Ear Makeup Trend by Anum Thanvi

OK so we all are in on the Kardashian/ Jenner contouring game and lets be honest, it has become a habit now, so much so, we don't even remember makeup without contouring anymore. Talking about contouring we also know how people had mixed emotions when they heard that Kylie Jenner actually gets her ears contoured aswell, because her makeup artist Hrush Achemyn swears by the importance of it. I mean who wants their earlobes in a different skin tone? So now that I have covered making you comfortable with the idea of touching your ears, for makeup purpose, let me take you to the latest trend, that involves both makeup and ears! Its not a new thing - relax. But it sure has emerged again, with more statement and supremacy! It all started back in 2014, at the Paris Fashion Week. The Designer Anthony Vaccarello, known for his out of the box creativity, sent his models down the runway with graphic, ink blobs on their earlobes. For people it sure looked like a piece of jewelry but it really was black liquid liner drawn, to give a graphic effect. The look was created, rather invented by makeup artist Tom Pecheux and achieved its goal of looking like a second-skin ear cuff.

Anthony Vaccarello, wanted to create a piece of jewelry using makeup and he thought, putting motifs or designs on the face would rather look too tribal. Of course that's not the look he wanted to go for! Knowing his work I can bet he was quite particular of what he wanted and, the final look was black eyeliner with iridescent black glitter. The makeup artist beautifully took the theme along for the rest of the makeup look by using black glitter along the lower lash lines, to give it a more smudgy, smokey look. Pecheux quoted, "I love the look of the leftover makeup, but doing it with glitter, rather than eyeliner, makes it feel chic rather grungy" Of course after that, many followed and made it better and better. One of which was Pat McGrath who created a silver statement ear for Louis Vuitton Spring 2016.

Then to follow the trend was makeup artist Violette, creating new styles of ear makeup with glitters. Some glimpses of her ear makeup creations can be seen on her Instagram account. Violette is a die hard glitter fan, because she uses the technique for lips and of course eyes as well, quite a lot. But the ear makeup Insta, that too at this time,makes me believe the trend is coming back for good.

Latest on the ear makeup trend is its re-introduction at Proenza Schouler Spring 2017 during New York Fashion Week. Models carried their earlobes with graphic yellow & white paints. The look was created by Diane Kendal for MAC using the brand's Chromacake mixed with water—served as a perfect counterpart to the collection's over sized geometric earrings.

The question is would you be going for the ear makeup look?!!?!

Gucci SS17 - Milan Fashion Week by Anum Thanvi

One thing I've been hearing from all over the places is "it was the Gucci-est Gucci show ever". Well if I serve my memory right, ever since Gucci was born in 1921 at the heart of no other magical, miracle place than Florence, Italy - it HAS been the most desirable brand for generations. All thanks to Guccio Gucci, the founder, this brand has always served its purpose right of bringing in the most high end leather goods, clothing and all kinds of other fashion products.

Obviously over the years, the brand went through some major set backs, but with the mission in hand, the brand always found a way to excel, better than before. So far so, Gucci now has its multiple stores through out the world with offices in Milan, Paris, London, Hong Kong, Japan and New York. 

Skipping through the details on how many creative directors came, left and why, the latest and most outstanding one, no doubt has to be Alessandro Michele, who became a part of this legacy since January 2015.

Now why was the story important? Because there is something that has changed, so much that people cant stop talking about the latest Gucci SS17 Milan Fashion Week Show, and the only possible reason behind this is non other than the man himself, the MR. Creative Director - Alessandro Michele! 

Believe me, once you take a look at what the man came up with, you will stop questioning my guts. I don't want to repeat any other journalist or blogger's line but this really was the "Gucci-est" Gucci.

To begin with - lets just jump to the clothes first!

The cloths were a dramatic composition if I may say of fabrics, patterns, detailing and scripts.And when I say composition, the range and the variety of the mediums used were all from brocades to silks to even hand embroidered pieces. The presentation showcased a lot of ruffles, bows, embellishments and interpretations of animals, objects and signature items.

Not just that, but there was a story behind the entire process, e.g. the set details. If this isn't magical, what is?! Pink smoke, Red Carpet lined with stars and tinted glasses for all to experience Gucci, with the new shades of infatuation and passion. Although all dreamy but the ambiance did leave a gloomy effect on the audience too with the cemetery belt, 'Blind for Love' Chinese silk fan, a knitted cardigan with an upside down monkey and stabbed heart written 'Love' across the back. 

