Mens Fashion Week, Paris SS12

Our mission here at AEA is to appreciate things that are aesthetically beautiful. So when I was chosen to go to the beautiful city of Paris to be a backstage makeup artist with the AOFM pro team for Men’s Fashion Week, my heart skipped a beat and my dreams and ambitions played out before me.

Let me give you a background story...
I studied at the Academy of Freelance Makeup (AOFM) in 2009, successfully completing a makeup artistry and session styling hair course. The academy prides itself on being the only premier makeup school that offers their graduates aftercare and work experience like no other. Upon graduation 2 years ago I have been able to secure myself numerous shows at London Fashion Week, a few editorial photo shoots, Graduate Fashion Week and now the breathtaking opportunity to go to Paris all on behalf of AOFM.

Paris excites me because of its mood, the romance, architecture, the literary institutions, and the cuisine. Culturally, architecturally, artistically it's an amazing place.

We were heading to Paris, 3 other graduates from the academy and I, to assist Head Makeup Artist and superb individual, Michelle Webb. This was a dream come true and being a lover of all things fashion and fabulous...FYI, Paris is the fashion capital of the world! Another element to digest in the whirlwind of matters was that we are being sent to do Men’s Fashion Week...PHEW! Eager to find out who the designer was for the show we were heading I did some quick research on Vogue.com and Style.com. My heart raced again when I saw the big designers featuring...John Galliano, Dior Homme, Roland Mouret, Givenchy, Lanvin...

Roland Mouret it was and how truly fabulous.

Mouret is a French fashion designer who began his career in 1979 when he enrolled in a Parisian fashion college. He quickly abandoned his studies to gain life experience. In Mouret’s early years of his career he developed an appreciation of simplicity, sensuality in design and a consciousness of the female figure. This is apparent in his form-enhancing pieces that juxtapose austerity and sensuality.

Mouret presented his first collection at London Fashion Week in 1998 and since then has gone on to have a successful and be well respected designer.

In September 2005, Roland Mouret introduced to the world the now ubiquitous Galaxy Dress. Shortly thereafter, Hollywood A-list starlets such as Cameron Diaz, Demi Moore, Rachel Weisz, Scarlett Johansson and Victoria Beckham embraced the brand and designer. The Daily Telegraph described the dress as the ‘dress of the season’, ‘the most recognizable dress of the last decade'. Mouret explained that the inspiration for the iconic dress were curvaceous celebrities Scarlett Johansson and Dita Von Teese.

In January 2010, Mouret presented, for the first time, a Menswear collection. Back to the present day, Mouret showcases Mr, his spring summer 12’ menswear collection in Paris.
A quick Eurostar ride and we are in Paris, the City of Light. The weather was stunning, hot with a cool careless breeze. The Parisians looked effortlessly stylish whilst lingering in the cafes or taking in the panoramic views, watching the horizons from any of the beautiful bridges.

A few Parisian hours later, including a crepe and a cocktail, we were seated in the flawless restaurant Kong by Kenzo in a trendy and decadent part of the City centre. After a delightful time of cocktails and dinner with the directors of the Academy, Jana and Jason, we all set off back to our hotels to get some beauty sleep in preparation of the show in the morning.

8am beautiful sunshine again and we arrived at the grand Westin Hotel for Fashion Week. This hotel was jaw-dropping in its architecture and presence. It was simply stunning inside and outside.

Backstage I peeped Roland Mouret getting a haircut, then surprisingly very cool and calm backstage. We had 20 male models to makeup, some of which had just flown from Milan Fashion Week or just finished the Prada or Givenchy show. The brief of the makeup was clean, flawless and matte.

Here’s what we used:
· Bioderma Cleanser
· Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner
· Moisturiser
· Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick
· MAC Studio Finish Concealor or Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealor
· MAC Blot Powder Pressed or MAC Translucent Finishing Powder
· Lip balm

This is how they looked:

My favourites models of the show Kim Dall’armi and Dylan Garner. Dylan is from Wales is relatively new to the scene but still has some big names under his belt. Check out their pictures from other shows and shoots at: http://models.com/models/kim-dall-armi http://www.elitemodellondon.co.uk/details.aspx?modelid=520620&nav=2&subid=5574&mainsubid=5574&indx=0&from=

Take a look at the shows press coverage at: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2012MEN-MRRMOURET

Our time in Paris was almost up. We had a few hours left to sightsee and relax, so after some lunch we were off to the Eiffel tower. Well almost... take a look.
Saying goodbye to Paris was not hard because I know I be going back whether it for work matters or personal pleasure. I have now fallen in love with the City and it now has my heart. Many thanks go out to AOFM for the indescribable experience and opportunity.

