Made(up) in NY

Secret Agent

2012-03-01T02:26:00.001-05:00

It's official. Candifiend Studio is now on YouTube, tune in for a behind the scenes peek at the Fashion and Beauty industry, beauty howtos, and what it's like to be a youngish creative carving out a niche in NYC.

WESTERN CIV: Jimmy'Z Legendary Surfwear Designer

2012-01-19T02:33:00.000-05:00

Swing by WESTERNCIVMAG to read my story on Jim Ganzer, the inventor of board shorts that don't fall off ;).

Resolution

2012-01-10T15:00:00.000-05:00

Source: polyvore.com via AskAlice on Pinterest

Candifiend debuts on WESTERN CIV MAG

2011-12-24T18:06:00.000-05:00

I've been quietly working on a magazine about the lifestyle of ride culture with some good friends on the West Coast. We just did our re-design and reformat, so please swing on by when you get a chance.

You can check out my first big feature on Saturdays NYC surf shop while you are at it. It's a swell little men's store and coffee bar in a quiet corner of Soho. Good Stuff. I Promise.

Oh, and Happy Holidays. May you get all that you wish for and then some.

A chat with SuChin at the HRS Beauty Bus

2011-09-28T22:24:00.001-04:00

Interviewing SuChin Pak at the Soho Beauty Bus stop. Photo by Diana Manzaneras

I caught up with SuChin Pak at the Hair Room Service Beauty Bus event on Sept. 22, which I was covering for the Examiner. I've always admired SuChin and her initiatives, so I thought I'd share the transcript of my interview here.

Alice: I just wanted to get a few words from you about how you got involved, and why you think it’s important for women to have this service.

SuChin: Well, I just signed on with Daily Candy. I am their new chief correspondent. So, [this is] a very good first day. What I am doing is bringing all the editorial content to life on camera. We have [planned a handful] of series that we are about to film.

I would love if everyday the Hair Room Service Beauty Bus came to my house and did my hair and I walked out [ready to go]. That would make a huge difference in my life. It’s such a practical way to approach beauty [services]. It’s fantastic.

Alice: Did they do your hair today?

SuChin: They didn't do my hair but they are going to touch up my hair because it’s really hot and humid out here. I started out with a really nice blowout, but they’re going to fix it now.

Alice: How did you get on board with Daily Candy?

SuChin: They came to me [because] I do the Hester Street Fair. They loved how I curate the market… And really, Hester Street Fair is sort of a smaller version of Daily Candy.

We [both] champion amazing, fresh talent, and we give them a platform to hopefully grow. It’s an incredibly empowering experience for everyone involved, so it [is] such a perfect partnership.

It’s really the easiest new job I’ve ever walked into. The Daily Candy girls are really amazing. And I just so believe in Daily Candy. I’ve been a fan since day one. It’s just amazing that they called me.

Alice: Speaking of Hester Street Fair, you just did collaboration with Henri Bendels. Tell me a little bit about it.

SuChin: Yes, we did! We did an amazing event for Fashion’s Night Out. We took over Bendels and turned it into Hester Street Fair. So it was kind of awesome to have like Downtown come Uptown. I think they were all a little surprised. But it’s cool, you know, how many times do you get to [provide the forum] so that some small indie designers can say ‘I’m selling at Bendels’?

[I want to provide] those kinds of opportunities whether it’s with Daily Candy, or Bendels, or any other place [where I can] champion small businesses and really amazing ideas that need just a little bit of attention. It is an incredibly fulfilling thing.

*When I am reporting I often have all this excess material that doesn't make it in to my articles. Sometimes it's research, sometimes it's interviews, sometimes it's photos and sometimes it's just stuff that got cut. And then there are times when I just want to overlap coverage and offer different view point.

Please come by from time to time to see the outtakes from my life as a journalist.

How to Warby Parker

2011-09-08T05:19:00.001-04:00

http://www.vogue.com/vogue-daily/article/warby-parker-takes-over-the-new-york-public-library/

Warby Parker S/S 2012 presentation at the NY Public Library.
Candifiend Studio by Alice An- Producer/ Key for Hair and Makeup team
Bp Carmouché- Makeup
Yasutaké Kosaka- Hair
Valerie Vonprisk- 1st Assitant

Read more about How to Warby Parker on the Examiner.

