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

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

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: Giles, Gareth Pugh, Balmain, and Manish Arora, whose shows took place on Wednesday, March 3rd and Thursday, March 4th.

Giles

M·A·C artist, Miranda Joyce created a lovely, creamy, and sexy look for the models at Giles. Said the artist, ” She’s a Hitchcock heroine with certain edge”. M·A·C Cream Colour Base in Pearl (mixed with Strobe Cream) was used to highlight the planes of the face. Sculpting Powder in Bone Beige or Blush in Cheek or Pinch O’Peach was applied according to models’ skin tone to slightly flush and sculpt the cheeks. Joyce then applied Cream Colour Base in Mid Tone Sepia (blended into the crease of the eyelids). Cream Colour Base in Pearl and Strobe Cream were once again blended together to highlight the inner corners of the eyes and lids. Mascara X in Brown was applied for naturally defined lashes, while Impeccable Brow Pencil lightly filled in the brows. Lipstick in Honey Love was applied to the corners of the lips for shape. Cream Colour Base was touched onto the center of the lips with a coat of Lipglass in Clear blended over the entire lip.

Gareth Pugh

M·A·C artist, Alex Box created a “perfectly deadly Android beauty”, for the look at Gareth Pugh. M·A·C Studio Sculpt Foundation was applied as a base. Iridescent Powder in Silver Dusk was applied on cheekbones and bridge of nose, while Studio Sculpt Foundation was layered over the top to soften the sparkle. Micronized Airbrush Formula in Black Black was airbrushed on to forehead for a somber effect. #42 and #44 lashes were glued together at the inner corners, flipped upside down, and applied slightly above the lash line. Creme Liner in Pro Black was used to fill the gap along the inner half of eye only between lash line and false lash. Brow Set in Clear was applied in an upwards motion on brows. Box kept lips minimal using only Studio Sculpt Foundation over Lip Conditioner to mute out natural lip color.

Balmain

M·A·C artist, Tom Pecheux’s inpiration for Balmain’s Fall 2010 show was the models themselves. Said Pecheux,” I want to make them even more perfect by giving power to each of the facial elements. It’s the perfect skin, brow, eye, and lip.” Pecheux applied M·A·C Face and Body Foundation with Select Sheer Loose Powder on top to set. Eye Shadow in Rice Paper was used to highlight the tops of the cheekbones and Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Deep contoured the cheekbones. Eye Shadow in Rice Paper and Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Dark was blended on to eyelids. Eye Pencil in Coffee was then smudged along the lash lines with a #266 brush. Pro Lash Mascara in Charcoal Brown was applied to curled lashes, while Brow Set in Clear was applied to groom the brows. Pecheux kept lips bare by only adding a touch of Lip Conditioner to the mouth.

Manish Arora

“I wanted the makeup to look like colored lights on the face.” said M·A·C artist, Kabuki, of the look at Manish Arora. “Very youthful and psychedelic, I imagined Louise Brooks going down a rabbit hole and finding herself at a techno rave. It’s a celebration of color.” Kabuki applied M·A·C Select Cover-Up Concealer all over the face including under and over the eye brows to blank them out. Paintstick in Primary Yellow was used on the inner and outer corners of eyes (with edges blurred). Cream Colour Base in Orange Alarm was placed in the center of the eyelid (from lash to slightly above the crease and blended up). Pro Invisible Set Powder was dusted on top to set color. Chromaline in Cyan was used to draw a very thin arched brow and lashes were left bare. Kabuki applied Lipglass in Pink Poodle (precisely applied) then followed up with a coat of Lipglass in Clear for added shine.

Image Layout: Indieprince

For today’s Women Making History feature we honor Dina Selkoe—one half of the husband and wife team that runs Karmaloop.com – the top online retailer of name brand and underground streetwear.

Of Russian nationality, Dina was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, a small country north of Iran once part of the Soviet Union. At the age of 4, Dina’s family emigrated to the United States where she was raised in Brookline, MA.

