Pukka Up

Wednesday 8th December

It's 'All About the Party' at Pukka Up! Originally known for their infamous boat parties along the River Thames, they have since exploded on to many a dance floor, including internationally renowned venues such as Pacha and The Cross. And it's not just the UK and Ireland where you can join in the party, the Pukka Up tour is now bigger than ever with a series of international residencies including Delhi, Singapore, Dubai, Bangkok, Miami and Sydney to name a few.

So I was on hand to do hair and make-up for a shoot for their artwork, which is going to be used for the next 12 months. The images will be used for their clubbing events in Ibiza and around the world, and their sponsor http://www.missguided.com/ will have billboards and tube ads across London.

The models from the shoot will be super imposed on to exotic looking backgrounds. Hopefully, if there's a next time, we'll be flown out to shoot there for real! Well I can dream.........

http://www.pukkaup.com/

L'uomo Vogue Shoot

Tuesday 7th December

I received a call in the morning from photographer Iain Mckell, asking me if I was available later that day for a last minute shoot. And thankfully I was! The reason that it was so last minute was because we were going to be shooting Susan Philipsz, who was announced the Turner Prize winner just the night before. She is the first person in the history of the award to have created nothing you can see or touch. Instead, she sculpted her prize winning work in sound- from the sound of her own voice, singing a Scottish lament over the river Clyde in her hometown, Glasgow. The location for the shoot was the beautiful Tate Britain, where you can see (or hear!), the exhibits from The Turner Prize nominees. Look out for the shoot in the January issue!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWeKzTDi-OA

Knomo Look Book

Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd December

Luckily for me the snow wasn't going to effect my journey to work, as the studio was just a 10/15 minute walk away from my house. My arms certainly got a good workout though, pulling a heavy suitcase uphill through snow is no mean feat! I was asked to do hair and make-up for the Knomo Spring 2011 look book. Knomo produce luxury work bags and technology accessories. They are stocked in places such as Harrods and Harvey Nichols, and work with Apple on the design of their products. The first day was 11 hours long- there were a lot of items to shoot! Thankfully the second day was a little shorter. They were a great team of people to work with, and I hope to work again with them in the future. Special thanks to Caroline Mackay. You can see their current range at http://www.knomobags.com/.

The Times Magazine

Friday 19th November

Time to get in to the party spirit and get your glad rags on! And if you want a new party dress and need inspiration on what to buy, then get hold of The Times Magazine on Sunday 5th December (I think)! I was assisting Liberty Shaw on the shoot for party wear. The hairdresser was about 3 hours late, as his flight was delayed from Glasgow that morning, so it was a long day! We had four models to make up, one of which, Signe Kayser, should be a Supermodel, she was so beautiful! Most of the clothes were ridiculously expensive, but there were a few shockers in there from Mango, but you would never have guessed!! I particularly liked the red number..........

Hair and make-up for Sarah Harding

Wednesday 17th November

Sarah Harding is working on her first presenting job for a TV show, Dating In The Dark. I was up at 4:50 to get myself ready and make my way on public transport (boo hoo), all the way up to Highgate West Hill, to start at 7. Oh someone get me a taxi, lol! I never knew hills like that existed in London, blimey!!! The house that is being used for the show is huge, and beautiful. I am told that a family with two kids live there, and that they have moved in to a flat in Belsize Park for a couple of months, whilst renting out their house for the filming, (and are making a few bob whilst they are at it too)! It's not as big as the house directly opposite though, which apparently is the house used for Fame Academy, and is the second biggest residence in England after Buckingham Palace!!

Anyway, Kolbrun Ran is the key hair and make-up artist. I assist her in getting Sarah ready from 7 until 9am, when Sarah should be ready to start. When 11am comes, Kolbrun is free to go home, and I stay with Sarah all day, touching up her hair and make-up in between takes. After each bit of filming is done, Sarah and I hang out in her room whilst the crew are setting up for the next section. As you can probably imagine, it did seem a little strange at first, hanging out in her dressing room just the two of us, but she is so lovely, and quickly made me feel really comfortable in being there. I'm sure it was a little odd for her too!

