A BACKSTAGE LOOK AT THE FINAL FASHION CARES
Story by Jennifer Ng
Photos provided by M.A.C Cosmetics
In its 25th and final year, M.A.C‘s fundraising féte, Fashion Cares, pulled out all the stops. Models, dancers, makeup artists and more gathered to donate their time to the charities benefited by the event, including the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) and Elton John’s AIDS Foundation. Since its launch in 1994, MAC’s Viva Glam program has been title sponsor of this major fashion show, and this year, Elton John & Friends celebrated “An Evening of Glitter and Light” at the Sony Centre. Special guest stars like co-hosts Dean and Dan Caten of DSquared and supermodel Linda Evangelista, Janelle Monae and Kreesha Turner, helped increase awareness of Canadians living with AIDS, and to raise funds in support.
With such an amazing pool of talent, it comes as no surprise that each year, the makeup looks got better and better. Fashion Cares has become an event from which we draw the year’s trends, and here are three eye looks that stood out in particular.
Graphic Eyeliner
Not only did this trend sweep the runways, it also took over at this year’s show. Makeup artist Jane McKay named M.A.C’s Blacktrack Fluidline as one of her most used products to develop architectural shapes – a shout out to the brand’s fall Arti-Tech collection, perhaps?
Glitter
Not surprisingly, what with this year’s theme being “An Evening of Glitter and Light”, glitter, crystals and rhinestones were shining in the backstage prep room. Walking in, you’d notice glitter particles gleaming in the spotlights. Wandering through the room, we caught sight of a model who had four different artists applying crystals all over her body – the effect was nothing short of dazzling.
Lashes
This year’s lashes were insane, especially when combined with the eyeliner and glitter. With such intense eye looks, the only way to hold your own is to anchor them down with a strong lash, like M.A.C’s #7. Feathered lashes (along with feathered headpieces) were also prevalent throughout the show, adding a touch of whimsy.
To date, Fashion Cares has raised over $12 million for ACT, and proceeds from sales of M.A.C Viva Glam have raised over $250 million for the M.A.C AIDS Fund. 100% of each M.A.C Viva Glam sale goes to raising awareness and support. Available at all M.A.C counters or at maccosmetics.com.
