What Happens When Product Development Get A Hold Of You...

Howdy all! Back from the US of A and back in the office. Second day back, and it looks like the Product Development team missed my arm for testing foundations!


I will be updating you all with the latest news and collection details [Body Electrics countdown!] shortly. You may have heard that our UK blogger event has unfortunately been cancelled due to the rail strikes, but our New York one is still going full steam ahead, so I look forward to hearing what they all think about the first Spring Summer collection to launch at Sephora US.

Shoes Shoes Shoes!!

Starting to think of styling for the fashion show and shoes are a key component that I need to think about!!! So here is a selection... Do you have any favorites? Personally am very drawn to number 3 very sweet but edgy... Am looking for some nude pairs so if any one has any suggestions of sites which have cheapish shoes of similar styles don't hesitate to offer some insight!! :)
I will do a proper post soon with my line up!! :) Had a toile crit yesterday and it went quite well - touch wood!!
Lots of Love Fashion Fantasist xxx

Product of the Month

It's been a while since we did this, but in line with this month's web offer (a massive 25% of False Eye Lashes), I thought I would use my favourite pair as Product of the Month.  When I joined Illamasqua at the very beginning, one product that never failed to impress me were the lashes.  As a total lash fiend (i own 50-60 pairs at least!), I know a gorgeous lash when I see it!  Lash no. 16 has to be the highlight from the range for me.  It can totally transform your look in an instant.  Perfect for a vintage 40s look (complete with a generous application of Lipstick in 'Encounter', of course!), these lashes can be worn with very little other eye make-up - a flicked black line on top is enough if you're running short of time.   

I used these in my latest photo shoot for Jane Doe Latex (http://www.janedoelatex.com) and they are just what was required to give that density to the lashes, exaggerating the length of the eye as well.  

But the collection is so stunning I can't not mention my other favourites!  If you think no.16 are just a bit too day time for you, nothing screams night time glamour like the no. 13!  And if a wide eyed baby doll look is more your thing, then no. 14 are just perfect for injecting a little naughtiness into your flutter!  If you haven't already seen the range or tried it, hurry now, as the 25% web offer is due to expire on 31st March!

Halimah x

Frilly Jelly

To make a pattern look like it is fluid and looks more like fabric I have been playing with good old Photoshop again!! Am trying to make prints look like they are 3D objects or garments in their own right... Hopefully these have succeeded.
Speak Soon Fashion Fantasist xxx

Still Prince Charming .....

You think it's going to be a normal day at the office, when along comes Adam Ant! I think it's fair to say EVERYONE in the office had a massive smile on their face and some of us here (erm Lucy!) bagged an autograph!  I remember being smitten by Adam when I was only a wee girl, and to be honest, he looks pretty much the same.  Wonder what his secret is?!

Adam was working his magic with the Illamasqua girls here in the office, and I just had to share this amazingly timed picture with you all.  Enjoy! 

Illamasqua in ASOS

With the office being a little quieter these days without the constant Alex Cummins jibber jabber (I do miss you really!), I thought I'd blog some more!  Last week saw ASOS host their 'Access All Areas' event.  I wish I'd been there!  Basically, the chosen few got to peruse the new Spring collection right in the centre of the ASOS headquarters.  They got to try on their favourite pieces, select some matching accessories and then move on to be pampered by hair and make-up.  The latter was provided for by us, of course!  They then got to strut their stuff on the infamous ASOS catwalk with photographers to hand as well!  This pic is one that caught my eye for obvious reasons - how cute! 

We sent two of our top London artists along, Zahra and Rhiannon, to bring out those blogger alter-egos!  

I caught up with Zahra yesterday and, albeit a little tired, she was full of lovely things to say about the event!  It was beautifully organised, everyone got on really well and all the bloggers were given some goody bags which included an Illamasqua Lip Gloss.  All in all it seems like it was a brilliant event (note cookies)! 

There are some more pics and great write ups of the event on the ASOS blog if you fancy a view! 

