Category Archives: Grazia Magazine

Was it inappropriate for Chanel to splash the couture cash?

Chanel Couture show

Oh, the Puritans were out in force this morning as we made our way across the gravel path to the entrance of the Chanel Couture show in the Grand Palais. There were two shows: one at 10am and ours, which was at 12. As we arrived, word was out that Chanel had built the fuselage of a luxury jumbo jet inside the cavernous space (quite appropriate really given that the huge space was originally built as a show space for France’s aeronautical industry). ‘Tsk tsk’, they said. ‘Spending all this money in this economy. It’s disGUSTting!’

Le tout Paree is divided on the issue.  When the European and American economy teeters on the brink of meltdown, some think it is downright unseemly for anyone to be splashing the cash around. I happen to take the view that if you have the cash it’s unseemly NOT to splash it around.

Increases of luxury goods sales increases are spiking with many companies reporting ‘outstanding’ figures last year. Chanel is a private company and so doesn’t have to report sales figures, but by all accounts are leading the luxury pack into booming new markets of China, India and Brazil. Why should the rest of the world get a season of sackcloth and ashes just because we are having a tough time? We shouldn’t take the ball away just because we can’t afford to play at the moment.

Chanel Couture show

Many new markets are for the first time experiencing the inexplicable thrill of a new Chanel nail colour (let alone the gilded few who get to buy couture each season) and they relish the razzamatazz. Take it from me, my Twitter feedback suggests that many at home in rainy grey Britain relish the razzamatazz too: no one has been begging for less. All are asking for more. And as for those visiting editors and buyers from the all important new markets: I reckon no one comes half way around the world in search of  understatement at the Paris couture.

I admit I know nothing about economics. But surely a company that re-invests their increased profits; boosts domestic and foreign sales; makes dynamic eye catching statements; secures the employment of thousands of people around the world; protects and supports dying crafts; increases European exports; attracts tourism; burnishes the European image abroad, by showing  that there are things at which we can’t be bettered, and gives us something to smile about, is doing a good thing.

Calvinists, go back to your cave and sit on your bed of nails.  Back in the depressed 1930′s, people found escapism in Busby Berkeley movies. For 21th century depression, I prescribe regular doses of pure gorgeousness at Chanel and the Paris couture.  Does the trick for me.

This is from Grazia Magazine!

How To Avoid Plastic Surgery?

Grazia Magazine

Secret Beauty Tips of Famous Actors and Actress – How To Avoid Plastic Surgery

I love to read bizarre behaviors of famous actors and actresses and the things they do to stay young. I read an article in a recent Grazia magazine that revealed some secret anti-aging tips from Hollywood celebrities.

Why do some celebrities look so good? Well, sources told Grazia magazine that some celebrities who wish to avoid plastic surgery are getting derma roller facials to keep their skin looking dewy and smooth. Some even use it to reduce old acne scars.

What is the Derma Roller? It’s a bizarre device looks like a small rolling pin with tiny needles that prick the skin – which causes it to go into repair mode by increasing collagen production.

The loss of collagen starts to happen slowly. Some sources say you begin to lose about 1% collagen each year from the day you’re born. So by the time you reach 50, you’ve lost half of your collagen!

Some research suggests that the derma roller causes slight injury to the skin which forces the increase of collagen production…similar to the way the body steps up collagen production to heal and close a cut or a wound.

There are basically two types of needle facials – one is a professional treatment that uses larger needles, penetrates more deeply, and is a bit painful.

Grazia Magazine

These treatments are performed in spas and clinics where the clinician usually applies a numbing cream beforehand.

The other type of need facial is performed at home with a special home version roller that contain smaller needles which do not penetrate the skin as deeply. Therefore, there is no use for a numbing cream and it is usually not painful.

Other research suggests that the derma roller can also be used to reduce deep acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks.

While the article did not make it clear if Hollywood celebrities are getting professional treatments or the at home facials, but both sound promising for anyone who is looking for an alternative to face lift or other cosmetic surgeries.