The book:

Title: Max Factor—The Man who Changed the Faces of the World

Author: Fred E. Basten

Pages: 172 (don’t let this scare you, it’s a riveting read and it’s in reasonable print with lots of white spaces. Not that I’m assuming that most fashionistas do not read…ehem…am I in trouble?)

Why I like it:

…because those of us who love our cosmetics owes a lot to the Father of Modern Make-up, Max Factor.

This is an interesting read on the birth of the brand that proudly calls themselves ‘the makeup of makeup artists’ (and rightly so!). Max Factor was the first to call cosmetics make-up, he’s the inventor of false lashes, lip gloss, foundation, eyebrow pencil, concealer and most importantly, waterproof makeup.

This is also the man who believes that “certain combinations of natural skin, hair and eye colours were most effectively complements by specific make-up shades”. More popularly known as Color Harmony, the principle is still used today as a basis for a lot of makeup artists.

To summarise it very briefly:

Max Factor started his life as cosmetician to the Czar. When tides turn and sentiment against the Jews gets progressively stronger in Russia, he gathered his family and fled to America. His great talent in cosmetics was supplemented with the luck of being at the right place, at the right time. It was right about this time that “motion picture” was being developed as a new entertainment.

The problem: the actors have been using stage makeup, which was much heavier and had to be applied 1/8 of an inch thick (egad!). While this work to cover flaws on stage because the audience are at a distance, this cannot work on screen when close ups are required. Therefore, Max Factor weaved his magic and created a lighter, more appropriate make-up for TV.

I would love to detail the whole story to you but I wouldn’t want to spoil the book for you. You just HAVE to read it.

Some interesting parts:

This device looks like it belongs to a Saw movie franchise, but it is actually a Beauty Calibrator. Max Factor designed it as a mechanism to calculate the flaws of the face, and how this flaw then could be remedied with his make-up. It was “reputedly capable of measuring good looks to within one-hundredth of an inch.”

On the right is another scary looking contraption, but this is how they created the Tru-Color range of lipstick. Initially an engaged couple who worked for the company was asked to be the guinea pigs. The lady will put on one of the test lipstick, and all the couple had to do was kiss. The lipstick’s effectiveness is gauge by its staying power after the kiss. Tests after tests was conducted but finally the man put his foot down and refuse to do it anymore because he was being teased so much by his coworkers. This Kissing Machine was then created to replicate the kissing effect and lip pressure. [Pic source: Elizabeth @ table4five]

Extra! Extra!

• Both these devices are on display at The Hollywood History Museum, which is housed in the actual Max Factor building.
• A more detailed review by the late John Updike in The New Yorker.

The last ReFrock for 2009 Saturday 14 November,

10am-2pm at the Windsor Table Tennis Hall, 86 Green Terrace, Windsor Admission only $8

Source: ReFrock

I’m rushing to work, so to summarise ReFrock event very quickly: it’s where you can find (and sell) second hand designer items. If you love designer labels or high street but is stuck with the adverse economic conditions, this is the place to get a good bargain.

I’m not attending…because I owe someone a shift and I will have to cover tomorrow.

No rest for the wicked.

Was going to wear this for lunch yesterday but due to unforeseen circumstances, it had to be cancelled (grrrr!)

Please don’t mind the leg bruise. I stupidly bumped into a potruding thingie from a huge community bin while doing bin runs for work.

Basic white tee from Face Off, bought at a discount (forgot where) : $25

Belt by Xcepsion, also a discount find. Again, I forgot where I bought it. It was originally $29.95 but I got it for $4.50.

Skirt is by Kariza design, $25.

Shoe: Vybe, can’t remember the price.

Bracelet: this escapes me now.

What say you? Yay or nay, or need something extra?

I feel like spending at Diva to find complementary accessories.

Must. Contain. Myself.

xoxo G

The four-day event, which was postponed twice due to security fears and amid unease at hosting such a gathering during an army offensive in the northwest, is aimed at showing the world there is more to Pakistan than violence and at helping boost an industry that employs hundreds of thousands of people, organisers said.

 

"This is our gesture of defiance to the Taliban," said Ayesha Tammy Haq, the CEO of Fashion Pakistan Week. "There is a terrible problem of militancy and political upheaval… but that doesn’t mean that the country shuts down. That doesn’t mean that business comes to a halt." [Source]

Fighting terrorism with fashion? I say, good on them!

And, Chanel in court for counterfeiting. What, for real?!?

World Tricot founder Carmel Colle is seeking 2.5 million euros ($A4.1 million) from Chanel for alleged counterfeit after she spotted a crochet design in a Chanel boutique in Tokyo in 2005 that she says is hers.

The design had been previously submitted to Chanel’s studio and rejected, Colle claims. [Source]

You can now shop online for Diva products.

How to be stylish and not break your bank: set aside money each week for a special “me” treat. In my case, it’s between $20-$30. Because I’m a thrifty scrooge and I’m paying for Uni.

How to break this pledge: by spending said money on sushi. Because I’m a pig and I can’t say no to salmon sushi.

Bad, Gloria, bad!

Have to wait til next week before I can treat myself to some more chunky accessories.

Here’s counting 6 days to payday…

xoxo Gloria

“It (Versace) projected a loss of $45 million in 2009 and no return to profitability before 2011.”

“…Versace is suffering from the sharp rejection of luxury goods by consumers around the globe.”

Restructuring Luxury at Versace, NYTimes

Questions to ponder:

1. Do you buy fashion because of the brand, or mainly because of the design?
2. If they were alternatives to those ready-to-wear look this season (aka: fakes and counterfeit), would you be open to consider it?
3. What justifications are there for you to buy brand names…belief that it is of the highest quality? Status? Etc?

xoxo Gloria

Audrey Tatou plays Coco Chanel in the biopic Coco avant Chanel so who better to hawk the world’s famous perfume on behalf of the fashion powerhouse?

The ad is directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, who also directed Amélie. Her co-star is the yummy Travis Davenport. Oh, be still, my heart!

Background music from one of my favourite voice of all time, Billie Holiday’s I’m a Fool to Want You. I think it’s because I grew up watching The Godfather with my dad, so I always love the smoky-olden-days effect.

Enjoy!

xoxo Gloria

Diva is definitely my favourite accessories store. Everytime I head into a Diva store, I’m in danger of spending dangerous amount of hard-earned money!

Recently they ran a competition inviting designers (or anyone, really) to design a range for them and the finalists have been chosen.

All three range are wonderful and in the end I was torn between Natasha’s flower power range and Mary’s bold design.

I ended up voting for Mary. Her Lion Bracelet and Goddess Ring won me over, and I hope to see it in Diva soon!

Have your say, cast your vote @ Diva before November 5th. Winner will be announced November 9th.

Luv, G

I absolutely die for Taylor’s impersonation. I die.

Enjoy the vid!

Luv, G