I’m in the process of writing a research paper on Issey Miyake and so excited that my first stop for information is my very own library and a book by Mark Holborn on this innovative designer. The bright colors and the blurred focus of this photo make it my favorite of the of the “Flying Saucer” dress from the Spring/Summer 1994 collection. In its unworn state, it looked somewhat like a flattened lantern and artfully fit over the body like a slinky.
It’s been about 6 months since my last post because lots of new and exciting things have taken hold of my free (aka Blog) time. One of them being the pursuit of a marketing degree to balance my creative side with some official business chops. As you can imagine, school in addition to being a makeup artist doesn’t leave a lot extra hours in the day, but I had to make some time this morning for this video from Kodak. It’s as screen test for Kodachrome film shot in 1922. After only seeing moving images from this era in black and white, this color footage is pure magic!
It seems the film itself didn’t actually capture the colors at the time of shooting, but was a complex process to achieve the lovely color palette we see here. To read more fascinating and detailed information about this video, check out Kodak’s blog post.
If you’ve ever been late to a party because you were trying to get that edgy graphic eyeliner perfect, give Mily Makeup‘s Simply Liners a try. They’re made from a flexible tape that easily bends to the eye shape and they’re also reusable so you can play with placement to get the exact look you want. Not shown here is the all black set, but- no surprise- I’m partial to this brightly colored collection.
I’ve taken a bit of a hiatus from “marisaland” as, in addition to my makeup and color work, I also have design and research projects so it’s been a bit hectic. However, I recently picked up an out-of-print copy of “Fashion Illustration in New York” by Pater Sato from 1985 and I immediately had to share. I’ve always had a passion for this art form and this collection, from a time when illustrations were used in advertising just as much as models, is a true gem. The image above by Mats Gustavson is one of my favorites, not only because I’m fond of red and purple as a color combination, but the black background has me totally captivated. Of course, being the makeup junkie I am, I’m also completely smitten with these colorful beauty illustrations.
artist credits from top: 1, 2 &3 by David Croland, 4 & 5 by Mats Gustavson
It seems zombies are everywhere- in movies, prime time television and sometimes caught walking around in the streets. They’re even invading my dreams except for there, they look like this 1992 photo taken by makeup artist Stephane Marais, included in his book, “Beauty Flash”. Made from a compilation of Polaroids he took while at work, it features his fabulous and “over the top” makeup designs and it’s chock full of 90′s Super Models! This is one of my favorites though, because not only am I a big fan of Kristin McMenamy, but I think she is the perfect choice to pull off such an eery, but yet beautiful look.
We hear about nude lips all the time, but not much attention is given to the nude cheek. Perhaps that’s because it’s not as dramatic as the former, however having the right shade of nude for the effect you’re after is something that makeup artists deal with constantly. Sometimes nude can be a more of blush so having some sun or pink is desired. Other times its purpose is solely to contour the face and create shadow and for this, shades of taupe or brown (depending on the skin tone) are needed. However, in all the conversations I’ve had with other artists about this topic, we seem to agree that the elusive “perfect nude” would have a little bit of everything, while not leaning too much towards any one of them in particular. Sounds like a challenge for me to make one- and I’ll take it! Stay tuned…
Some of my favorites from my kit
I just placed an order for the most fabulous book! “Classic Beauty: The History of Makeup” by Gabriela Hernandez is not only filled with photographs of famous starlets in glamorous looks, but also includes images of vintage cosmetics and the color palettes that were popular by era. Ms. Hernandez is a makeup artist and cosmetics historian who did lots of research for her own makeup line called Besame Cosmetics, which was inspired by vintage products from the 40′s, and now she is sharing it with all of us. Thank you Gabriela!
These photos are from one of my favorite books in my collection, “Disco Chic: All the Styles, Steps and Places to Go” published in 1979. Inside is a treasure of top tips for the right clothing to wear, the right dance moves to make and best of all- a whole chapter on makeup. Not only are there instructions for highlighting and contouring (very important for this era), but also included are fun fantasy ideas. I love these feather lash looks from 33 years ago because back then, one had to buy feathers and glue them on individually whereas today, ready-made versions are available everywhere.
I have dreams about being in this place all the time. Biba’s Rainbow Room restaurant and nightclub was a hangout for rock stars and other cool types back in the 70′s. This multicolor ceiling set the mood for hundreds of nights of fabulosity and I long to step into a time machine for just one of them. If you don’t already own a book about the legendary Biba store, you must get one immediately because the images will knock your fishnet stockings off! Designer Barbara Hulanicki created not just a store, but a glamorous world that also offered “an experience” and basically invented what we know today as lifestyle marketing.
Aside from makeup, my other true love is music and when the two are paired together to create something fantastic- I’m in heaven. That’s exactly how I felt the first time I saw this video performance of “Lipstique”. No real lyrics, just shades of lipstick (my favorite product!) spoken over a hypnotic beat while various drag performers put on their faces. The transformations alone are worth watching it for, as this type of application is a special talent all it’s own- but the combination of all the elements together makes it extra fabulous.