Lavin strikes again

2011-09-05T12:36:00.000-04:00

I saw this on my way to Laduree a few days ago:

Enough said.

Want: Unfolding Apartment

2011-08-07T00:19:00.000-04:00

These are diagrams of the various configurations of a unfolding cabinet unit that has all the "functional components of a larger apartment including a bed, a nightstand, a closet, a home office, a library, kitchen storage, and most of the lighting for the room."(quoted from "Normal Apartments, could not pinpoint the source though)

See photos at Normal Projects.

Apparently this was completed in 2007. Why isn't it in mass production?!

Here's some convertible furniture you can buy at Resource Furniture:

That is, if you can foot the price tag. I paid a visit to their Manhattan showroom recently and was completely mesmerized.

Font Geekery

2011-08-06T15:53:00.000-04:00

A cool "behind the scenes" look at the type that surrounds us.

I was especially excited to see a reference to Good Magazine's info graphics.

Fonts are an expression unto themselves. Learn the language. Don't be a Comic Sans Criminal.

Move over Ralph, Barbie does Black Label

2011-07-18T15:40:00.001-04:00

Spotted a few of these dolls this weekend and had to share. There's not a single new York fashion girl who can resist a fabulous little black dress. And there is not a single fashion girl who didn't grow up loving Barbie. (Over 50 and still strutting it! Go Barbie!)

Here's an explanation of the collection on Wikipedia.

"Matched"

2011-07-12T16:53:00.000-04:00

Too Cute.

Peeps at The Makeup Show Chicago

2011-07-01T17:16:00.002-04:00

I decided that it was a little silly to do another Top 5 from the Makeup Show so instead, here's a little collection of adorable people I spotted and worked with at the Makeup Show Chicago.

What Billy B said about all the "freaks" (and geeks) gravitating towards makeup artistry is super true, but hey, we are the funnest of all freaks! (Oh, and please excuse the tardiness.)

Love his outfit.

Spotted this guy and his friends walking by and was entranced by the ruby lips.

Love the whole look.

Color is always in with this crowd.

Some girlfriends of fellow beauty Blogger PurseBuzz.

On the first day I worked with Floriane David of Makeup Forever fame. Floriane LOVES glitter.

The feather extension thing is alive and well, even in Chicago!

Snapped behind the scenes at the Makeup Forever booth. His hair is fantastic, too bad I didn't take video for the 360 view.

My cohort Shaina, modeling a Floriane David creation.


Some cute buddies in the crowd.

Now I can say Orlando Santiago has blessed my face.

Here he is doing Shaina's makeup during a demo.


Here I am with Elyssa (Pursebuzz) isn't she a doll?

Please swing by the Examiner to check out my Top Five picks from the NY Makeup Show.

Special thanks to Nancy Lan at MUFE and Melody at the Makeup Show Chicago for having me!

IPhone makes its wedding debut

2011-06-27T15:53:00.000-04:00

Wedding shooters Brian Adams and Rainer Flor, used four Iphones to shoot the photos and Videos for Flor's November 2010 wedding.

Just judging from this promo video they created, I'm pretty darn impressed.

VIA PetaPixel

Where Children Sleep

2011-06-08T01:24:00.003-04:00

(Photos courtesy of Visual News)

This haunting collection of diptychs by photographer James Mollison just have to be shared.

An audience with Mr. Billy B

2011-05-25T19:20:00.000-04:00

Last week was a wonderful reminder of why I have gone down this path. It was New York City's unofficial Pro-Makeup artistry week, and I found myself bouncing from event to event, renewing my love for all things beauty. Makeup is fun again!

Of all my adventures, I have to say, the one event that inspired me the most was Billy B's keynote address at The Makeup Show.

Just so you can see why I think he's so lovely, here's an interview by Scandalous Beauty:

To read more about Mr. Billy B's Keynote, visit me on the examiner.com and stay tuned for more!

