Montreal fashion week backstage beauty: Martin Lim, UNTTLD, and Travis Taddeo | Hollywood yohana




Just shy of a traditional wingtip and meant to hover somewhere between European- and Asian-inspired looks, makeup artist Sebastien Tardif’s eye for the Martin Lim Spring 2012 is so fresh, so clean, so… spring! “The liner has a clean edge instead of coming to a point,” Tardiff told me backstage before the show. It’s a lift rather than an eye extension, with a bit of the graphic liner we loved at Marc Jacobs and Dolce & Gabbana for fall.

At UNTTLD, Cover Girl pro makeup artist Amélie Ducharme mimicked the collection’s clean lines by brushing brows upwards and defining their shape with Cover Girl Brow & Eye Makers and a touch of clear mascara. “We wanted to fill in the eyebrows, but very naturally to frame and give shape, or an angle, to the overall look,” she told me. The rest of the face was almost nude, with only a barely there pink shadow for a hint of shimmer on the eyes.

 

Meanwhile, hair stylist Denis Binet was busy concocting a coif inspired by young French girls who spend “icy” winter nights sipping cocktails on Montreal’s cache club scene. (Naturally!) “I want the top to look slick and shiny, like it’s been under a hat, with the ends left free,” he said. To get the look, he applied loads of Sebastian Professional Gel Forte into the roots from the nape of the neck upwards towards the crown but left the ends clean. Using a much less liquid-y approach at Travis Taddeo, Binet prepped hair with Wella Mirror Polish before parting hair in the centre, tying it in a traditional braid, and gently pulling at the sections to loosen the weave until it laid flat. Who knew it took so much work to look undone?


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7 of the best manicures and nail art designs from the Fall 2012 runways! | Hollywood yohana



 It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of inventive manicures (check out our DIY Nails video series and Nail Corner column for further proof) and without a doubt the best inspiration comes from the runways. It’s worth pointing out that nude nails—that is, sheer taupe shades in barely-there colours—continued to dominate in New York. However, despite the abundance of one-colour manicures, CND, M.A.C, and Essie produced some very exciting nail-art designs for Fall 2012.

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From Terry Richardson to Gisele, see the scene outside Alexander Wang’s Fall 2012 show | Hollywood yohana



 Day four and we can’t stop won’t stop! We predicted that the scene outside Alexander Wang would be full of bustle and we were right. Lewis Mirrett captured fellow photog Terry Richardson, the Very Classy Derek Blasberg, and Gisele, amongst others, all waiting to get into Wang. (Well, Gisele walked the show, so no wait for her!)

Shop till you drop tonight at Plaid Magazine’s Vintage Night Out! | Hollywood yohana



 Some of our favourite vintage haunts are coming together in true cooperative style to bring us Toronto’s inaugural Vintage Night Out tonight. From Bloor Street West to Parkdale and everything in between (read: Kensington and Little Italy) stores will be open from 7 p.m. to midnight and feature sales from 20 to 75 per cent off. With a DJ spinning at Magwood, high tea at Dalston Grey, and friendship bracelet making (not to mention smores!) at 69 Vintage, there’s just no reason not to go.


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Lucian Matis takes to the Royal York for the debut of his festooned fall collection | Hollywood yohana



A grand ballroom festooned with gilded details at the Fairmont Royal York is very fitting for Toronto’s king of embellishment, Lucian Matis. But this fall, the Romanian-born designer ditched his signature crystal palace pieces for a more grown-up approach (think streamlined silhouettes and gorgeous lace) to dressing.
Inspired by details found in nature–butterfly markings, volcanic shapes–Matis centered his Fall 2012 collection around intricate lacework, texture-mixing and sharp, tailored lines. Standouts included the glam lace gown with the plunging neckline and Angelina Jolie–approved slit, the sweeping maxi coat (we’re still crushing on those detailed cuffs) and the mini dress with lacey side panels. Toward the show’s end, Matis did indulge his maximalist side with a small grouping of fine, feathered frocks, including one strapless version with a plumed train fit for any bird of paradise. The one misstep of the night? The paper-white pasties used to cover up the models which shone a little too brightly from underneath the sheer lace.

