YakPak Backpacks

My shoulders are KILLING me from lugging around my laptop and textbooks between home to work to uni and back again. I guess I should get a backpack but I just don’t think I could wear one without having flashbacks to my dorky school kid days of looking like a turtle with this giant shell-like bag strapped to me!

Maybe I can be persuaded to make the move now YakPak are dropping their take on the schoolyard staple in a massive 26 new prints. Pioneering the trend in bringing fashionable prints to the backpack market, the New York-based is turning the once-boring bag into a fashion item.

YakPak Backpacks

Just like the rest of their products, the many styles of Yakpak backpacks are available at purse-friendly prices between $25 and $45. Head over to the YakPak website for stockists!

The good people over at M·A·C were kind enough to share their facecharts from the Fall 2010 shows during Milan Fashion Week. Today’s facecharts include: Kenzo, Emanuel Ungaro, Giambattista Valli, and Chloe, whose shows took place on Monday, March 8th and Tuesday, March 9th.

Kenzo

M·A·C artist, Tom Pecheux gave the models at Kenzo a multi-culti, elegant vibe. Said the artist, ” The Kenzo woman is an amazing woman-very multicultural with elegance and you’re never sure where she’s from. Add a peach color that is not too girly or bronzy-like a feel good color that is reminiscent of the 80’s. To give the look a “sick” quality, we have given them dry, mustard lips.” M·A·C Studio Sculpt Foundation was set with Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder to pale and perfect skin. Blush in Utterly Game was then washed over the cheeks and up across the brow bone in a soft “v” shape. Pecheux applied M·A·C Pigment in Lithe (available Fall 2010) to highlight the lids (using a #224 brush). Several coats of  Opulash Mascara in Bad, Bad Black were applied to both top and bottom lashes. For lips, Pecheux applied Lipstick in Chintz with Invisible Set Powder dusted on top to set.

Emanuel Ungaro

“She’s a young French girl going out at night-as natural as an evening look can be,” said M·A·C artist, Carole Lasnier of the look at Emanuel Ungaro. M·A·C Face and Body Foundation in White was applied for sheer, pale coverage. Full Coverage Foundation in White was used to conceal and highlight the under eye. Set Powder in Porcelain and Iridescent Powder in Silver Dusk was applied to highlight the cheekbone, while Powder Blush in Dame and Pink Swoon was brushed on to flush the cheeks very softly, in a girly way. Face and Body Foundation in White was applied to the eyelids as a base (to highlight). Set Powder in Porcelain was used to highlight the inner corner of the eye. Eye Shadow in Kid was smudged on the outer corner of the eye and blended outwards. Studio Fix Mascara in Black was then applied to top lashes only, while Brow Set in Clear was combed through the brows. For lips, Lasnier  applied Cream Colour Base in Pink Shock to the center of the mouth very softly with the fingers.

Giambattista Valli

M·A·C artist, Val Garland created a “neo-classical” vibe for the models at Giambattista Valli. Said the artist,” It’s Jean Shrimpton made more futuristic and sporty.” M·A·C Face and Body Foundation was applied as a base, while Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder was dusted on to set. Cream Colour Base was then applied to contour. Garland used M·A·C Eye Pencil in Coffee (to draw the slightest swish in the contour). Fluidline in Dipdown was applied very precisely with a #209 brush in a graphic, elongated bat wing shape. Fluidline in Blacktrack was then painted above the brown liner. Zoomlash Mascara in Lofty Brown was touched on to the roots of the lashes only. Chromacake in Pure White was painted on with a #209 brush half a centimeter below the lower lashes following the shape of the liner. Two pairs of #35 lashes were used for a heavy, hooded eye that’s sixties but more mechanical. Lips were kept muted with Lip Erase in Dim patted on to the mouth.

