Fashion's date with makeup - Exclusive interview with make-up artist: Anam Falak.

Undoubtedly all my fashion readers will agree with me , that no matter how fashion aware and trendy we are, to look beautiful and to rock that perfect outfit we need the help of make-up, otherwise even the most gorgeous Chanel dress will go unnoticed . Therefore fashion and beauty work hand in hand with each other. Despite being a fashion graduate, Living in London , there are times when I cant decide the perfect lip colour for my attire or which eye colours are the must-haves for a season. Just like fashion , we must update our selves with make-up products, however there is no use of the best Mac make-up palette if you can't make the right use of it, similar to how the most expensive wardrobe is a waste if you cant style yourself well.  

With so many make-up and beauty brands, beauty blogs, magazines all confusing us with which products to buy and how to apply them correctly, I feel lucky to personally know make-up diva : Anam Falak.

After being introduced with her through a friend, I was lucky to find her in London on the time of my sisters wedding.  Having her recently do mine and my 4 other sisters makeup for my sisters wedding, not only was I in love with the versatile look she gave to each of us, but her magical makeup tricks are more than a bliss to experience.  With her facebook page now pondering with queries, her discusion  page no less than a daily dose of beauty problems solved, and her over booked makeup classes from months before the dates even release, she is un disputedly the youngest makeup diva in Karachi these days. She is the all in one makeup girl that everyone in karachi is talking about these days. In her first official interview and she tells the Words of fashion blog all sorts of fun facts about herself and the art of make-up. I would like to give her a big round of applause on what a bench-mark she has set for young interpeuners in makeup and fashion in Pakistan today.

Anam Falak at a mere age of 22 is no short of experience & fans. Over 10K fans on her page,  and busy with new shoots, Here is the fun questions we all want to know about her.Although based in Karachi, Pakistan, Anam is usually traveling to London , so don't forget to catch her when shes here next for a make over:  for that special occasion or just for a new fun look. Adding some pictures of the makeup diva herself and a few images from her mak-eup shoots. for complete portfolio & contact information join: Anam Falak make-up group on facebook

Makeup Look: "Dolls of Karachi" -  by Anam Falak

Makeup Look: "Jewel toned" by: Anam Falak

Look: Summer Makeup by Anam Falak.

Makeup Artist: Anam Falak(Left) at Illamasqua training in London

1) First and foremost Besides the love of make-up what else revoloves in your mind and in your life?

Anam:  SHOPPING! I have an obsession with all forms of shopping..these days online shopping since I'm in Karachi so I can't physically go to all my favourite stores. I have too much of everything..you name it and I will most likely already be having two versions of it!  

2) What is ur secret for your success in such a short period of time?

Anam: To be honest, apart from my style of makeup being very different from the normal makeup artists in this part of the world, I think it's the fact that I am more relatable to..I use every normal girls as models instead of commercial models most of the time because I want myself to be as approachable and my work to be as practical as possible. I want girls to look at it and say 'hey, I can do this too, or this will look nice on me too because the girl its done on is not walking a ramp, shes one of us!' Also I guess its exposure be it the form of marketing online or words of mouth from friends..I am so lucky to have the most supportive encouraging friends and family ever! 

3) A brief introduction to your previous qualifications in terms of make-up? 

Anam: In terms of qualifications I have been trained from Illamasqua and London Hair and Beauty Academy (LHA). The exposure to being trained by different International makeup Artists such as Daniel Sallstrom (Illamasqua School of Makeup), David Horne (Formerly MAC Cosmetics UK Head;Artist Training & Development) and various others have lead me to develop my own distinct style of makeup that is visible in my work. However, the best training I've recieved so far has been from my own experience, where I started collecting and experimenting with makeup on my closest friends at the age of 16. . 

4) Who in the make-up and fashion industry do you look up to as your icon or idol?

Anam: Pat Mcgrath - International makeup extraordinare with no professional training who only uses her fingers to apply makeup! I do that too most of the time!  

5) The most beautiful women in the fashion and make-up industry according to you is?

Anam:  There are so many! To name a few I like,I think it has to be Nicole Richie, Tyra Banks, Claudia Schiffer...in Pakistan I think Iman Ali has such great features..and a few of my friends are stunnners!  

6) If you could pick any celebrity to do make-up on, who would it be and why?

Anam: Rihanna! I think she is just so beautiful in the most unconventional way!  

7) Give us a saucy answer. Who seriously needs a style and make-up makeover? And wears makeup pathetically? 

Anam: Dita von teese.  

8) So many make-up artist want to keep thier tricks to themselves.. why do u share them so honestly ?