For more information about AOFM, please see links below:
http://www.aofmakeup.com/
For more information about Michelle Webb, please see link below:
http://www.michellewebb.com/

Until next time
AEA x x

Inside The Mind: Erzumah Ackerson

As creative individuals we like to surround ourselves around other like-minded creatives, to keep our minds stimulated. Whether that be make-up artists, beauticians and cosmetologists like ourselves or photographers, fashion designers, artists, writers, architects, dancers, singers or songwriters.

We believe that most creative people are deep thinkers and extremely curious, therefore our aim is to stimulate your minds and go inside the minds of creative go-getters that we are inspired by....

A few weeks ago we posted a blog about Bestow Elan the fashion line of the talented Erzumah Ackerson. We asked her a few questions and picked her brains to find out information about living life in fashion and any advice she could offer to anyone who was considering fashion as a career or just anyone who lives, breathes and sleeps fashion like us...

Happy reading guys and dolls...

AEA: Do you feel your formal fashion education at London College of Fashion helped prepare you for working in the industry?
EA: I studied at London College of Fashion only to Foundation level, but did short pattern-cutting courses along the way. I think at the time I felt a bit discouraged because my designs and ideas were often misunderstood and misconstrued, therefore it left me feeling as if my only option was to conform, and to do what was considered ‘fashion design’. Being self taught – which I consider myself as being is another experience. It gives you the scope to be more experimental and to try out many of your ideas - some might argue it’s a longer process to getting to know where your strengths lie, but I don’t agree. You’re not fed outdated ideologies and processes; you can create your own business model and gain more practical experience through your hands on experiences.

AEA: If you weren’t a designer what would you be?
EA: I would probably be working within the arts or a writer – I think once you’re a creative, your actual skill is transferable to whatever craft you choose.

AEA: What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion?
EA: Start small and slowly. I experience a lot of designer who come straight out of University and spend thousand each season creating collections that aren’t particularly saleable, because they are certain they are ‘The next Best Thing’. It’s a very expensive business, so always remember that it’s a business.

AEA: Where do you get your design inspiration?
EA: My biggest inspiration is structures. I tend to translate my own style through shape and colour. I’m also influenced by both vintage and classic aesthetics.
One of my motivations to design is the knowledge that many people may never become aware of their god given gift, and I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity to express myself through one of my gifts, it’s very humbling.

AEA: What is the best perk in being a designer?
EA: I didn’t realise there were any perks in being a designer, LOL … I guess you can be flown across the world to show your collection. I think an advantage would be you are not likely to be at a party wearing the same garment as anyone else.

AEA: What is the most difficult aspect of running your own label versus i.e. design, production, sales, finance and advertising?
EA: The most difficult reality is until you are able to afford to outsource your work; you’re going to have to be multifaceted. This usually entails you being a designer, pattern-cutter, sales and marketing person - as well being able to keep your head above water. Most designers think their first collection is going be their making, but I think they need to maintain a realistic mindset and think for the long term as opposed to the now.

AEA: What do you wish people would understand about working in the fashion industry?
EA: When you’re starting out in a fashion business, you get a lot of conflicting information. Often enough your lack of experience is going to inevitably result in mistakes. Unfortunately, this isn’t the industry where you have a lot room for error. Simply because there’s a large financial outlay before you’ve even started getting to market, which can, if you don’t get it right first time, be very costly. So if there isn’t the financial support to repeat the process again, you’re out of business. Try to set up your infrastructure first.

AEA: What trends do you see being big for 2011 and 2012?
EA: I’m not really influenced by trends, but I think block rich colours will continue to be trends, as well as very floating romantic silhouettes.

AEA: Who is your style icon?
EA: I have really grown to like Solange Knowles’s eclectic style; she maintains chic fun looks, whilst still staying true to her self.

AEA: Where do you love to shop?
EA: I like Reiss and shop at Spitalfields Market, East London/City

AEA: What your favourite item of clothing?
EA: At the moment, I’m really into skirts, long maxis, my own toga style skirt and pencil skirts.

AEA: What’s your mantra?
EA: My mantra has to be ‘Life Is For The Living’. This may sound obvious, but it always reminds me to really enjoy life, you have to consciously participate in it.

AEA: What’s next for Bestow Elan?
EA: I think the next episode includes breaking into new International markets and a few new collaborations.

Hope you enjoyed reading and please let us know what type creative individual you would like us to go inside the mind of next time.

Stay creative, inspired and fulfilled beauts x x

Paris Hawkins-Carr: Fresh New Designer Alert.

As we promised we planned to track down the brilliant designer Paris Hawkins Carr. Here at Aesthetically Ever After we did just that! We had the pleasure of viewing her designs at the wonderful Graduate Fashion Week Event in London and just wanted to share with you all a star in the making...

Paris was born in December 1989 in Essex. She attended the Southend School for Girls for her secondary education and her A-levels.