The Little Mermaid

2011-04-11T03:33:00.001-04:00

"Well of course it's a mermaid." Duh.

Thank you GOOD Magazine for sharing.

Look Great, Help Japan

2011-04-06T15:48:00.000-04:00

Learn about other cosmetics and skincare companies that are contributing to Japan on EXAMINER.COM

Candifiend Studio on the Grammys Red Carpet!

2011-04-05T23:38:00.000-04:00

Watch my girl Charlene Kaye chatting it up with Fuse TV at the Grammys red carpet. Styled by ME in a sparklely Stephen Burrows dress. Hair and makeup by ikonnie productions.

Congrats to Charlene and Darren for their great single Dress and Tie!

Knitta Please

2011-04-05T15:13:00.002-04:00

&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;hdh

Urban art at its finest. My friends have been sending me random photos of things covered in "sweaters" for a while now so I've been wondering what it is all about.

I love to knit and crochet when I have time, but these artists take it to a whole new level.

So much fun!

Christian Siriano Tackles Home Fashions

2011-04-01T16:55:00.000-04:00

Love the leopard print!

Christian Siriano is mastering the art of designer collaborations. Here's a peek at his latest release from 3M, O-Cello sponges! Very haute.

See the press release here.

Hello Kitty Smells like _________

2011-03-27T21:47:00.000-04:00

Fruit Punch, apparently. Demeter Fragrance Library, the scent line that is famous for bottling eau de dirt and essence of lobster bisque, now carries a whole line of Sanrio character scents. So, if you ever wondered how Hello Kitty smells, that mystery is now resolved.

Buy Hello Kitty, Badtz Maru, My Melody and others at Demeter Fragrance online.

Speaking of Louboutin

2011-03-24T14:58:00.000-04:00

*Swoon*

Sent to me by my dear friend msmatchgirl.

Beauty Icon: Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-23T15:36:00.000-04:00

The only person ever known to have violet eyes... Liz Taylor and her famous face has been in my consciousness for as long as I can remember. I always think of her when I am asked to do "sultry" but "natural" makeup. Who would of thought sultry could be so natural?

I was sure she'd live forever.

And now, the world is a little less glamorous. RIP.

Shoe Envy: Louboutin for Barbie

2011-03-23T15:03:00.000-04:00

OMG:

And they come in a cute box that looks like a Boutique, complete with boxes and dust bags:

Now if only I had her tiny tiny feet, then we could totally share shoes. Le sigh.

LOVE: "Olivia Dress" by Superdry

2011-03-20T03:12:00.001-04:00

Instead of doing my taxes I'm surfing the net for inspiration for the re-branding and reintroduction of my jewelry line. And of course, I had to stumble upon some thing that makes me feel like I can't live with out it. It's like all my favorite things had a baby.

Visit Superdry.

Sweet!

2011-03-06T16:22:00.000-05:00

I love all things retro, especially pinups. I could have a house full of Leone candy tins. Le Sigh.

Lanvin hearts H and M

2010-11-21T03:47:00.000-05:00

A combination of insomnia and a prior engagement stopped moi from clamouring with the mass of fashion collectors today at the open of H&M's much awaited Lanvin capsule collection. But like every dutiful Fashionista, I did still manage to make my way down to pay homage to one of the greatest fashion houses of all history.

On a side note, it was also probably wise for me to steer clear, because, while the average $200 pricetag for one of Albert Ebaz's designs is a bargin basement price, that's $200 that should be reserved for rent in my universe. (This way I could still safely report with out killing my wallet as sizing was limited.)

At 3pm all of the accessories were wiped out at both 34th street locations, however there was still a fair number of dress and overcoat specimens for me to examine.

All of the dresses-- the "illusion" dresses, the drop waist ruffle dress, and both the skirts-- the ruffle mini, tiered all over lace, were immaculately constructed and probably worth every penny of their $200+, $100+(respectively) price tags. The Zebra jacquard overcoat was lovely as well, I saw a number of ladies running toward the cash register with the last ones in tow. In fact, the only big disappointment was the $349 deconstructed coat, all of the samples I peeped were showing signs of serious disintegration-- probably due to having had to live through a fierce ravaging earlier in the day. Not good, even for a purposefully deconstructed piece.

