Oscars (Academy Awards) 2026 beauty commentary

 

2026 ACADEMY AWARDS were a blast and everyone is talking about them, I suppose, now that the awards, the speeches, the missing speeches and the red carpet gowns have set in in our minds. The looks were very tastefully done this year, I think, and the quiet glamour enhanced the performers' inherent attributes, whether that was sheer talent, sultry warmth, cool elegance or sensuality and come hither. It was all mostly classy; at least what I managed to view in snippets and videos online, since the awards show is beyond my time zone, I'm taking my beauty sleep at the time it's broadcast (sound advice, mind you!). 

 Louis Vuitton has taken an inordinate amount of promoting for their Beauty division lately (and take a look at their pricing policy, if you dare), but the Academy Awards are one of the few occasions when I can see the need for a splurge. If only it concerned me personally that is. Still the beauty break down is interesting and I succumbed. What pretty faces, what lovely colors. So, why not? Let's divulge. 

 Emma Stone, Chase Infiniti, Renate Reinsve, Ava DuVernay and Wunmi Mosaku unveil beauty looks with La Beauté Louis Vuitton and we stand and watch, noting down shades and products for when the fancy (and the affluent pocket book) might strike. On the occasion of the 98th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, House ambassadors Emma Stone and Chase Infiniti with Friend of the House Renate Reinsve, alongside Ava DuVernay and Wunmi Mosaku revealed beauty looks created with La Beauté Louis Vuitton. 

LV lippie in Passport to Paris

 For the occasion, Emma Stone enhanced her look with LV Ombres 150 Beige Memento, paired with LV Rouge 102 Passport to Paris, a sophisticated Bellini rose with warm undertones. 

 Chase Infiniti opted for LV Ombres 450 Cosmic Dreams, a captivating palette blending plum hues with shimmering violets, complemented by LV Ombres 150 Beige Memento. The look was finished with LV Rouge 101 Kiss the Sky, a lipstick reminiscent of a delicate peony in cool tones. 

the lovely Chase Infinity

 Renate Reinsve wore LV Rouge 602 Vuittamine, a luminous poppy-red lipstick infused with warm notes of orange and yellow, bringing a fresh radiance to the look. 

 Ava DuVernay combined LV Ombres 650 Waking Dawn, a luminous quartet of warm shades, with LV Ombres 950 Sky is the Limit, a bold palette of blues accented with subtle touches of taupe. The look was completed with LV Rouge 104 Beige Machina, a delicate mauve rose with cool undertones. 

Ava de Vernay tastefully dons blue in her eye makeup to enhance her superb gown 

Wunmi Mosaku paired LV Ombres 150 Beige Memento with LV Ombres 951 Force of Nature, alongside LV Baume 030 Tender Bliss. Her lips featured LV Rouge 104 Beige Machina and LV Rouge 112 Rumbling Stone.

There you are. I will come back to beauty products and fragrance shortly. I have surprises for you. 

Stylistic Collaboration from Gucci & Comme des Garcons

Have you ever wondered what would happen if two brands collaborated to produce something unique to both, with the emblems of them both, and, well, aiming at both their demographics? This is what happened with the latest collaboration from Gucci and Comme des Garçons who are pleased to announce the third and latest shopper resulting from their partnership.

The limited-edition tote represents the perfect embodiment of two mutually distinctive aesthetics driven by the desire to explore innovative visions. In keeping with previous editions, the new tote features the classic Comme des Garçons shopper style in a new black colorway, personalized with Gucci’s signature vertical Web stripe. Made in Japan, the new shopper is a characterful everyday basic. 

Looks like a practical holiday gift too, doesn't it?

The Gucci x Comme des Garçons shopper will be available Friday, October 15th at all Dover Street Market locations as well as selected Comme des Garcons stores worldwide. In addition, the tote will be sold through the DSM E-SHOP and vault.gucci.com for $525.

Breaking News: Silk Scarves Signed by Serge Lutens

The maestro of Palais Royal forays into the the realm of style with his introductory 2 silk scarves (foulards) which have just been launched.

Constructivisme foulard en soie Serge Lutens

In two characteristic designs recalling familiar styles of either Russian Constructivism or Motifs Berberes inspired by the culture of Morocco they're available for purchase on the online boutique for 350€ each. Signed Serge Lutens!
Each headscarf is handcrafted in Japan from the finest silks using the chidori maki technique to ensure a perfect finish. Limited series for each collection.

Signes Berberes foulard en soie Serge Lutens

Autumnal Closet: Building the Blocks

There comes a time in one's life that contemplating a build-from-scratch one's stylistic approach looks inevitable: moving house,  losing 40 pounds or starting a new career all signal that desire to demolish the past with a giant eraser and start afresh. Or you might just caught be in a rut stylistically, like, ahem, moi. A more prolonged than usual leafing through the hangers in my closet and perusing on the wardrobe shelves (accompanied by little exclamations "when did I ever buy this, I wonder!") confirms it: I have been acquiring endless variations of more or less the same style of clothes for years on end.

That's not so terrible, really. My style has always been classic dramatic (let me clarify: lean lines, mostly tailored items, basic, primary or jewel colors and lots of black & white with bold and stylish accessories/jewels). I figured early on that a) they wouldn't go out of fashion in 6 months so they'd withstand the investment, b) the color scheme suits my coloring and my lifestyle and c) you're never too fat for your accessories so one might as well let it all hang out with them and indulge a whim.
They've indeed served me well. Problem is…I got a bit bored. This is the moment to inject something…I don't know, different! The autumn and inter fashions have been inspiring: mod 60s look, medieval helmet hoods at Dolce & Gabbana, 70s wallpaper Prada coats, go-go boots, Mongolian knits, those deep blue Versace suits…and some lovely metallic makeup to accompany it.

So here are a few things I singled out. Do you like them? Do you have additions? Have you added things to YOUR wardrobe you'd like to share in the comments? Please do.

An open wrap style jacket. Preferably with leather sleeves. (Depicted the "Laura" jacket from Nordstrom, currently on sale). I have resisted these for long, reasoning if I'm going to wear a jacket I might have it buttoned to give a lean line. The reality is it's never too cold to button it up and when it is, I seek a full length coat, not a jacket.

A tile print shirt from Asos.com. Flowing and floaty, can be tucked in a skirt or worn over leggings or jeans. Boho-chic enough.

Two trends in one dress: blue & 60s motif, in a tried & true shape (and practical 3/4 sleeves). This Mango dress caught my eye because it can be easily dressed up (pumps and gold jewelry) or down (cardigan and flat boots).

It's been ages since I've worn such a long skirt. Interestingly enough it might be just the fresh shot I need. I'd pair this Mango skirt with a black body-suit myself though.

Likewise, I never really bought a hobo bag (structured is my thing, so totes and messengers fit the bill most of the time I'm not required to carry a clutch). The Diane von Furstenberg "Sutra" (depicted) in deep cherry has me thinking other thoughts nevertheless.

A studded headband is an ingenious idea of adding a little rock chic without the perils of thighs bulging inside pleather pants. Lo risk, high pay off. This one in mint should contrast with my natural hair color just fine!

Going out of my comfort zone includes embracing the metallic bronze and coppers around for fall 2014. Though I have flirted with copper lipsticks (mind you, in the warmth of summer when I have some semblance of a tan) the eye decoration in warmer tones has been beneath my usual greyish, blueish and tone-sur-tone choices. But Lancome's Color Design eyeshadow in Kitten Heel is inspiring, the subtle shimmer forgiving of any mismatch to my natural skintone. Probably the next addition to my trousse de maquillage.

And on to you!!