July Diamond Dust

July 21, 2012 was a day of Pride for San Diego. All the colorful characters were out and about. It was fun to see and great to experience because everyone was having the time of their lives. The best part was the good vibes carried over into the fashion show.

Each time I'm at Kitty Diamond, the room configuration changes for the models, makeup artists, and hair stylists. I have to say that I loved July's configuration. We were in a big room, big enough for makeup artists, hair stylists, and models' clothes changes. Plus, when we were done and the models were ready for the catwalk, the room turned into a dance room. What was even better was the fact that, early birds like myself, could leave without bumping into dancing patrons or photographers.

There were a lot of makeup artists that brought their own lightening. Very smart! I tend to be a minimalist yet I may have to succumb to packing a light for future events. The one smart thing I did was to print out the photos of makeup ideas and hang them on the wall. It's easier and quicker for me to see than searching for the picture on my phone. Not many of the stylists knew what looks went to what designer. I was a star for a few seconds as they clamored around my wall to digest each look.

I set up shop next to a brand new makeup artist. It was nice to see her getting out into the public right away and getting experience. When I graduated from makeup school, I was very nervous about getting out into the world and working on real people.  She has a lot to learn (as we all do), but she's headed in the right direction.

My husband even kept busy with helping my take pictures of the models, so I can remember who I worked on, and chatting with photographers and models alike. He even helped with extension cords for the hair stylists. What a guy!

A group of models who were modeling for the designer, Teh Mac, chose me to do their makeup. Not only was I flattered that they wanted me but my ego was boosted by all their accolades. They loved their makeup! Very awesome! What was nice, was that they even brought their friends over for me to do their makeup. The group of models that I worked with were even fascinating to talk to. One male model was a pediatric neurosurgeon. Another one kissed the pavement hard from a bike accident the day before yet was a trooper and showed up with stitches.

I even had a chance to do makeup for Davorah Stetson, one of the fashion show promoters/model. Every fashion show I have watched her go to other makeup artists. Now, it was my turn! Loved it and was grateful that she gave me the chance.

The lovely Davorah Stetson

I did have a time matching skin tone to the foundation because the majority of the models had been out in the sun enjoying the parade for Pride. Not a problem, I was able to find a match the made each of them look flawless.

All in all, I felt that the fashion show went well and it was great to work with everyone. Everyone was in great spirits. The four hours I was there flew by and I hardly noticed when it was time to leave.

June Diamond Dust

It was that time again where I anxiously awaited the next fashion show. I always enjoy being challenged creatively with looks that the designers want. Yet, this fashion show had an odd vibe to it or it could have been just me having an off day. I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

I started out the day with rock star parking, thanks to my fabulous husband, only to wait for the owner to open up the bar. By 5:45 PM, the owner arrived and in between talking on her phone and giving orders to her crew, she instructed me where to set up. I was led to the second bar room upstairs (not downstairs this time) and saw that the room was fabulously set up with a mirror for every table. Awesome. Crystal, one of the models, sat down quickly as I was setting up. She was excited to have her makeup done first. Less stress for her!

There was a flurry of models, designers, and clothes everywhere! Chaos and commotion ran hand in hand. Three designers changed their minds on the looks and joined forces for a simple smokey eye. That was frustrating because I had already worked on about five models with a punk look. Just breathe. Waitresses waded through the craziness in hopes of taking orders and selling drinks. Water pitchers were brought by the handful and were just as quickly consumed by all the thirsty models.

My husband noted that I seemed to be working the fastest, with model after model sitting in my seat. Other makeup artists were taking their time. I wondered if my timing was off and maybe I needed to slow down. Nah, this was a fashion show where time was a commodity.

Then, I met my challenge. It came in the form of a model.

She sat down, hiked up her dress to her knees, and was full of frenetic energy. She talked about this and that. Gave me tips on how I should do her makeup. My game was completely thrown off and concentration disappeared. Have you ever met someone that by shear negative energy alone threw off your game? Tonight was my night.

