British model Daisy Lowe has created her first “L’oiseau de nuit” (night owl) collection for Morgan. Just like the party girl herself, the collection pays tribute to dance and parties, and features complete looks built around 16 ready-to-wear pieces and seven accessories. Keep your eyes peeled for bodysuits lined with black mesh lace, zip-up leather shorts, long shimmering dress, embroidered skin-tight leather motorbike jackets, black ponchos with seductive red interior, tank-tops, full leather jumpsuits, an “eye” bag, jewellery and shoes with soaring heels. Think vivacious 21 year olds who crave freedom and rock music with a little tongue-in-cheek allure.

The Daisy Lowe for Morgan collection will debut in selected Morgan stores from November 4^th, 2010 alongside designed areas online. A website will even be dedicated to the collection. This range is presented as a Premium Collection for the brand, and priced between 35 and 250 Euros.

Who knew that looking after your skin could be rewarding and loads of fun? I experienced just that during the Origins Make A Difference Night Media Launch at Port Dickson recently.

This skincare-inspired beach escapade was memorable for three reasons. Firstly, its sun-soaked theme was the perfect backdrop to demonstrate the importance of using this new night skin rejuvenating gel-cream. Secondly, I learnt a great deal about the natural key ingredients that allow this revolutionary product to visibly correct existing skin damage, strengthen skin’s protective barrier and provide thorough hydration for a healthier and youthful-looking complexion. Lastly, the beach-themed telematch activities and the revitalizing reflexology session certainly taught me how to celebrate the carefree essence of youth, and why pampering myself truly benefits my body, mind and soul.

Here’s to more well-planned and uplifting events like this!

If using mascara isn’t girlie enough, what about having one with the cutest iconic cat in the world on it? Maybelline New York has teamed up with Hello Kitty to come up with a special edition of its No.1 mascara franchise, Volum’ Express Hypercurl Cat Eyes. I’m a mascara addict, so it’s a must-have for me whenever I’m going out. Maybelline is my turn-to mascara brand, thanks to its quality, effectiveness and pricing. Once I heard of this collaboration, I couldn’t help but Google it…and as soon as I laid my eyes on it, I was instantly smitten! When and where will you come across such an adorable, metallic pink case with the iconic Hello Kitty imprint at only RM36.90? Needless to say, I’ve grabbed one for myself. The last word? Get it at Watsons outlets nationwide before it goes “poof!”. Don’t say I didn’t warn you…

Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Hypercurl Cat Eyes Hello Kitty, RM36.90

Come on, take a sneak peek…

The Outsiders

Pieces: barbour jackets, jodphurs, equestrian-style jackets, faux fur collar parkas, pea coats, khaki and navy wool capes, leather coats, waxed fabric on bags, straps and coats, wader-style boots with garter-strap details, thermal leggings, chunky socks.

Dark Nouveau

Pieces: fierce studded corsets, cage-like skirts with harness detailing, hand-crafted, heavily-encrusted studwork leather pieces, strapped footwear with harness, black chiffon tops with structured leather and silver buckles, black lace shirt with leather panels.  

Out Of The Wild

Pieces: nude mesh leggings and cardigans with diamante sparkles, pleated chiffon maxi skirts, tights, long, draped and dramatic dresses and skirts, sheer bias cut skirts, origami treated jersey dresses, trapper hats, chunky tassled scarves, chunky boots with straps.

These, and more at your nearest Topshop outlet. What are you waiting for?

I was excited! No, make that very excited – because Toru Kobayashi was in town recently to give our readers a makeover for female’s October Make Me Over column. The RMK makeup maestro flew in from Japan to launch the brand’s Fall/Winter collection and we were lucky to secure a few hours with him.

On the day of the shoot, I was shocked to see our in-house studio packed to the brim. It must be the busiest day in our studio EVER; there wasn’t even a tiny space of work station left! Expecting only Toru and Stephanie (RMK’s Marketing Executive, Malaysia), I was pleasantly surprised to also meet Isabella Chui (Marketing Manager International Group, Japan) and Yuko (OJT trainer, also from Japan). Yes, that’s RMK for you!

