Fashion
Jovita George gives us make up tips to slay all day for dusky women!
Makeup and fashion blogger Jovita George shares her makeup hacks for the dusky Indian skin
Words by Aiswarya John Photograph from Jovita George
It’s difficult to pinpoint the moment in history when prejudice against dark skin became largely problematic. Some say it came in with the colonial rule while others insist that it has always been deeply set in almost all cultures and communities. Jovita George is a dark-skinned Malayali influencer on Youtube who is showing how dark skin is equally and more beautiful. With her videos primarily entailing fashion, makeup, relationships and travel, Jovita is a strong believer of being comfortable in one’s own skin. She uses her YouTube platform – MrJovitaGeorge to urge women to fight back against bullying and the dark skin prejudice while learning to be in love with oneself. When did you realise a career in beauty was in the cards for you? To keep a long story long, I was that kid who dressed up her siblings in makeup and our mother’s dupattas and jewellery, and set up lavish backdrops with feather dusters and saris to create ‘fashion editorial’ -worthy pictures in the ‘90s with the old wind and click cameras. My dad was mad each time he went to develop the photographs! A couple of years later, I was reminded of my love for fashion and beauty when I was crowned Miss Kerala back in 2005. Time flew by once again, and I got back into books and corporate jobs post college, but as fate would have it, I somehow stumbled upon the world of YouTube and started playing around with my very tiny humble makeup bag. And I just couldn’t stop this time. Makeup is art, and I’ve always been an artist.
How long have you been blogging?
I started playing with the idea of blogging and YouTube-ing about five years ago while still keeping my 9 to 5 job as my first priority. I made it my full time job just about a year ago.
The USP of ‘MrJovitaGeorge’?
The USP is that MrJovitaGeorge is being relatable. She is everybody’s best friend. She is the brown girl who is proud to be brown, refuses the idea of staying at home to prevent a tan, and loves talking about subjects that everyone’s thinking about but none wishes to voice. She refuses to be ashamed of who she is and refuses to be someone else. She loves to go out, wear colours, and flaunt her melanin rich skin. So, she is the sister and best friend of every Indian girl and boy!
Why the “Mr” in your name?
When I was creating my YouTube account back in 2010 with the sole purpose of having an account to comment and like videos, I was not allowed to take up the username Jovita George since it had already been taken! YouTube suggested MrJovitaGeorge, and I found it surreally hilarious that YouTube thought I was a boy. And I kept the name. The story is not as interesting as one would imagine. But I like the sound of it!
Which beauty bloggers proved to be your biggest sources of inspiration when you started out?
Without a doubt, it was Michelle Phan! I just loved watching her videos! I also loved watching YouTubers like JLovesMac, PurseBuzz, and Dulce Candy. There weren’t any Indian YouTubers back when I started.
How do you deal with all the haters and negativity on the Internet?
Every day is a different day, but for the most part I either ignore the hate or spread some love on the hate keeping in mind that some people don’t mean to hate, they just want some attention or they just don’t know the right way to diplomatically word a comment. Every negative comment is not hate, some are constructive criticism too. But some people come in everyday just to spread negativity, with absolutely no other intention but to cause pain. In these cases, I call them out. Just because a person chooses to be on YouTube does not mean that the person chooses to be a free punching bag.
One red-carpet celebrity who slays her beauty game each time?
I have a couple of celeb red carpet crushes. Kangana Ranaut and Kareena Kapoor get it right each time in India. Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Lawrence and Selena Gomez kill it every time on the red carpet as well!
Three mistakes Indian women make during their beauty regimen?
- Ignoring the brows. You might have done up your eyes beautifully, but if you don’t fill in your brows, your eyes look incomplete at the end of the day.
- Getting the wrong shade of foundation. Don’t go lighter but rather, find your exact shade.
- If you chose to have a full face of foundation, don’t forget to add a little contour on the sides of your face to bring back the dimensions of your face.
Makeup products you can never get enough of?
The favourites are always changing, but currently they are – Kat Von D Lock–It Concealer, NYX HD Concealer, Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Line Liquid Lipsticks, PLUM kohl pencil, Colorbar Zoom & Whoosh, Zoeva Blushes, Becca Highlighters & theBalm Foiled Eyeshadows.
Quick tips for dealing with pesky acne?
Get on the banana peel bandwagon! It works like magic and you don’t have to worry about pesky uninvited acne anymore.
Bronzer or blusher for dusky Indian skin?
Both! Peachy bronzer with a touch of shimmer during hotter months, and pinky blushes during cooler days or even better layer them on!
Your signature makeup style?
Winged eyeliner, bronzer, and velvet red lips.
Your favourite palettes…
Currently loving Chrissy Teigen X Becca Palette, Fenty Galaxy Collection Eyeshadow Palette, NYX HD Contour & Highlight Palette, Zoeva Offline Edit Palettes & theBalm Meet Matte Trimony Eyeshadow Palette
Fragrances that uplift your mood?
Arlesienne by Caudali, Aqua Allegoria by Guerlain, Gucci Flora, and Aura by Swarovski
Fashion
The Year of Statement Hat
When Anya Taylor-Joy stepped out at this year’s Cannes Film Festival in Jacquemus’ Le Chapeau Bomba, a delightfully oversized raffia hat it was clear that this accessory had become the season’s ultimate statement piece. The fall 2024 runways echoed this sentiment, with Chanel and Prada showcasing hats as the new must-have. Think of Sarah Jessica Parker’s oversized Maryam Keyhani creation, worn on the set of And Just Like That… earlier this year, or Margaret Qualley donning Chanel’s nautical style at Cannes. These hats are for the main characters who command attention, making a bold statement long before you arrive.
