Cleopatra

"Her palace shimmered with onyx and gold, but was richer still in political and sexual intrigue. Above all else, Cleopatra was a shrewd strategist and an ingenious negotiator. Though her life spanned fewer than forty years, it reshaped the contours of the ancient world. Already she was the wealthiest ruler in the Mediterranean; the relationship with Antony confirmed her status as the most influential woman of the age. Cleopatra has lodged herself in our imaginations ever since."
This is the synopsis from Stacy Schiff's book Cleaopatra: A Life.

A new adaptation of Cleopatra's life is being made into a Hollywood motion picture to be starred by Angelina Jolie as the Eqyptian Queen, most famously played by Elizabeth Taylor in the 1963 movie.

Her jet black hair, bronzed contours and kohled eyes were perfectly depicted by Elizabeth, making for an iconic style whose influence has stretched to reach Tina Turner, Cheryl Cole and even late Michael Jackson!

My own tribute to this historic vintage queen was with my Bathing Goddess photoshoot:

The Line of Beauty

The Line of Beauty exhibition opens at Somerset House to celebrate the iconic fashion images of illustrator Rene Gruau.

His sketches using brush, pen and ink were used to advertise fashion house's collections, perfumes and accessories. He used techniques from Japonism and Kabuki theatre to emphasise the makeup, masks and styling in his artwork making him the creative director, camera man and makeup artist of his time!!!

A close and personal friend to Christian Dior made Rene's work for the House of Dior his most remembered.
Dior's current designer John Galliano, describes of Rene "for me a Gruau sketch captures the energy, the sophistication and daring of Dior"

Miss Dior the first branded au de toilette from Dior was launched in 1949 with a swan illustration from Gruau sporting a black bow and pearl necklace.

His art and advertising images went on to put Dior on the fashion the pages of Vogue in the days before photography took over from Fashion Illustration.


Dior Illustrated: René Gruau's Line of Beauty' is at Somerset House from 10 November 2010 to 9 January 2011

Making Over @ Oxjam Music Festival

Lucky for me I am heading the makeup team for this years Oxjam Music Festival http://www.oxfam.org.uk/Oxjam which is raising money for Oxfam to make a difference to those affected by poverty all over the world.

Together with my assistants we will be making over 10 beautiful models, helping to showcase the collections of 2 great designers; Eva Grygo and Mi Kyoung Kim.

Great music, live acts, fashion show and beer, wine and vodka ... should be great fun  )

For more info and how to attend see FB group :
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=146527058704604

Pics, vids and other goss to follow xx

Getting Started

Hi all

Welcome to my makeup blog! Lipstick diaries will updates you on all the fashion shoots, music videos, commercials and shows I am working on. As well as makeup, art and fashion news I hope you will like.

Posts coming soon

Mandy xx