Professional and proficient, they made sure they covered all aspects when meeting you! They were all dressed smartly in black and looked every inch the pro; they were friendly and helpful too. After setting up, Toru went straight to work and transformed our first reader from a plain Jane to a glamour puss. The focus was on her eyes and it was just stunning! The second reader got a more neutral look but with look-at-me cheeks. I thought she looked very doll-like, with cute lashes and red cheeks. The girls were of course, ecstatic with their new looks.

The new collection, I realise, is mainly brown but with a hint of baby pink – and looks great on our skin tones, no matter what race. Oh, did I mention that Toru is also a master of perfection? The amount of detail and dedication he spent on the faces he made up can make even the most cynical sceptic shiver. With him, mistakes and flaws are practically unheard of.

The RMK team

Makeup Artist, Toru

Toru at work

Plus-size women’s clothing has US sizes with even numbers, starting at 14 or 16 and going up. Specialty plus-size clothing stores may have sizes beyond 28. Check out stores like Liz Claiborne New York as well as Coast at Bangsar Village II, among other brands, for the best plus size clothing. 

When I got an invite to go baking with The Body Shop, I was excited. I mean, how often can one bake a cake during office hours? But upon closer inspection of the invite, I got worried. Where in the world is Kampung Palimbayan Indah? I studied the map that came with the invite, memorised it and when the day arrived, I was ready to make the trip. But guess what? I still got lost! Thank goodness for the great people at The Body Shop and placards that were planted all over the place that I eventually found myself heading in the right direction!

So, when I finally set foot in Bayan Indah The Culinary Resort, I was exhilarated. I took a big gulp of air and the serene atmosphere, and walked like Bambi towards the house on top of the hill. Let me clarify here that it’s not my nature to walk like a newly-born deer but I was wearing heels that day and walking on raw soil – not concrete path!

Upon reaching the house, an apron was tied around me and I was immediately whisked off to the kitchen to watch a demo by Chef Rohani. Baking a cheesecake seemed easy. And yes, it was easy – for real! If not, how do you explain my ability to bake a cake this delicious-looking without any practice?

While waiting for our cheesecakes to bake, we were ushered to the main area for lunch. Were we famished? Duhhh! What with the delectable cheesecake aroma in the air and being in a culinary resort! A healthy but yummy wrap was served (I simply had to have two!) followed by a scrumptious meringue for dessert.

Of course, with this being at an event for work, I was still doing my job. I looked around and saw the Delipcious Lip Colours in jars (with jellybeans), on platters (with fruits and veggies) and on the posters. I asked Joanne Yong from Marketing Communications for The Body Shop if the lipsticks were really good enough to eat and she told me that they were made with 100 per cent food grade ingredients and contain blueberry oil, pomegranate fruit seed oils and cocoa butter sourced through The Body Shop Community Trade programme, so there will be no harm done. But then again, why would you want to eat your lippie?

That aside, there was a sudden rush and everyone was running to the kitchen. Yes, our cheesecakes were ready! My cake looked so mouth-watering, I couldn’t stop myself from digging a little hole at the side to taste it. And oh-my-god, the cake was so smooth and delicious, it melted in my mouth and I felt famished all over again!

So I pulled out my Delipcious Lip Colour and let it glide on smoothly, melting it into my lips to trick my mind into thinking I’m actually eating something! Oh, it moisturises my lips and gives it a sheer colour too.

P.S.: I dedicated my cheesecake to my dad whose birthday was on the day before the event. I’m pretty sure he thought that’s the best belated birthday gift he’d ever received!

The invite

Me in an apron!

With Loshini from The Body Shop

Chef Rohani in action..that's Joanne with the green box

Mi Mi in action

The wrap

The meringue

Can you spot Delipcious

Jellybeans and Delipcious

My yummy cheesecake!

You've done your homework, memorised your fashion phonetics from A to Z and are raring to go on your next big splurge for the coming season. Well, you ain't seen nothing yet.

