Where the magic of beautiful hair and make-up happens
Our breathtaking sunrise
A quick selfie before we start shooting
The location house was stunning with spectacular views
Images of a shot on the computer monitor
We witness a boat on fire and report it to the emergency department who send helicopters and water police out to investigate — never a dull moment!
The pool was to die for and basically situated on a cliff
It’s a wrap for the day — I take my glamourous do home
The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia wrapped up yesterday after a five-day event in Sydney and once again the weight debate of models hits front page news.
Jackie Frank, the editor/publisher of Marie Claire spoke out against the weight of some of the models used in this weeks fashion show, now dubbed “The Hunger Games”. One model in particular was in designer, Alex Perry’s show.
The model in question came down the runway looking unhealthily rail thin in one of Perry’s gowns.
Sydney – Models walk the runway at the Alex Perry show. Photo: Getty Images.
Frank spoke out publicly at her shock and even called the models agent, hoping they would help her get healthy and to do something about her rail-thin appearance.
Alex Perry apologised for the slip-up and for his “serious lapse of judgement from my part that I actually let that happen”.
This is what needs to happen NOW:
1. Designers need to INCREASE their sample sizes
2. DON’T book models who are too skinny and look unhealthy
That’s where it starts. From there, the models don’t have the pressure to starve themselves to fit in to the samples the designers create. From there, you get healthy, happy models who actually look beautiful.
I personally love shape, form and curves in general and the supermodels of the 1980’s are my favourite women of the modeling era. They were healthy, gorgeous and they worked non-stop, sending positive body image messages to young girls like myself, who wanted to be just like them.
What kind of message is the image above sending society that include so many young and impressionable girls? That it’s okay and acceptable? I applaud Frank that she spoke out with such gusto — well done to you Jackie!
More has to be done and immediately. Let the designers take the lead by taking the pressure off models and what size they are. There is nothing sexier than a woman with curves and flesh! That’s what I want to see on the runways of the world.
Let’s not forget a picture is worth a thousand words.
L.
xoxo
After an exciting editorial shoot today in Sydney (more to come about that when I’m allowed to discuss it), I flew to Melbourne to start shooting for a new client. Beautiful day, beautiful weather in both cities and states.
I removed my make-up before leaving the Alexandria studio and used the best eye make-up remover I’ve ever applied to my face with round cotton pads.
I’m all about natural and organic in life however, some shoots I have more eyeliner, eyeshadow and mascara on and around my eyes to sink a ship. Sometimes I need to call in a big gun like Dior.
Dior Instant Eye Makeup Remover
Dior’s Instant Eye Makeup Remover is gentle, instant and not too greasy. It removed my make-up so easily and quickly — I simply had to share it with you if you’re not already familiar with the product.
Have you used Dior’s make-up remover before?
What’s your favourite and why?
Is there a ‘natural’ alternative you can recommend?
L.
xoxo
I have finally joined the Instagram community — thanks to Lee my fabulous agent at HHMG. I gave in and am loving the experience so far. Can I hear you saying, “I told you so?”
Many faces at work – one of my new Instagram images
Images are so powerful and as we all know — are worth a thousand words or thereabouts.
I love the creativity and the possibilities are endless. The fact that it’s instant and quick is a big thing for me.
Many faces at work – another Instagram shot
You can find me at ‘holdtheglamour’ so don’t be shy and say hello. Perhaps I can get a look into your world too…
Be well.
L.
xoxo
Sydney – Samartis + Ducker photographic studio opening
Last night I was invited to the opening of Samartis + Ducker’s photographic studio opening in Sydney. I met Jeremy Ducker for the first time last year and was introduced to his lovely and charming wife Leona Edmiston – a successful Australian fashion designer.
Dijana Mulhearn & I share a selfie at the opening
Nick Samartis is an international photographer now residing in Sydney with his family. He and Jeremy have collaborated and produced this beautiful space where you have the choice of a small white set/stage and a gorgeous interior for additional shot options all in the one large area. They have done a great job.
The photographic studio
The party started at 6.30pm and guests mingled outside the studio entrance. After an hour or so, everyone moved inside to continue their toasting and kind exchanges.
The crowd is growing
Dijana & I having a laugh
Many celebrities turned out in support of the opening. They included DJ Damon Downey who was spinning some fabulous tunes inside the studio. It was hard not to notice the music or his über cool outfit (black tux with black Bermuda shorts). Channeling Pharrell Williams at the recent Oscars perhaps?
The food was like a medieval feast
The food table was simply amazing — nobody dared go near it for a long time. Once a couple of game and brave guests had a go, the rest soon followed. You couldn’t make your way to the food after a while — people were busy stuffing their faces and I couldn’t blame them!
The mezze table was irresistible
Wait staff waltzed around the party with delicious finger food, canapes and an assortment of drinks.
Danielle Spencer was one of the many guests who attended
Other familiar faces that attended the opening include Danielle Spencer, Peter Mochrie and Deborah Hutton.
It was a successful night in my opinion — wherever there is laughter there is fun and wonderful memories.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Samartis-Ducker-Limited-Superstudio/776465089047965
Yesterday I met a friend at this very cool and chic place called Saxon + Parole on Bowery Street, New York City.
It was my first time there and I was pleasantly surprised to see something rather different and interesting as far as a bar/restaurant goes, especially after spending so many years in this great city. Everyone is trying to stand out, get noticed and be original.
