MONDAY MUSE: The Naked Truth

Monica Belucci, Sophie Marceau and Eva Herzigova are my heroines! Finally, women brave enough to grace the cover of  an International Magazine such as French Elle... without a stitch of makeup on. (And an Editor-in-Chief whose finally daring enough to let them) Of course they still have the best photographers with all the right illuminating touches, but these women are baring their true beauty and look so comfortable doing so. No lip gloss, no mascara, no bronzer to create supermodel cheekbones or gorgeously smudged eyeliner to brighten their eyes- just a twinkle in their gaze and healthy, well taken care of skin. How refreshing it is to see authentic beauty and not just a computerized version of a celebrity. Thank you French Elle for showing us refreshingly natural yet feminine women, sometimes I feel the Fashion Industry has forgotten what that looks like.

 May these Covers serve as a pep talk to all women... never hide behind your makeup- you were born beautiful and makeup should only enhance your natural loveliness. And that my dear, is the naked truth.  

I was so inspired by these women, I set out to create my own 'Stars sans Fards' moment... 

(sans fards is a French idiom that literally means “without rouge/makeup,” but implies “openness.”)

 

Monday Muse...

Who has time for the Monday Blues when there's such thought provoking art, beauty & imagination in the world, I sure don't! I'm looking forward to highlighting some of the images that make my heart pound & showing them off here, every monday in what I have affectionately titled, 

MONDAY MUSE.

 As artists we have unexpected, surprising sources of inspiration on a daily basis... but let's face it, some days are more visionary than others. It's a powerful tool when we can keep our minds creatively refreshed and fed. And this is my way to help feed our appetites! 

Bon Appetit! 

Oh Vogue, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways... 

American Vogue, Italian Vogue... Belgium Vogue! 

I found these images online and it was lust at first sight. I want to do pictures like these! I've seen many model-in-the-water-pictures... and never anything as impressive as these beauties! I would love to credit the Makeup Artist for his or her genius work... but alas, the only credit I have for now is

Belgium Vogue. 

Gorgeous. Just plain Gorgeous. 

Thank you to all the artists who's art I will be featuring. 

"Creative People are never on Holiday." -Andy Warhol

Making a Splash!

Surfer, Model, Actress: Check. World Traveler, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur: Check. Sweet-Spirited, Warm-Hearted, Full of Compassionate: check. 

This swimsuit siren is more than meets the eye, Hanna Cornett is a gem of a person. I first met this beach beauty at The Tag the World Charity Event she co-produced at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, where we snapped a couple of red hot, red carpet pictures together. As Facebook would have it, we became friends. :-) Months later, we found ourselves soaking up the Hawaiian Sun, as we darted across the island filming for a series called, Honolulu Social Diaries... beach days, birthday parties, sailing around Waikiki in private yachts... you name it, we filmed it. And all the while, Hanna was as sweet as Haupia Pie. Fast forward to May 4th, 2010 we find ourselves back at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel (one of my most fave hotels) but this time, I'd be working with Hanna, as her Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist. It's no work at all really, when you get to 'work' with a friend! 

We were surrounded by lovely people. HI Luxury Magazine's Associate Publisher Linda Woo and Creative Director, Gina Lambert greeted us as we arrived to the famous pink hotel, while the talented and gorgeously pregnant, Yu Shing Tin arrived with bags of colorful bikinis. We were done with the shoot hours earlier than expected with plenty of time for laughs in between. I've said it before and I'll say it again... when you find a job you really love, you'll never work a day in your life. And I know, even as hard working as Miss Cornett is, she would whole heartedly agree. I'm inspired by this Swim Suit Siren, not only to get my okole in the gym, but more importantly to make sure while I'm on this beautiful journey called life, enjoying a career that I have found such fulfillment in, I take every opportunity to bless others and to cultivate beauty in the lives of the people around me. 

Empowering, Inspiring, Motivating: check. 

Makeup & Hair: Jessica Hoffman, Mup Assistant: Nellie Schrimer, Photographer: Katherine Fernandez, Fashion Editor: Yu Shing Ting