The past month, I’ve experienced a refreshing lack of selfies on Instagram, and I wonder if those who follow aren’t exactly in the mood these days to plaster their faces on social media because they share the same sentiments as mine: because of the extreme heat, the face is going bipolar from greasy to dry and back, while clothes cling to the skin like plastic wrap because of the drench of sweat.
According to Nancy Etcoff—a Harvard psychology professor who did a study on how makeup and cosmetics affect people’s perceptions of a woman in the workplace—not only does makeup add a placebo effect of confidence and power, it also affects the impression you give to people, which gives you more control as to whether you choose to look powerful in a business negotiation, or appear collaborative.
Winning beauty scenes from the latest box-office hits
A common viewer’s eyes will be all on the perfectly taut Victoria’s Secret angels, with silent, painful thoughts of “I shouldn’t have finished that truffle pasta at lunch.” But initiated fashion lookouts will have noticed that one of the country’s most renowned luxury accessories designers, Bea Valdes, shone brightly on the catwalk at this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Valdes created an exquisite crystal vest for Swarovski, with long, golden tassels that swayed while Devon Windsor strutted down the runway. The vest had handcrafted appliqués with an indigenous feel, in earthy colors and elements reminiscent of indigenous components, yet remaining absolutely extravagant—in true Bea Valdes style.
“It will be simple,” director Ariel Lozada said, a few minutes before the show—a snarky manner of pulling off a surprise.
As he prepares for his debut solo fashion show, Gian Romano juggles photo shoots, makeup and hair tests and production meetings alongside teaching classes at the School of Fashion and the Arts (SoFA) in Makati as well as out-of-town trips, including a quick weekend getaway to Oslob, Cebu.
Gian Romano is more than excited. After months of editing and going in and out of Manila, the 33-year-old designer is finally ready to reveal years’ worth of ideas to a wider audience.
The early 2000s witnessed the arrival of attention-grabbers.
We all think pearls are only to be worn by women who have reached a certain age or touchstone: stylish women who now prefer to dress nonchalantly but still up the ante with some quick accessorizing; those who have given birth or are marking a wedding anniversary milestone (in which pearls are a traditional present); or young ladies much like Grace Kelly, Kate Middleton and Carla Bruni who have found themselves at the right hand of kings and princes.
It’s basically applying Coco Chanel’s adage to makeup: Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.