Halimah x

Pixiwoo Counter Tour - Belfast

As I'm sure most of you will be aware (Alex's blogpost of 9th March), youtube whizz kids Pixiwoo are doing the rounds of the Illamasqua counters.  Next stop .....Belfast!  The girls will be there on the 1st and 2nd April. 

As before, lessons are one hour long and £100 redeemable on all product purchases made on the day.  A deposit of £25 is required to hold booking.  This is a very unique chance to speak to Sam and Nicola on a one to one basis about any or all of your make-up needs.  If Cardiff is anything to go by, please book your place in advance to avoid disappointment by calling the Belfast counter on +44 (0) 2890 435 582.

If you aren't familiar with what the Pixiwoo girls do, here is one of my favourite online tutorials, especially done to mark what would have been Sophie Lancaster's 23rd birthday last Nov.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHV5523Em9w

Halimah x

Bee the Lamb

Saw this video and it made me laugh! Oh Bee the Lamb how fun it looks to skip from room to room! :) Enjoy xx

Thoughts of Joseph and Anatase

The Founder of the fashion label 'Joseph' died last Wednesday 17th march 2010. He sold the company five years ago but still acted as the creative director for a short while after the sale. Nicholas Foulkes, author of Last of the Dandies, said: "With his tousled hair, slightly mischievous smile and cigar, Joseph was a true Londoner even though he never shed his French accent. I believe that Joesph will come to be regarded as one of the handful of men who shaped London taste in the last quarter of the century and who helped to establish chic London today." This quote and the rest of the article can be found here.
Whilst looking on the 'Joseph' website I came across this collaboration with Charles Antastase.




Really love this T-Shirt and studded cardigan combination!! So I had a browse on Polyvore and played around with a few of Charles Anatase's pieces :)

White Giraffe Print T-Shirt
Short Skirt Vanilla
Cat T-Shirt
Zebra Brooch
Giraffe Brooch

Personally I think they are adorable!!
Much love Fashion Fantasist xxx

Photographs

Today have been learning different photographic techniques using Photoshop. :) It has been lots of fun!!
Fashion Fantasist xxx

25% OFF all False Eye Lashes

Great news for all you False Eye Lash lovers out there. For a limited time, we're offering 25% off all our lashes online. So, whether you're a night-time diva and love to get noticed, or more the oh-so romantic type who prefers a subtle wink, why not treat yourself to a pair of our fabulously flirty lashes today. From delicate to daringly bold I'm sure you'll find a style that suits your alter ego.

As for me, I'll be going for a pair of No. 23 - perfect for a bit of post-St Patrick's Day partying this weekend.

Go to the Illamasqua online shop now - happy shopping!

Are you ready for Dark Love?

How exciting!! The latest Illamasqua web promotion offers you the chance to win a collectable first edition of 'Dark Love'.  With images shot by the super talented James Stroud, this book is incredible. I remember when I first saw it, it took my breath away. A window into alternative cultures, it is so inspirational and the best part for me, is how it challenges our views on modern 'beauty'. In this day and age of skinnier than skinny, airbrushed celebs gracing the pages of virtually every magazine in every newsagent, it really is quite liberating to browse through the pages of 'Dark Love' and see that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, colours and variations! This is being sent free with every order placed on the web for over £120.00. Here's a sneak preview of what to expect..........

This really is limited edition and will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis so be as quick as you can .....almost worth the £120.00 price tag in itself I think!  

Vote For Your Favourite Blog!

Company magazine has launched a Best of the Blogosphere competition to get the nations vote on their top go-to blogs.

I am finding this particularly interesting that a magazine has lauded the world of blogging so openly considering the war of words that seemed to reach fever pitch over the Fashion weeks, recently.

Now, I am not going to wade in barking about a strong opinion one way or the other, except that to me these two elements can exist side by side, benefiting each other as opposed to being in 'competition'. And it seems like Company magazine has taken a similar view point.

If I want the latest beauty news, I have my faithful beauty blogs that I will click on to inform me of whats happening where, and read honest, intelligent reviews.