Jeremy Laing’s utilitarian feast feels as fresh as ever the third time around | Hollywood yohana



In bowling, it’s called a turkey. In hockey, it’s called a hat trick.  Now that we’ve seen Jeremy Laing’s Fall 2012 collection three times (via both New York and Toronto) we want to know: what is this called in fashion? Given the wearability (no, it’s not a dirty word anymore) of Laing’s current line-up of tailored menswear-inspired separates, maybe the word for it is smart? Fewer architectural dresses found their way into the mix this season. Instead, big bleach-stained jackets, skinny trousers and strong coats took the spotlight. You’re not a Laing girl if you aren’t into layering—think jackets over diaphanous dresses over trousers. Zippers snaked their way down coats and maxi dresses, adding a familiar technical touch to his design aesthetic. Despite the many covered looks, he didn’t batten down all the hatches; a plunging neckline here and a sliver of skin there offered up a side of sexy that complemented this utilitarian feast that wrapped three weeks of shows.


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Still into Jeffrey Campbell’s Lita boot? Check out 2 awesome ways to update the style direct from the London streets | Hollywod yohana




It’s a debate that has paralyzed the fashion community on proportions not seen since Lady Gaga’s meat dress: Is the Lita boot still cool? In an industry where trendiness lasts for about 30 seconds, the affordable Jeffrey Campbell creation ($162, shopnastygal.com) has really—and we mean really—stuck around. We asked you if you were tired of the platform-toe creations and, well, the results were just as divided as the H&M collection. (Get it?)
So for all those who cringe at the sight of the debatably tired Lita, we present two ways (right off the streets of London) to re-invent the boot. And to all the perpetual Lita-lovers, a girl can never have enough options, right?
With blue pony-hair tails and cartoon eyes, these pink suede My Little Pony–esque Lita boots are anything but tired.
Pop some fake flowers in your Lita laces and pair with frilly socks for a feminine twist on the punk platform.


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Who Was Your Best Dressed at the Golden Globes? | Hollywood yohana

Charlize Theron, Elle MacPherson, Giuliana Rancic, Emma Stone, Sofia Vergara, Sarah Hyland


There were so many phenomenal dresses at the Golden Globes, it was hard to narrow down our top picks! So we stuck to the criteria of over-the-top, glamorous gowns that were rich in detail. That is what the red carpet of a high-profile awards show demands! From Giuliana Rancic's zipper-and-lace bodice to Sofia Vergara's oceanic train, the stars definitely dressed to impress. We can't wait to see how they will turn it up a notch come Oscar time!




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Week in Style | Hollywood yohana

Charlize Theron, ASOS bag, OPI nail polish, Elle Fanning, Kirsten Dunst



Charlize Theron and Style Network's own Jeannie Mai were two of the best dressed ladies at the Golden Globes, and we even got a behind-the-scenes peek of the red carpet from the How Do I Look? host.
We tested Nicki Minaj's bold OPI nail polish shades, then swooned over Zooey Deschanel's quirky tuxedo digits.
Speaking of the Globes, we're sensing a theme: our favorite trends from the red carpet were bird-inspired pieces and fishtail frocks. Hooray, animals!
Hollywood was feeling mellow yellow this week, with everyone from Kirsten DunstElle Fanning and Minka Kellyrocking the bright hue

Bright lips, bold eyes, pink hair: Get Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry’s AMA look! | Hollywood yohana



We must be very used to seeing Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj in outlandish outfits on the red carpet, because we totally missed the fact that they had almost identical hair and makeup at the American Music Awards. (And pink hair is usually easy to spot!) While most people live by the beauty rule of wearing either a bold eye or bold lip, Perry and Minaj love making a statement with hits of bright colour on both. Thing is, when you’re an international pop star, it totally works.
But, for the rest of us, it’s a little harder to pull off the “heavy-handed cat eye and bright lips” combo. If you’re going to try it, do so when it’s event appropriate: meaning, not for dinner at your boyfriend’s parents’ house, or when you’re chatting up the boss at your office holiday party. Instead, break this style out when you’re going to be around Minaj and Perry types—that is, at a crazy concert or one of those parties that just seems to last all night long.