Anam: Because there comes a point when you realise that giving will only gain you more -respect, appreciation, friends/fans and maybe even more knowledge in return, and nobody can become you, so what's the use of hiding something.  

9) Your favourite make-up brand? 

Anam: Tie between MAC and Illamasqua. And I can't live without Nars's blushes. 

10) What tips and tricks do you teach students in your classes? Give us a sneak peak to what you inbox to all those people asking information about your next set of makeup class ;)

Anam: There aren't any tips in my inbox message, just details and duration of my classes..I don't believe in overcharging so I keep my course fee minimal and have a complete basic to advanced course which means instead of spending on a basic makep training course separately and advanced course separately, mine is both of them combined so you won't need to go anywhere else or take another course after that! Oh and I also teach a few very different never before seen tricks...like making your own....ooops ;) you'll have to come to class to learn all these xx  

11) How important is fashion to you?  

Anam: Its something you have or not have. You can't just force it on someone or become fashionable one fine day unless you've developed it over time..because if its the previous case, then the next day you're back to being your own self..however you are. 

12) Do you follow brands? Or are you a trend setter?

 Anam: I love Alexander Mcqueen, I have so many of their clutches! and Chanel...I love their supersized jumbos and maxis!  

13) When are you in London next? 

Anam: Hoping  this October/November 11 

14) A naughty fact that your fans din't know about you?

 Anam: I have the naughtiest sense of humour which I don't hide. And I make wickedly naught desserts.  

15) Can you briefly describe this season’s make-up look? 

Anam: Bold lip colors are in, fuschias, magentas, citrus-y corals and all shades of vibrant reds..lips are more matte than glossy..and eyes are neutral but dark..think of smokey browns, beiges and blacks. Good contouring, natural shades of blush and extremely dark black liners/kohls. The conventional dark eyes pale lip theory or vice versa is so 2008! That's as far as makeup is concerned..and hair is light and highlighted and big big biggg amplified volume!  

16) One make-up product that is an absolute essential? 

Anam: Concealer.  

17) Anam falak is a makeup diva because? 

Anam: You all have made her one ;)  

18) What's the next surprise for ur makeup fans?

Anam: It won't be a surprise if I tell you! I have my new studio coming up in a few weeks..and then there's something more which you'll have to wait for but I promise you will love it 

19) Heard about your new studio. Tell us more? 

Anam: My mom was sick of my studio being inside my house because I had students and clients coming in all the time and it was killing all the privacy..so she's shifted my studio outside. It's a makeup studio primarily but by appointment I will also be offering basic hair and threading/ waxing service. Because it's not a salon but a studio, it will be very makeup oriented looking and very glam. As the number of my students are constantly increasing, I am making it such to accommodate upto 20 makeup artist's in the making with their own workspace and Hollywood mirrors. Ofcourse I want a very classy, glamourous environment but very comfortable at the same time.  

20) Go on be a mother Teresa give us some wise words or ur favourite quote? 

Anam: Treat your mum better than you treat yourself. Because if you want anything in the world, she is the one who will sort it out for you.  

21) Choose one. Love or makeup? 

 Anam: Both are linked!  

22) Crazy or sophisticated? 

Anam: Sophisticated-crazy  

23)Smokey eyes or juicy lips? 

Anam: Smokey eyes!  

hope you guys liked the first interview on my blog until my next post enjoy mixing fashion with make-up. Adiós. Sadaf R Godil x

Trend Watch - London's street style! key trends Autumn/Winter '11

Hello Diva's , addressing you as Divas because I think you're all "Dolls In Vogue Always". 

Do you get as gutted as me when you realise a new trend is in fashion, people are rocking it around, and you dint even know about? you were too busy drooling over ur last season's look? Well then you have come to the correct place. With the fast fashion approcach of designers, the 2 week zara turnover of styles, catwalk collections, cruize collections, pret colections, high street fast fashion collections, fashion blogs and magazines all confusing us with diff looks/ must ave products and styles to buy, your just overwhelmed with the options and brands available. 

My blog post today displays 4 key trends which are the absolute must have to ensure your on trend in London this season. These items will ensure you stand out which ever part of the fashion globe you are in.  On the contrary I dont  think unfashionable is less cool. In fact I belive in flauting what suits you, and having your own personal thought, but havng said that we still must update those wardrobes and enjoy dressing and rocking amazing trends that each season provides us with :). So here's this seasons must have looks.

1) Boyfriend blazer. 