Saxon + Parole Bloody Mary Bar
On display was this extensive Bloody Mary Bar — more ingredients that I’ve ever seen for the drink. You get to customise your own cocktail. Pure genius as you become part of the process.
Cocktail Cabinet Program
I’ve never seen a Cocktail Cabinet such as the one I saw yesterday. The bartender Maxim explains the small bottles are filled with customised cocktails which are kept under lock-and-key for its members.
Personalised Cocktail bottles
The members pay $75 a month for the privilege and each bottle contains approximately 15.5 ounces or 460 millimeters. That’s roughly 5-7 drinks.
For the monthly charge, your name and cocktail is written on your personalised bottle. You get immediate service upon your arrival and you can even nominate friends to drink your poison, even if you aren’t present. They are very serious about their cocktails.
Saxon + Parole bar
The bar is big and vast. As we were leaving around dusk, it started to fill up very quickly. The noise level increased too. It seems to be many a New Yorker’s favourite watering hole.
Saxon + Parole dining area
The restaurant closes between 3-5.30pm, which is precisely when my friend and I were there. We enjoyed the quieter and calmer time of the day. We were able to enjoy a cocktail or two, chat and catch-up without too much going on around us.
Have you ever been to Saxon + Parole? If so, what are your thoughts?
Is there another bar you’ve visited somewhere in the world which has a similar concept? Perhaps a completely original one?
Would you enjoy the Bloody Mary Bar or become a member of the customised Cocktail Cabinet Program?
Yesterday I returned to New York after being on the road traveling and working in rainy San Francisco and cloudy Europe this last week or so. I feel so lucky I made it back to the Big Apple in time.
Today is another story — up to 9.5 inches of snow, sleet and ice has accumulated in Central Park since midnight. The sixth snow storm pounds the area for the season and late tonight the experts are predicting an additional 2-4 inches — really?
NYC – the snow keeps coming
New York City has almost doubled its average in snow totals this winter and it’s not over yet. The average accumulations in Central Park are approximately 25 inches and as of yesterday the city has had 45.5 inches of snow dumped since December.
This winter is going down as one of the top 10 worst in history. Weather like this affects so many people and businesses nationally.
Some 50,000 flights have been cancelled or rescheduled this year alone due to winter weather snow storms, not to forget mass transportation — buses, trains and the NYC subway are also affected today. It’s incredible.
NYC – snow totals 9.5 inches today
For someone who travels around the world for my business and career relying on trains, planes, airports and schedules to be on time and operating, it can be crippling, frustrating, stressful and dangerous to say the least.
I just managed to escape being stranded this time as I’ve fortunately done so many other times (delays are-a-plenty). Thousands today aren’t so lucky — I truly feel for them.
It’s cold, you don’t have a bed to sleep in, the hotels are all booked out, your competing with others simply to get home, stranded for days in most cases and there are no answers and solutions to help you make sense of Mother Nature.
This harsh winter has simply been brutal — New Yorker’s are over it and for the 3300 flight cancellations simply today, spring can’t come soon enough. Bring on the sunshine and above freezing temperatures. New York is ready for it.
Have you been stranded at an airport or city due to weather cancellations before? If so, do tell.
What’s the worst story you’ve heard?
What did you do to make it through?
I’d love to share some product favourites I’ve come across of late — I’ve re-discovered L’OREAL Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara after the longest time. It does what it says… it’s a no brainer!
As you know, I love a good lash and if a mascara doesn’t deliver then it’s out. You don’t need to build up the lashes with layers and layers of product that eventually weigh down your lashes.
Whilst in Australia last month, I discovered this soft and feminine scent called Vanitas by Versace. I really love the fragrance as it develops onto the skin. I can hardly smell it after I put it on and the compliments I get surprise me.
http://www.versace.com/en/fragrances/women/vanitas
Another fabulous product I love is the NARS matte lip pencil. Annette McKenzie uses them all the time and we always get fabulous results.
The lip pencils look matte however, my lips never feel dry. You get the wear without the chapped, dry skin which is a plus.
http://www.narscosmetics.com/color/lips/lip-pencils/velvet-matte-lip-pencil/bahama
Have you made any new or exciting product discoveries of late?
What product/s turn you on?
What beauty product do you find difficult to live without?
Last week the crew and I finished shooting the autumn catalogue for Modern Curve by Ezibuy in Sydney.
Keep an eye out for a great pair of black-coated jeans, some cute rain coats and a studded black top I loved — very rock n’ roll indeed.
I have some behind-the-scene photos below.
Enjoy the rest of summer Southern Hemisphere and have safe fun in the sun!
A fabulous location house we shot in at Potts Point
We shot by the huge windows, getting beautiful light for our pictures
It’s another location day at Walsh Bay, with the talented Deb Bowen styling
Modeling one of the cute rain coats I mentioned above
Deb Bowen making some final adjustments to my outfit
A make-shift studio was made to ensure we had beautiful light to shoot on such a grey day
In the studio shooting one of the cover options
I love what Annette McKenzie has created with my hair — it’s a new fresh approach for Modern Curve
My messy but finished hair is my new personal favourite. I think we have started something Annette!
What hair style do you love most for yourself?
What is the craziest hair style you’ve had?
Do you like to change your hair colour or style often?
Hold the Glamour 