Chloe

“It’s the makeup of French actresses…Dominique Sanda, Carole Bouquet, very expensive and ultra luxe”, said M·A·C artist, Charlotte Tilbury of the look at Chloe. Tilbury used M·A·C Studio Sculpt Foundation sheered out with Mineralize All-Over Lotion. Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder was applied all over the skin to create a satin, matte finish. Pro Sculpting Powders in Sculpt, Shadowy, and Bone Beige as well as Powder Blush in Taupe contoured the cheekbones and was blended through the temples. Cream Colour Base in Air Force Blue was applied to the eyelids. Paintstick in Black mixed with the Cream Colour Base was blended into the crease of the lids. The same mix was applied onto lower lash line and blended. Pro Lash Mascara in Black was then applied to the roots of the lashes, while Brow Set in Beguile was brushed upwards through brows. Brow Pencil in Fling or Lingering was used to fill in sparse areas of the brows. Lips were kept nude with only Lipstick in Freckletone patted onto the mouth.

Image Layout: Indieprince

The Sony x Disney S Series Walkmen come in a rainbow of colors

It’s officially official: if you’re tired of drab electronics and want something bathed in an obscene amount of cuteness, you need to get up and haul arse to Japan.  After all, the country is only home to more Hello Kitty cell phones, digital cameras, and Mp3 players than you can shake a bundle of sticks at.  Feel free to add these recently released Disney x Sony S Series Walkmen to the kawaii gadgets pile.  The Sony S640 and S740 Walkmen already featured a decidedly mouse flavored control scheme on the front, but now you can make the connection more official with an engraved image of Mickey, Minnie, or the couple together gracing the back of your Mp3 player.  Each unit also has a 2 inch LCD screen, an FM radio, video playback capability, and an epic 42 hour battery life.  Sony has even managed to include some very capable noise canceling headphones with each player.  Available in a wide variety of hues, including black, green, gold, and violet ,the S640 and S740 each come in either 8GB or 16GB flavors with prices starting at 13,800 yen ($152) and going all the way up to 18,800 yen ($207).  Luckily, in this internet connected age, you can order these from the Japanese Sony Style store from the comfort of your futon.

Women Making History: Gabriela Hernandez

“I want to make a mark of what I am and who I was in the world…

I want to contribute something worthwhile through this line and inspire young women to follow their dreams.”

Gabriela Hernandez, founder of Bésame Cosmetics Inc., has brought artistry and romance back to the cosmetics industry. She has created a line infused with a romantic sensibility that is rich in historical details. Her inspiration for it all was sparked by a combination of her background in art and design, a love for feminine detail, and fond memories of her glamorous grandmother.

Today, we are excited to honor Gabriela as a Women Making History and share her story with you.

Gabriela, above, with Bésame boutique displays. The gold bullet packaging of her lipsticks is reminiscent of the decorativecases used during the post-war 1940’s when metal was in big demand for the war.

Immigrating to the United States from Buenos Aires, Argentina at the age of 12, she taught herself English and attended school in New York. After finishing high school in Los Angeles, she realized her true passion for art, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from the prestigious Art Center in Pasadena, California.

Gabriela’s professional career includes photography, art direction, fine art painting and design commissions. Also an accomplished make-up artist and cosmetic historian, Gabriela’s perspective is truly unique.

Launched in September 2004, Bésame Cosmetics was a culmination of Gabriela’s passion for design and her desire to create an original cosmetic with details and formulas that make women feel glamorous and unique. Gabriela created Bésame to become a company that reaches beyond the product, one with solid morals, which acts as a strong role model for young women.

Lifetime TV visited Gabriela at the Los Angeles home she shares with her husband, 16 year old son and 7 year old daughter age 7 and interviewed her for their Real Women series. View this video along with others from Gabriela’s video blog, covering inspiration, mascara and more, by visiting the Bésame Video Library.

Hernandez's was first inspired by her grandmother's original 1940s lipstick tube...technical drawings used by the factory to make the molds for the lipstick tubes helped her develop her product.

Bésame is committed to creating truly unique artful cosmetics, hand crafted to empower women to feel feminine, elegant, and glamorous. Besame is dedicated to creating responsible luxurious products that enhance beauty and improve well-being.

Gabriela's grace and elegance is translated in her writing...

M.I.S.S.: What woman, besides your mom or grandmother, do you find inspirational?