I created cat eyes for her. She told me she was super picky and didn't like eyeliner under her eyes. So, I stuck to the top of the eyes. Once done, she quickly looked into the mirror and said, "No offense but I could do a better job." I calmly looked at her and said, "Do what you need to do." She then rushed to the bathroom to wash off all her makeup.

Now, I would have been happy to redo her makeup to her satisfaction. Yet, she chose to cowardly stand in line with the makeup artist next to me. The designer came over to me after seeing her model run off and asks if everything was "OK". I restated the events to the designer and then the designer asks if I'm OK with cat eyes. Yes, all is fine in cat eye land. I thought it was interesting that a model should dictate to a designer what look she should have. Le sigh...

Feeling low and my confidence shattered, I had to take a moment to reevaluate the moment. I had to not take it personally and realize that this was something she needed to do for herself. After that thought of clarity, I forgave her and moved on. What perked me up next was the models who knew me, requested to have me do their makeup. That's always a nice pat on the back. Every model after my "challenge", I asked them to tell me if they liked their makeup and I'll fix whatever they feel needs fixing.

Then I met a fabulous male model who had a kindred soul. He appreciated me asking for honesty and I enjoyed listening to his dreams and accomplishments. He was the type of person that you wanted to hug and I almost did.

By 10:30 PM, the models looked like they had all their makeup on and I began to wrap up for the night. Just as I started to clean up, the designers sat down for a quick makeover. How could I say, "no"?

11:00 PM rolled around and my age was starting to show. My feet hurt, I was thirsty, and my eyes were rolling into the back of my head. Yep, time for home.

See you at the next fashion show!

Diamond Dust

Last night was the grand opening of Kitty Diamond, a new bar in San Diego and a new venue for May Star's Fashion Show, "Diamond Dust".

Now, when May stated that it would be a soft opening becasue the bar was still under construction. Boy was she right! Plastic still covered the bars, yellow tape adorned the bar stools, and construction dust lingered on everything stationary. But the dust was a perfect fit since it went with the "Diamond Dust" theme. :) There were little snafus like no AC downstairs (it was really hot for some) and some outlets not working (that stressed out the hair stylists), yet we all found a way to make it work.

The models and maskeup artists were taken down stairs to get ready, while people upstairs began to shuffle in and enjoy the bar. A bouncer came in to check our IDs and gave a fabulous kiss stamp on our wrists! One model kept getting the stamp ink on her clothes and told me that hairspray will take ink out of clothes. Who knew? The next time I get ink on my clothes, I'll be trying the hairspray trick! :)

The great thing about last night was that everyone was in great spirits, the models showed up on time, and the lightening was fabulous! Many times, I have put makeup on in dim lights praying that I had put the right foundation shade on!

I had to laugh that I ended up with makeup all over my hands! My eyeliner pen exploded, more red lipstick found its way on me than on my models, and the black eyeshadow was everywhere! I think I'm becoming a messy artist! :)

I also was extremely busy and loving every minute of it! 4 hours and 14 girls later (plus touch ups), I was beat!

I am also amazed everytime how much the models' looks are transformed with hair, makeup, and the right clothes! After I put on makeup, I send the models to hair and wardrobe. It's always neat to see the complete look and the designer's image come to life.

Here are  pictures of the different makeup looks I did before hair and wardrobe got a hold of the models:

What I enjoy the most about these fashion shows, besides working with great people, is that there is always a new look for me to try out. Last night, I worked with designers that wanted looks from Brigitte Bardot, to retro rockabilly, to Harajuku. How fun is that?!

When I had finished putting makeup on the models, I had a chance to go upstairs and see the bar. One room was reserved for the fashion show with bright lights and photographers waiting anxiously. Another room had a disco ball, great music, and a sparkly gogo dancer. Fun, fun, fun place to dance and hang out! I also thought was it great to see people lining up outside to get in and check out the bar and fashion show.

I can't wait for next month's fashion show at Kitty Diamond! The bar should be in full swing and those tiny snafus last night will have been taken care of. Stay tuned!