Sophisticated and instinctive, creative and cutting edge, local brand Maizen really encapsulates decadence in every way possible with the entry of more hot labels this Fall, such as:

Winter Kate

Haute Hippie

Maisonette 1977

Jay Godfrey

Vince

Low Luv

ALC

Aiko

Mike Gonzales

Charley 5.0

Fluxus

Jennifer Behr

Lifsdottir

Wilster

Modern Vintage

Patterson J. Kincaid

Factory

…alongside current hot favorites that ranged from Charlotte Ronson, House of Harlow, Rachel Weissman and T-bags to Rebecca Taylor, Rag & Bone and Tracy Reese. Not forgetting their latest

So what are you waiting for? Be a Maizenista on Facebook today! (http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=22231100300&ref=search)

P.S.: Don't forget to pen down October 2010 in your iPhone or Blackberry as something fabulous is brewing…

I don’t know about you, but I love double-duty products: a moisturiser with SPF, a scrub that doubles up as a mask...and remember the 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner? These are all oh-so-easy on the wallet and help you save precious time, especially when you’re late for work! They’re also great if you don’t want a gazillion products lining your bathroom shelf.

One of my most recent finds? Shiseido’s Revital Whitening Serum AA EX. More suitable for mature women, the serum firms AND whitens dull, ageing skin. So if you’ve been trying to get rid of dark spots dotting your cheeks and iron out wrinkles at the same time, then this is for you. Just apply twice daily, morning and night after your toner or lotion. Push out three pumps on your palm, then smooth over the entire face using circular massaging motions. Start with the jaw area, moving on to the cheeks, under the eyes and forehead.

SHISEIDO REVITAL WHITENING SERUM AA EX, RM560

I’ve always had an affinity with butterflies. Not so much the real thing, but give me anything with a butterfly design and most likely, I’m sold! My latest discovery? Fashion designer Vivienne Tam’s second collaboration with HP: a chic “digital clutch” with eye-catching butterflies imprinted on the cover and get this – a matte gold keyboard that’s 93 per cent the size of a standard laptop’s and an optional matching wireless mouse! Just how swanky is that?

I’m constantly on the road, so I need something light, stylish and smart to tote along and whip out when I’m waiting in between flights at transit lounges. When this netbook was first revealed during Vivienne Tam’s Spring’10 collection at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, many were left in awe as models strutting down the runway carried it like a clutch purse to complement the nature-inspired clothes they donned.

The stunning netbook is inspired by the classic Chinese love story “Butterfly Lovers”, a beautiful tale of freedom and romance. It comes with premium PC technology and everything I’m looking for: it’s light, slim and comes with a built-in webcam, 10.1-inch diagonal LED widescreen display, 2GB memory, Microsoft Windows® 7 Home Basic and huge 320GB of internal storage (great to store all my holiday piccas!). What’s more? It also comes with a “Butterfly Lovers” desktop theme and a high-performance audio software so I can experience Zee Avi or Lady Gaga’s music the way they intended – jazzy vibes, thumping beats and all.

As I’m typing this, I’m also waiting for my very own “digital clutch” to arrive…I’m so excited! Want in too? Just give the HP peeps a buzz at 1800-88-6998.

LIMITED EDITION HP MINI 210 BY VIVIENNE TAM, RM1,599

Fans of Sergio Rossi, listen up! The Italian luxury shoes and accessory brand (a member of the Gucci Group) has opened its flagship store in KL, located at the Starhill Galleria at Indulge Floor. If you desire high quality Italian footwear, this is the place to be.

 For now, we're loving' this drool-worthy Sirena ankle boot with its mermaid-like fishnet stocking detail from the Spring/Summer 2010 'Metamorphosis' collection...

Who says the local fashion scene is dead? At the recent Youth Festival 2010, held from 28th to 30th May at Putra World Trade Centre, female spotted these up-and-coming designers at the Young Designers Arena (YODA) fashion show themed 'Harajuku', held on the final day of the festival. They may be fresh out of college, but these budding designers proved that fashion holds no boundaries, especially when creativity and passion is the order of the day. The designers who showcased their designs include Ooi Couture, Amie, Raymond Goh, Safura, Merlee Syarif, Fizi Woo, Fadli, Siti Ameera Saleh (winner of Fashion Design Competition from Kolej Komuniti Sabak Bernam) and Sharil Mansor (winner of Fashion Design Competition from Kolej Komuniti Selayang). female fully supports Malaysian designers, whether they’re already established or new kids on the block!