I find all women in business and public service inspirational. I admire women who dream and make those dreams come true in any field that interests them.

M.I.S.S.: You have a background in art and design, how did you get involved in the cosmetics industry?

I was asked by a client to design cosmetic packaging for several brands and became familiar with the process of production. It was challenging and I enjoyed the creative process of designing very feminine products for women. I was able to use this experience to design my line.

Bésame Classic Masterliner pencils are soft and velvety. Each pencil has two tips with complementary colors. There are 3 variations for eyes, 3 for lips, and one dual pencil for the brows. All are packaged in Bésame's signature gold-plated look.

M.I.S.S.: Why did you decide to start with lipstick?

The lipstick was the most iconic product of the era and I could make beautiful colors reproduced from the antiques I had collected in my travels.

M.I.S.S.: You employ tried and true processes and authenticity is a big part of your branding. Why is this important to you? Do you feel like you are keeping the lost art of lipstick alive?

It is important to me because I treat my products as I do artwork. I want to make things that I am proud of and that would make women feel special. The way we produce our items is also important, since we still hand pour our lipsticks and hand press our powders. We produce the quality, the feel and the craftsmanship of the past.

M.I.S.S.: The line has expanded to include lip glaze, lip and eye pencils, rouge, eye shadow and powder compacts. Do you have any plans to expand the line? A fragrance perhaps?

Yes. We are working on many new products as we speak. Our Souffle Foundation is returning, as well as a new balm and rouges. We are considering fragrance in the future.

The Bésame Classic Enchanting Lipsticks and Voluptuous Lip Colour sets are both affordable and make one bold statement—Be Glamorous Everyday!

M.I.S.S.: One of my favorite things about Bésame is the packaging and the vintage feel of the products – it has a very “lady like” vibe to it. Are your customers receptive to the vintage feel? Is it important to you to convey that “lady like” vibe with your products?

I am glad that I am communicating this with my designs. I do want to create a “lady” ambiance with my products. The way the products look contributes to the way the make you feel when you use them.

M.I.S.S.: What’s your favorite Bésame product that you’ve created?

The lipsticks hold special meaning for me, since they started this journey into cosmetics, but all my products are special since I work on them personally for months to years before they are ready to be released.

M.I.S.S.: Who do you want to work with?

I would really enjoy working with other designers, specially fashion designers. Any creative collaborations would be interesting since co-creating is a great leaning experience for me. Anything that lets me grow as a creative would be wonderful.

Bèsame signature embossed metal collectible cases hold Alluring Eye Shadows, elegant gold metal compacts house Cashmere Powders and a true recreation of a vintage rouge case with half-dollar mirror contains Boudoir Rouge.

M.I.S.S.: What part of creating cosmetics is the most challenging and do you dislike the most?

The most challenging is working on the formulas. There is a give and take in chemistry. You never get all you want, it is trial and error and compromise between efficacy, wearability and safety. I have learned patience from this process and have come to enjoy it. What I dislike the most is paperwork.

M.I.S.S.: Any advice for ladies who are just starting out in a career in the beauty industry?

Like any business, it has good and bad points. You should like the field enough to overlook the bad and relish in the good. Life is too short to waste it doing something you hate just for money.

Thanks so much, Gabriela!

For more information on Gabriela and Bésame products, please visit: www.besamecosmetics.com

Follow Gabriela on Twitter and feel free to ask her questions! She might just answer them in her video blog! Twitter.com/besamegirl

Terry Richardson Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Not sure if this is really “news”, but apparently, Terry Richardson is a perv. Um, have you seen his photos? Was there any doubt about him being a dirty person who probably didn’t hold women in the highest regard?

What’s different now is that the proof is not only in the photos, there are many women finally coming forward about their disturbing experiences with the famed photographer. The ladies at Jezebel broke the story and are “listening” – that is, if you had, or know of someone who had, sexually harassing contact with Mr. Richardson, they are taking submissions. You can read more about it on Jezebel:

Meet Terry Richardson, The World’s Most F—ked Up Fashion Photographer

Exclusive: More Models Come Forward With Allegations Against Fashion Photographer

I was never really a fan of Terry Richardson because his perverted-ness came through in his photos – now that I know how he actually treats women on set, I have utterly no respect for the man.  It’s a little pathetic who people put on pedestals because they are “cool” without actually looking at their character.  For me, Richardson is up there with American Apparel’s Dov Charney.  I wonder if this will have any effect on his career…let’s hope it does.

