What I Learned in the Chair: An Ode to Hair/Makeup Artists

What I Learned in the Chair:

 An Ode to Hair/Makeup Artists

By: Paige Dufresne

Way back when, I was given advice for photo shoots: always have photos of the individuals you’re working with ready and available. This should make finding people you don’t know much easier. Say hello to more shooting time and goodbye to aimlessly wandering around the location shouting out someone’s name in vain (and that’s if you’re feeling brave).

This advice worked out great for me until my phone died, my outfits didn’t have pockets or my face looked nothing like my profile picture. I wandered around one set with my face painted like a lion and a dead cobra on my head wondering why my photographers couldn’t find me. These experiences could have made me frustrated, but all of the instances that this occurred I noticed some common themes: a perplexed photographer, laughter, and a repeated statement of, “Wow! These hair and makeup artists are talented.”

Hair and makeup artists can be unsung heroes of a photoshoot. These individuals see us at our potential worst and make us into a more complete human being (or whatever non-human thing we’re being that day). Insanely talented, they bring their own unique styles and skills to a shoot. Prepping faces and bodies for photos can often help photographers save time during the editing process. In this line of work, successful artists are incredibly patient by spending hours applying initial looks and then hanging around a set to provide touch-ups to their original work.

This is also the time I want to apologize for all of the times I had to blow my nose after makeup, lost eyelashes, talked during lipstick application, or squeezed my eyes shut a little too hard during eyelash application and requested assistance in prying my eyes apart.

Now that I’ve gotten the messy apology out of the way, I would like to extend a thank you to all hair and makeup artists. Before I ever sat in the chair, a makeup-less face and undone hair was completely out of the question. Being told to show up to a shoot with a clean face actually gave me nightmares. I could dive into what these dreams meant (it would be a great case study for psychologists), but I’d rather focus on the positive to facing my insecurities head-on while in the chair: I actually started to love who I was naturally, without additional products.

I recognized how by putting more time into caring for my skin, there was a recognizable difference in how my skin looked without makeup. I felt vulnerable but I saw that I had the same issues as others with my skin and hair. I never once felt self-critical of how I looked when sitting in front of the artist as they saw opportunity on a canvas with products as the medium with which to paint. The friends that I made liked me for me and weren’t superficial. I appreciated how I could look with more time, effort and skill put into my look as opposed to feeling that it was a mandatory part of me.

During this holiday season, take the time to appreciate yourself, even if you’ve had way too much dessert. Spend time with the people that love and care about you unconditionally. And thank a hair/makeup artist for their work in making you look like a human being as opposed to a snowbank with muppet hair (or is that just me?).

Facebook: Paige Dufresne

Instagram: @paigedufresne

Phomaz

Phomaz: Music, Fashion, Style

Interview with creator of Phomaz, Beth Swanson

By Rahal
November 9, 2017

When people think of the Midwest usually farms, cheese, football, and beer come to mind. Rarely does it cross one’s mind the unique artistic talents that are born and raised in the land of brats and beer. The truth is so much of the talent we see grace the red carpet and entertain us daily, is indeed from the Midwest. Fashion is not only found in Milan, New York, Tokyo, or Paris, but Chicago is just one of the cities in the Midwest that has multiple fashion design programs with unique talent. Not only formally trained designers are creating but passionate innovative minds that believe the Midwest has a unique flair and perspective to be seen. Chicago based designer of Phomaz, Beth Swanson, offers a fresh disposition to fashion while combining music with today’s styles.

Beth congratulations on all your recent successes!

You have such unique hand bags. How did you start in design?
I started designing bags at 42, fall 2014, after losing my parents. I needed to find my happy. The idea
came from a fusion of music meets fashion. Two things I’ve always loved. The foam on the bags is
the same you’d find on a recording studio wall.

It’s a very unique concept. What gave you the inspiration for such a unique look?
My inspiration for almost everything I do is my parents. My mom loved her handbags!
I love how you are able to keep the memory of your parents alive with your passion, it makes your
brand even more personal.


 Did you go to school for design or do you have a different background?
My background has always been in marketing and advertising. I consult with local businesses on digital marketing, which is why my business is online.

Your handbags have a really unique look. What are materials currently used in your designs?
They are made of acoustic foam, vegan leather, or carbon fiber.

Your bags have made quite the impression since you released them upon the world. Have they
been in major fashion shows or publications?
They debuted at Paris fashion week while simultaneously going down the runway at Boston Fashion
Week. They have appeared in several magazines including 3 issues of British Vogue, including Vogue
100, the publication’s biggest issue in history!

That’s amazing! Congratulations on that monumental debut and achievement!
Since your bags have such a unique edge, who do you think this bag would suit the best?
The brand is really for anyone. They pair well with street wear to couture. I have to agree with you on that statement. The first night I had my bag it escorted me to the opera. The next day I threw some over the over the knee boots on and hit the streets of Chicago. It worked beautifully for both occasions.

You’re a Chicago designer and you choose to have your handbags manufactured in Chicago as
well. Why keep your business completely in the Midwest when most designers opt for the
overseas manufactures to save a lot of money?
Made in Chicago is very important to me, as supporting local means a lot. I enjoy the process and
being able to be involved from design to production.

I think it’s great you are choosing to keep it local and stay so hands on with your brand.
Do you have any advice for designers that are still working on brand notoriety or wondering if
being a Midwest designer can be fruitful?
My advice to future designers is just go for it, protect yourself where you can (these bags were
granted a design patent), and have fun with the ride.

If you’re interested in knowing more about Beth’s handbag line, Phomaz, you can visit her website, phomaz.com, Facebook, Instagram, and twitter. If you find a bag you want to make your own, enter RR at the checkout and you will receive 25% off! I hope you enjoy your handbag as much as I am enjoying mine.