                                     

From set to accessories all the way to the clothes and show presentation, everything was mystic in its own sense. Obviously with a show lined up of this caliber the invites had to do the justice. Gucci sent out 3D invites, and that's when even the attendees knew, they are going to be attending the Milan Fashion Week for this show in particular!

The show was inspired by Magic Lanterns and it truly was a galore of one's fantasy with colossal heterodoxy of images. The accessory alert was high on point with studded black rim frames, sandal boot hybrids, scripted jewelry, loafer, hats and literally story telling tees!

Emmys 2016 - This is what went down!

Although I have flooded my Facebook Page, Twitter and Instagram accounts with all the glitz and glam of 2016 Emmy Awards but a blogger's gotta do, what a blogger's gotta do right!

"Here in Hollywood the only thing we value more than diversity is congratulating ourselves on how much we value diversity" - (a line from Jimmy Kimmel's monologue)

Starting from the top! Mr. Jimmy Kimmel was without a doubt on top of his game for this year's Emmy Awards. His effortless and relaxed demeanor has always been his forte when it comes to his performances, be it as a talk show host, or a host for Emmy's. It will obviously be unfair to just call his performance outstanding but some people are so captivating, you just find it difficult to find appropriate words. From his comic timings to unscripted surprise elements at the show, everything left the audience in fits of laughter.

Jimmey Kimmel

And boy did I mention his swag? He looked impeccably handsome in those pair of polished and trimmed tuxedos. An amazing combination of personality, persona and performance!

Moving on to the award ceremony itself, "Game of Thrones" broke all records by winning the highest number of Emmy's for a Fictional Series - 38 to be precise!

Other than Game of Thrones, other series in various different categories to win were Veep (Comedy Series), The People v OJ Simpson (Limited Series) & Sherlock - The Abominable Bride (Television Movie).

Amongst the celebrities were Rami Malek (Mr. Robot), Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), Jeffrey Tambor (Transparent), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep), Courtney B Vance & Sarah Paulson (The People o VJ Simpson), Louie Anderson (Baskets), Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live), Ben Mendelsohn (Bloodline) and Dame Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey). Well Mr. Kimmel had something to add to this "We are not mailing this to her. Maggie if you want this, it will be in the lost and found".

And wait I'm not done yet! Sterling K Brown (The People v OJ Simpson), Regina King (American Crime), Sherlock: The Abominable Bride (Outstanding Television Movie), The Voice (Outstanding reality Competition Series) and last but not the least, as I'm hoping if not missed out on anyone, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (Outstanding Variety Talk Series).

Now that we are done with the serious business lets sit back and droll over at the amazing fashion and style, displayed at the Emmy's Red Carpet this year.

The men totally slayed it at the fashion game! From Alex MacNicoll to Tom Hiddleston in his Gucci. From Trevor Jackson to Tom Cullen - the masculine Glam was on point!

Alex MacNicoll -Tom Hiddleston - Trevor Jackson - Tom Cullen

Ageing like fine wine were some men, giving absolute competition to the younger squad. Ty Burrell in his super chic Montblanc and Christian Slater in his polished Dior Homme Tux.

P.S: Don't forget to notice how their women beautifully enhance their charm and mien.

Ty Burrell - Christian Slater

My most favorite lovebirds on the red carpet were Felicity Huffman, the American Crime Star with her Fargo husband Mr. William H. Macy. Totally love her look in that floor skimming dress with a layered tulle skirt and the PDA going on there. No matter what you all think, but for me she'll always be Desperate Housewives Lynette Scavo (they need to come back with a new season - urghh).

Felicity Huffman - William H. Macy.

The real stars of the evening were these curious little angels from the series Stranger Things. Millie Bobby Brown looked absolutely adorable in a Valentino Gown while having loads and loads of fun with her co stars Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb MacLaghlin.

 Gaten Matarazzo - Caleb MacLaghlin - Bobby Brown

It is almost impossible to pick one best favorite but if I may shortlist, these were the ladies ruling the Red Carpet at this years Emmy Awards with their looks and glamour.

My Top Favorite was Kristen Bell in a romantic chic attire by Zuhair Murad.

 Kristian Bell

From left to right the 'Homeland' Actress, Claire Danes in an elegant Gold Statuette Gown,
America's Got Talent judge, Heidi Klum in that wow White Cut Out and Emmy Winner of the night Sarah Paulson in a Lush Meadow Prada.

Claire Danesin - Heidi Klum - Sarah Paulson

Natalie Morales in a fine Symmetric Emerald Green Gown, the Top Chef Host Padma Lakshmi standing out with a Silver Metallic Piece and Laverne Cox from 'Orange is the New Black' , in a Nude Beaded Gown.