SXSW Day 1

After the disastrous travel day that was St. Patty’s Day Parade traffic, and successive layovers in Ft. Lauderdale, Memphis AND Greenville, the entire M.I.S.S. x Revery Media fam finally made it out to the South by Southwest Film Festival on late Wednesday in one piece (sorta!). With our equipment and schedule of the showcases in hand, we made our way to our hotel, stashed our crapola in the luxury that only a Days Inn in Austin, TX can provide (*sarcasm, anyone?*), and decamped for East 6th St!

The South by Southwest Music and Media Conference, now in its 24th year, is one of the major must-attend yearly musical festivals. With the focus on spotlighting new music, labels, and music-industry media trends, the Austin, Texas festival has grown from a small gathering to a nation-wide music frenzy. With thousands traveling from all over the country to attend the 5 day festival, the liberal college town in Central Texas becomes a mecca for hipster kids and those that love them for one week in March. Seriously– being at baggage claim at the Austin Airport was basically the same experience one has while riding down Bedford Ave in Williamsburg on a fixed gear. All we’re saying– beards were everywhere!

SXSW Day 1

The first day of the festival rolled along rather nicely. The Brooklyn Vegan Showcase blew the speakers out at Club Deville, with bands The Middle East and Dawes kicking things off. Elsewhere, NPR brought a bit of class to the night with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings and Broken Bells. Over at Aces Lounge, 2 AM Club, Mike Posner, and Bun B killed it. And, if you haven’t come across this tidbit yet in your morning blog troll, Nasty Nas straight ANNIHILATED the Levis/Fader Fort.

For us, though, the highlight of the day was definitely taking in all that the closed-down East 6th street had to offer. From hipster galore to drunk St. Paddy’s day … well, you know whats… the variety of people coming together to celebrate new music was a beautiful thing. We felt the love!!

Check in on M.I.S.S. for daily updates, including exclusive photos and video interviews with your favorite artists (trust us kiddies, we have some big ones coming) for the duration of SXSW… because it’s only Day 1! 4 more left and counting!

Rants & Raves

Edited by Ashe Mischief
I was taken aback when going through the submissions this week– there were so many powerful, strong, opinionated pieces that I felt really taken aback. With overwhelming positivity or negativity, the fashion community is finding it’s voice– and making themselves heard!

The fashion community is great at sharing the voice of others, and we’ve got several fabulous interviews to prove it. From Derek Lam at Poetic & Chic and White Rabbit’s interview with Irish woman Sinead Doyle (along with my own interview with Amelia Arsenic at Dramatis Personae), there are voices for everyone. We’ve got bloggers ranting on the lack of premium denim in plus-sizes at Denim Debutante (hell yeah!), and some showcasing inspirational figures like KOOS (at M.I.S.S.), Philip Crangi (at Eternal Masquerade), and Maria Felix (at Jewelry Whore).

There were so, so many great links this week, it really was hard to narrow it down to 2o. Check out the full listing of Links à la Mode here.

