South Coast Plaza hosted their Live the Look Fall Fashion Show with Rachel Zoe curating the designer looks last week. I wanted to go for a sophisticated, chic 'I'm a fashion editor' look with a hint of glam. I picked up a simple, tan body-hugging midi dress, and added a black fur shawl over it which I belted with a metal gold belt at the waist. I finished the look with black heels and a burgundy clutch to bring in some color. Belting a shawl or scarf over a simple dress or jumper is a great way to change up the look of the garment, and also looks effortless styled. Also try throwing a scarf or shawl over one shoulder and belting at the waist. Photos taken by Vincent
When I was invited to the exclusive preview of MAC Cosmetics' latest collab with Chinese designer Guo Pei hosted by M�A�C Director of Makeup Artistry Gregory Arlt, I knew I had to attend and see the collection for myself at South Coast Plaza. Last year, MAC celebrated their Heirloom Mix collection launch with a huge live model performance and presentation. I was completely blown away by all the detail that went into presenting the collection.
This collection preview was no different, four of Guo Pei's haute couture designs were flown in and assembled (which I was told took 10 hours), the dresses themselves each took at least 10,000 hours (that's a little over a year) to create and make. What stood out the most about this collaboration was how each design possessed the most fascinating details and immaculate embellishments as well as how the designs were incorporated into the makeup collection. You get a mix of neutrals as well as pops of color like red and blue.
I had my makeup refreshed by artist Andrew, and he added a nude, mauve lipstick with a peach glass over it; blush and my face was highlighted with the powder/blush brush. I was immediately in love with ALL of the products that were used, and was surprised at how precise the highlighting powder was applied to my face with the Guo Pei powder brush. The collection is romantic, whimsical, yet bold; Guo Pei's designs are also incorporated into the makeup collection with the silk packaging of each product. It's simply exquisite and you must purchase an item or a few before it's all sold out! And you must also visit the MAC x Guo Pei exhibit at South Coast Plaza from October 1st-4th, 2015; this is the first time the collection is on display to the public!
Check out this interview with the designer Guo Pei:
How did the M�A�C Guo Pei collaboration come about?
M�A�C is the authority in makeup and trends. In 2003, when I was preparing for my first show in China, the first brand that I wanted to work with was M�A�C.It was a dream came true that I teamed up with M�A�C for the first time on my show. It has since been 12 years; the next step to collaborate on a makeup collection with MAC was a natural and organic progression.It was the perfect collaboration based on our mutual understanding and relationship of many years.
What was your inspiration for the MAC collaboration? How was the process of creating a line of cosmetics different from when you create your clothes?
I call my inspiration �The Garden of Soul�. Everyone has a space in their heart where we cherish beautiful things with our eyes, and we plant them like seeds in our spiritual garden.The flowers blossom and we find happiness within them. Through my 30 years of career in fashion, I always find unique ways to express myself. This is the first time I collaborated with a makeup brand. M�A�C complete freedom in bring my vision to life.
You created eight couture dresses to accompany the collection.Can you tell us more about them?
The design process is more like an enjoyment rather than work for me.I create those dresses at the same time as the M�A�C Guo Pei makeup collection. I imagine myself in the garden, enjoying the romance of the flowers. I designed the dresses three years ago on a beautiful afternoon when I felt really happy � a feeling that I want to convey in my designs. It took me two years to produce those eight looks. I felt these dresses complemented this collection perfectly, unifying fashion and beauty.
How did you this translate your experience in fashion to makeup?
There are a lot of similarities between makeup and clothes. For me, they are both a way to express our happiness. That�s why we need colours when creating both. Colours express our feelings; I used a variety of hues in my clothes and in this makeup collection to convey my emotions.
What was your inspiration when choosing the colours and products for this collection?
The colours I selected for this collection can be divided into daytime makeup and evening makeup. I chose a striking blue shade for the eyes, evoking the colour of the soul. I like to express happiness through my love for flowers and the spiritual garden. That�s why in all the blushes and powders there is gleam of shimmer in them. I want to deliver the feeling of happiness through this makeup collection.
Which of the 16 products do you feel most fond of and why?
