Latest news with #CécileParavina
Vogue Arabia
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
Chanel Makeup Artists on the Future of Beauty, and Their Latest Creations for the Fashion House
Experimental. Dynamic. Beautiful. Comprising three visionary artists, Chanel's Cometes Collective is changing the beauty game at the iconic fashion house one collection at a time. To celebrate its newest drops, the trio — Valentina Li, Ammy Drammeh, and Cécile Paravina — landed in Dubai this week to share their experiences with beauty enthusiasts in the region. As different as each creative's aesthetic is, what ties Li, Drammeh and Paravina together is their commitment towards breaking beauty boundaries with their craft. Their camaraderie is unmissable as they bounce ideas off each other, laughing like old friends, filling the room with energy that's also evident in Chanel's latest palettes. 'In the beginning I thought maybe it could be an obstacle to take decisions and the flow of information could be difficult,' Drammeh explains about the their dynamic. 'But actually, it's very in symbiosis and quite organic when we have meetings in Paris and talk about future products, innovation, things that interest us. We sometimes go towards different directions because we have different styles, different favourite products and techniques, but that helps us cater to a big audience that also has different needs, tastes and ideas on how they want to look and how they want to apply makeup.' This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. Seemingly shy at first, Paravina makes her statements with her bold, rebellious techniques and vibrant floral hues, while Drammeh's collection is all about providing the building blocks to a personalized look, and Li's creations play with light — the kind of dreamy sparkle that bounces off skyscrapers in busy cities. Despite their differences, these are women who keep learning from each other, expanding their horizons to keep innovating. 'We get so excited about each other's collections,' they share, with Drammeh adding, 'I want to use Valentina's collection. I want to experiment with the colours that she imagined, and the same with Cecile's and we're always like, 'Can we have the collection now?'' In the midst of celebrating their achievements, the Cometes Collective sat down with Vogue Arabia to share insights into their journeys, life-changing memories, and plans for the future. Excerpts below. Tell us a little bit about each of your collections Paravina: 'Mine is the Brightening Collection, and was very interesting to develop because it's right between winter and the arrival of spring. So it can be kind of tricky to imagine something that's really nice for this moment of the season. My inspiration was the camellia. It's one of the emblems of Chanel and Gabrielle Chanel's favourite flower. I like it because it's paradoxical in a way. It's a beautiful feminine, round petal, soft flower, but it grows in the most wintery, difficult, harsh conditions. And no other flowers bloom at the same time, so it has a beautiful story. I wanted to use that story and do something that is quite futuristic but at the same time easy to use. Accessible for people who might not be the most skilled at makeup, but want to have fun. I tried to develop a peach pink like the feminine side of the camellia. Into this pigment, I added spicy little touches of shimmer in blue or green. Together combined with quite sheer, easy textures that may look aggressive when you see the product, but when you try them, they're very easy and just illuminate the lips or the cheeks.' Drammeh: "My collection's name is Mix and Match, and I wanted to create something where you could find the perfect level of grounding shades and colours and textures, and then give people something to complement them, so we have colourful, bold, transparent shimmery textures. [The collection] is almost like an introduction to colours and shimmer effects that people might not be so comfortable with. It shows them that it's actually really chic, you can use them, they're not overpowering, it's not too much, and it's just a very playful way to combine things creating total looks. It could be a whole earthy look where the lips are brown and you have a smoky eye, or you can go for something completely opposite and have a lilac lip and a little green highlighter. It's fun! Li: Mine is golden hour — but it's not golden hour in the natural environment, it's golden hour in the city. For me, light is something that always inspires and I love the special moment in the city when you see the sunset reflect on buildings. The colours transform into so many different warm hues give a soothing, healing effect. I want to use this collection to really unlock the inner gradients of women. And you know, when you look at the sunrise, actually it's almost like sunset. So actually, when people think it's the end of the day, you can also see it as a restart. So you put on this beautiful collection, and you restart. To be honest, this collection is for everybody, no matter what their makeup style. You can go strong, you can go soft, you can go with a touch of gold at the inner corners of your eyes. Our collections are trying to really bring colour into makeup and encourage people to try new things in their own way. We don't want to set rules for people. We want them to find their own rules for makeup." Do you remember your first memory of Chanel? Li: 'My first Chanel memory is the lipstick that my mom had in the drawer. I really wanted to try it, but my mom never, never, never let me touch that lipstick. So I would dream that one day I would buy that lipstick! One day I will try that lipstick.' Paravina: 'When I was maybe 14, 15, I had Tumblr, which was how I did my visual education, like fashion, movies, arts, many things. And I became an aggressive nerd, really wanting to know every show, every archive of every brand. I remember starting to explore Karl Lagerfeld's work at Chanel. And I remember falling madly in love, like completely obsessed with some of his shows. I remember in one show Devon Aoki, who's possibly my favorite model, wearing a pink taffeta look with a crazy wig, almost a mohawk shape. It was one of the highlights for me, where I was like, 'Wow, Chanel is something that makes me dream.' Drammeh: 'It was a television ad for the perfume Egoiste, and it was the most amazing thing. There were these women going crazy behind a man, opening balcony doors… it was so iconic. And then the another one showed a man fighting against his own shadow. I thought that it was such a strong image so powerful, I will never forget it.' What is the mark you hope to leave on Chanel's legacy? Drammeh: 'I think it would be so great if we could collectively create one product that really stands the test of time. For example you think of Rouge Noir, a color that everyone wants to keep recreating, imitating, but the original one? We know where it comes from.' Paravina: 'Although the original one was a risk. So to decide together to take a risk would be amazing. Because sometimes you're a bit like, oof, there's pressure for these products to be sold, but at the same time if we were able to make something that is timeless, it would be the best outcome of this creation process.' Li: "If we can leave some ideas or spirits after, to be known as 'Those girls are the girls who keep pushing.' We'll always be part of the story when we look at the history of Chanel Beauty.'
