Best Tutorials for Day of the Dead

Feliz Dia De Los Muertos. I know the aesthetic of this holiday has become trendy in recent years (we called it awhile ago). Remember first that it is a happy day that celebrates the spirits of our loved ones who have come back to join us. It has roots in Mexico, Aztec and Catholic culture.

Sugar Skull Makeup Tutorial
The most popular tradition for the style set is the sugar skull makeup. It is a particularly artistic look where you can get elaborate with all sorts of embellishments and motifs. Youtube is full of sugar skull makeup tutorials if you need inspiration.

via Tablespoon.com

I always loved watching artisans craft the actual sugar skulls. It looked so delicate and sweet. You can try your own with these sugar skull instructions. 

The women who participate in traditional Dia de los Muertos celebrations don't stop at the makeup. The traditional Catrina Costume includes elegant outfits of long ruffled dresses, lace and a decorated wide-brimmed hat. You can style our own version with this Catrina costume tutorial.

Ofrendas
Part of celebrating your past loved ones is about enticing them to share festivities with you. This is demonstrated with extravagant ofrendas. This is an altar of offerings honoring them and that includes Pan de Muertos, a sweet bread decorated with dough bones, salt. marigold flowers, paper picado decorations and mementos of the deceased. You can create your own with these Dia de los Muertos altar instructions.

Read more >>

#WMCFW: Hilary MacMillan Fall 2015

Another family affair, this time in Toronto. Canadian designer Hilary MacMillan's relatively new fashion label is known for its mix of luxurious fabrics and a signature print she develops every season. For fall 2015, she collaborated with members of her family to create a darker, rose and skeleton print.

The color palette was cream, black, bright and dark blood red. While it isn't obvious, the muse behind this season's collection was the Mexican holiday of Day of the Dead. The fashion show combined satins and leather, silk and knits. There were a lot of separates with updated proportions. Long topper jackets were paired with crop tops, loose pants that ended below the knee and jackets with elbow length sleeves. The models sported smokey eyes and slicked "wet look" hair (or they just ran out of the shower onto the runway).

Macmillan put the show in the fashion show, with the band St. Royals entertaining the guests. Guests included the who's who of Canadian showbiz personalities, like 24's Elisha Cuthbert and TV's Supernatural's Richard De Klerk.

Hilary MacMillan is committed to designing and manufacturing her label within Canada. She designs for the modern urban woman like herself. In a short time she has already made fans of all the top Canadian magazines. When you're on a roll, just enjoy the ride!

photos by George Pimentel

Read more >>

Trendspotting: Dia de los Muertos

Celebrate the Day of the Dead.  While quirky bars and restaurants have always used Katrina dolls and dioramas to decorate their interiors, I have seen a huge rush of the Dia de los Muertos trend in fashion circles of late.

666 Photography had a gorgeous beauty editorial that mixed makeup, floral headpieces and elegant, burlesque corsetry that went viral over Pinterest.  Other beauty bloggers and stylists were also inspired by the embellished skull look with their own interpretations.  The not-so-macabre trend made its way onto the nail art circles with amazingly detailed manicures.

Accessories designers have always found the holiday to be a muse.  There a bunch of jewelry artists who make everything from earrings to necklaces to cufflinks.  You can find the motifs on ties, handbags, and elaborate headpieces all over Etsy.  You can even complete your look with bony pumps .

My husband has always had a fondness for this Mexican holiday as it was very close to his Halloween birthday.  We have purchased some great art pieces from galleries that specialize in Mexican art.  In the last decade, mainstream companies have increasingly incorporated the decorative, morbid aesthetic into their product offerings.   LucasArts even had a cult-favorite video game called the Grim Fandango that takes place in a Dia de Los Muertos world.  Over at the Offbeat Bride, this aesthetic has found a romantic hold on many couple looking for alternative themes.

Want to see what YOU look like with Dia de los Muertos makeup?  I found this fantastic Day of the Dead Me app.

Conclusion?  Whether you are living or dead, you have no excuse not to look fierce.

Credits: 666 photography, Viveros via lewdfox tumblr, http://cdnimg.visualizeus.com,

Read more >>