After finishing her A-levels, Paris secured a place at Birmingham University to study Fashion Design. During her time here she undertook a work placement at Todd Lynn where she gained a priceless insight into the fashion industry.

Through perseverance and hard work, Paris was lucky enough to design six outfits, make three of them and have a panel of judges decide on whether she would be aable to showcaes at GFW 2011. She found herself in the final 12 of 46 students who were give this fabulous opportunity.

This is what Paris had to say when we caught up with her...

AEA: Do you feel your formal fashion education at Birmingham University helped prepare you for working in the industry?

PHC: Definitely. To be a good designer I believe you need to be able to make what you want to design to know that what you are putting down on paper is realistic. In that sense the technicality of pattern cutting and sewing you need to be taught. But also being poked in the right direction design wise by tutors is always helpful.

AEA: If you weren’t a designer what would you be?

PHC: I originally geared my A levels up to be a doctor. To be honest I would still love to pursue that career if the fashion industry did not work out!

AEA:What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion?

PHC: I think you need to live, breathe and eat fashion, and certainly know what part of fashion you want to go into. Styling, retail management, design or garment technology for example. Design is a massive undertaking and so you need to know that that is what you are interested in before pursuing it as a career. There are a lot of people that realise they prefer the management side of fashion like buying, merchandising etc so my advice is research thoroughly first and maybe try and get some experience.

AEA: Where do you get your design inspiration?

PHC: I get it from anything and everything. As a designer I take inspiration from art, music and general popular culture and interpret it into clothing. I am most interested in people’s reaction to things that happen. My most recent inspiration was from the idea of death being about more the emotions of the living and the coping mechanisms when dealing with death. It went on to explore the idea that when a person is laid to rest their soul can be seen in transition between life and death in the form of the bird. Thus I literally showed the birds ripping away from the body.

AEA:What is the best perk in being a designer?

PHC: The most rewarding thing about being a designer, at this stage, is seeing my work in the catwalk in front of an audience. I have worked 8am-8pm for at least six months on my final collection and to see it out there being received by people and sparking a reaction is so amazing!

AEA: What is the most difficult aspect of running your own label versus i.e. design, production, sales, finance and advertising?

PHC: To be honest, on a personal level I would not know. My next step is, to hopefully, get a job in large high end designers and learn the different aspects of running a label. I did a placement with a designer called Todd Lynn over the summer and it was really interesting seeing his different challenges as a small up and coming label. I think with any business the financial side of things is extremely difficult, as a designer designing comes naturally but to confine that with money restrictions and to publicise and get the right amount of sales is extremely difficult and is probably why fashion is such a hard industry.

AEA: What do you wish people would understand about working in the fashion industry?

PHC: I think when I say I do fashion people think that I just go to fun parties. That’s really not the case I think the only reason people get that impression is that designers have to work so hard that when they do party they part hard!

AEA: What trends do you see being big for 2011 and 2012?

PHC: I’m not sure to be honest. As a designer I work in my own little bubble and present my designs to the world I don’t really manage to keep an eye on trends.

AEA: Who is your style icon?

PHC: Erm…. I don’t really know to be honest. I love Alexa Chung’s style but I love looking on blogs like face hunter for cool style ideas.

AEA: Where do you love to shop?

PHC: I do like Topshop however I like to mix it with vintage and second hand stuff. There is an amazing £2 stall in Birmingham Rag Market that sells the coolest stuff.

AEA: What your favourite item of clothing?

PHC: This jacket my boyfriends mum gave me from the 80’s.

AEA: What’s your mantra?

PHC: Fuck it. What will happen will happen.

AEA: What’s next for Paris Hawkins-Carr?

PHC: Hopefully move to London. Live the dream. Work for a high end fashion label.

We believe that this bright young star is going to be reaching unbelieveable heights in her fashion career. She speaks with passion, integrity and desire. Remember where you heard about her first.

To see more of Paris Hawkins-Carr you can go to http://parishawkins.blogspot.com/

It's all about the fashion, love AEA x x

Bestow Elan

BESTOW ELAN - Erzumah Ackerson's range for the discerning female.

After many catwalk shows and publications, Erzumah Ackerson releases her latest collection- The Silence is Deafening, which I had the amazing opportunity to create the make-up for the collections look book.

Ackerson draws her inspiration from "both classic and vintage stimuli, as well as influences from her heritage - which in turn allows her to create garments that are fitting for every occasion, and appeal to individuals from all walks of life. “

"The former London College of fashion student’s experiences within the industry include exhibiting her first collection in central London at Profile 4, assisting Jonathon Saunders, the print designer with his London Fashion Week debut, plus working on Russian label KISA LONDON’s Fashion Week collection."