After completing high school in Brookline, where she first met Greg, her future husband and Karmaloop founder, during their freshman year, Dina received her B.A. from Boston University, J.D. from Harvard Law School and a Masters in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. Dina and Greg began dating seriously after college and married in 2002.

If this isn’t a modern-day fairy tale, I don’t know what is! Read on…

Dina & Greg of Karmaloop.com

Greg Selkoe began Karmaloop in 2000 while the two shared the 3rd floor of his parents’ house in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston. In law school, and during her early career as a lawyer, Dina was a major supporter of Karmaloop and assisted as much as she could with its growth – even taking mail to the post office on her way to class.

Soon after Karmaloop’s success, Dina Selkoe left her job at a law firm to begin working exclusively as the head of Karmaloop’s women’s department, quickly growing the department by 250% during her tenure. Dina gained expert knowledge at predicting trends in fashion and determining consumer buying patterns.

Dina, in a great mini, with Greg & friends...

In the past two years, Karmaloop has grown from an online retailer to a significant voice on streetwear trends with the launch of its blogs and KarmaloopTV. To continue the company’s growth, Dina is now the Creative Director of the company – partially overseeing the women’s buying department, sending a weekly email newsletter to Karmaloop’s growing roster of female customers, designing and overseeing the new women’s blog, conceptualizing and overseeing the women’s Look Books and other editorial photo shoots, and working with the lead designer to develop the look of Karmaloop’s new VIP program. However, Dina’s most significant long term project at the company is a new KarmaloopTV show called “Globaloop,” an international affairs and history program designed to educate young people and increase political and social awareness.

Same Sex Marriage, Parts 1 of 3:   Same Sex Marriage

More on Dina below:

Women Making History: Dina Selkoe of Karmaloop

A Q&A session with Dina…

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

Women in public policy/human rights – Shirin Ebadi, Aung San Suu Kyi, Madeline Albright, Hillary Clinton, Condi Rice (even though I don’t dig her politics- especially her affinity for Baby Bush Duvalier), and the three current/former female supreme court justices- Sandra Day O’Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor.

Women Making History: Dina Selkoe of Karmaloop

M.I.S.S.: You were originally a lawyer and now you are the Creative Director of one of the largest online stores. How did you make the transition?

I actually transitioned from lawyer to the women’s buyer (versus Creative Director) – I didn’t really have a plan and overall it was a good transition. I moved from doing boring work in a dull and stifling environment to doing something I loved in a super fun and stimulating environment with lots of people I liked around me all the time. Having an attorney’s anal attention to detail and organization definitely helped. I learned on the job, but, luckily, it all clicked together nicely.

Women Making History: Dina Selkoe of Karmaloop

M.I.S.S.: Karmaloop has many facets from retail to Karamloop TV. What’s your favorite Karmaloop project that you’ve worked on?

I love working on Lookbooks and my favorite recent lookbook is our tribute to Grace Jones … fun with mirrors! But my favoritest project these days is Globaloop, which is our newest show on KarmaloopTV. Globaloop is a political and current events program whose aim is to provide our audience with interesting information and stories about important global and domestic issues in an entertaining and concise way. I write and edit (actually, stand over the real editor’s shoulder) the pieces and host some of them. Globaloop is an amazing opportunity for me to get extra educated on a variety of topics while also hopefully helping others get a little info too. Recent pieces include a 3 part series on Same-Sex Marriage, US involvement in Afghanistan beginning in 1979, Burma and Shepard Fairey: Social Activism Through Art. Topics in the works include The Animal Rescue League, Philanthropist Bobby Sager, UNICEF, Darfur/Sudan and Iran. Globaloop also has a weekly news rundown hosted by my buddies Panda and Jose and a Pet of the Week adoption clip.

From the Karmaloop’s Global Journal: Shepard Fairey: Social Activism Through Art, part 1:

Women Making History: Dina Selkoe of Karmaloop

M.I.S.S.: Karmaloop has worked on interesting collaborations in the past including Puma. Who do you want to work with in the future?