Natalie Morales - Padma Lakshmi - Laverne Cox

Of course our 'Exotic' Desi Girl, Priyanka Chopra wasn't any less on leaving an impression in a Jason Wu Aurora Red Gown.

Priyanka Chopra

The night was an amalgamation of some beautiful and heartfelt moments of which was when Jeffery Tambor's plead: "I'm not going to say this beautifully - shush, shush. To you people out there, you producers, you network owners, you agents and you creative sparks, please give transgender talent a chance. Give them auditions. Give them their story".

Of course not to forget Amy Schumer's in her stunning Vivienne Westwood Gown, breaking taboos with her shout out to fellow companions "Vivienne Westwood, Tom Ford shoes and an OB Tampon".

Amy Schmer

The after party was as fun and glam and expected and celebrities like Sarah Hyland, were making the perfect and quick look changes for the late night celebration. From a Monique Lhuillier - Form Fitted Strapless, Embroidered Floral Print Top & Black Pants, she transformed into a party owl in a little Black Slip Dress with matching heels.

Sarah Hyland

And Mr. Kimmel's very interesting and on point question, which I'll leave you all to think over: "If it wasn't for television, would Donald Trump be running for president? Thanks to Mark Burnett, we don't have to watch reality shows anymore, because we live in one"!

With this genuine concern to think over, I will high kick my way out like Jessie Graff.

Jessie Graff

Hope you all enjoyed the 68th Emmy Awards as much as I did.

Get Ready for 2016 Autumn Fashion!

It isn't Autumn yet, but we sure are at the right phase on the season’s calendar to start prepping our wardrobes for Autumn appropriate fashion and styles.

Stylist and Fashion Analysts swear by 3 look that are here to last, and top the fashion trends this Autumn, and I’m excited because they all are very easy to carry, and look equally rocking with just a couple of amendments to your current wardrobe.

  

Now as we talk about the fashion trends for autumn, the first most important thing to know about are the colors for this season. And thanks to Pantone, we are perfectly covered on that. According to Pantone 2016 Autumn Color Palette the hues that you should be drooling over vary from different shades of colors. From Dusty Cedar to Spicy Mustard, they aren’t just regular shades that you’ve seen much around but are derived from colors that have been in the fashion sense for a while now. If I put in into simple words, these Pantone Autumn colors are really just lighter or darker shades of colors that you and I are already aware of. 

Let’s talk about the first one in the list - Riverside. As the name explains a lot, it’s a shade of Blue which is bit deeper than Cobalt Blue, if I may say but lighter than darker shade of Royal Blue. It is a color that is both cool and calming with stability and constancy.

Riverside

Than we have another variation in the Blue tone, which is - Airy Blue, a variation of Serenity, one of the Top Combination Colors of Pantone 2016. This shade is somewhat similar to the Pastel Blue shade but with a little more depth.

Airy Blue

Just like Airy Blue we have 2 other lighter tones for this season and they are the Sharkskin, on which almost any color combination can rest on - ( a mix of light Grey with a ting of Silver)....

Sharkskin

...and Warm Taupe (a natural kind of twist to the Taupe we all know of), a hue very grounded and organic.

Warm Taupe

Because its Autumn, and color palettes change to darker tones much, we have many more in that range for the Autumn Colors e.g. Lush Meadow (a cross between Emerald Green with a slight mix of Sea Green). This is a very Rick, elegant and sophisticated of the Green version.

Lush Meadow

Spicy Mustard (Mustard but spicier and darker). Its zesty-ness adds an unexpected and unusual oomph to the look.

Spicy Mustard

Dusty Cedar (one of my fav’s because it’s very feminine and the shade is very much realistic when comes to lip shades and nail colors especially). This rose- toned hue adds welcome and warmth to your look.

Dusty Cedar

Last three are Pottery Clay (again like the name explains, a hue from the Brown color family). A neutral earth tone with substance and foundation.

Pottery Clay

Bodacious (a very interesting twist to the Lilac that we know, with a lot more wow and color pop factor). Versatile, vibrant and bright! 

Bodacious

And the last yet the most sensual - Arora Red (a deep red, with a mix of Burgandyish/ Maroon flavor). A pleasing, dynamic tone, that will add on confidence to your persona.

Aurora Red

For the looks this season, the best 3 jaw dropping looks are Bohemian (I just can’t get enough of it), Military and Quick-Smart. For the bohemian look, we have the Kimono trend obviously, about which I’ve already listed down a couple of trends and tips on my previous blog 'Kimono - A Piece Of Garment You Can Wear Anywhere'. 

