L is for… larger than life if it makes you feel beautiful do it.
Originally appeared in The Alphabetical Issue, Pre-Spring 2013. Buy it now.
Chinese photographer Chen Man and Dior’s Creative Director of Make-Up, Tyen, kickstart the Year of the Snake with a beauty look celebrating human wisdom. On 4 February the Year of the Dragon ended and the Year of the Snake began. According to the five element astrology calendar, 2013’s the year of the Black Water Snake, so everyone should wear all black everything – especially sexy co-bras and py-thongs – and spend a lot of time chilling by the pool or a tropical beach. Dreamy. It’s time for a calm, cautious, shy way of life, so try to stay away from tiger and monkey, they’re trouble. If anyone’s annoying you just stick your tongue out at them! This season’s make-up is also all about big, beautiful, bright colours. Find your inspiration in the bold colour blocks worn by models wandering through the gardens of Dior Couture, Raf Simon’s second outing for the fabled French fashion house, and the auroral pigments applied by Dior’s creator of colours, Tyen, in these fantastical Chen Man portraits. “In the Year of the Snake, everyone yearns for a greener life,” Chen Man says. “Interaction with nature is very wonderful during this time. The leaf in the shoot represents natural beauty, while the beauty of human wisdom is reflected in the colours of the make- up.” Tyen agrees, “In the 1980s, uniqueness was much pursued, and colour was the best way for women to express themselves. There were no rules or restrictions… This season, highly saturated, pure colour eye shadow is the highlight. In the gloomy months ahead, you should light up your eyes with pretty candy colours!” It’s a new year, so let’s switch styles and looks… and if we ever fall out, don’t worry, we can always hiss and make up.
Text: Dean Kissick
Photography: Chen Man
Makeup: Tyen at Dior
Hair: Gao Jian
Model: Gao Ying at ESEE Models