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Chanel's Trailblazing Make-Up Artist Trio Share Their Best Products For S/S25
Cécile Paravina, Ammy Drammeh andValentina Li together form Chanel Beauty's formidable make-up creative force, the Cometes Collective. Natasha Faruque speaks to each artist about the inspiration behind their new collections and which products to add straight to bag… Cécile Paravina Camélia Futura Collection There is something very soft and gentle about the camellia's aesthetic… which is particularly surprising when you know that it is actually a very hardy plant that adapts and manages to flower even in extreme conditions. This duality is the basis for the collection, marrying soft, romantic qualities with colder, more futuristic and modern codes,' Cécile explains, when asked about the flower that deeply inspired the work of Gabrielle Chanel, and the muse for Cecile's latest make-up drop. The detail in this collection is extraordinary. Aside from the shimmery, pearlescent palette – that looks firmly to the future – with peaches and pinks joining mauve grey, and hints of green, hand-sewn camellia are embossed in the Camélia Futura Exclusive Creation blush trio. The Les 4 Ombres Utopia eyeshadow palette features the camellia motif too. 'I think for me, Les 4 Ombres is something that is so iconic and so Chanel,' the former fashion design student at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp tells us when thinking of her favourite items from the range. Working for Chanel has been a real privilege, as the Maison operates in its own unique way. 'Other brands tend to satisfy clients and give them exactly what they want,' she tells Bazaar Arabia. 'Since Gabrielle Chanel founded her brand, she had a very strong approach to her craft. Everyone adhered to her idea. She didn't feel the need to satisfy everybody. She made something that made a lot of sense with the lifestyle that she aspired to have – many, many women followed. I think Chanel still has this essence – to do something that can be adopted by many people, but that is still strong and has its own very potent identity.' Ammy Drammeh Spring/Summer 2025 Collection Barcelona-born Ammy might have made her mark on the make-up scene in London – where she still resides – but now the Gambian-Spanish artist is firmly in the Cometes Collective fold. Known for her mastery of – and appreciation for – colour, she cites the music industry as being a key inspiration for her aesthetic, and is keen to bring conversations about diversity and inclusion into the industry. She argues all top artists are 'so familiar with the Chanel colour vocabulary. 'You dream of having all the Chanel range. I'm just trying to keep exploring more of the DNA of the House and that beautiful mix of unexpected beautiful shades.' Ammy loves that fact that the Maison carves its own path. 'There is not an idea of following trends. It's more the concept of timelessness,' she says. 'It takes so long to develop a product at Chanel that trends don't make sense to us. We start thinking about what we are going to design more than two years in advance. So how can I give you a trend? I'm not a fortune-teller. I think that's a pretty important part of Chanel as a whole. Individualism. You focus on needs and wants and that then really relates to others.' This season her collections traverse colour blocking, twin sets and mixing-and-matching – where clashing and complementing both work. Deep purple, mint green, matt warm beige and satin coppery pink lend themselves to endless combinations. The star product? The illuminating Jeux De Lumiéres palette – a combination of four shades which magically suit all skin tones and can be worn solo, blended together or paired as a duo. Valentina Li Les Beiges Summer 2025 Golden Hour Collection Her star was already shining bright, as one of China's most lauded face-painters (her preferred job title), but Valentina admits to being utterly elated when Chanel Beauty reached out and embraced her as part of the Cometes Collective three years ago. The Paris-based Guangxi native, known for her work on countless fashion shows, shoots and social media posts, isn't one to try to replicate trends; 'Hopefully we can be the ones who create them,' she says confidently. She adds that individuality is key, and there are no hard-and-fast rules; 'If you want to wear a black smokey eye for spring, be my guest, go ahead. We appreciate it!' What drew Valentina to join the Cometes Collective? 'The story that colour represents in Chanel. Each time we design a collection; we are not just bringing a beautiful combination of colour to the table. We bring the audience a story. When you add a story to make-up, people remember it. That's what I think make us so special, and makes Chanel colours, Chanel.' Beauty is of course big business, but Valentina is keen to stress the joy of it all, insisting she creates from the heart – and it shows. 'The fun thing about make-up is to experiment and to keep trying until you find your perfect shade; you learn from the mistakes that you make. If you fail, remove it and just start again. That's the great thing about it.' She adds, 'Make up is a very positive thing. Enjoy it. Play with colour.' With her new Les Beiges Golden HourCollection for Summer 2025 – she is basically allowing us to capture and emulate the most flattering of light constantly – we are sure we will. Photography by Vladimir Martí, Creative Direction by Marne Schwartz, Styling by Imogene Legrand. Make-up by Ammy Drammeh, Cécile Paravina and Valentina Li Members of the Cometes Collective in Collaboration With the Chanel Make-up Creation Studio. Models: Raissa Santos at Fashion League Uae;Tatiyana Hadunova & Anna Matti, Both at Motion Models. Hair: Alireza Mousavi. Make-up Assistants: Kavya Rajpowell, Sarah Saya & Kenza Bia