Unfortunately, the limited sizing did not allow for any further insight to fit-- which my wallet is perfectly happy to report ;).

Lanvin hearts H&M

2010-10-24T03:21:00.000-04:00

Tina told me that they released the Lanvin sneak peek. I'm going to be in big trouble. Haven't been inspired to do a review since the Sonia Rykiel lingerie. Stay tuned...

Inspiration for a weary soul

2010-09-23T04:23:00.000-04:00

In the late night/early morning hours, when I am relentlessly researching for my clients-- it's rediscovering gems like this one, that keeps me going.

Such perfection by Alfred Eisenstaedt.

Feather lashes... take that!

2010-09-11T01:39:00.000-04:00

Ask any of the photographers I work with regularly... I am NOT a fan of novelty faux lashes. Something about just makes me cringe. While I have seen them executed in the most tasteful and most creative ways, and I can respect them as an artistic option-- most of the time they are just really, seriously, unfortunately abused.

But, never say never! I just happened across the paperself website and found myself completely enchanted. I especially love the little horses...

Summer Daze

2010-06-10T19:33:00.000-04:00

Photos: Jesper and Dimitri, Herring and Herring
Makeup: Alice, Candifiend Studio
Hair: Scotty
Stylist: Masayao Kishi
Models: Elsa Sofia and La Call
See more in Freestyle Magazine issue #2.

Macy's APA Heritage Month Fashion Event

2010-04-27T03:02:00.000-04:00

Come join Vivian Lee of NY1 and ME, the Macy's NY APA Heritage Month fashion expert for a little fashion show and discussion about how Asian Americans influence fashion today.

A Pinup Girl at Heart

2010-03-17T03:51:00.000-04:00

After years of modeling professionally here in NYC, the best images have always come from playing dress up with my friends.

Photographer: Amy Dunn
Hair: Naomi Porto
Makeup: Leo Ely
Styling: Candifiend Studio

Utterly Facinated

2010-02-11T02:05:00.000-05:00

Here's a little secret... Before I threw myself into the throes of makeup artistry and still image production, I went to design school, and after design school I put in a good number of years working as a fashion designer in the New York Fashion industry.

After I left my fashion design job, I continued to design my own line of accessories but didn't really do great job of self promoting so I took a little hiatus, but now I am back.

Here's a sneak peak of what is to come from Candifiend Accessories:

I'm a retro pin-uppy kinda gal, so facinators are a natural fit...

And this is where it all started, new from Candifiend Jewelry...
These designs will be available soon on ETSY but if you just can't wait, you can find Candifiend Jewelry and a capsule collection of fascinators right now at Peony Red located at 217 Center Street, NY, NY 10013.

Candifiend does Basta Surf with Herring and Herring

2010-01-04T23:31:00.000-05:00

This makes me dream of wintering in Hai'ewa...

Brand: Basta Surf
Model: Juliana Martins
Photos by: Herring &Herring
Makeup: Alice An
Hair: Naomi Porto

<3 Sonia Rykiel

2009-12-05T22:18:00.000-05:00

I missed Stella's collection, and Roberto's too. All the best Viktor and Rolf pieces were gone by the time I got there, and Karl's collection was just so-so-- so I don't think I missed much there. For Jimmy, I was very sick, so Lil' Sis and I studied the website every night leading up to the release, and then she dutifully got up at 6am like a true fashion victim-- and still barely got a wristband! She was the second to last group to get in to the 34th st. H&M before the free for all bum rush. (Shout out to Lil'Sis for snagging my first pair of Jimmy Choos!*big kiss*) So naturally, after ogling the Sonia Rykiel ads for a month, I headed out bright and early because I am a lingerie fiend, and I was not going to miss out on Sonia's capsule collection that was released today.

At 8:30AM I was still one of three people standing outside waiting for them to open the doors at 9am.