The designers posed for a photocall, together with Baizura Tazri, founder of YODA (fourth from right) and hairstylists from Miko Hair Studio (on the right), who were the official hairstylists for the show.

Raymond Goh's masterpiece

Despite being a beauty writer, I hardly wear makeup. I do, however, love my lip balms! Once, I was clearing my handbag and found five balms in it! Plus, I have at least two on my desk at work, and one by my bed. So it's safe to say I'm a lip balm addict.

A few weeks ago, another beauty writer arrived at the office with gorgeous flushed cheeks. She didn't have any makeup on, save for her eyeliner, so I assumed she must have been running up the stairs, or something like that. Envious, I asked her, "Michelle, what product are you currently using? You're glowing!" She grinned and said rather secretively, "I've been applying light pink blush with my fingers, not with a brush." Now, in addition to lip balms, I carry a blusher with me all the time... and leave the brush behind.

L'OCCITANE EN PROVENCE PEONY FACECOLOUR POWDER IN VALSE DE VIENNE, RM60

Who can forget that leggy, redheaded stunner who appeared in BCBGMAXAZRIA's Spring/Summer 2008 ad campaign (photographed by Patrick Demarchelier)? Yes, we're talking about the iconic Karen Elson a.k.a. the significant other half of Jack White (of US rock band 'The White Stripes'). The supermodel has released her solo album titled 'The Ghost Who Walks', produced by hubby Jack. Apparently, her days of moonlighting as a musician with NYC-based political cabaret troupe The Citizens Band has paid off as she dives head-on into her music career with the official release of the album in February. We must say, it's Karen at her masterful best as she immerses herself in the culture of vintage Americana with a striking vocal prowess. Her first music video for "The Ghost Who Walks (Acoustic)" is available on her website www.karenelson.com and the Third Man Records' Modlife website. 

Check out the single 'Cruel Summer' here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g6o4gFz4Ys

If you’ve been a regular couch potato; catching TV shows like America’s Next Top Model, you must like watching the gruelling process of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly or even better – dream of becoming a star yourself. Guess what? Estee Lauder’s Model Search is back! The search begins on 28th April, where the Estee Lauder Model Dream Team hits the road in major cities nationwide in search of two women who are confident, modern and elegant. All you have to do is go to any Estee Lauder Model Search road show location and sign up for the chance of a lifetime – overnight fame and prizes totalling over RM258,000, including an all-expense paid 6D/5N photography session in Australia!

Mark these dates on your calendars now and don’t miss the Grand Finale on 13th July at Suria KLCC!

• Mid Valley Megamall Centre Court: 28th April to 4th May (03-2284 8422)
• Jusco Kinta City Ipoh: 10th to 16th May (05-549 5266)
• Metrojaya Plaza Pelangi Johor Bahru: 19th to 23th May (07-332 9976)
• Parkson 1-Utama Oval Court: 26th to 30th May (03-7726 2377)
• Jusco Queensbay Mall: 10th to 13th June (04-641 1108)
• Parkson The Spring Kuching: 17th to 20th June (082-425 080)
• Parkson Mahkota Parade Melaka: 16th to 20th June (06-282 7123)
• Isetan Suria KLCC Concourse: 6th to 11th July (03-2382 0600)

For details, log on to www.esteelaudermodelsearch.com.my or call 019-297 7884/5.

The gorgeous winners from the past couple of years: Priscilla, Carol, Jennifer and Cay

Debenhams Lot 10 is now officially opened! The show was a huge success, attended by fashion greats Matthew Williamson and Datuk Jimmy Choo. And guess what? We caught Matthew on camera! The designer is seated on the right, with his business partner Joseph Velosa on the left.

Things you didn't know about the Brit:

a. He hates Facebook and Twitter. :p

b. He's a technical painter.

c. Sienna Miller is his best friend, who is also his muse.

d. They don't call him the 'King of Boho Chic' for nothing. He adores his scarves.

For the full story, get the next issue of female!