Vancouver Sun
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Beauty Buzz: The 3 best beauty products we tried this week from Ardell, Shea Moisture, and Chanel
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. We try dozens of beauty products each month. These were our testers' three favourite launches this week: They say: Ardell expands its fan-favourite press-on faux lash line with a few new products including Mini Kits in Faux Mink and Wispy, a 1-Day Extensions D Curl Kit, and more. We say: We've all heard of press-on nails. Meet press-on lashes. The pre-glued false lash sections provide the look of false lashes or extensions without the lengthy application steps. Our tester found a few pressed into her natural lashes provided a natural, fuller appearance. And the small lash segments stayed put all daylong. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. $35.99 | Shoppers Drug Mart They say: Shea Moisture's bestselling bar soaps now come in body wash formulations. The formulas are infused with African black soap, oats, aloe, vitamin E and more to gently cleanse while providing soothing moisture. We say: This body wash leaves skin feeling smooth and smelling lovely, our tester reports. The fair trade Shea butter in the formulas provides an extra dose of hydration after the gentle suds of the body wash are rinsed away. $18.99 | Shoppers Drug Mart , Amazon They say: A tricolour powder blush compact from the Camélia Futura makeup collection. Created in collaboration with global makeup artist Cécile Paravina, the complexion-enhancing powder features three shades in one compact: soft pink, coral and apricot. We say: This limited-edition makeup release from Chanel provides the perfect pop of colour where applied. Our tester found the matte-finish makeup was easy to build and blend, while the three unique hues allowed for a customized colour application. $96 | , Holt Renfrew
National Post
07-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- National Post
Beauty Buzz: The 3 best beauty products we tried this week from Ardell, Shea Moisture, and Conair
Article content We try dozens of beauty products each month. These were our testers' three favourite launches this week: Article content We say: We've all heard of press-on nails. Meet press-on lashes. The pre-glued false lash sections provide the look of false lashes or extensions without the lengthy application steps. Our tester found a few pressed into her natural lashes provided a natural, fuller appearance. And the small lash segments stayed put all daylong. Article content They say: Shea Moisture's bestselling bar soaps now come in body wash formulations. The formulas are infused with African black soap, oats, aloe, vitamin E and more to gently cleanse while providing soothing moisture. Article content We say: This body wash leaves skin feeling smooth and smelling lovely, our tester reports. The fair trade Shea butter in the formulas provides an extra dose of hydration after the gentle suds of the body wash are rinsed away. Article content Chanel Camélia Futura Powder Blush Trio Article content They say: A tricolour powder blush compact from the Camélia Futura makeup collection. Created in collaboration with global makeup artist Cécile Paravina, the complexion-enhancing powder features three shades in one compact: soft pink, coral and apricot. Article content
Vancouver Sun
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Beauty Buzz: The 3 best beauty products we tried this week from Ardell, Shea Moisture, and Conair
We try dozens of beauty products each month. These were our testers' three favourite launches this week: They say: Ardell expands its fan-favourite press-on faux lash line with a few new products including Mini Kits in Faux Mink and Wispy, a 1-Day Extensions D Curl Kit, and more. We say: We've all heard of press-on nails. Meet press-on lashes. The pre-glued false lash sections provide the look of false lashes or extensions without the lengthy application steps. Our tester found a few pressed into her natural lashes provided a natural, fuller appearance. And the small lash segments stayed put all daylong. $35.99 | Shoppers Drug Mart Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. They say: Shea Moisture's bestselling bar soaps now come in body wash formulations. The formulas are infused with African black soap, oats, aloe, vitamin E and more to gently cleanse while providing soothing moisture. We say: This body wash leaves skin feeling smooth and smelling lovely, our tester reports. The fair trade Shea butter in the formulas provides an extra dose of hydration after the gentle suds of the body wash are rinsed away. $18.99 | Shoppers Drug Mart , Amazon They say: A tricolour powder blush compact from the Camélia Futura makeup collection. Created in collaboration with global makeup artist Cécile Paravina, the complexion-enhancing powder features three shades in one compact: soft pink, coral and apricot. We say: This limited-edition makeup release from Chanel provides the perfect pop of colour where applied. Our tester found the matte-finish makeup was easy to build and blend, while the three unique hues allowed for a customized colour application. $96 | , Holt Renfrew