Links à la Mode : March 18th

• Bachman’s Sparrow – DIY post on how to use bleach to revamp your “unloved” clothes!
• blackdog finds: – How To: 10 Creative Ways to Revive Less-Than-Loved Clothing
• Denim Debutante: – Guest Blog: Is there Size Discrimination in Premium Denim?
• dramatis personae: – Amelia Arsenic’s Miss X Aesthetic Laboratories & Interview
• Fashion Hippo – Win Marc by Marc Jacobs Leola Bow Wow Handbag
• Fashion Pulse Daily: – Not Your Daughter’s Jeans: Fit for a Mother AND a Daughter?
• fete a fete: – Whiisical spring designs from Camper shoes
• Forty Not Out: – Louis Vuitton – Fall Winter 2010/2011
• Grechen Blogs: – are you incorporating video into your blog? how is it working for you?
• jesse.anne.o: – How do you swap, thrift or buy resale and NOT get bedbugs?
• Jewelry Whore: – “The Fabulous Jewels of Maria Felix, La Dona”
• M.I.S.S.: – Eyes To The Sky: Before BOHO There Was KOOS.
• Obsession: – How I Met Design Duo of Giles & Brother, Philip and Courtney Crangi
• Oranges and Apples: – Sustainable fashion part 2: thinking about speed
• Poetic & Chic: – A candid interview with Derek Lam, fellow San Franciscan and fellow high school alumni!
• Pretty Shiny Sparkly: – 4 hours ago It’s leather. It’s quilted. It’s a computer, for fashionistas.
• Style Symmetry: – Interview with the Stylish Sisters of Beckerman Bite Plate
• The Thinking Fashionista: – An in-depth, critical look at the Russian Futurist themes of Viktor & Rolf’s Fall 2010 show.
• The Working Man: – Incorporating Spring Into Your Working Look
• White Rabbit: – An interview with Irish fashion Designer Sinead Doyle and the inspiration behind her S/S 2010 collection.

As a writer paper and pen quality are of grave importance. We all know that Lupe loves his Moleskine paper with his gold watch. So do I! The Italian company is the producer or high quality notebooks, planners, and sketchbooks. Their books house the lyrics, sketches, and appointments of big shots worldwide. Now, the fine folks at Moleskine are letting you take a peek inside the private sketchbooks of some of the world’s top designers.

The Hand of the Designer is a collection of 462 reproductions of sketches straight from the phalanges of 150 internationally recognized designers. Ideas from the brains of Bouroullec Brothers, Michael Graves, Hella Jongerius, Karim Rashid, and many others are all spilled on the pages of this one-of-a-kind book.

The layout of the publication resembles the signature Moleskine sketchbook. This widely recognized book features a hard, rounded corner cover, elastic band, and ribbon place holder. The only deviation is the cover color. The reason for the change in color is to allow consumers to distinguish between the white cover The Hand of the Designer book and the black Moleskine sketchpad that comes as a gift.

Release of The Hand of the Designer will be accompanied by a special exhibition featuring all the original sketches during Milan Designer Week. Following the exhibition, the sketches will be available for auction. All proceeds go to the Italian National Trust.

What: The Hand of the Designer Exhibition

Where: Villa Necchi Campiglio and Triennale Bovisa (Milan, Italy)

When: April 14-19, 2010

Auction: Villa Necchi Campiglio (Milan, Italy) on May 13, 2010

SOURCE: Designboom

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LeBasse Projects is hitting you with a double dose of dope in the coming weeks. The new contemporary art gallery in the Culver City Arts District has made a name for itself already. Its known as one of the premiere galleries for the next generation of artists. Now, they bring to you Is Everybody Happy?, the first solo exhibition of Greek artist Alexandros Vasmoulakis to hit the States.

Vasmoulakis’ desires to reveal images from social revolts and personalized strife. Obviously the title has a tinge of sarcasm. In this exhibition, viewers are welcomed into a satrical world with women as the central characters. Trust me, the work is fresh to def. I think I have a new artist to add to my list of favorites!

What: Alexandros Vasmoulakis’ Is Everybody Happy? Exhibition

Where: LeBasse Projects Art Gallery

6023 Washington Blvd.

Culver City, Ca 90232

When: March 20 – April 17, 2010

Opening Reception: March 20, 2010, 7pm-10pm

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There is nothing I love more than hot chicks and bright colors. Latina artist Sophia Maldonado has combined the two in a major way. This talented chica conjured up a gigantic mural of strong Latina women and boy is it sweet! The piece is on display in Times Square as part of the 42nd Street Project. You can view the mural at 215 West 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenue until April 30, 2010.

Heres a video featuring Sophia, the mural itself, and the tedious process of displaying it in NYC. The crew at LOOSEWORLD are to thank for this feature. Thanks guys!

