Monique Lhuillier Spring 2011 - Euphoria

Euphoria. The inspiration behind Monique Lhuillier's Spring 2011 Collection.

Feminine evening gowns. It's what Monique Lhuillier does best.  What surprises me about this season's collection is the choice of color palette, a departure from what we've come to expect for her.  Nude, white, gold ... yes, very familiar ... poppy red? Really? Ok ... we're willing to take a look. Let it sink in a little bit.  Ummm .... sure, I suppose this could be interesting. In fact, the more I study the collection with its pops of soft seafoam-y teal contrasted with the warmth of the golden red, the more appealing it becomes. 

"Welcome to the Garden of Eden," greets Lhuillier, gesturing around the hotel suite. "We have the angelic side, and the naughty side."

Slender metallics, draped silk sheaths and flamboyant ballgowns — poufed and appliquéd chiffons with plenty of fanfare like bustled, petaled or trumpet skirts. Your choice, ladies.

Lead makeup artist Val Garland for MAC created glowing faces that complimented the elegant feel of the line. The eye was for facial focal point here, using black gel eyeliner for a “sleek Fifties” winged feel. “It’s a bit of a cat eye,” said Garland. “It's a 1950's Audrey Hepburn look with an aerodynamic beautiful eye liner.  Very haute couture and red carpet, slightly debutant with gilded lilacs on the eye lid, liner and a delicate soft pink glossed lip.”

Proving you don't have to match your makeup colors to your clothing, Garland used MAC eye shadows in Digit and Vellum layered onto the lids, Crystal through the crease of the lids and a layer of Idol (one of my fave MAC shadows) applied wet on the top.  Woodwinked was dabbed on the inner corners of the lids for golden highlighting. Eyebrows were slightly extended to frame the face. MAC Face and Body foundation was applied as a base with Bamboo Cream Colour Base blended onto the cheeks and Shell Cream Colour Base to highlight the cheekbones. Garland’s “soft look” for lips was achieved by patting on MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipglass, a pigmented matte baby pink lip gloss.

Rudi Lewis, lead hairstylist for Bumble and Bumble described the look he created at Monique Lhuillier’s Spring 2011 show as “magical but modern.” Before beginning the updo, Lewis added Spray de Mode to blow-dried hair. He pulled hair up into a “sculpted high ponytail.” A section of hair on the top of the head was left out of the updo and given a softer texture. He then tucked hair up in a roll, using only one long piece of elastic to create the refined look. “This is reminiscent of an Irving Penn woman,” said Lewis. “It’s Fifties without being too retro.” Lewis added that models were styled to look “expensive” and polished. “It’s not about trends,” he said.

Nails, styled by Wanda Ruiz for CND, were gilded — a combination of two coats of Putty nail polish and a top coat of shimmering Perfectly Bare polish, for a “reflective three-dimensional, holographic effect.” Um, gorgeous is what I say!

Watch the video to really get the elegant feel of this collection, the look of beauty and backstage fun!

source: Monique Lhuillier, MAC, wwd, style.com

Erin Fetherston Spring 2011

When asked to name the inspiration for her Spring 2011 collection in one word, Erin Fetherston responded, "Aphrodisiac;" this photo (below) was submitted as an inpiring element ... just envision the travels this diva must have experienced.

"I like the idea of this woman who travels far and wide, and collects these treasures to add to her wardrobe," Erin Fetherston said before her Spring show.

With that inspiration, Fetherston opened Spring 2011 show with two safari jackets. "Birds of Paradise," the name of the collection, showcased one-shouldered cocktail dresses, peplum jackets and other pieces in florals and patterns. Somewhat neutral shades of ivory, a muted warm green and peachy orange enhanced the color palette. Nowhere in this collection will one find the berry, plum or jewel tones of Fall 2010 trending.

Fetherston's penchant for feminine charm shows through this season, the clothes almost demure, pretty silk wrap dresses in soft geometric prints and chic jackets with fronts draped to look like bows, flowy silhouettes. The pop of pumpkin orange lipstick courtesy of MAC enhances the simplicity of the designs in a marked way.

source: wwd, MAC, the cut, erin fetherston, youtube (aol)

No Go: MAC Rethinks Rodarte Collection and Pulls Out

MAC Cosmetics rethinks decision to launch the controversially marketed Rodarte x MAC collection and withdraws.  MAC made the announcement via their facebook page with this little note:

This decision will not impact M·A·C 's commitment to donate all of its projected profits from the collection to benefit the women and girls of Juarez.

Out of respect for the people of Mexico, the women and girls of Juarez and their families, as well as our M·A·C Mexican staff and colleagues, M·A·C has made the decision not to ship the M·A·C Rodarte limited edition makeup collection. This decision will have no impact on M·A·C's commitment to donate all of its projected global profits from this collection to local and international groups that work to improve the lives of the women and girls of Juarez. We are currently conducting due diligence to ensure we donate to organizations with a proven record of directly supporting the women and girls of Juarez.