The boyfriend style blazer is a must have this season. its available at every high end and high street retail store. Don't just stick to the black, go for the variety of different fabrics and colours available.  Add a blazer to ur dress/ tops/ shirts anything (see images below).And if like me you pay attention to detail, go for a blazer with detailed embellishments I.e coloured/funky buttons/ ,zips, and contrasting thread stitching.

Blair Waldrof in a blazer by Alice& Olivia .

Asos blazer with contrast detail.

D&G sequence blazer in navy 

Giorgio Armani vintage blazer.  look demonstrates blazer over denim

2) Platform Heels 
My trend watch post would be incomplete without shoes. This season's must have shoe style are platform heels. Every designer has their own shape for the platform heel. since the heel is high choose the one that's comfortable for you. Don't just match your shoes with your clothes, Go for a complete miss-match colour. Sometimes I even go for the "yes My shoe belongs to a different outfit look".

Beyonce in Louboutin platform heels

Dior platform heels.

leopard print platform heel.

3) Statement necklaces.

Bling on beautifull neckpieces, aclyric, jewel crusted necklaces, golden chains, flower mix. Discard those long beads and bring home some arty fashionable necklaces to express your unique fashion sense. 

Jewel crusted ribbon necklace

beaded necklace with blazer.

Shilpa Shetty wearing beaded gemstones necklace

4) Coloured trousers

London's had enough of the blue jeans. If your out on Oxford street you will see 2 out of 5 women in trousers wearing a pair of coloured jeans/ trousers. Pleated slim fit smart trousers or jeans this season are available in a  variety of colours: burnt orange, mustard, khaki green, deep red. Pair these coloured trousers with a subtle top and your sure to turn heads in a crowd.

A selection of coloured trousers- Zara

Celebs with coloured trousers.

Vintage brooches and everything Animal

Hey all ,

First and foremost : Sorry that I havent blogged for a very long time. Not that I am ever out of things to say or write but i have genuinely been very busy. London is a very busy city. Ahhh.!!

As I am writting after some time i would first like to Thank you all for visiting my stlye/fashion and inspiration blog. Fashion as we all know is always on a fast train, before we can get round to adapt a style or a fad its already out of trend. Therfore when it comes to following fashion id like to advise everyone to follow your own style and instinct and in evrythng you wear or buy adopt the magic word : PREETY and CLASSY! As fashion will go out of fashion but your personal style will always be wearable and still look superior.

I am sure all you fashion aware people are up-to-date about the latest fashion news and trend reports that all other fashion blogs and magazgines provide you with, so i am not going to update you with any of that today. Little reading and more visual candy, I bring to you images of preety things and inspiration that errupted in my head  this morning. Use these colours, accesssrioes, prints to shop and mix and match with your wardrobe  this week for a new over-the-top- yet classy you and ill see you all soon at my fashion world blog.

1)Vintage brooches:  brooches are a fabulous accesory to add on your outfit, the right bling on a brooche can look so beautifull. Dont limit yourself to use brooches on cardigans, add them to your entire outfit for that extra charm. To give you an exampke : My fav brand miu miu has used a sparkly stone and gems brooche on ballet pumps : 

Miu Miu ballet pumps. from the 2011 collection.

A selection of my favourite brooches.

2) Animal print fever: No introduction needed, Animal print : Leopard print, zebra print, tiger print  is never not in fashion, each season, every year its always seen on the catwalk of luxury brands and on the shelves of high street shops. Those who know me, know how much I love animal print from bags, shoes, clothes,  to scarves. Animal print makes a style statement and is brave, but beware this inspiration should be used in the right amount, too much of animal print and you will end up looking like one! 

Below is an image of leapord print on catwalk, followed by some animal print eye candy.

Some haute animal print outfits from the catwalk.

Dolce and gabbana miss escape leapord print tote.

3) Tropical colours and exotic flowers: Oh i love flowers, and think bright colours and floral prints are  a must for summer, i reccomend colours that suits your skin colour and add on your personality should definalty be shown off, so use these images and a splash of  colours & exotic flower prints to get a new brave look!. The first picture in this section is of one of my favourite pakistani designer Nomi Ansari’s lawn , whose use of colour and floral prints are to be praised.

Nomi Ansari Lawn summer 2011

Nomi Ansari floral lawn summer 2011

Floral print and texture mood-board from my sketch book.

Dolce and gabana floral print bag satchel

Happy Fashion. Look beautiful x

Bridal Trends from Asiana Bridal Fashion show 2011 @ the park plaza LONDON

Hello fashion Lovers

This week has been all about Asian fashion and in particular weddings! Asian wedding business is  huge in the United Kingdom. Asians, NRI and international Asians now form a majority of UK and this naturally had lead to many Asian brands and designers opening up in the UK to launch or expand their brand. With some new designers and some old fashion houses, I must add thatUK has a huge demand of wedding attire by clients and there definatly is room for grand exposure.