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Jessica Mary Clayton illuminates the greyscale | Hollywood yohana



After having spent most of her formative years in daylong dusk—she was raised in Alberta and studied for a time in Finland—Jessica Mary Clayton now brightens our fashion landscape by illuminating the oh-so-standard palette.
Against too many blacks, whites and a mess of monochrome, Clayton’s most recent line plays a lively riff on the classic prototype. Her latest collection features a broader greyscale, a scheme well known and well loved by many Canadians. Done by Clayton though, grey is translated with a sweeter, softer spin.

Using slates, creams and charcoals, an updated take on a humdrum mosaic, Clayton picks flow-y whites and twilight hues, with just a touch of tie-dye. These work in perfect contrast to the geometric prints that have—at least since Alternative Fashion Week last month—become Clayton’s watermark. And oh, the blues! Call it turquoise. Call it cyan. Whatever you want to call it, the amazing azure-inspired pop of colour makes her Fall 2011 line wearable perfection come autumn.

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Vogue Italia blames “bad translation” for their “slave jewellery” gaffe | Hollywood yohana



More than 150 years after the American Civil War and 50 years after the civil rights movement, we’re pretty sure that using the term “slave” to denote a style of dress still ain’t kosher. Apparently Vogue Italia didn’t get the message. An article for the magazine’s website headlined “slave earrings” has caused a major outcry, resulting in editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani apologizing and citing “really bad translation.”
The article stated, “Jewellery has always flirted with circular shapes, especially for use in making earrings. The most classic models are the slave and creole styles in gold hoops.” The piece then goes on to explain that the word “slave” should inspire thoughts of “women of colour” during the slave trade—an image of “pure freedom.” Umm, what?
After twenty pages of (mostly) furious comments and a barrage of negative tweets, the article has since been removed from the website.

WHAT THEY SAID…
Iman: “I’m a huge fan of Franca Sozzani and Vogue Italia’s website because they have a whole section on black models. Is it controversial? Yes. The naming of it, I don’t get it. I didn’t like it. Slave does not make it ethnic. Mind you, it’s not lost in translation—the word slave, we know what it is. They might as well have called them “n***** earrings.” For somebody like Franca Sozzani, who did that whole black issue for Vogue, somebody should have said something.
Vogue Italia: “We’ve decided to remove the article from the site to prove our good faith and to show it wasn’t our intention to insult anyone.”
WHAT WE SAID…
Caitlan Moneta, Assistant Fashion Editor: I think a “translation error” is a weak excuse for a vocabulary choice that was both insensitive and inflammatory, and hiding the term under the guise of freedom makes matters worse. But given Franca Sozzani’s efforts to advocate for inclusivity in the past, I can’t imagine she had a malicious agenda. There’s no doubt Vogue Italia won’t make the same mistake twice.

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Just One Little Thing: | Hollywood yohana

Sara Michelle Gellar, Reese Witherspoon, Michelle Williams 
 These Golden Globes red carpet looks were almost perfect, but there's one thing I would change about each!
Sarah Michelle Gellar: This one was simple. What would Jeannie have done differently? She would not have let a two-year-old pick out her Golden Globes dress. Fact.
Reese Witherspoon: She looked amazing in this form fitting Zac Posen crimson gown, but I wish she did something a little less casual with her tresses. A simple bun or updo would have been ravishing with this dress and would show her gorgeous shoulders and side profile beautifully. Hey, there is hope for next year!
Michelle Williams: She is such a cutie and always looks absolutely stunning no matter what she wears. This Jason Wu dress is no exception, but I would have lost the headband. The dress is such a statement piece, and her hair is so simple and chic, that the headband detracts from the overall look.