Yes, love! We’ve had some great collabs with brands including Crooks and Castles, Hellz & Roxy Cottontail, Married to the Mob, BLVCK SCVLE, and currently have projects in the works with Han Cholo, Joyrich, Crooks and Castles and Android Homme. We are starting to do more collabs with artists and other creatives (versus strictly brands) – a bunch of the Karmaloop gang is going on a trip to Tokyo this April (reminds me, I need to book hotel) and we would love to do something with photographer Yasumasa Yonehara.

Women Making History: Dina Selkoe of Karmaloop

M.I.S.S.: How do you go about finding new brands to feature on Karmaloop?

I’m not really involved in actively seeking out new brands for the site now that I am no longer the women’s buyer, however, I always keep an eye out for cool brands and people/brands still send me stuff that I pass along to our women’s buyer, Jasmine.

Women Making History: Dina Selkoe of Karmaloop

M.I.S.S.: What part of being the Creative Director of Karmaloop is the most challenging and do you dislike the most?

Having so many diverse projects (from site enhancements and planning trips to document review and editorial stuff to Globaloop) makes juggling, timing and prioritizing quite tricky!! I honestly don’t dislike anything about my job –maybe feeling overwhelmed at times, but that’s to be expected – and I’m trying to get into meditation.

M.I.S.S.: Any advice for ladies who are just starting out in a career path similar to yours?

Try to get into an organization that you love or you’re whose general product/process you’re interested in and work your tail off – hard work and commitment pay off – they get you noticed and help your boss or colleagues know that they can give you more responsibility and more sophisticated projects and that they can rely on you. Once you have an organization in mind, don’t be afraid to reach out to people there even if you don’t know them – I get tons of emails and Facebook messages looking for jobs or internships and I always pass them on to the appropriate department here (unless I hire myself ).

Thanks, Dina!

• Check out the site’s lookbook for 2010:

http://www.karmaloop.com/lookbook/10/grace/lookbook.asp

• Sign up for the Karmaloop Ladie’s Email:

http://www.karmaloop.com/LADIESEMAIL.ASPX

• Stay up on Karmaloop via the links below!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/karmalooprepcode
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KARMALOOP
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/MYKARMALOOPBOSTON
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25423499@N04/

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: Marni, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Missoni, whose shows took place on Sunday, February 28th.

Marni

M·A·C artist, Tom Pecheux created a single-hued vibe for the models at Marni. Said the artist,” She’s like a woman in a Modigliani painting- everything is very monochromatic in flat blocks of soft color.” M·A·C Studio Sculpt Foundation was applied as a base, while Studio Sculpt Concealer was used only where needed. Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder was dusted all over the face for matte skin. Mineralize Blush in Utterly Game was lightly touched over cheekbones with a #168 brush. Pecheux then applied M·A·C Eye Shadow in Flourishing (washed from lash line to brow with a #225 brush for a very soft veil of color. Lip Pencil in Spice was drawn into the center of the mouth and diffused with a #219 brush, while Eye Shadow in Brown Script was patted on top for a matte, copper toned mouth.

Salvatore Ferragamo

“The girl is a beauty. No big statement, just fresh and naturally gorgeous in camel and honey tones. She’s chic, elegant, and proper.” said M·A·C artist, Tom Pecheux of the look at Salvatore Ferragamo. M·A·C Face and Body Foundation was applied as a base, while Studio Sculpt Concealer was used where needed. Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder in Medium Dark was then applied to contour the cheekbone with a #119 brush. Pecheux used Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder in Medium Dark over the lids and Eye Kohl in Prunella (traced along the upper lash line, very finely and softly smudged). Opulash Mascara in Bad, Bad Black was applied to top lashes, while Pro Lash Mascara in Charcoal Brown was used on lower lashes. Eye Shadow in Cork was brushed through the brows for a slight boyish feel. Lipstick in To Pamper (available Fall 2010) was then applied straight from the tube and patted in with the fingertips.