M·A·C and Rodarte are deeply and sincerely sorry and we apologize to everyone we offended. We have listened very closely to the feedback of concerned global citizens. We are doing our very best to right this wrong. The essence of M·A·C is to give back and care for the community and Rodarte is committed to using creativity for positive social change. We are grateful for the opportunity to use what we have learned to raise awareness on this important issue.

______________________________

No word on whether Rodarte will follow suit with their fashion collection.  One finds most often art makes no apologies, but we shall see. For more commentary on this controversy, I'd encourage you to check out my beauty blogging buddy Pink Sith's article on the issue.  She outlined some well thought out points on the matter.

MAC Fabulous Felines: Color Story III - Palace Pedigreed

We've been highlighting MAC Fabulous Felines the past few days and we're showcasing the last, but certainly not the least, set of this collection trio today - Palace Pedigreed.

With mesmerizing emerald eyes and a plush, silvery, sable-like coat, the Russian Blue cat was brought by British sailors from the Archangle Isles of Northern Russia.  Snatched from the palaces of the Tsars at the behest of Queen Victoria, her smile and her great beauty were said to amuse Her Majesty.  In homage to this aristocratic heritage of this silver-and-emerald Royal, MAC has created a collection of color every bit as hypnotic and enchanting as its finely favored feline inspiration. Palace Pedigreed is definitely my favorite!

EYE SHADOW QUAD - PALACE PEDIGREED $36 USD / $43 CDN
Courtly - frosty muted light pink beige (Satin)
Palace Pedigreed - deep berry with dark soft pink pearl (Satin)
Quite Spoiled - mid-tone neutral mauve (Satin)
Russian Blue - Deep neutral grey (Matte)

SUPERSLICK LIQUID EYE LINER $17.50 USD / $21 CDN
Nocturnal - bright silver pearl
Smoky Heir - dark blue violet with soft pearl
Signature Blue - dark navy with soft pearl

PIGMENT $19.50 USD / $23.50 CDN
Mauvement - cool taupe with gold pearl (Frost)
Bloodline - dark dirty browned purple (Frost)

LIPSTICK $14.50 USD / $17.50 CDN
Superior - sheer lavender pink with dazzle pink pearl (Dazzle)
Of Royalty - light creamy blue pink (Cremesheen)
Aristo-Cat - mid-tone frosted purple mauve (Frost)
Cunning - dark berry (Frost)

LIPGLASS $15.50 USD / $17.50 CDN
Docile - dirty lavender with pearl
Best of Breed - light dirty blue with pearl
Lap of Luxury - dark eggplant with pearl

CREMESTICK LINER $14.50 USD / $17.50 CDN
Beurre - dirty plum

MINERALIZE BLUSH $21 USD / $25 CDN
Pet Me - light yellow pink with soft pearl (Frost)

PALACE PEDIGREED MAKEUP BAG $25 USD / $30 CDN
Felt cosmetic bag with faux leather trim

HOW TO ACHIEVE THE MAC FABULOUS FELINES: PALACE PEDIGREED LOOK
by MUA Lyne DesNoyers


A feline’s gaze is glamorous and hypnotic – but can be graphically interpreted via an Eye Liner against muted shades of nudes and lavender. No need to default to the classic “cat’s eye.”

This is new, modern, and flatters all bone structures!

Your starting point is fresh-looking, luminous skin. Apply Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation/Loose with a 109 Small Contour Brush. Use a circular motion on the outer part of the face and a dabbing motion where you need more coverage. If you have any imperfections, use Studio Sculpt Concealer with a 252 Large Shader Brush, then blend it into the skin until it disappears.

Dust the entire lid with Eye Shadow in Courtly. For a smooth application, use the 217 Blending Brush. Over this, apply Quite Spoiled Eye Shadow with the 230 Brush. Best coverage will be achieved if you use a dabbing motion.

Next, mix a little bit of Quite Spoiled and Kid Eye Shadows with a 224 Tapered Blending Brush and sweep gently into the crease of your eyes. The idea is to create skin tone-coloured shadow that provides soft definition but not a defined line.

Now, for the drama. Using the 266 Small Angle Brush, take Blacktrack Fluidline and draw a little “check mark” on the outer corner of your eyes. This mark should follow the line of your lash line and your brow bone. Make sure you keep your black line at the first quarter on the crease. Fill in this “check mark” with the Blacktrack and intensify it with Russian Blue Eye Shadow, using the same 266 brush. The combination of the two will give a very nice, velvety look.

Eyes like the above look best on a face with some definition. Here, we use Pet Me Blush dusted on the apples of the cheeks, while the cheekbones are sculpted with Taupe Blush. The 116 Blush Brush can be used for both applications.

Lips are defined with Beurre Lip Liner and then blended with a 316 Lip Brush. Once again, the idea is not to create a line but to shape and shade the lips. Superior Lipstick should be applied with a brush and then given a grand finale with a lush application of Docile Lipglass.


MAC Fabulous Felines collections available 8/26/10 through October 2010. Visit maccosmetics.com for more information.

