Model And Designer Alexa Chung On Beauty, Paris, And Chocolates
The multi-faceted model and designer on her affinity with Paris, her newest venture with L'Oréal Professionnel, an ever-increasing portfolio, and bridal fashion and beauty.
The weariness of an unremarkable work day is almost instantly shattered by an email from Alexa Chung; a writer, model, and designer. The contagious energy and steady stream of thought reflected in her answers are testament to the number of hats she’s worn during her time in the limelight and the experiences she has gathered over the years. “I love varition,” she admits, “I started in television as a host after modelling, then moved into writing, and from television work, ended up being offered to cover fashion shows as a journalist. Then, I was asked to sit front row and collaborate on designs. Now, here we are. I have my own clothing line and, for it, I also have to create online content. So, it’s all one big circle.” And just like her illustrious career in fashion and its related fields (journalism, television, and modelling), the women she designs for have a colourful storyline.
“Often, it’s not something tangible that inspires me to create my designs but, rather, a lack of something. I love creating female characters with a fully fleshed-out story line in my head and, then, I just imagine what they would be dressed in,” she writes. As a model, a designer, and now the face of L'Oréal Professional Hair Color Trend of 2018-Parisian Chocolat, Chung’s public appearances demand flawless skin and hair, something she is becoming more aware of as she gets older. “I take skincare a bit more seriously now. I love oils and I’ve been using a serum, followed by a moisturiser, and then an oil.
“I wash and condition my hair every day without fail, to have body and to keep it shiny without being greasy,” she elaborates on her much-coveted beauty regime. To her three-million-strong followers on Instagram,Chung’s travel and beauty photos are both inspirational and aspirational. However, she says, she is “very instinctive with her social media handle” and simply posts pictures of things and places that interest her. “I’m always travelling for work, and 70 per cent of the time, I’m jet-lagged,” she admits, listing Paris as her absolute favourite destination of all the places she has been to.
“I always have fun in Paris. To me, it’s a dynamic, classic, intriguing, romantic, wild city. And my association with L'Oréal Professionnel is also inspired by Paris. Parisian Chocolat, the new hair colour trend, is quite sophisticated and gives me a French-chic vibe,” she says. It is the same experimental vibe she suggests brides-to-be should opt for on their big day. “Accentuate your favourite feature. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new trends. Don’t wear too much concealer under the eyes and always curl your lashes before adding mascara to really open them up,” she advises.
Signing off on an email interview with India’s top bridal magazine, Chung expresses an interest in visiting the country, an opportunity she is yet to have. For some design inspiration perhaps? Or a unique food trail of sorts? One can only guess, of course. Until Chung decides to brighten up yet another dull weekday.