Missoni

M·A·C artist Lucia Pieroni channeled a culturally enriched, rock look for Missoni’s Fall 2010 collection. Said the artist,” She’s a little bit Scottish, a little Masal, a little punk”. M·A·C Strobe Cream was applied on the high planes of the face, while Select Moisturecover Concealer was applied where needed, and set with Invisible Set Powder. Pieroni applied Eye Shadow in Concrete or Coquette was brushed on very softly around the eye for the slightest shaded effect. Lashes were left bare and Brow Set in Clear was brushed upward through the brows. Eye Pencil in Ebony was used to line and balance the deep lip. Lipsticks in Cyber and Hang-Up were blended together to form an aubergine shade and brushed onto the lip, blending in the liner. Matte Texture was then applied over the top to erase shine.

Image Layout: Indieprince

The Ladies of Mex and the City: (L-R) Ruby, Marina & Iris!

Mex and the City is a cultural website and blog created to promote the free thinking, enterprising, and artistic efforts of young creatives in New York City. The site reflects a community of tastemakers, trendsetters, and culture mavens who have access and connections to the city’s key movers and shakers, fashion designers, gallerists, boutique shops owners, restauranteurs, hoteliers, media executives, and philanthropists.

The collaborative project was created by a group of friends—Iris Avelar, Marina Garcia-Vasquez & Ruby Vizcarra—from diverse backgrounds in fashion, editorial, public relations and hospitality passionate about art, travel, culture, and nightlife. M&TC speaks about the increasing Mexican culture in the fast-paced New York landscape in a fun and personal tone.

Their motto:

Working to develop the best sense of self.

Working to be successful at what we do.

Working hard to play hard.

Mex and the City and photographer Carlos Alvarez Montero recently  joined forces to present Racial Profiling, a portrait series highlighting prominent and influential Mexicans in New York City. The title speaks to the heady issue of the mixed race and the multicultural experience that makes up a contemporary Mexican identity.

Mex and the City and photographer Carlos Alvarez Montero present Racial Profiling. The profiles are up now at www.mexnthecity.com

The ladies collectively nominated an inaugural group of profiles based on their charisma as leaders in their field and for their experience and contributions to a greater New York. The group ranges from hotelier, jewelry designer, producer, web designer, restaurant owner, interior designer, writer/editor, artist, photographer, gallery owner, etc, etc.

The unique and inspiring project is up now on the Mex and the City site.

Below, the ladies get intimate with us via the handwritten surveys below!

Women Making History: Marina

Women Making History: Iris

Women Making History: Ruby

Q&A time with the ladies of Mex and the City!

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

MARINA: Joan Didion, the great American journalist and novelist she was the first woman journalist to be accepted by the old-boys club of world politicians and presidents. She used her demure looks to get her in. And the indigenous Guatemalan revolutionary, Rigoberta Menchu.

IRIS: Growing up I looked up to “La Doña” Maria Felix an icon of the Mexican Golden era of Cinema in the 40’s. She was the example of a strong independent woman of her time, you can say she is to Mexico what Bette Davis is to the US. My ultimate is Coco Chanel she was a self-made woman who built her name with dignity and elegance.

RUBY: Frida Kahlo – for her passion, her fight, her amazing style, and her endless love for Diego.

M.I.S.S.: You each have different professions from being a restaurateur, writer/editor and fashion producer. How did you meet?

MARINA: Iris and I met in San Francisco when we were both working for Planet magazine, she was in business development and I was an editor. Ruby and I met through friends one summer in Barcelona. Ruby was living and studying there for school. When I moved to New York, Iris and I became roommates. Ruby and I reconnected when she moved from Barcelona to NYC. We then became a rat pack so to speak. We admire each other and we make each other laugh.

The ladies in Williamsburg, in front of wheatpasted TACOS posters Marina designed—inspired by Focus Gatorade ads—to mark Iris's restaurant, La Superior's first anniversary.

M.I.S.S.: What inspired Mex And the City?