This week I was at the Asiana Bridal show 2011 at the Park plaza hotel ,London and as I sat down to watch the 2011 grand bridal fashion show I could describe my feeling as : EXCITED! .

Excited to see the collection, Excited to see what the designers of London had to offer for the brides and groom of 2011. With such a busy start to the event I was anticipated and already expected a good show. While waiting in the second row seat, I got myself ready to be surprised for a new level of Haute Couture by Asian designers of London and since its been all about weddings recently around me, wheather its my sisters wedding plans or khubsoorat collections special exhibition at the park plaza or the exclusive interview of Mani Kohli about the persona of bride and grooms. It surely has been all about weddings around me this week so i was really to be fully inspired by the show.

It began with a grand opening , many designers participated at the show displaying their bridal attire for this year. so without further delay here are the pictures from the show and my overall review on the show & bridal trends 2011.

Firstly can I please define Haute couture: Haute couture (French for "high sewing" or "high dressmaking"; pronounced) refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing. it is re-defined in todays era as clothes with a uniqueness, something exclusive, clothes make with the highest of quality and attention given to the tiniest detail. In the Asiana Fashion show I did not see any aspect of haute couture in these bridal clothes, some outfits even had threads hanging and in terms of exclusivity and uniqueness the entire show looked like its designers by one designer. I saw a lot of sameness and not enough newness or heritage from the designers. Each label must have its own brand identity with Asian fashion being so stitched to its roots of embroidery and craftsmanship can i please add that the bridal shows outfits dint resemble any of that. In the race of ditching the old they have sank in so much newness that the traditional work found in the Asian outfits was missing immensely. what happened to the chickenkari, karhai and heavy embriodery? It got all replaced by stones?

Key Trends:  In bridal lehngas (skirts) as always RED was an evident colour as Asian bride's uniform colour is red, also i saw some ivory and lots of vibrant oranges, turquoise and emerald green colours for lehengas and dresses.

Details: STONES, STONES, and MORE SILVER Swarovski stones. I felt that the brand embassodor of these emsembles was Swarovski stones, each and every outfit was blinging with countless stones specially the reds. There wasn't any new element for the brides of 2011, each and every designer's collection was repetitive and same. I couldn't distinguish the style of one designer as they all were so similar to the other designers. as a Fashion graduate of London college of fashion and being studying fashion from the last 7 years I can criticize these collections a bit by saying stones are nice BUT not every bride wants to be seen in PURE RED WITH SILVER SWOROSKI. Please experiment add more colours try new things, be extravagant.
In terms of Colours and fabrics: I spotted some purples, turquoise and ivory with some bright vibrant shades. in terms of fabrics Velvet was a nice one on the ramp this season, it looked nice when used in the right proportion.
Overall the whole show felt that ED Hardy had released a collection of lehengas!



Check the pictures for inspiration let me know what you think of the entire show. (Please click on the Link for the full album)

http://picasaweb.google.com/106004000495744519846/AsianaBridalFashionShow2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCPThm___staZfA&feat=directlink

Photo Credits: Sadaf R Godil

Location: Park Plaza hotel London

Stage credits for the fashion show: Maz of Leicester (took 8 men and 35 hours of work to put together the beautiful background: http://www.mazmashru.co.uk/)

Words of a dress

"I am not simple. I don't like to be gaudy ..but i am different,  I like to be seen as an  irresistible dress." These are the words my attire speaks when its hanging on a velvet hanger waiting to be worn by a wearer. Over the top that's how i describe my imagination.. far of from being a designer as yet... but when i launch i want to be a statement making designer and this is where i start my research .... words, images, things i admire are all pondering from my head almost overflowing. creations from my sketch book of thoughts i intend to write here as ground work as  the world of fashion is ever changing and evolving. That is what i like about it, just when you reach and ace one look... its already out of fashion... and being the rebellious middle child that i am i like to very much stay on top of things, ahead of everyone, absorbing all attention and that's how i see fashion!!

Welcome to my world... Its almost like a diary where no one day is similar , and not a single admiration of a look/ designer/ style / colour is ever repeated... it sure evolves, grows and as a result becomes a very special page of sketch book (also known as my world of fashion).. read on to see a world of ensemble... a combination of the imagination world of my designs plus the current work of designers all put together.. perhaps you'll find your own style of dressing through my thoughts.. adios.. happy fashion.. x