So what can I tell you about Sarah..... well it was her birthday on this day. The days are soooooo long and tiring, but Sarah didn't complain one bit that it was her birthday and she was working. We didn't finish until about 9pm, and she still has about an hour and a half drive back to hers, and has to be back for 7am the next morning. She is very professional and just gets on with the job. She doesn't complain when we are filming outside and she's freezing. She is partial to oysters (her boyfriend made them for her the day before to celebrate her birthday), and brings in her favourite mug from home to have her coffee in, bless! She is a natural at presenting- I am sure many job offers will come from this, and she is STUNNING!

I got home about 10ish that night, and had to be up the same time the next day to start at seven again. OMG, I felt soooooo sick on my way there it was awful, but worth it! I was fine after a few hours, lol!

L'uomo Vogue Shoot

Wednesday 10th November

Well aren't I a lucky girl! The amazing, super inspiring photographer Iain Mckell asked me if I wanted to do male grooming for L'uomo Vogue! Obviously I didn't have to think about it for even a second! He was shooting two portraits- Matthew McGuinness who is an artist, and Evan Calder Williams who is a philosopher. We used Matthews house in Honor Oak Park to get the guys ready, and shot in the local area. David Nolan was doing the styling, he knows Iain from being at the same agency. I had such a great day, everyone was sooooo nice, and that always makes such a difference. I've had a sneak peak at the pictures since, and they look beautiful. But of course, I wouldn't expect anything less from Iain!

http://www.iainmckell.com/

Belle Amie for Look magazine

Wednesday 3rd November

The amazing James Molloy, whom I have a lot to be thankful for, as he has taught me so much over the years, was who I was assisting today. Belle Amie, who sadly just got eliminated from the X Factor last Sunday, were going to be posing for a shoot for Look magazine. They arrived straight from having to leave the X Factor house for good, and so had quite a lot of belongings with them! But despite the unfortunate events of the last few days, the girls remain positive about their future, and seem confident that they will suceed.

I did little Irish Rebecca's make-up first of all. She has a lovely little face. All the girls were delightful, and for the record, they get on like a house on fire.

There was a black, white, and red theme to the styling, so we carried this through to the make-up, and kept it quite expensive looking. All the girls' nails were terrible though, so I had quite a job making them look half decent! But in the end, they all looked super cute, and the make-up suited them to a T!

So keep a look out for the shoot coming soon, I hope you like it!

Pam Hogg film

Saturday 30th October

Up just after 5am to get to the other side of London (Hackney), for 8am. I was very excited to be involved in Pam Hogg's SS11 film- To Kingdom Come, so I didn't care what time it was! I was going to be assisting make-up artist Kate Lindsey, whom I haven't worked with before, and she was extremely lovely and very down to earth, just like me! ;o)

The make-up was almost identical to that of Pam Hogg's SS 2011 catwalk show. I especially loved the black twig like eyebrows, and the gold heart on the cupids bow! Very cute. We had just a couple of hours to make up the 7 models, including Jaimie Winstone, in the photographer's (Julia Kennedy) home, before the team needed to set off to the forest where the film would be shot. As usual, things ran slightly late, Jaimie Winstone caused a considerable amount of stress, as she didn't turn up until about 10:30, due to over sleeping I think, and everyone should have been ready, and left at 10am.

I made up Betty from Models 1. The other models were Ben Grimes @ Models 1, Milly @ Union, Danielle @ Elite, Sadie @ Elite, and Lakiza @ Profile.

I can't wait to see the finished result! And I should get some stills too! :o)

Exhibition for the BBC

Thursday 28th October

Actress Elizabeth Nestor was my model for this project, who has appeared in Eastenders and The Tudors, amongst many other TV and theatrical productions. Sarner LTD are designing an exhibition for Doctor Who, and part of the exhibition requires a special effect talking head shot. This involves shooting the face only, in a rig to keep the model as still as possible. A life cast of the actors face is made, and the footage is projected on to the cast. Elizabeth would be acting with her face only, the rest of her would be blacked out, so I needed to bring out her eyes, but keep the make-up neutral, and quite natural.

The exhibition opens in Spring next year.

Pearl Lowe for Peacocks

Wednesday 20th October

Pearl Lowe launches her Christmas collection for Peacocks, at the Connaught Hotel. The 10 piece collection will be modeled by her daughter and style leader, Daisy Lowe. It will mark her fifth collaboration for Peacocks, and features delicate party dresses, faux fur coats and ornate tops. For her latest collection, Pearl took inspiration from the twenties, fifties, and sixties to create her decadent collection of vintage inspired party wear. Sarah Reygate was on hand to do the make-up for the fashion show, and I was one of her assistants. We created a very Marilyn Monroe-esque make-up for the models, in a room so small we could barely swing a cat in it! Or should I say dog!? No Monty, Daisy's dog is the cutest thing ever and so well behaved, i would never do that! ;o) Pearl's collection will launch in selected Peacocks' stores and online, November 2010.