Melissa McCarthy, Shailene Woodley, Golden Globes
Melissa McCarthy: Let's be honest—I didn't really even notice her on the carpet. Upon looking at pics of this gown the day after, though, I couldn't get her out of my head. The neckline is gorgeous and flattering on her, but I would have picked a brighter color to give this gown some pop. The color is so subdued that it's sad.
Shailene Woodley: This is Hollywood's new red carpet It girl—young, hot and in a nominated film. Girlfriend, this was your moment! It was all about you, and you showed up in this Marchesa dress. Don't get me wrong, it is an amazing gown and you look gorgeous, but I just wish you wore something more youthful and playful that reflects your age, energy and spirit. You are only young once. Work it!
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What we think about Ashley Judd’s “puffy face” op-ed | Hollywood yohana




It’s not every day that Ashley Judd graces headlines. The actress has managed to steer clear of controversy—being an actress, humanitarian, political activist, fashion designer, model and philanthropist (and now, feminist) probably has kept her busy. But Judd has certainly spiced things up. The actress has written an essay slamming her detractors after being criticized for having a puffy face in recent promo appearances.
In the essay published on The Daily Beast, Judd not only faces her critics who accused her of using facial fillers to acquire the plump face, but she smacks down on body image sexism as a whole, by labeling it as “a misogynistic assault on all women.” She writes: “The assault on our body image, the hypersexualization of girls and women […] and the general incessant objectification is what this conversation allegedly about my face is really about.”
After pointing out that part of the puffiness was due to an illness which required her to take steroids, she says, “When my skin is nearly flawless, and at age 43, I do not yet have visible wrinkles that can be seen on television, I have had ‘work done,’ with media outlets bolstered by consulting with plastic surgeons I have never met who ‘conclude’ what procedures I have ‘clearly’ had. (Notice that this is a ‘back-handed compliment,’ too—I look so good! It simply cannot possibly be real!)”
The Missing star, of course, isn’t the only celeb to recently come under fire for her appearance. Renee Zellweger’s pursed lips, Jessica Simpson’s weight gain and Lindsey Lohan’s… well…everything, are only a few examples of the harsh scrutiny celebs face from the media. But Judd’s thoughtful approach to the matter is certainly refreshing.

THEY SAID:
Jezebel: “There’s a line between reasonable attention and unreasonable scrutiny, and, for my part, I’d rather sacrifice a few good jokes about the flavor-of-the-week’s gaping coke nostril than contribute any more to the commodification and dehumanization of women. My feminism doesn’t end where your celebrity begins.” [Jezebel]
Huffington Post: “With her willingness to talk back (and moreover, write back), Ashley joins the list of celebrities who have defended themselves in the media against excessive body scrutiny.”

WE SAID:
Lesa Hannah, beauty director: “I thought it was awesome for her to speak up, as well as make it an opportunity to talk on a broader scale about the issue with constantly speculating about who’s had what done. Unfortunately, entities such as Nicole Kidman’s lips and Lindsay Lohan’s well, from the neck up, she will never be able to escape prying, suspicious, judgmental eyes.”

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Channel Emma Stone, Kate Bosworth and Lauren Conrad with 10 feminine picks under $100 | Hollywood yohana



Designers are not the only ones on a sugar high this spring: pretty pastels and lovely touches of lace were first spotted down the Spring 2012 runways at Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Christopher Kane, and now have been spotted on stars such as Kate Bosworth, Lauren Conrad and Emma Stone. But don’t think you need to have a red carpet event on the agenda to wear this look—lace-lined dresses and pale shades of green, pink and yellow are a perfect fit for garden parties or weekend cocktails. 

Andrej Pejic in hot water after using the “N” word on Twitter | Hollywood yohana




It seems Andrej Pejic can’t stay away from controversy for too long. The It model is raising brows yet again, but this time, it’s not because of a gender-bending editorial; he’s ticked off a lot of people by tweeting the “N” word.
Oh No They Didn’t posted a screengrab of the brow-raising tweet, which provoked an outpour of offended commenters who were not impressed by Pejic’s unapologetic attitude (the tweet has not been deleted).
What was he thinking? Well, the tweet was in reference to his viral YouTube video—a parody of a transvestite dating profile from the LES looking for  “a real white n****.”