To celebrate Earth Day, Kiehl’s has launched a limited edition collection where 100 per cent of nett proceeds will benefit the Rainforest Alliance, a non-profit organisation dedicated to conserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. What’s special about this collection is that "Friends of Kiehl’s" - internationally renowned, socially conscious personalities like actress Julianne Moore, artist Jeff Koons and musician Pharrell Williams have each created a label for Kiehl’s 100 per cent natural and ECOCERT-certified organic Acai Damage-Protecting Toning Mist that depicts what social responsibility means to them. In addition, one of the labels in the collection of four features a colourful pencil sketch by one of the kids in the Brazilian Amazon; a community that cultivates the acai berries utilised in the products.

Did you know…Kiehl’s Acai Damage-Protecting Toning Mist contains a high-concentration of super-antioxidant, organic aḉaí berry along with aloe vera juice, lavender, organic fruit water and rosemary essential oils? The toning mist tightens pores, refreshes and soothes skin while protecting it from damaging, oxidative stress. It’s great to tote around and spritz anytime, anywhere!

What the celebs say:

"When asked to create a label for the Aḉaí Mist and knowing that 100 per cent of the proceeds are going to charity, it was a no brainer because I’ve been shopping at Kiehl’s for years. I used hearts on the label that I designed to symbolise my love for the earth, and if even one person sees this products and thinks about how they, too, can be kinder to the world in which we live, then it is a step in the right direction." ~ Julianne Moore

"I used camouflage for my label. I don’t like the idea that camouflage is always linked to war; it’s intended for disguise and that’s why I chose it. I incorporated all kinds of little images and animals inspired by the rainforest into the label and threw in the iconic BBC/Ice Cream logo. You can find a digital spacesuit helmet on the label too." ~ Pharrell Williams

"For my label, I wanted to add vibrancy and colour to draw attention to this particular product since all of the proceeds benefit the Rainforest Alliance. Using the word Acai – derived from the essential organic ingredient in the product, I adorned the label with some of my favourite nature-inspired balloon sculptures and added a lot of colour to pop!" ~ Jeff Koons

Kids from the community in the Brazilian Amazon

How Acai berries look like in their original form

Kiehl’s Limited Edition Acai Damage-Protecting Toning Mist, RM120

Recently, Fashion Writer Deborah Lee had a blast of a time in Beijing, China for Swarovski Element's "22 ways to say black", a collaboration with 22 world renowned fashion designers - from Gianfranco Ferre, Giorgio Armani Prive, Vivienne Westwood and 3.1 Phillip Lim to Lanvin, Alberta Ferretti, Fendi, Valentino, Donna Karan New York and Alber Elbaz, among others – to honour the LBD. After a successful launch in Paris during couture week in January, the dazzling pieces are now on display at CAFA, Beijing. Deb says: “I’m totally excited about this project, and my fave is Martin Grant’s spectacular hourglass, short-sleeved shift (made from wool and silk), completely covered with Swarovski crystals to imitate the glistening look of galuchat (stingray skin)! And what’s more, the crystals consists of five colours: Jet, Jet Hematite, Black Diamond, Crystal, and Crystal Silver Shade.” Check it out below…

Shoes by Pierre Hardy (not included)

These pieces will travel to New York in autumn to be auctioned off by leading international auction house Phillips de Pury, with proceeds going to The American Cancer Society and France’s La Ligue contre le cancer, two reputable charities involved in women’s cancer research. 

Now this is what we call, "a project inspired by women, for women". How cool is that?

We are loving this casual but chic combination on Emmy Rossum. Structured denim vest offers the right boyish balance to flowy, floral print dresses. The nude sandals she’s wearing from Coach give an illusion of longer legs too! Plus, adding a chunky necklace make this mix so luxe and sophisticated! You work it, girl!

These new colourful sandals from Ipanema Gisele Bundchen collection can look pretty amazing with flirty summer dresses! Also, you’ll be doing the environment some good because this collection is in support for the environmental causes. This year, the Ipanema and Gisele partnership is supporting the 30-year anniversary of the Tamar Project, a social and environmental initiative for research into and protection of the five species of sea turtle native to the Brazilian coast. To learn more about it, visit: www.ipanemagiselebundchen.com.br