irlieaestheticshaveneverbeen
mycupoftea.Don’tevenget
me started on pinks and pastels
–I’llneverbeoneforthose
ladylike shades. I appreciate the women
whocancarrytheseoffwithakindofZsa
Zsa Gabor or Ginger Rogers-type finesse,
butthatisjustnotme.Mystylehasalways
beensomewhattomboyish:littletono
make-upwithanemphasisongreatskin.
Intermsoffashion,Ishirkawayfrom
dresses and skirts, much preferring tougher
fabricsandstyles.Sotomethevery
definitionofchichasalwaysbeenawoman
whocaneffortlesslywearaSaintLaurent
tuxedoorapairofbikerbootswith
aleatherjacket.ThinkCharlotteRampling
in the 1970s in her sleek suits. Leading the
modern charge is Tilda Swinton, and even
Angelina Jolie – in a tuxedo that matched
Brad’s at the 2014 British Academy of
Film and Television Arts Awards –
furthered the masculine-dressing movement.
Butit’snotjustthepants-suitthatspeaks
to this aesthetic. Feminine actresses who
embracedadramatichaircutfound
themselves sporting a look altogether more
modern,tough,andstylish.Consider
Jennifer Lawrence in those Christian Dior
campaigns, or Robin Wright’s dominant
characterClaireUnderwoodinpolitical
thrillerHouseofCards.Whilesexyinher
fitteddresses,it’sherslicked-backbob,
sittingnearerthe“androgynous”endof
thescale,thatmadeherimpossiblycoolG
IS THERE
SOMETHING
ABOUT DRESSING
IN MASCULINE
CUTS THAT MAKES
US POWERFUL?trainers and buttoned-up shirts, with her110 – MAY 2015vogue BEAUTY
and understated, something the fashion
world has been championing for several
seasons now.
So without delving too far into the
feminism debate, is there something about
dressing in more masculine cuts and
embracing a less girlie style that makes us
feel more powerful? In terms of olfactory
choices, studies have shown a zesty, unisex
fragrance can send subliminal messages of
power to those around you. Perhaps that’s
why Chanel Number 19, with its almost
cologne-like notes, was described by
perfume critic Luca Turin in his acclaimed
book The Perfume Guide as: “A fragrance
with so many springtime references, all
white blossoms [jasmine and lily of the
valley play their part] and leafy greenery,but Number 19 never lands you in any
Sound of Music meadows. It keeps you in
the boardroom, in three-inch stilettos and
a pencil-skirt suit. Haughty and immune
to sweetness with a slight antiseptic air,
this extraordinary perfume appeals to any
woman who has ever wished to know
what it is to be heartless.” That masculine
evocation quietly whispers power.Clockwise from top: M.A.C Lightful C
Tinted Cream With Radiance Booster,
$49; Laura Mercier Radiance Foundation
Primer, $45; Clinique Blended Face Powder
and Brush in Invisible Blend, $50; Label.m
Pliable Definer, $38; L’Oréal Professionnel
Techni.Art Dual Stylers Sleek & Swing, $33.Stila Stay All Day
Precision Glide Brow
Pencil in Medium
Brown, $28.▲ EDWARD URRUTIAALL PRICES APPROXIMATE DETAILS LAST PAGES