My one favorite product is the eye shadow quad, especially the blue one. Blue is a very bold colour, also my favorite. For me, it is also the colour of the mind and spirit. I hope women today can add a little bit of blue in their eye makeup so people can connect through their eyes into their souls.
Happy October! South Coast Plaza launched their very first Men's Collection Lookbook, which was celebrated with a cocktail reception at their Berluti store last week. Guests enjoyed champagne, small bites, a whiskey tasting, and the fine craftsmanship behind Berluti's men's leather shoes. A colorist demonstrated the process of applying a patina to the shoes, and a master shoemaker carved a model foot out of wood. I enjoyed seeing the customized process from when the shoemaker takes the foot measurements to craving the foot model with his own hands and tools. There were even a few leather satchels and pieces I wanted to take home with. I'm excited to see more South Coast Plaza's Men's Collection Lookbooks as it is a great way to stay in tune with the season's trends as well as what is in-store at the luxury shopping center.
GUYS.....words can not even begin to describe my new obsession for Diptyque. Aside from all of the oodles of yummy scents, I was taken back by the meticulous thought and inspiration behind each scent, perfume bottle, candle holder, diffuser, and everything in between. I visited the South Coast Plaza location with Cassydy and Alyssa and was given an in-depth look at the recently launched La Collection 34 by store manager Justin. I'm pretty sure I spent a couple hours in the store snapping photos and smelling EVERYTHING. Diptyque originates from 34 boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris, with three friends that brought together a plethora of creative and artistic knowledge, vision and passion to create a unique home furnishing store which has grown into the iconic perfumeur it is today (but still holds on to it's artistic and eclectic beginnings). From the craftsmanship of the glass perfume bottles and candle jars, to the selection of the perfume ingredients, oval labels and store displays, wallpaper, and product wrapping; Diptyque is truly a unique and luxe experience from storefront to home. Watch FFF's youtube video below to see what I took home from Diptyque.
diptyque - South Coast Plaza 3333 Bristol St, #1409 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714-850-9995
diptyque offers a unique shopping experience, the South Coast Plaza boutique can advise and or deliver product to your next event or to friends, family, and co-workers as gifts. Call the boutique for recommendations and you can even have your order delivered same day or overnight.
The 23rd Annual Harvesters Fashion Show & Luncheon is coming up. On October 7, Harvesters and South Coast Plaza will present the season�s coveted fashion trends as well as raise awareness and funds for the Irvine-based Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. The event will take place at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts (Costa Mesa, CA); beginning with a premium silent auction and Jaeger-LeCoultre Champagne reception; followed by a runway show produced by South Coast Plaza and featuring fall/winter 2015 collections from luxury brands Barbara Bui, Fendi, Lanvin, Marni, Max Mara, Moncler, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino and Versace; and ending with a luncheon.
Although Orange County is one of the most affluent areas of the nation, one in five Orange County children is at risk of being hungry but having little to no access to regular meals. Hunger affects the most vulnerable populations, including seniors, children, the working poor, the unemployed, and the homeless.One hundred percent of proceeds go directly to breaking the cycle of hunger and despair in Orange County. This annual event has generated more than $5.5 million for Second Harvest, helping to feed hundreds of thousands of people over the past 23 years.
How can you help? Become an underwriter or share the cause by entering to win a $500 South Coast Plaza Shopping Spree! Contest runs September 10 � October 8, 2015, please read the Terms & Conditions within the rafflecopter widget below for more details.
a Rafflecopter giveawayAmanda of Feast.Fashion.Faves was given monetary compensation to compose this article, however all opinions expressed are of her own. Photos, Graphics, and Information provided by Reveille
South Coast Plaza hosted their Live the Look Fall Fashion Show with Rachel Zoe curating the designer looks last week. I wanted to go for a sophisticated, chic 'I'm a fashion editor' look with a hint of glam. I picked up a simple, tan body-hugging midi dress, and added a black fur shawl over it which I belted with a metal gold belt at the waist. I finished the look with black heels and a burgundy clutch to bring in some color. Belting a shawl or scarf over a simple dress or jumper is a great way to change up the look of the garment, and also looks effortless styled. Also try throwing a scarf or shawl over one shoulder and belting at the waist. 
Photos taken by Vincent
