OK, I lied when I stated that the Samantha Cole show was the most challenging experience. This one was. Not so different from the previous show; the high stress level was there, the models were late again, the hair and makeup had to be done at the same time. The only difference – a crazy-ass look to achieve! There was no blending, no eye shadows, no blush, no lipstick…but where was the difficulty? The eyeliner and the black patterns on the eye area. Still don’t get why it was challenging? It took me about twenty minutes just to do the eyes and who knows, maybe longer. I didn’t have time to look at my watch! : S Here’s the answer…everyone’s eyes fold differently. The look was inspired by the wings of an aeroplane, so there were a few wing-like patterns to be drawn onto the eyes, covering part of the eyelids. I had to keep asking my model to open and close her eyes because it’s one thing to apply makeup with the eyes closed, but when the eyes open the lines and shapes may not connect. (more…)
Ohh la la! The models are running late, the hairstylists are stressed, the table has no food! After having literally ran from the previous show downstairs to the tightest, dimmest room without any lunch in my stomach, the tiredness definitely got to me. This show was the most challenging show I have experienced because the stress-o-meter rose higher than usual and since the models were late, us makeup artists had to keep bugging the hairstylists to ask if they are ready to start the makeup as there was no choice but to do both hair and makeup at the same time. Seems impossible right? Yet somehow the girls managed to apply black gel liner all around the eyes as designed. This was another one by Yin Lee. Luckily this look required a simple, matte look with nude lips which made it all a wee less challenging. Unluckily for me, my model failed to turn up so I was to apply moisturiser and body foundation onto the models. But this, I must say, was an incredibly valuable experience. Firstly, I experienced my first show that had stress and impatience raised to the maximum. How do you deal with it? (No, you don’t breathe, there’s no time) You suck it up, fake your confidence and dive into the deep end! (more…)
Another intriguing look designed by Yin Lee for A La Disposition, which was launched in 2005 by husband and wife designer team Lynda Cohen Kinne and Daniel Kinne. This collection was influenced by The Utopian Aviary, so the hair and makeup together created a bird-like theme, like birds enclosed within cages. I loved the enormous hair, fully backcombed and done up, and the makeup was captivating with shades of browns to bring out the eye colour of each model, which made the preparation for this show more interesting than usual because each model had contact lenses to put on. Each had a different colour to suit their unique outfits. This was not easy because many of the models have never worn contact lenses before and they needed a little help. So timing was crucial. (more…)
One word to describe the show’s makeup – magic. Recently I have had the opportunity to work with makeup artist Maria Papadopoulou for Fashion Mode, an innovative group from London who mentor and support new designers every year. The designers picked for 2010/2011 were Carlotta Barone, Florian Jayet and James Hillman. Working with Maria was a pleasure because she created such a fun and friendly atmosphere which hyped the team up for a great show! I was a complete greedy makeup artist – I just wished that I could have been able to complete every single look that Maria demonstrated. The first one was inspired by snowflakes. (more…)
On a normal day you would struggle to get me out of bed at 4am even with a tempting latte with caramel and hazelnut syrup topped with cream from Starbucks mmmmmmm… This day, however, was not my average day as I got to work backstage at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout, applying makeup for The Merit Award. For those not familiar, this is a prize that is awarded for the best new designer of each season and one of London Fashion Week’s highlight events. This year, the Merit Award went to London born designer, Georgia Hardinge, whose creative avant-garde styles are just amaaaazing. If only I had the money…(sigh!) (more…)
Wooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!! This was a day like no other. (more…)