For more informtion check out Bestow Elan online:
http://www.bestowelan.com/#/profile/4537729651

This wasn’t my first collaboration with the Bestow Elan brand, we first worked together back in 2009 for the Matyr A/W 09/10’ collection, so I was thrilled to be invited back to the team.

Like all creative professionals, we demand perfection, Ackerson is no different. She has a relentless perseverance to achieve excellence and this is shown on shoot and through her designs. She is warm, energetic and humble - an absolute pleasure to work with. The clothes speak for themselves; each has a story that speaks of heritage, decadence and glamour. See end of blog for some of my favourite pieces.

The beautiful Yasmina was our model for the day and boy was she an easy face to makeup. Great bone structure and lips that you want to try every shade of lipstick on.

For the makeup I used MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation in NW45, applied with a MAC #191 brush. I spritzed MAC Fix+ between application to get a creamy and flawless finish. I used MAC Paint in Bamboo as an eye primer then put on MAC’s new Big Bounce Eyeshadow in Trophy. These are actually amazing and come in 13 new colours. Pushed on top of that was MAC Pigment in Vanilla with a #239. I then got in a pigment frenzy and used Violet and Grape in the outer corners and through the socket line, leaving the lid clean-(Trophy and Vanilla). I lined the lashline with MAC Fluidline Blacktrack with a #266. Smoulder Eye Kohl was used in the waterline. Not that I thought she needed it but Yasmina’s cheeks were contoured with MAC Powder Blush in Raizin. Lastly for those outstanding lips, I defined the lipline with MAC Lip pencil in Currant and filled in with Hang Up. Obviously lots of mascara was used to complement and complete the eye makeup.

My favourite pieces:

Stunning...

Underground Edge...

Powerful...

This collection definitely gets a thumbs up from me, but what do you think guys?

AEA x x

Britain Has Definitely Got Talent- Backstage @ Graduate Fashion Week

Graduate Fashion Week was launched in 1991 and is a forum to showcase the very best BA Graduate fashion design talent in the UK.

I was selected with 22 other graduates from the Academy of Freelance Makeup (AOFM) to work backstage at GFW. We were sponsored by Rimmel London and were making up the very best models in the industry from agencies such as Storm, Select, Premier, ING, Ford and lots more. I felt very privileged and was buzzing to get started on day 1.

The event was held at Earls Court, London and rest of the AOFM team and I had a 7.45am call time... This was going to be hard for someone like me who loves their bed. However, I literally leapt out of bed on Sunday morning, enthused for what the day may bring.

As I thought as it was going to be long and demanding few days I would keep my own make up clean and simple. MAC Prep and prime skin, MAC Studio Fix Fluid, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish, MAC Raisin Powder Blush, MAC Eyeliner in Boot Black, MAC Eye Kohl in Smoulder and two coats of YSL Mascara. As you can probably tell I love MAC ha! Well I work for them but that is another story and another blog...

So day 1 we had 3 shows for 3 different universities- East London, Edinburgh and Salford. The brief for all of them were pretty natural... see image below. So using Rimmel London Match Perfection Foundation and Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation, we were able to create a flawless finish that was either matte or dewy and creamy.

By day 2, some of the universities requested that the models for their show have a strong, sexy and defined red or berry statement-Bristol, Bath and Birmingham. I was thrilled to do this as two things I class myself to have OCD about being a makeup artist is creating a perfect red lip and defining eyebrows...Eeeeekkkkk I’m getting excited just thinking about it. Using the Rimmel Lasting Finish 1000 kisses stay on lip contouring pencil in 021 Red Dynamite, we created a super slick, defined and kissable mouth. I filled in my models lips with Red Diva lipstick or Berry Fever.

Bath University (below) opted for a spin off 60’s feel to their makeup. White eye kohl in the waterline, lashings of mascara- Rimmel Glam’ Eyes Day 2 Night.

Continuing into day 3 the adrenaline was pumping backstage and it was empowering to work with a team of dedicated, creative and passionate individuals. A massive shout out is to the amazing L’oreal Session Styling Team who used Techni- Arts products. They created some absolutely fabulous high fashion hair styles. Not to mention they were all lovely and just as keen as us makeup artists to showcase their art.

I definitely underestimated the talent I was going to see and be working with at Graduate Fashion Week. These graduates are outstanding and deserve the recognition they gained at the glamorous event. They are definitely the future and I actually cannot wait to do next year.

I have two designers which have stuck in my head and I was blown away by. Now they may not be every ones cup of tea but equally you have to applaud their creativity and out-the-box thinking.

• Paris Hawkins-Carr- Birmingham University

• Isla Skelton- Birmingham University

I’m going to track down these two designers and get some more information about the inspiration behind the designs, favourite designers and life after graduate fashion week... Please stay tuned.