Altuzarra’s fall 2024 collection featured boxy headpieces on some models, each designed to evoke a specific character. “It was about finding joy in wearing a complete look, fully embodying a character,” explains designer Joseph Altuzarra. Interestingly, this was the label’s first foray into hats beyond casual knit and woven styles. ‘We didn’t plan to sell them,’ Altuzarra admits, ‘but they ended up being a hit.
Similarly, milliner Gigi Burris O’Hara has experienced a surge in demand. Although she launched her brand, Gigi Burris, in 2012, she only opened her first store late last year. “During leaner times, when people become more selective with their spending, they seek joy in thoughtful purchases,” she explains.
After years of embracing a more casual style, we’re now gravitating toward all things expressive. Maximalist content creator Sara Camposarcone has been embracing pieces from small brands like Potion23, renowned for its whimsical, witchy hats. “I feel like I can now wear bolder headpieces that complement my extravagant outfits,” Camposarcone shares. “Since discovering vintage fashion, I’ve developed a passion for finding great vintage pillbox hats or a 1920s fascinator.”
Fashion
The Iconic Bags and Their Names
Handbags are more than just functional accessories; they are statements of style and symbols of status. Over the years, several handbags have achieved iconic status, becoming synonymous with luxury and timeless fashion. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic bags and the stories behind their names.
Hermès Birkin
Origin: The Birkin bag was born from a chance encounter between actress and singer Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight in 1981. Birkin mentioned her struggle to find a perfect weekend bag, leading Dumas to design a bag tailored to her needs.
Icon Status: The Birkin is known for its exclusivity, craftsmanship, and high price tag. It has become a symbol of wealth and luxury, often with a waiting list of years.
Chanel 2.55
Origin: Created by Coco Chanel in February 1955 (hence the name), the Chanel 2.55 was revolutionary for its time, introducing the concept of a shoulder bag, freeing women from the inconvenience of clutch bags.
Icon Status: With its quilted leather, chain strap, and distinctive CC lock (added in the 1980s by Karl Lagerfeld), the 2.55 remains a timeless piece, beloved by fashionistas worldwide.
Louis Vuitton Speedy
Origin: Introduced in the 1930s, the Speedy was designed as a smaller version of the Louis Vuitton Keepall. It became particularly popular in the 1960s when Audrey Hepburn requested a smaller version, leading to the creation of the Speedy 25.
Icon Status: Known for its classic monogram canvas and practicality, the Speedy is a versatile bag that has remained a staple in the fashion world for decades.
Dior Lady Dior
Origin: First presented in 1994, the Lady Dior bag was initially known as “Chouchou.” It gained its iconic status when Princess Diana was photographed with it in 1995, leading to its renaming in her honor.
Icon Status: The bag’s signature cannage stitching and dangling Dior charms make it instantly recognizable. It’s a favorite among celebrities and royalty, symbolizing elegance and sophistication.
Gucci Jackie
Origin: Originally called the Fifties Constance, this bag was renamed the Jackie after Jackie Kennedy was frequently photographed carrying it in the 1960s.
Icon Status: The Jackie bag’s hobo shape and piston strap closure make it a timeless piece. It has seen numerous revivals and remains a classic in the Gucci lineup.
Prada Galleria
Origin: Named after the historic Prada boutique in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Galleria bag epitomizes the brand’s heritage and craftsmanship.
Icon Status: With its clean lines, structured shape, and Saffiano leather, the Galleria bag is a symbol of modern elegance and understated luxury.
Fendi Baguette
Origin: Designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi in 1997, the Baguette was named for its shape, resembling the French baguette loaf, and designed to be carried under the arm.
Icon Status: Popularized by its appearance on the TV show “Sex and the City,” the Baguette became a must-have accessory, famous for its countless variations in colors and materials.
Balenciaga City
Origin: Introduced in the early 2000s, the Balenciaga City bag, also known as the Motorcycle bag, was designed by Nicolas Ghesquière. Its casual yet chic design quickly gained a cult following.
Icon Status: Known for its slouchy silhouette, distinctive hardware, and tassels, the City bag became an icon of the 2000s and continues to be a beloved piece.
These iconic bags have transcended fashion trends, becoming enduring symbols of style, craftsmanship, and luxury. Each bag tells a unique story, adding to its allure and making it a coveted piece for fashion enthusiasts around the world. Investing in one of these iconic bags is not just about owning a stylish accessory but also a piece of fashion history.
Cover Story
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s Traditional Ladakh’s Heritage Attire
As Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding festivities come to an end, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja chose to dress in Ladakh traditional garb. The event featured a number of topics, with India’s rich past being the focus yesterday night. Sonam Kapoor Ahuja emphasized this by dressing in Namza Couture, which was established in 2016 by Padma Yangchan and Jigmet Disket and is renowned for its commitment to Ladakhi fabrics.
The Mogos, a gown-like item with a shimmering zari border and pistachio green brocade, was part of Sonam’s ensemble. She wore a rani-pink shawl called a “Bok,” which is usually made from silk or goat skin and is worn to keep warm by the locals. This outfit was made of silk by Benaras artisans, and it had intricate phoenix embroidery, which stands for knowledge and vigor. It also had a crane image, which stands for prosperity and peace.
Her jewelry selections also honored custom; she wore a neckpiece set with diamonds and an emerald stone in the center. She accessorized this with striking statement rings and copper handcuffs, all tastefully matched with pearl earrings. She chose metallic juttis to complete her look, and she carried a bespoke purse by re-ceremonial.
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