However, not everyone understood the chancy humour.  One person commented “Ugh.” Regardless, saying the “N” word on Twitter in general, especially when you have over 27,000 followers, is not the best idea, as it’s bound to offend someone.
If you think Pejic is contriving ways to do some much-needed damage control, think again. He added more fuel to the fire, tweeting about his New Now Next Awards speech (he was honoured at the annual event), which aired last night. He tweeted:
“Hate how they cut out the first part of my speech abt the catholic church on NNN awards! Since when are the queens religious!?” […] “I thanked Jesus and the Catholic Church and then I said “oh just kidding”…ooops :D”


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Spring beauty report 2012: Slippery slope | Hollywood yohana

Spring beauty report 2012: Slippery slope

 It was sink or swim backstage, where wet hair and glistening skin were major beauty themes to surface this season. At Bottega Veneta and Diesel, Guido Palau crafted dripping chignons and misty ponytails. At Alexander Wang, models looked like they had just hopped out of the shower. The sopping effect wasn’t achieved with H2O but with argan hair treatment “until you really get it looking wet,” says Palau. Super-hydrated skin with a healthy sheen was reminiscent of an Olympian post-workout, or in the case of Missoni, a girl who had been up all night flamenco dancing—the models’ dewy complexions achieved through artful placement of metallic cream shadow. That shine could also result from plenty of Botox, according to makeup artist Val Garland, who simulated that supernatural skin for Giambattista Valli by strategically applying a pink-gold pigment on the planes of the face.

Smythe’s doing Pre Fall now. Peep the look book! | Hollywood yohana



 Good news for all jacket (or Kate Middleton)-philes. Canadian label Smythe, best known for their impeccably tailored blazers, has launched its first ever Pre-Fall collection. Designed for “fallmer” (the season between summer and fall, most commonly known as Pre Fall), the collection is chock full of shearling, patterns and slouchy boyish silhouettes perfect for that unpredictable temperate weather. We can definitely see these London-inspired looks on Kate Moss or Sienna Miller (and not just because the model is her doppelganger). The collection will be available nationwide in June.
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Rachel McAdams Makes Her Own Fashion Rules | Hollywood yohana

Rachel McAdams 
 
We don't know if Rachel McAdams  is planning to steal the show for the entire 11 days of Cannes, but she sure is on a winning streak. While some fashion critics have spun themselves into a tizzy over the fact that the actress isn't wearing a gown at the formal affair, we think the leading lady looks drop dead gorgeous. After all, the most groundbreaking trendsetters don't always play by the fashion rules!
Her Monique Lhuillier tan, high-waisted trousers and elaborately sequined bustier make for a modern glam look that certainly raised a few eyebrows. A mix of silver and gold baubles (yet another so-called fashion rule broken!) and a glimmering gold clutch completed the bold ensemble.
Here's to hoping the fashion police don't make a mockery of the fearless fashionista—she should be rewarded for such maverick moves!

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An under-the-sea gradient manicure inspired by Peter Pilotto | Hollywood yohana



 The single-nail style of gradient manicure has been making the rounds on nail blogs recently—thanks in part to its simple application method (I swear!) and its endless colour possibilities. It’s also a favourite of L.A.-based nail artist Madeline Poole, whose cheery sunset-ish designs will convince anyone to make this her next manicure. And when it comes to translating spring’s underwater trend into nail art, what could be better than a deep blue to foamy white gradient? Peter Pilotto’s aquatic print—as well as the illustration that accompanied it in our March issue—served as the perfect Nail Corner inspiration. Time to break out a makeup sponge and find out how to do this manicure!

Nail Corner: A tribal manicure inspired by Burberry Prorsum’s zig-zaggy prints | Hollywood yohana

 
 
 
 


 Our spring trend guide continues to be a source of inspiration for Nail Corner, and this week Burberry Prorsum’s tribal prints have been transformed into a manicure. For this design, mushroom-grey and deep-blue stripes are brought to life with alternating rows of neon orange, creating a zigzag pattern that almost pulses off the nail. And just like Burberry’s pattern, this manicure is asymmetrical—which adds even more movement and fun to the design.




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