Salon International

Saturday 16th-Monday 18th October

It's that time of year again! I was working with my lovely friends at HOB salons- Darren Bain, Megan Zarrabi, and Andrea Martinelli, on The Fellowship stage. The make-ups were mostly quite strong, and with 5 models to do each morning, there was no chilling out time me for me! As usual, I kind of forgot/ didn't get chance to take some good shots, but here is one I did manage to take. I had a great time, but I do wish that the Excel centre could be a bit closer to home, lol!

BNTM Live Final

Monday 4th October

Still recovering from the flu and tonsillitis, but the show must go on! I was lucky that I wasn't going to be affected by the tube strike, as I can get the overground from where I live to the BBC studios-bonus! Had a lovely day making up faces and chin wagging to the models (just a little!). I think many people were shocked that Joy went out first, as was I, but I am happy Tiffany won. I think she came across well during the show, and she looks stunning with dark hair!

Thanks to Lee Pycroft for having me on board, and of course to ASOS for my fab goodie bag! :o)

Wella Trend Vision Final

Monday 27th September

Rather reluctantly, I dragged myself out of bed at 6am, after a short, but blissful nights sleep at the Hilton Metropole. Not only did a have to get myself ready, I also had to apply my models base and blusher, and be down for breakfast at 7! Then, with bellies full of fry up, we boarded the coach and set off for the Wella Studio, where the competition would take place.

Hairdresser and assistant then had three hours to complete the hair and make-up, ready for judging. Megan Zarrabi, the hairdresser whom I was working with from HOB Salons, Northwood, did an amazing job! The pastel colours looked beautiful, and she's not even a colourist! But everyone had an agonising wait until the evening to find out who would be crowned the winner!

Then it was off to The Roundhouse, Camden, where the final was to take place. Lot's of sitting around doing nothing followed for me......All I could think about was the lovely three course dinner I'd be eating later!

Finally, time to put my glad rags on and go and watch the show. Jo Whiley was presenting, and there were performances by Paloma Faith, and an amazing burlesque dancer whose name I have forgotten-oops!

Unfortunately, lovely Megan did not win, but on a positive note, I left with a belly full of mini strawberry cheesecakes- one plus side to being sat on a table with a load of men!

Ozwald Boateng show

Wednesday 22nd September

100 male models!!! Yes, that's right- 100 male models to make up, and only 8 make-up artists! Oh it's a hard life, lol! We got all the models ready, including Tyrone Wood and Sam Branson, at Ozwald's Saville Row store, and then headed to the Odeon, Leicester Square, where the show was to take place. Celebrating 25 years in the business, Ozwald certainly closed London Fashion Week in style, as following the show, the 100 male models walked in procession through Leicester Square, across Piccadilly, and up Regent Street, back to Ozwald's Saville Row atelier. It was such a long day, but oh so worth it!!!

London Fashion Week SS 2011

Monday 20th September- Giles Deacon

After nearly having a panic attack in Superdrug because I went to John Street, instead of St John Street, I realised the correct address wasn't far away at all, thank God! And as I ran out of the shop in a fluster, there was a black cab with it's light shining, hallelujah! It quickly whisked me the relatively short distance, and I made it just on time. The last thing I want is to be late!!! First off I see Kelly Brook standing right in front of me waiting to sign in, (she looks younger in the flesh, and totally gorgeous with no make-up on)! And then Abbey Clancy gets out of a car, second time I've seen her in about as many weeks.

So, I make my way inside The Farmiloe Building to get set up, and wait for the make-up demonstration. Miranda Joyce is the key, and she has designed a look which is 'sexy, rock & roll, glam, bohemian, arty.' Its not meant to look too well done or hard. Lots of glitter was used around the eyes and through the brows (the girls had their eyebrows bleached first, apart from Kelly Brook who wasn't too willing), and the lip was also bold with Lady Danger red and clear gloss.