If I want to see a collaboration between the creme de la creme of the beauty/hairdressing/fashion styling/nail artistry and photographic geniuses of the world I will open a magazine. If I want beautiful, exciting, innovative imagery and thought provoking, crisp and confident, financially backed journalism [I mean that in the best way possible - I mean, how many of us could afford to go to an idyllic island to review the latest spa or interview the likes of Megan Fox on her beauty habits?!] then I will look to the pages of a magazine.

The online world is a different medium, and it doesn't mean that magazines are losing their relevancy, their role within my world - at least - is just shifting. They are my aesthetic pleasure.

There is an interesting post here from the British Beauty Blogger that I think sums up the debate nicely - if you haven't read it, I suggest you do!

I am interested to hear your thoughts...

Mad for the Hatter!

With the Alice in Wonderland craze well and truly underway, and seeing as I am starting to get the hang of this blog-sitting, I thought it fairly necessary to share my thoughts with you!  I went to see it last week, and Tim Burton, as always, managed to create a visual masterpiece. As a fan of Lewis Carroll's boundless imagination, I'd been looking forward to this for about year when I first heard about it.  Having read some less than complimentary reviews, I went into the Imax with limited expectations.  However, there was no need.  I was blown away! Based around one of my fav childhood poems, the brilliant 'Jabberwocky', I found myself grinning throughout the screening!  Helena Bonham Carter's portrayal of the 'Queen of Hearts' was especially notable, and the make-up!!!  Oh the make-up - inspirational indeed!  I've broken down the 'Mad Hatter' for you, in case anyone is planning a themed party this year (my friend is having a themed hen-do - can't wait!).

Start with Rich Foundation 100 for a white base.  The creamy texture of the Rich Foundation is a perfect base for building intense colour.  Use Powder Blusher in 'Kiss' to create the extreme contours around the nose, working the colour up towards the brows, under the eyes and under the cheekbone.  Next, take Powder Eye Shadow in 'Savage' and work that into the outer corner of the under-eye, deepening the shadow.  For a more intense contour, use this around the nose and under the cheekbone sparingly as well.  Build the blue on the lid using Powder Eye Shadow in Anja.  For the thick white lashes, mix a drop of Sealing Gel with Powder Eye Shadow in 'Sex' to make a thick paste and then brush on to lashes, pinching the lashes together in clumps while still wet.  Use Medium Pencil in 'Vow' on the water line to finish the eyes.  Finally, use Medium Pencil in 'Ascend' and Lipstick in 'Climax' to get the well defined 'Johnny' mouth.  Oh, and don't forget the orange wig!!  Halimah x 

Technologic

Well today I have been busy with design work but Mr Fashion Fantasist has been keeping himself amused with the works of Professor Brian Cox... I do not understand the science behind them but I could not help thinking how pretty the Proton Collisions were... This is not the first piece of technology that has caught my eye...Science Fiction - more importantly Star Trek is a small guilty pleasure of mine and a few projects a go I used Star Trek 'Borg' and the insides of my lap top as inspiration...




Don't judge me!! Live Long and Prosper Fashion Fantasist xxx (Photograph by Sol Stephens)

Jelly Print Onesie

I oddly like this design I have come up with but I am worried it is too boring...and a little random! But that is what I like, it is quirky strange but cute??! Thoughts?
Best Wishes
Fashion Fantasist xxx

Celeste Boursier-Mougenot

Just really like the idea of this! Musical instruments in a habitat and the natural noises the finches make with them. Barbican 27th Feb 2010 - 23rd May 2010.

The Nail Varnish Competition is Drawing To A Close...

The last thing I do before I go on holiday is to pull together all the entries from the Nail Varnish competition and create a comprehensive document for our judges [to refresh your memory - Alex Box, Sophy Robson, the Pixiwoo sisters and David Walker Smith, Menswear and Beauty Director of Selfridges] to decide on the winner! We will be announcing the winner the 1st week of May, so keep your fingers crossed...

The competition ends at 2pm GMT so if you are still putting the finishes touches to your entry, get it in quick!