LOOSEWORLD x Sophia Maldonado Video, Part 2

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The apple doesnt fall from the tree. We’ve all heard it, but now I’ve seen it. Victor Demarchelier, son of famed fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier, spent the majority of this childhood on the set of photo shoots for Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. Victor has now picked up the camera and capturing breathtaking images of his own. These images are currently being displayed in New York City in his first solo show at Clic Bookstore & Gallery. Creating Images features 20 photos taken by Victor over the past several years. The high fashion look of the photos make this exhibition a must see.

What: Victor Demarchelier’s Creating Images Exhibiton

Where: Clic Bookstore & Gallery

424 Broome Street

New York, New York

When: March 3 – April 4, 2010

JJ con Bufanda by Sahara Marina Borja

Where did you take the photo?

Prospect Heights, BK. Some Sunday in February (they were all grey).

What were you thinking before you took the photo?

That I do not want to imply ‘noose’ with the scarf, that this is going to look like a set-up, and that JJ is continuously generous with his face. with me. I suppose that is just an extension of him, so it makes sense.

What were you thinking after you took the photo?

He blinked.  And so did the camera. And then I thought the photo would be a wash because lord knows the countless photos we’ve seen of people with half-opened or half-closed or totally closed eyes that look less like ‘a moment’ than like crap.

What’s interesting to you about the photo?

This was not a wasted frame.  His punim.  That he didn’t know his scarf was in the bushes.  That I have only started shooting him, in the 10 years I’ve known him.

What camera did you use?

Mamiya 645. CLAAAAAAANG! (that’s the shutter).

Saharamarinaborja.blogspot.com

Drinking Bailey’s while out frolicking with the rest of your heathen drunk friends isn’t exactly the most manly/Irish thing to do because of it’s creamy, sweet, dessert-like nature. Usually, St. Patty’s Day festivities include tons o’ Guinness and Irish Whiskey. At the advanced stages, there are Car Bombs. Although too decadent for drunkfests, Irish Cream is still so damn delicious. Ask anyone who’s slept with Colin Farrell.

When I lived in Amsterdam, my friends’ and I spent a night concocting homemade Egg Nog which is very similar to Irish Cream and it was dreamy–I’ll never forget how much better it was than store bought. Significantly better. Like, HOLY SHIT better. I came up with this Irish Cream recipe the other night and poured a little out for my A’dam homies who are scattered all around the world now. It being the Day of Saint Patrick, I figured this the appropriate time to reveal the recipe. Plus, I should represent my Scotch-Irish half. The Korean half will still enjoy this, even if it’s lactose intolerant. Oh well.

DREAMY IRISH CREAM

• 1 cup Irish Whiskey (I’d say Jameson, but I used to be partial to Bushmill’s and I’ve been known to tip some Tullamore Dew)
• 1 bar dark chocolate, high cacao content, 60-70% is fine
• 1c + 4 Tb sweetened condensed milk (10 oz)
• 1c evaporated milk (8 oz)
• 1c heavy cream
• 1 espresso shot or strong, brewed coffee
• 1/2 tsp natural vanilla extract

In the top of a double boiler*, melt chocolate, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and add the espresso shot or strong brewed coffee. Pour a cup of whiskey into the chocolate/coffee mixture and stir. Transfer to a large bowl. Gradually stir in the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and vanilla. Stir in the cream and remaining whiskey.

Refrigerate immediately. It actually tastes best after a week or so and it keeps for a super long time. To serve, put some in a martini shaker and then over ice. Or, to be truly decadent, pour some over chocolate ice cream. Oh man.

*Note: Don’t go out and buy a double boiler. It’s easy to replicate with a medium pot, filled about halfway with water and a metal bowl to fit over top. You want the boiling water to not necessarily be completely covering the bottom of the bowl, but rather, heating it up with steam. This allows for indirect heat which will safely melt your chocolate. Try it, I’m right.

If you’re in NYC tonight, I’ll be at Lucky Strike slappin’ my knee, blowing a fife, and rubbing a fiddle starting around 9:30pm. I may dj some, too.