With an almost philosophical approach to fashion and styling, an era appropriate practicality sweeps over sensational looks and treatments for fall, but not without a touch of high spirited fun
by ARCHANA AITHAL ROSE
FLORAL FANTASY
According to Greek mythology, the Anemone flowers sprung from mixing the mighty Aphrodite’s tears with the blood of her dead mortal lover, Adonis. The flowers thus came to symbolize the death of a loved one, or perhaps, a forbidden love. For British luxury brand Alexander McQueen’s Fall Winter 2021 collection titled Anemones, creative director Sarah Burton explored the dark, romantic history of these striking blooms by amplifying them on dreamy day dresses, joggers, and knit cardigans, albeit with a punk rock edge. Burton’s primary goal was “to make something beautiful that feels both precious and important.” Her vision was successfully narrated with structured stories in moto jackets with waist belts, beautifully gathered midi skirts, tailored jackets with gilded lily pad embroidery, and biker jackets with voluminous sleeves featuring amplified Anemones. Displaying the house’s penchant for fusing haute couture mastery with art, the collection is just the flight of fancy we are all craving at the moment. alexandermcqueen.com
FRESH PAINT
It may have been three years in the making, but after intensive research and testing, Valentino finally launched its own line of luxurious makeup. From luminous daywear foundations to double duty blush and eye shadow combos, all drenched in a runway inspired cornucopia of colors, the debut collection mirrors Valentino’s couture finesse. valentino.com
Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick
No neutrals for now, only striking shades of crimson make this standout line of lipsticks, must have fall picks with their rich creamy satin and soft matte finishes. Packed with patented technology that offers pigment payoin just one swipe, these punchy babies are packaged in the signature V shaped lipstick bullet. $55
Eye2Cheek Blush and Eyeshadow
Tied into the high blush trend with a riveting shade card of 12 candy hues to choose from, this highly pigmented cream to powder blush and eye shadow product offers buildable coverage and is infused with Valentino’s signature Roma light complex. $58
Very Valentino Liquid Foundation
Its ultra-luxurious, lightweight formula offers buildable coverage while exclusive Light Lasting technology keeps the skin hydrated and luminous all day long. Offered in 40 shades, this versatile foundation feels like a second skin. $64
THE INSIDE STORY
Combining luxury and sustainability to highlight signature brands ranging from fashion and accessories to scents and beauty products, Juli Mei in Silver Lake has been offering discerning clients one of a kind shopping experiences since 2005. Led by a mother daughter duo, the well curated boutique is as owner Juli pointed out, “A mecca for lines that are considered niche, which is a small market segment. Brands you would fi nd in small boutiques and not mass corporations.” And when it comes to beauty, Juli Mei’s core ethos centers on, “Clean products that are free of harsh chemicals and parabens. Conscious coconut is one of our newest product lines, and I love everything they stand for, especially their clean and feminine packaging.” julimei.com
Conscious Coconut Dry Brush
Aiding your skin with a host of goodness, this brush adopts the ancient Ayurvedic practice of dry brushing to rid the skin of toxins by exfoliating, rejuvenating, and promoting lymphatic drainage. $18
Conscious Coconut, Coconut Oil Tube
This skin loving, multipurpose oil tube is travel ready and filled with 100% certified organic, fair trade cold pressed coconut oil that’s devoid of artificial ingredients like fillers, fragrance, and preservatives. $18
Conscious Coconut Oil Jar
Crafted using a cold pressed method (without the use of heat pressure or machinery), this mighty antibacterial and anti fungal oil ranges in treatments and benefits, from wound salve and hair protectant to deep conditioner and moisturizer. $28