My first model was Coco Rocha, and I also made up Kasia Struss. The show was full of big models, such as Agyness Deyn, Jessica Stam, Cameron Russell, Alessandra Ambrosio, Karolina Kurkova, Jessica Hart, Noemie Lenoir, Chanel Iman, Anne Vyalitsyna, Ana Beatriz, Stella Tennant, and Verushka, who was a huge model in the 60s. It was great to see Giles using a variety of different models.

I really hope Giles shows in London again next season, and I get to do his show again! Definitely one of my favourites!!

Great British Hairdresser

Friday 3rd September

In Spring next year (bloody miles away I know), there is going to be a new show on E4, as titled above. Think Britain's Next Top Model but for hairdressers. The challenge for the hairdressers today was to create a hair style around a make-up look. They had one hour in which to do this. Celebrity hairdresser James Brown, and Jo Elvin, Editor of Glamour magazine are on the judging panel. Liz Martins is the key make-up artist. Also involved in the show is Abbey Clancy. It was nice to see her again, as it's been 5 years since working with her on Top Model. It's great to see her doing so well!

V Festival

Friday 20th August 2010

Trundled across London in my Hunters, complete with kit in a suitcase, a heavy shoulder bag, a rucksack, and a bum bag, to assemble at Mac head office for our coach trip to V Festival, Chelmsford. That was me exhausted already! What a nightmare! But once calmed down on the coach, I was really looking forward to the experience, if also feeling slightly apprehensive about the whole camping thing, (and I was lucky enough to be treated to a pod, rather than a tent thank God, and Mac had their own toilets and showers for us to use).

In the exclusive Louder Lounge was where I would be working for the weekend, making up VIPs and talent in the Mac tent. Dean Rudd had designed four festival looks, which a lot of the guests wanted to sport themselves, or we could do a make-up of their choice. Our shifts were in two hour stints, so we had a good amount of time to enjoy the festival outside of the Louder Lounge if we wanted. But it was so cool in there I spent most of my time in there. Except to see Florence of course.

I felt really lucky to have been asked to participate. We got treated like VIPs also, we could eat and drink for free all day, and we had beds with duvets and electricity in our little houses! I was ready to come home by the end of it though, and have a nice long hot soak in the bath!

Tatler 'BANDS' shoot

Wednesday 4th August

Another Tatler magazine shoot! I was assisting Tanya Chianale for the second time, she is really laid back, easy to get along with, and a pleasure to work with. Hannah Shaw from IMG was the only model, we have a mutual friend, and I've met her a few times before. She's lovely, and it's always nice when there's a familiar face. And a beautiful one at that!

There were five bands participating in the shoot- Widower, O Children (how tall is that guy!!!), Oe Est Le Swimming Pool, Soho Dolls, and The Coolness (debatable, but pure comedy!). I had never actually heard of any of these, so I must be a bit out of touch! Hannah was shot with each band, modelling uber nice clothes, I was very jealous! Wasn't too jealous about the grey Granny wig they put her in though, lol!

To top of an already great day, the photographer, Iain Mckell, has asked me to model for him for a book project he is doing, so looking forward to that!

Tatler Magazine

Wednesday 28th July

Second job for DW Management, assisting on a main fashion shoot for Tatler. Not only was I assisting Tanya Chianale with make-up, I was also helping out with the hair (eek!), assisting Robin Pawloski. The agency hadn't been able to get hold of anyone to assist him, so it was down to me. I have finally got the hang of curling hair for pin curls, despite burning my fingers several times along the way- ouch!!! Ha ha, I'll be a pro before you know it!

It was a very long shoot (over 12 hours), but with it being shot on location (by Luis Monteiro), there was a lot of things to be taken in to consideration. We were on a boat travelling up and down the Thames to various locations. We had to keep going round in circles to wait for the sun to come out, and it was windy so the hair kept blowing about and not looking right. But the models were troopers, giving it 110% all day. They were like Duracell bunnies, lol!

And I was very proud of myself for not being sick overboard, so a great day was had by all!

Glamour Magazine Shoot

Thursday 15th July

I have started assisting at DW Management, and today was my first job on a shoot for Glamour magazine. Sarah Reygate was the key make-up artist. She looks so demure in pictures I've seen of her, but is actually quite a bolshy character! She was great fun and I loved every minute of it!

