Graphic design was a way of communicating something about the things I did find more interesting. I always found architecture, fashion, product design and furniture more interesting.”
That fluidity of medium has become a way of working for many – fashion designers direct films, architects create clothes. Saville pioneered it. “Over the past 25 years, we’ve moved closer and closer to a common ground between these disciplines,” he comments. “There is very much a converged aesthetic now, and a converged audience.” Does Saville realise the fundamental role he played, by creating product design that became a product in itself? You can’t really chart the influence and dispersion of Saville’s ideas, because they’re everywhere. Ubiquitous. Saville changed the lot.
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Arguably, the designer who chimes the loudest with Saville’s work is the Belgian, Raf Simons. In 2003, Simons delved into the archive of Factory Records, selecting works from Saville’s back-catalogue to integrate into his winter collection. That show was called ‘Closer’ – after a Joy Division track, but also underlining that Simons was closer than ever before to Saville’s universe. The collection was dedicated to Saville. Simons’s work has been obsessed with youth culture, with the graphic details and decals of logo-ed band T-shirts, and with underground music scenes. In short, with Saville.
Ten years later, in summer 2013, Saville sat front-row at Raf Simons’s spring 2014 show. It was an ode to youth, and music, and rave. The rave culture Saville’s work so marked with its bright, two-dimensional colour and reappropriated imagery. Simons’s models bounced out on hefty rubber-soled rave trainers, like chopped-up chunks of the Haçienda’s interior. Saville seemed keen.
“Clothing is perhaps our most instant personal expression of individuality and sense of place. It can be an indicator of zeitgeist. I object to the commodification of spirit in the business of fashion.” That’s more Saville-ism. He evidently doesn’t mean Simons. The spirit of Saville, and Simons, raves on.
What Happened to Kendall Jenner’s Hair at the Met Gala? We Have Some Theories
2014 May 6. | Szerző: shannon
A funny thing happened on the way to the Met Gala… in Kendall Jenner’s case, a hair catastrophe. Jenner has had quite an absurd few months in terms of her fashionable endeavors, from her couture modeling debut at Marc Jacobs to a once-in-a-lifetime walk at the Chanel supermarket. In addition, her questionable choices at Coachella landed her firmly on the fashion infamy list. The young member of the Kardashian clan posted a gorgeous Instagram selfie earlier this evening, depicting the model wearing a streamlined strapless gown and a lightly waved coif. It appeared the the world was in for a shockingly chic Kendall Jenner fashion moment. But somewhere between her hotel suite and the Met Gala red carpet, her hair went from fabulous to frightening. Though the hairstyle looked voluminous in Jenner’s selfie, by her Met Ball entrance, it looked windblown and messy in the worst possible way. What possibly could have created such a disastrous change? Here are our theories.
1. Dad Bruce decided that Kendall’s ‘do wasn’t quite right and attacked her hair with a brush as she ran out the door.
2. Kendall got into a tussle with Kim over her gown, as everyone knows Mrs. Kanye West must be the fairest of them all.
3. Anna Wintour discovered that Kendall had somehow procured an invitation to the event and ordered security to prevent her from entering.
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4. As the little Kardashian clan member was exiting the limo, paparazzi clambering for a photo somehow tripped the bewildered reality star.
5. A wayward bird noticed Kendall’s gravity-defying ‘do and mistook it for a nest.
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7. A fervent fashionista who was offended by Kendall’s Coachella style flub attempted to ruffle Jenner’s feathers…so to speak.
We may never know what happened to Kendall or why her hair looks so mussed, but we certainly hope she has a serious chat with her hairstylist after the Ball.
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