Does no one in this city need underwear?

Nevermind... MORE FOR ME.

Lil' Sis and I enjoyed a nice, quiet shopping experience this morning and got everything we wanted that was stocked at the 34th Street and 6th avenue H&M.

After trying on everything that caught our eye, Lil' Sis walked away with the gorgeous lace and mesh bustier & fancy mesh back panty, and the rust and pink tonal-multi striped balconette bra & thong. Both of her sets have a nice quality grosgrain ribbon (with a belting edge!) trim. I purchased the silk rosette bandeau bra with convertible straps & tap short, and both the black and nudie-pink high-waisted satin panties with matching garter belts. A nice surprise that you can't see well in any of the web photos-- the satin group pieces all have a very sexy metal zipper detail. On the panty it runs up the back-- HOTNESS!

Over all, the Rykiel pieces looked decently constructed, however, the fit of the satin bustier bras and teddy leave tons to be desired. I'm not an oddly proportioned girl (I have even modeled a little bit of lingerie in my day) but the teddy (as with all other H&M body suits with underwire cups) was a complete disaster. I am not sure why H&M insists that all people who are the same number size are also the same bra size. And the satin bustier bra... it just didn't sit well. My usual size gave me what I call massive "boob dent" and a size up was rumply and extra spacious. Lil' Sis, who is a different body type, had similar sentiments. I'm hoping I'll be able to snag the retro looking slightly bullet-shaped full coverage bra at a later date.* They didn't have any out when we were there. I need something to go with my zip back panties.

But those disappointments are not going to stop me from enjoying my pretty new things!

*11/07/2009 Quickie update- I managed to snag the "bullet shaped bra" at 59th street but to my disappointment, it is number sized as opposed to bra sized and doesn't have a nice fit, so it will be going back to the store shortly.

For more of Alice's shopping adventures --> Click here for a flashback post from February about Bri and I at the Alexander McQueen pop-up.

Candifiend for the Environment!

2009-11-23T01:35:00.000-05:00

When the producer of ECOFEST called me to put on a show to demonstrate green and sustainable dressing for an audience of 10,000 New Yorkers I said, "Absolutely!"

Check out this fun little behind the scenes video my buddy Vlad Voloshin put together following the event:

Credits:
Fashion Coordinator: Alice An | Candifiend Studio
Staff: Briana Campbell, Rattana Bounsouaysana, BP Carmouche

Styling: Ise White and Leila Wolford
Assistant: Lisa Gordon

Hair: Le Salon Chinois by Yan Chia

Makeup: Dex New York Modern Minerals | key artist John Henry Eddington

Special thanks to MC, actor and producer, Alex Kaluzhsky, celebrity guest model Korath Wright and my volunteer dressers: Nancy Wells, Sarah Tay, Rebecca An, Vickie An, Victoria Xian, Jennifer Lee

Click here for an article in the examiner about the event.

You shoulda put a ring on it!

2009-11-14T15:07:00.000-05:00

Yep. Watch it one more time. But it still won't ever compare to the LIVE show that Amy and I got when we shot Daisha Graf last weekend.

Daisha is like sunshine in a bottle, such a sweet heart! It's no wonder that Beyonce picked her to be one of her background dancers at the VMA's this year for her BEST song to date, "Single Ladies" (of course).

If you know me, you know I'm obsessed. I'm only now able to fully absorb what happened. (I already told Daisha, I am stalking her til she teaches me the dance.)

Watch out for this one, she's a rising STAR:

Photographer: Amy Dunn
Makeup: Alice An | Candifiend Studio
Model: Daisha Graf | Bloc Management

Working it on the Farm

2009-11-11T05:08:00.000-05:00

Photographer: Jesper Carlsen
Art Director: Dimitri Scheblanov
Stylist: Katie Collins
Model: Ashley Smith
Hair: Naomi Porto
Make Up: Alice An
Retouching: Kevin Mendal
Website: www.dmodemag.com

Review: http://www.designscene.net/2009/09/d-mode-magazine-by-herring-herring.html