MARINA: Mex and the City was inspired by everyday run-ins with people who seemed to ask 100 and one questions about Mexican culture and ethnicity. I found that I kept getting the same questions and repeating the same answers. Being Mexican in New York is definitely not the same as being Mexican in California. I decided that a blog would be the best way to disseminate information and I knew that I didn’t want to do it alone so I asked the girls if they would join me. I figured since we each came from various industries we could really touch on those cornerstones. The blog initially was to show how much access the three of us had in our downtown universe. If we three Mexican girls could make it in NYC, others could as well. We wanted to show how the world could open up for you with determination and strong work ethic. We really believe being Mexican has everything to do with it, using what our mama’s showed us! You know good solid foundations.

M.I.S.S.: What is your goal for Mex And the City? Do you have any projects lined up?

Our goal with Mex and the City is to create a community. We love that the content resonates with people locally, nationally, and internationally. We would like to build out that community to unexpected cities that are burgeoning with Mexican communities. And yes we have plenty of collaborations in mind and in planning. We are definitely looking forward to the World Cup festivities.

Right: Marina & Ruby birthday at La Superior (owned by Iris), Left: Iris as featured on jauntsetter.com.

M.I.S.S.: What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on?

Working with the photographer Carlos Alvarez Montero on our “Racial Profiling” series has been an incredible honor. Carlos is an exceptional human being with great academic and emotional intelligence. We found that our goals with the editorial package were definitely in sync. We wanted to show the world how rich our Mexican experience is, that being Mexican comes in a variety of colors and experiences. It was our goal to show Mexican creatives in beautiful light and to promote their endeavors with the rest of the world.

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

We always want to work with creative and brilliant young professionals. We want to work with brands that get what we are doing, TOMS shoes, Converse, Jumex, Novamex, Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Brand, Vice, and fashion collabs, from our own t-shirt’s to working with photographers/editorials, etc. on something fashion!

La Superior, co-owned by Iris in Williamsburg, has been featured in New York Times, New York Magazine, Time Out NY and Zagat...just to name a few!

Ruby onsite at her job with Gilt Groupe!

Belongings is a project consisting of portraits of Marina's things and poems she's written. Above: Green Prada Heels.

M.I.S.S.: Any advice for ladies who are just starting out in a career path similar to yours?

MARINA: Follow your passions. The three of us are doing what we love best, Iris with hospitality, Ruby with fashion, and me in editorial. The blog is a lot of work but it is extremely rewarding. Life is hectic and challenging anyway so you better enjoy how you spend your time and who you spend your time with.

IRIS: Find creativeness in everything you do and it will keep you motivated. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, it’s ok to start doing odd jobs here or there as long as you can take all those experiences and skills and apply them to your dream job!

RUBY: Dream big, go big and never give up. It will happen.

Thanks so much ladies!

For more info on the ladies and their amazing projects, visit the links below:

Email: mexnthecity@gmail.com
Visit: www.mexnthecity.com
Follow: mexandthecity.tumblr.com

Iris’s restaurant: lasuperiornyc.com
Marina’s website: mg-v.com

Note: The Mex and the City logo was designed by Tanya Avelar—Iris’s sister!

M·A·C Too Fabulous Collection

For Spring 2010, lips and cheeks take center stage for M·A·C’s Too Fabulous Collection. Making a much anticipated comeback is Cremesheen Glass in six new shades (in addition to three re-promoted hues), all in which will be added to M·A·C’s permanent collection. Lip Pencils are reintroduced in five limited edition colors (one permanent), ranging from a dirty red brown (Boldy Bare), to a highly sought after light neutral (Naked Liner). Limited edition Mineralize Blush Duos feature two shades swirled into an abstract design and offer a sheer, dimensional pearl finish. M·A·C’s Too Fabulous collection is available from now until May at M·A·C stores, counters, and online at Maccosmetics.com.

Image Layout: Indie

It's National Noodle Month! Slurp it up!