MAC Fabulous Felines: Color Story II - Leopard Luxe

The alluring and sensually inspired trios of MAC Fabulous Felines has me all a-purrrrrrrrr for MAC again.  Been a while since I've been this teased and intrigued by a collection.  Not that they don't all have me needing to turn in my coins for cash for a purchase, but these sets in particular have cause my lemming list to come alive again.

Burmese Beauty was showcased yesterday on ftlob, and today we're showing you Leopard Luxe.  Wild, like her sleek sisters of the forest, the OC Elots and lightning-fast lynx, the long limbed, lithe ginger Ocicat boasts legs like a legendary supermodel, and a persona every bit as exotic.

Appearance can be deceiving - this is the kitten that roars, the lion that purrs, the wild thing that seems to possess a tender, kittenish cuddle. To wit:  a color collection as fierce as it looks, but as feminine as it feels ... lips, cheeks and eyes that betray both sensual vulnerability and spectacular power.

EYESHADOW QUAD - LEOPARD LUXE $36 USD / $43 CDN
Wild By Nature - mid-tone camel (Matte)
Style Predator - frosted mid-tone yellow orange (Veluxe Pearl)
Notoriety - dirty brown with gold pearl (Velvet)
Furiously Fabulous - frosted warm black (Veluxe Pearl)

SUPERSLICK LIQUID EYE LINER $17.50 USD / $21 CDN
Pure Show - bright yellow-gold pearl
Marked for Glamour - mid-tone grey with soft pearl
On the Hunt - true black

PIGMENT $19.50 USD / $23.50 CDN
Lithe - frosted warm nude with gold pearl (Frost)
Old Gold - high-frosted tarnished gold (Frost)

LIPSTICK $14.50 USD / $17.50 CDN
Out Minxed - light yellow gold (Glaze)
Drive Me Wild - mid-tone warm coral with gold pearl (Cremesheen)
Powerful - mid-tone bronze dazzle multipearl (Dazzle)
The Prowl - creamy dark chocolate (Lustre)

LIPGLASS $14.50 USD / $17.50 CDN
A Quiet Roar - pale white gold
Schemer - mid-tone yellow camel with red and gold pearl
Wildly Refined - mid-tone coral with gold pearl

CREMESTICK LINER $14.50 USD / $17.50 CDN
Creamola - soft tan

MINERALIZE BLUSH $21 USD / $25 CDN
Utterly Game - warm peach with soft pearl

LEOPARD LUXE MAKEUP BAG $25 USD / $30 CDN
Felt cosmetic bag with faux leather trim

HOW TO ACHIEVE THE MAC FABULOUS FELINES: LEOPARD LUXE LOOK
by MUA Keri Blair


This mix of warm tones and velvety finishes captures the sensual side of feline characteristics. Sultry browns softly sculpt the eye, and by extending the shape, we create a feline-inspired look that’s both powerful and playful. Finish with a sweetly dramatic lip.

Before you start with colour, prep skin with Fix + and Studio Moisture Fix, followed by a small amount of Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50 in the T-zone.

Smooth the lips with Lip Conditioner.

For colour, start with the eyes using Teddy Eye Kohl to line the upper and lower lash lines. Using the tip of the pencil, start at the end of the bottom lash line and wing the liner up to create the template for your liner. Smudge the Teddy pencil slightly around the eye.

With the 239 Eye Shader Brush, apply Style Predator on the inner corner of the eyelid and blend towards the middle of the lid. Flip over your brush and apply Old Gold Pigment to the center of the eyelid, layering it over the base colour of Style Predator. Using the 217 Blending Brush, apply Wild by Nature into the crease of your eye. Start in the inner corner and work up into the eyebrow, then follow the natural shape of your crease and pull out the colour to your eyebrow.

In the outer corner, use the 219 Pencil Brush and apply Notoriety to the outer corner of the eye in the same shape of a cat’s eye (blend this over the Wild by Nature).

Use Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light under your brow and pull down.

Using the 266 Small Angle Brush, apply Embark Eye Shadow as eye liner, keeping it tight to your lash line and winging out over the Teddy Eye Kohl. Then, to intensify your liner, use On the Hunt Superslick Liquid Liner in the outer corner of your wing!

Lastly, apply two coats of Plush Black Mascara to the top and bottom lashes. Use the brush to extend your top lashes out and up!

Clean up any debris around your eyes with Fast Response Eye Cream and a sponge.

Using the 187 Duo Fibre Brush, apply Mineralize Satinfinish SPF 15 Foundation. Set with a light powder of Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder.

Apply Utterly Game Mineralize Blush with a 116 Blush Brush. Start close to the ear, and then using circular motions, move the colour over the cheeks, towards the nose.

Blot off the Lip Conditioner and lightly outline, then fill, your lips with Creamola Cremestick Liner. Finish off with an application of On The Prowl lipstick.


MAC Fabulous Felines collections available 8/26/10 through October 2010. Visit maccosmetics.com for more information.