The title of the shoot was 'dress your shape', and was shot by David Gubert at Big Sky studios. The models were Sai @ Models 1, Maili @ Elite London, Anna H @ FM, and Amy Lemons @ Ford, who I remembered seeing in magazines when I was growing up. That girl is soooooo photogenic! Well, they all are! It was refreshing to see that not all models are 6ft and a size 0, but they were still absolutely gorgeous! The shoot should be in the October issue, so I'm looking forward to seeing it in print!

Wella Trend Vision 2010

Tuesday 25th May

The plush Sofitel hotel in Heathrow was the venue for the London, Wella Trend Vision Awards. I was working with the lovely Megan Zarrabi from HOB Salons, Northwood, Middlesex, who went on to become one of the winners for Young Talent category. And boy did she deserve it! The colour of the models hair was absolutely beautiful, and she doesn't even normally colour hair! She did both colour, as well as cut the models hair for this event! I'm looking forward to working along side her again at the final, on the 27th September in Camden. Go Megan!

Fashion for Relief/ Haiti show

Wednesday 21st April

Was supposed to be flying out to Russia to meet Miss Campbell, and to make up faces for the Fashion for Relief show. But, due to the volcanic ash, it had to be cancelled!!! Absolutely gutted! Was really looking forward to it! :o(

Lawson Photohoot

Thursday 8th April

Spent the day with four lovely boys! They make up Lawson, a new band signed to 19 Management, fronted by Andy Brown. They have a fresh, young vibe about them, and are all very cool and super talented! So watch this space! I'm sure you are going to hear a lot more about them!

Britain's Next Top Model

Sunday 7th March

Up at silly o'clock to head to the Big Sky Studios. Was very excited to be involved in a photo shoot for BNTM 2010! Had a very relaxed day actually, consisting of constantly eating junk food and chatting away with my colleagues. As well as working hard of course! It was easy make-up, and there was quite a lot of make-up artists, compared to the number of models, hence the relaxed atmosphere.
Lee Pycroft was in charge of the make-up. She is lovely, and sooooo tiny! And those amazing lips!
Don't want to spoil it too much for everyone, but here is a bit of goss about the day...........
The theme of the shoot was "beat bullying". There is a new judge, a supermodel! And a member of Girls Aloud was a guest for the day.
That's all you're getting! You'll just have to tune in later in the year to find out more!

London Fashion Week AW 2010

Sunday 21st Febuary

Arrived at the Royal Court of Justice for the Vivienne Westwood Red Label show. I was really looking forward to it, for obvious reasons, and because Gordon Espinet was keying the look. I worked with him in Paris, and he is so easy to get along with! And of course, he is a genius when it comes to make-up. The make-up was "based 0n light", the girls faces were shaded to create shadows, either on both sides of their faces, or just down one side, as if light was hitting their faces from different directions. I really enjoyed doing this make-up, all the models were great to work with, everything ran smoothly, and it was just dreamlike........

Friday 19th Febuary

Hannah Marshall show!!! I was so excited, I love her! Her clothes are AMAZING, and she works a lot with Florence + the Machine, and a love Florence too! Alex (legend) Box keyed the look, and that was amazing too! Sticky back plastic templates gave a really clean look to the eye shape. Everything was just amazing really, oh, apart from the venue! The power kept cutting out, which delayed things slightly! Can't do make-up in the dark! It was the most manic show I've done yet, but the models looked fab with those blue lips and pale skin!

Here's a taste of the backstage chaos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MJbFDeQtHU&feature=player_embedded

And the actual show:

http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/lfw_tv_video.aspx?id=2779

Paris Fashion Week

Tuesday 26th January 2010

Made my way to Paris for the Elie Saab Haute Couture show (keyed by Gordon Espinet), and the Stella McCartney show (keyed by Lyne Desnoyers). I had such a great time! I just want to say that my new favourite model is Marike Le Roux @ Models 1. She is the cutest thing ever! And she was just so, well, NICE! And so adorable! I really wanted to take her home with me!

Here is a link to the Elie Saab Haute Couture show. Can you spot me?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrxrfufWRpc

British Fashion Awards

December 9th 2009

Had the honour of applying Gareth Pugh's make-up for the British Fashion Awards. I also made up Mandi Lennard, his fabulous PR. And what a lovely pair they were. Gareth was so down to earth, and Mandi very kindly gave me a gift, a pair of Vivienne Westwood and Melissa heels! Thanks Mandi!