Every year for my birthday, my mom makes noodles for me.  One year it could be a huge pot of spaghetti; the next year it could be a Filipino style stir-fry called pancit.  Whatever it may be, she keeps that tradition in the family, saying, “If you eat long noodles, you’ll have a long life.”  I believe it too, especially since noodles can be paired up with so many different fruits and vegetables to make something already so tasty even more nutritious for you, hopefully giving you a longer life!  Don’t forget, it is Nutrition Month, ladies, but it’s also National Noodle Month, so make sure your noodles give you oodles of healthy days.

Noodles star in so many different dishes, you can eat noodles every day of the week and not get sick of them!  You can go with Vietnamese noodle soup, phở , or try the Japanese thick noodles, udon.  For something creamy, have some fettucini alfredo, or on the lighter side, go for linguine with clam sauce.  You can’t forget about Thai food, like pad Thai, or even the thick flat noodle dish, pad see ew.  Noodles can even be a dessert, as in the Jewish noodle pudding, kugel.  Generally, Asian cuisine usually uses rice or mung bean starches to make noodles, while European fare, like Italian pasta, usually incorporates egg and wheat.  Any way you eat it, it’s important to mix in fruits and vegetables with the noodles to make them healthier and so much more flavorful.

As wonderful as they are, noodles aren’t always healthy for you.  I know for some folks out there, the noodle of choice is the good old instant noodle pack, or even the noodle in the cup kind.  I know this because I see shopping carts full of noodles coming out of the dollar store!  It’s cheap, it’s quick, it’s easy, but surprise!…it’s not that healthy for you, even if you add onions or eggs to the mix.  The noodles themselves are not the more worrisome ingredient of the dish; it’s usually those tiny flavor packets that contain unnecessary chemicals and loads of sodium.  If you’re a Top Ramen cook, it’s just as easy to make some wholesome noodles.  You can skip the packet and give the pot your own flavor.  It’ll taste better, be healthier for you, and make you feel like a top chef!

Try these tips to have some noodles you’ll want to slurp up:

• Quick and easy stir fry.  Your favorite veggies, like broccoli and carrots, can be chopped up and quickly stir fried in a little bit of sesame oil and low-sodium soy sauce.  Try adding hoisin sauce for a deeper flavor.
• Slurp-worthy soup.  Mix in vegetable broth with onions and your favorite noodle for an alternative to the instant noodle packages.  For more nutrients, add spinach or baby bok choy.
• Pasta power.  Pasta dishes always taste better when they’re made at home, and M.I.S.S. hooks you up with step-by-step recipes.  Try M.I.S.S. GDK’s very own ziti with chicken and broccoli, Ragù alla Bolognese, fresh tomato and mushroom sauce, pesto, or even a tomato sauce with “homemade” spinach and ricotta ravioli.  Skim Kim even has a yummy pesto sauce for you to try!

Wishing you a slurp-worthy month.  Grab your chopsticks, your fork and spoon, or heck, even your little fingers and dig into some noodles today!

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: Max Mara, Etro, Emilio Pucci, and Moschino, whose shows took place on Saturday, February 27th.

Max Mara

M·A·C artist Tom Pecheux once again created a look inspired by late photographer, Helmut Newton, for the models at Max Mara. Said the artist, “The reference could be a Helmut Newton woman, or the bad Bond girl. She’s powerful and ultra feminine with a graphic cat eye.” Pecheux applied M·A·C Studio Sculpt Foundation with a #191 brush. Loose Invisible Set Powder was brushed on for a matte finish. Sculpting Powder in Sculpt was used under the cheekbones for contour. The artist then applied M·A·C Eye Kohl in Smolder, which was drawn along lash lines and blended out with a #266 angle brush in a “graphic feline, pulled out” shape. Eye Shadow in Carbon was then blended over the liner. Pigments in Golden Lemon and Vanilla were blended together to create a gold highlight for the brow bone, inner part of eye socket, inner corners of the eyes, and all around the top of the cheekbone in a “c” shape. Opulash Mascara in Bad, Bad Black was then applied to the lashes, while Eye Shadows in Embark or Mystery (for brunettes) and Omega (for blondes) were used to define brows. For lips, Pecheux used M·A·C Lipstick in To Pamper (available in Fall 2010) for a creamy, neutral tone.