We have had some truly superb entries, so I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their participation.

More news from me when I'm back from the US!

Shoes

Secret Platform Shoes - Topshop
Asos Annabelle Leather Soft Hiker Ankle Boots - Asos (a personal fave!)
PIQUE CIRE 140 BOOTIES - Christian Louboutin (if only!!!)

Decisions decisions.... Need to start thinking about what shoes to have in my collection.... Drawn to nudes but I think this may be my personal style and not what might go!!! hehe!!! Help?
Fashion Fantasist xxx

Pattern Piece Art

Today I got told that I should frame my pattern pieces (Julian Roberts) ... To be honest I can see the arty appeal to it but even though an over worked pattern piece leads to the best result I do like a clean crisp line. Here are my trouser pattern pieces however for you to enjoy...
Much love Fashion Fantasist xxx

Quick hello and Director's Cut

Firstly, let me start by saying a massive 'HIYA' to all of you who read this blog! Alex has asked me to babysit this while she jets off to the US for a well deserved break.  I've never blogged before, so bear with me!  Right, well, I'm Halimah. I started in head office last October in the Product Development department and I can't quite believe it's been nearly six months - has FLOWN by so quickly. Some of you may already know me as one of the original Selfridges make-up artists! Here's a pic that Alex snapped of me yesterday in my fetching 'Zombie Bunny' (note bleeding, dangling eye on the left) dress that she loved! 

OK, enough about me and onto some 'Director's Cut' winners from last month that Alex dug out for me.  Well done team Cardiff!  I received these stunning pictures, featuring (L to R) Tamsin, Clayton and Charlotte. Well done guys, I'm sure you turned many heads in Cardiff!

I absolutely love Charlotte's fantasy twist on her brilliant make-up using the diamantes.

Mad As A Hatter At Beach Blanket Babylon

As promised, here is the fallout from the Mad Hatter's Tea Party at Beach Blanket Babylon that took place on Saturday 6th March.


I went along with my friend Laura [below right] to join in the festivities and toast to the wicked world of Wonderland!




Beach Blanket Babylon put on a beautiful spread of cupcakes and cocktails in teacups...


Mika and Lucy went along to create some zany looks for the actors and actresses - I think that Alice was a perfect gothic Tim Burton-esque Alice!


It was great to see so many people get in to character for the party!



For more pics from the event, check out our facebook page [search for Illamasqua]

A big thanks to:

David @ Merrymenphotography.com

Vivienne Westwood Gold Label AW2010

Now, I don't normally comment on fashion shows, but I couldn't let the images from the wonderful Sophy Robson escape your attention! Sophy created a fantastic look for the nails [check out her recently re-vamped blog for more images] but I have to comment on the tongue-firmly-in-cheek make-up!

I love the scrawled on moustaches and big, rock chick smoky eyes.

The traditional hot pink lips have been given a dramatic twist with a black outline.
Dame Vivienne Westwood, we salute you.

Pixiwoo Counter Tour - CARDIFF

We are delighted to announce that the Youtube sensations Pixiwoo will be visiting our Debenhams Cardiff counter on 18th and 19th March for one on one tutorials at the Illamasqua counter.

If you have ever wanted to speak with Sam about foundation matching, or Nicola about shading and contouring or any other questions that you have always wanted to discuss with them then now is your chance!

You will also receive a signed personalised face chart with all the products used in your tutorials as a keep sake.

To book, call the Cardiff counter on 0292 034 2278. Lessons are one hour long and £100 redeemable on all product purchases made on the day. You will need to pay a deposit of £25 to hold the place as these will be booking up fast!

Mad Hatters Tea Party

Tomorrow night, I will be at the Beach Blanket Babylon, Shoreditch for a themed Alice in Wonderland party. International make-up artists Lucy and Mika will be on hand to create some fabulous looks on the characters such as Alice and the Queen of Hearts and for all party goers!

If you are in the area, we would love to see you there!

I will upload all the photos on Monday from the event.