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The Pursuit of Plastic Perfection...

After attending an event for a new Couture line. I was compelled to put pen to paper. The launch party was in Knightsbridge and filled with very wealthy individuals.  Nothing unusual you may say, actually it was, as I have never seen so many surgically altered faces in one place in this city - ever. Women of all ages were present; inflated lips, pulled back faces so tight it looked uncomfortable when they spoke, slithers representing noses. Filled in cheekbones that didn’t fit the natural alignment of the various bone structures. Crazy!

As my fashion friends and myself discussed the shock, horror and amazement of it all, I felt saddened and thought the freedom that immense wealth gave these people to pursue Plastic Perfection – ‘PPP’, yet at the same time they were enslaved. It was obvious they had gone back time and time and time again! This wasn’t a boob job here or a nose job there. A ‘sea of Joan Rivers’ surrounded us.

As I write Ricky Martin on Oprah is distracting me – the man is fine! And surgery free…

There are many things I dislike about my exterior form; scars, my feet, I could go on and on trust me. As a woman soon to be exiting her thirties, I have a greater understanding of who I am and that it’s the imperfections that make me/us special and perfect. I’ve realized it’s the mental – where your head is at is key – It’s all about happiness and contentment. That’s why so many people are on this continuous 'PPP' quest – to be happy. At which point are they? Happy with the distortion they let their surgeons create? I don’t think so. That’s why they keep going back for more. I really wanted to take pictures of some of these women but wouldn’t have been able to disguise my horror.

The young girls I saw that evening made me wonder what will they do when they get to 30, 40, 50 or 60? What will these ‘kids’ look like? I personally, am totally against needles and surgery if you haven’t worked that one out by now. I’m a true believer in beauty products and make-up and have a significant stash. I was discussing my anti-PPP stance with a fellow journalist at the NARS beauty launch for Francois Nars’ new book ‘Make up your mind, Express yourself’ and she said ‘It’s ok for you to say with your tight forehead and your high cheekbones’. Yes I realise my Mum and Dad’s genes have helped, but over the years I’ve accepted and experienced so much more important things in the grand scheme of life than a line or a wrinkle! FFS! Loving me has been a process. There are so many tools; in the form of clothes, hair and make-up to facilitate. Life coaches, counsellors etc for the internal. These tools are a great process for trial and error.  As a stylist, I’m a great tool for people if I say so myself! ;)

Here are some pics from this fabulous book; he used ordinary women and men who were literally picked off the streets, of all ages and races…







That evening in Knightsbridge was a great ‘Just say no’ campaign for plastic surgery. Whether a little or a lot is done – the bottom line is there is no going back – no reverse gear to what was.. for me that’s the scariest thing.

Also when you think about your perfect man or woman, what would he or she look like? Mine would have face of Michael Jordan, the body of David Gandy, the wit of Russell Kane, the intellect of Jon Snow and the heart of Nelson Mandela! You see how ridiculously unreal and total fantasy my perfect man is...however wonderful it would be. It could never be a reality, only in my dreams...

Now on Oprah, Michael Jackson’s amazing mother Katherine, talking to Oprah about how MJ really felt so ugly and his addiction to surgery, she even spoke to his surgeon to get him to stop operating on him (to no avail), so sad. He went from a Beauty to a Beast – the irony. The same addiction to 'PPP' I saw all around me at the party.

Here is a quote from 'Makeup your mind, Express yourself' that’s perfect to end on..

'Find your own way, have an open spirit and believe in your own beauty'

Enough said.

CamilleA.

©Karma-Style 2011. All rights reserved

Images courtesy of NARS Cosmetics 
www.narscosmetics.co.uk/

The Met Ball 2011 - who had the Wow! and the How? factor

The 2011 Costume Institute Gala, Monday night's extravaganza was to celebrate the 'Savage Beauty' exhibition in honour of the late Alexander McQueen. This event is the about drama and fantasy of fashion, so I looked for outfits that did just that, and were worn well..


My fave of the night was Gisele who indeed looked like a striking gazelle. The drama was the colour and drape of the dress. You believed this fashion fantasy!
Gisele Bundchen in Alexander McQueen


Next is JLo. This woman has been so on point with her style recently. The drama was the colour and floral shrug/detail. Another amazing look. It also helps that she and Gisele are extremely beautiful.


Jennifer Lopez in Gucci


Daphne Guinness needed no introduction in this Alexander McQueen creation. She epitomised the event. Her dress really made you reflect on the man himself and his label. 


Daphne Guinness in Alexander McQueen

This Zac Posen dress is amazing. The webbed lace detailing and shape gave us true fantasy. Christina Ricci's hair looked a mess though. 
Christina Ricci in Zac Posen


Natalia Vodianova in Valentino with the man himself. 
This dress ticked all the boxes and had the 'Wow!' factor. The perfect dress for this occasion.

Natalia Vodianova in Valentino

Crystal Renn in Zac Posen. Her hair and dress brought the drama - A fine fantasy. Was this the same woman who flew the flag for the plus-size woman? What happened here then? She's very gaunt.

Crystal Renn in Zac Posen


Joan Small's Givenchy dress was another winner for me as the colour and detailing brought real drama and fantasy to a simple shape.  Stunning!


Joan Smalls in Givenchy


Gywneth Paltrow and Sarah Jessica Parker both looked amazing but their outfits could have been worn to any old red carpet do - all too safe for the Met Gala.


Unlike Anna Dello Russo in this tuxedo who never plays it safe, she accessorised with an egg-like hat by Alan Journo. I love her fearlessness of fashion! She looked fabulous!


Anna Dello Russo in Alexander McQueen


Thandie Newton and Taylor Swift also looked great on the night...


Now for... Andre Leon Talley. I tweeted last night that I was bemused and confused. I still am today.


Vera Wang in her own design. Has she always looked this thin?! She also cannot carry off neon lime! Not a good look at all.




Naomi is one of the most amazing faces and bodies in the world. She is wearing McQueen and all the elements are there; drama, fantasy and beauty. Yet this is so wrong in so many ways. Naomi, if you're reading this, let me have the honour to style you? PLEASE?


Naomi Campbell in Alexander McQueen
This Burberry dress looked tacky and cheap. It was glamour model-esque on Rosie Huntington-Whitley - Awful!
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Burberry


Serena Williams, what was she thinking? All she had to do was get rid of the hat and cuff, wear her hair loosely up and it would of been an ok but still not a 'Wow' look.
Serena Williams in Oscar de la Renta
Kirsten Dunst? I could go on and on...need to end this post now!
Kirsten Dunst in Chanel


One final thing. Madonna, is a mere mortal after all...she now has a little belly! Shock, horror and amazement. Maybe she's reduced the daily 5hr or whatever stints in her gym. She looks so much better. 
Bravo to her for not trying to look 25 years younger for a change. 


Madonna in Stella McCartney
So that's my take on the 'Oscars' of fashion. 
Who had the 'Wow!' and 'How?' factor in your opinion?

Please let me know.

Thanx CamilleA 

© Karma-Style 2011. All rights reserved

Pictures: various online sources; Style.com, In-Style.com