Etro

“It’s a handsome, early eighties look. Very opium den eyes; shaded and softly smoked so they just look shadowed.” said M·A·C artist, Charlotte Tilbury of the look at Etro. M·A·C Studio Sculpt Foundation was used for a perfect, fresh finish. Sculpting Powder in Shadowy and Sculpt were brushed under cheekbones to contour.  Mineralize All-Over Lotion was then touched onto the tops of the cheekbones to highlight.  Tilbury then blended Eye Pencil in Earthline around the top and bottom lashes. Eye Shadow in Copperplate was then placed on top of the liner and blended. Sculpting Powders in Sculpt and Shadowy were applied in a super blown out square shape. Opulash Mascara in Bad, Bad Black was applied to top lashes only, while brows were left bare for a modern feel. Tilbury also left lips bare using only a bit of Lip Conditioner patted onto the mouth.

Emilio Pucci

According to M·A·C artist, Lisa Butler,”The Pucci woman has evolved into a strong, luxurious, effortlessly groomed creature. It’s accessible and street-y with a rubbed in khaki eye and peachy skin and lip.” M·A·C Face and Body Foundation was massaged into skin for a clean look. Mineralize Skinfinish in Natural was applied to set foundation. Blushcreme in Lilicent was then applied to warm the cheeks high up on the cheekbones. Butler then applied M·A·C Eye Pencil in Lichen (rubbed into the bottom lash line). Opulash Mascara in Bad, Bad Black was applied to top and bottom lashes, while brows were kept bare but groomed. Lips were kept light with a touch of Blushcreme in Lilicent dabbed onto the mouth.

Moschino

M·A·C artist, Charlotte Tilbury created an eighties vibe for the models at Moschino . Said the artist,” She’s an eighties girl and they wanted that classic lip: creamy textured, hot red, not too perfected.” Tilbury applied M·A·C Mineralize All-Over Lotion (massaged all over the face to prime the skin). Studio Sculpt Concealer was applied where necessary for a clean look. Eye makeup was skipped since the models wore huge black sunglasses, while lips took center stage. Lip Pencil in Cherry was drawn into the center of the mouth with intensity. Lipstick in Russian Red was then applied straight from the tube for a bright, satin finish, while a cotton swab was then used to slightly blur the edges.

Margaret Sanger: Social Activist

Many women cannot fathom a world without the renowned birth control pill or other preventative methods, the familiar friends women use to be in control of their sexuality. I guess we owe Margaret Sanger, born to the city of New York in 1883, a big thank you. Sanger was a leading social activist in advocating birth control and woman’s health.

Sanger worked as a nurse, and grew aware of the ill effects of unplanned/unwanted pregnancies. Therefore in 1912, she decided to leave her practice and fully devote herself to the distribution of birth control information. Unfortunately, she had to deal with the Comstock Law passed in the United States, a public campaign for legislating public morality. This law prevented the distribution of birth control devices and information regarding these “immoral” tools. It’s amazing to imagine with our 21st century lenses that a woman having a say in when or if she gets pregnant was considered to be immoral. But it was.

In 1913, Margaret Sanger founded a paper called “Woman Rebel”, but she was indicted for “mailing obscenities.”  Upon her flee to Europe, the indictment was lifted. Three years later, she set up the first birth control clinic, where she distributed diaphragms.

In 1921, she founded the National Birth Control League, an organization which provided information on preventative methods through lectures and other workshops. Although she was arrested several times for delivering such messages of choice to women and protesting the infamous Comstock Law, she continued to be a voice for American women.  She saw all these rather  as minor set-backs; in 1942, she contributed to the formation of the Planned Parenthood Federation.

If you want to check this woman out further you can read The Autobiography of Margaret Sanger online for free!

Sources:

About.com:Women History

The Web Chronology Project