But to talk a little more about it, Bohemian look is a more of flirty, fun and unconventional kinda compilation of wardrobe elements and accessories. Bohemians were actually travelers and refugees from central Europe and hence Bohemian is French for Gypsy. And because ‘you are what you wear’, Boho-chic look revolves around not giving a hoot about the general fashion rules, but just about looking fashionably spirited and nomadic in floral, rufflly, flowy romance of fabric. Bohemic fashion is a definition of mixing and matching feminine clothing pieces with rough/ rugged yet pretty combinations. It’s about exploring your gypsyism and living life at large.

The military look, though sounds more like a rock-chick look but over the years, the style has become more tamed and easy going, and of course socially acceptable. When I say military, it means bomber jackets, boots, metals, studs and darker tones. Military is also again a fashion statement which says out loud “I don’t give a f***”, but common isn’t that what personal style is all about? It’s all about being confident in your own skin and style statement. Military look also is very much supported with accessories, like belts and even caps, but more than anything else, it’s about the attitude.

Last on the list is the quick smart look. Now this is a safe yet a mischievous fashion expression. Why mischievous? Well, a Bohemian Romani or a Military Chick can’t just go to work in a gypsy skirt or a heavily studded leather jacket right? So when I say Quick Smart - I actually mean a quick smart shift from your usual fashion statement to a more publicly/ professionally acceptable one. To out it precisely, Quick-Smart is all about mixing and matching loud and subtle pieces together to form a classier, sophisticated version of you. Let’s say you are a Boho-chic - pair your kimono with a nice sleek leather belt, over tapered suit pants, and there you go, all ready for the corporate world! If you have a loud rugged pair of military pants on you, pair it with a crisp white button down shirt and some nice stilettos and voila!

The best thing about fashion is, it never tells you to fake it, it never asks you to tone down yourself, but actually gives you ways of expressing yourself by your clothing and accessories. And for times like a very important, promotion worthy meeting, you always have fashion hacks like the Quick Smart look, to transform yourself into a corporate Cinderella in 1, 2, and 3!

I will be uploading the 3 looks with pictures and more details soon – so stay tuned and get ready to rock Autumn. 

Kimono - A piece of garment you can wear anywhere!

A thing to wear, its simply just that – yes I’m referring to a Kimono and its literal meaning is Ki (wear) & Mono (thing), who wondered!

Kimono is a traditional Japanese garment which is adorned in festive or formal events as to when they have to basically suit up! This T- shaped, straight line robe is defined to have different hem lengths for both men and women and are supposed to be a form of covering up in a polite manner. Traditional Japanese Kimono has different layers and styles to it, for every different occasion. For e.g. a Kimono style called Furisode, is a kimono which unmarried women wear but then there is another style called Mofuku, which is worn on mourning ceremonies by men and women. There are all sorts of different types of kimono, out of which one popular one is the Susohiki, which is a wardrobe for Geisha or Japanese stage/ dance performers.

But contrary to the traditional beliefs and culture of the Japanese, kimonos have been making a prominent style trends in the international fashion scene. With different cuts, hem lengths, texture and fabric material, celebrities to fashionistas are carrying this style with a lot of flare and attitude. Over the time we have seen a range of Kimonos, be it bohemian, vintage, blazer, hand knit and even military style inspired.

Selena Gomez

From a casual 2 step make over look, to a formal evening wear, Kimonos can be dressed up or down with a different variety of accessories, add-ons and especially a little bit of fun and flirt! I being a roving Romani myself in literary pursuits of Bohemianism can't accept to deny that I am biased towards the 'Bohemian' inspired Kimonos. I mean I haven’t seen anything more alluring and charming other than these light weighted flared, slightly see through gowns with tussles, prints and lots of character.

My top picks to accessories that perfect Kimono would be a gladiator sandal/ boots (depending of the weather actually), a nice sleek belt (nothing to over board to take away attention from the Kimono itself) and a leather toot or cross body bag. And as they say, “there’s nothing like being too overdressed”, you are more than welcome, rather appreciated on adding bangles, dangling earrings, neck chokers and some waves to your hair or maybe a messy bun or braid.

Jessica Alba

Even for girls who aren’t into the gypsy/ feminine look, blunt and thick fabric Kimonos can be styled with rugged jeans/ shorts and can be used as an add on layer to your current style statement, no matter what it is.

There only so much a piece of garment can offer right, but Kimonos can be your one stop statement from a beach wear to a party wear n a jiffy.

Kendall Jenner

So as the Japanese proverb says, be "like a milestone dressed in a Kimono".