Fashion

Gemma Chan on Self-Care and Being the New Face of L’Oréal Paris

The British actress on her skin-care and wellness routine—and how she’s finding ways to take care of herself during the pandemic….

Since bursting onto the scene following her 2018 debut in Crazy Rich Asians, Gemma Chan has quickly established herself as one of Hollywood’s leading ladies, as much for her lauded roles in the likes of I Am Hannah as her breathtaking beauty, so it should come as no surprise that L’Oréal Paris has tapped the 37-year-old British actress as their latest face.

It’s a full circle moment for Chan, who grew up surrounded by the brand’s hair-care saviors and bright red lipsticks. “I remember wandering into my mom’s room as a child and just walking into a cloud of Elnett [spray],” Chan, who is now partial to the their new glycolic acid cleanser, tells me over the phone from Los Angeles, where she is currently filming Olivia Wilde’s forthcoming film, Don’t Worry Darling. Products aside, however, L’Oréal Paris’s philosophy is one that resonates with Chan, who just last year founded her own production company, Long House, to share stories from marginalized voices, the ones that often go untold. “Their tagline ‘Because I’m worth it,’ is iconic,” she notes, “but I also think it still resonates [today] because it’s an expression of self-worth. It’s permission to take care of yourself, and that’s so important at the moment.”

Of course finding ways to take care of oneself in the midst of a pandemic is not without its struggles. “It’s been a strange time,” admits Chan, who spent the first months of lockdown stationed at home in London, a stark contrast from her life pre-COVID when she would trot around the globe for shoots and premieres alike. “I think what helped was trying to find some sort of structure to the day,” she notes before adding: “I say that, but I don’t always manage to achieve it!” Nevertheless, when she is able to carve out her own space, she begins her mornings with a 10-15 minute set of sun salutations and Pilates-based core work, and dives into escapist books, such as Carlo Rovelli’s Seven Brief Lessons on Physics and Richard Powers’s The Overstory. “Finding books to read that take you out of the present moment and give you a different perspective on things has been such an escape,” she says.

Her beauty regimen has also provided solace. “When we first locked down I stopped brushing my hair and plucking my eyebrows,” she recalls with a laugh. Now, though, she’s found a middle ground and prioritizes herself with an amped-up skin-care protocol, the occasional pick-me-up swipe of mascara, and long, epsom salt-filled soaks. “I find it can be quite meditative to go through that routine and really just look after your skin and your hair,” she says. “There’s so many things we can’t control, but we can do those things [for ourselves].”

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Artist Spotlight

Rare Nike Air Foamposite One Yankees Sample Hits the Market

Sneaker culture is all about exclusivity, and sometimes, a truly special pair comes along that gets everyone excited. One such sneaker is the Nike Air Foamposite One Yankees Sample, a unique blend of basketball history and baseball style. With its striking look and connections to two famous sports worlds, this rare sneaker has just hit the resale market, and collectors are eager to get their hands on it. Originally created for basketball star Penny Hardaway, the Foamposite One became a staple of ’90s sneaker fashion. Its innovative design was groundbreaking at the time.

However, this special Yankees-themed version takes it a step further. It features a deep navy blue and bright white color scheme, resembling the classic pinstripes of the New York Yankees, one of the most celebrated teams in baseball. The unique wave design that runs across the upper part makes this sneaker stand out, giving it a dynamic look and feel. Unlike the regular versions sold in stores, this sample was never mass-produced, which adds to its appeal among collectors and passionate Yankees fans. Currently listed on Index PDX in size 9 for an impressive $3,500, the price reflects how rare it is.

However, what really matters is the story behind it. From basketball courts to everyday life, the Foamposite One has always been a symbol of performance and fashion. This Yankees edition connects two sports that have captured the hearts of fans for generations. For those lucky enough to own this sneaker, it’s a statement piece. It showcases Nike’s dedication to exploring and celebrating sports culture. Whether proudly displayed or worn to show off hometown pride, the Yankees Foamposite One serves as a reminder of the unforgettable moments shared between basketball and baseball.

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Artist Spotlight

Kim Kardashian’s Tesla Robot Photoshoot Sparks Social Media Firestorm

Kim Kardashian is no stranger to stirring up controversy, but her latest photoshoot has generated quite a surprising backlash. Recently, she shared a striking set of images for Perfect Magazine, where she posed alongside a humanoid robot from Tesla and sat on top of a shiny Cybertruck. The shoot was intended to playfully highlight her reputation as being “robotic,” something she feels has been used to describe her in the media. “I think the big joke about doing the shoot with the robot is that I feel like I’m so robotic,” she explained. However, not everyone found it amusing.

Many people online expressed their disapproval, and it wasn’t just about the futuristic look of the photos. Critics viewed the shoot as a nod of support for Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, who is currently a controversial figure facing boycotts. One commenter remarked, “She definitely picked a side,” while another harshly suggested that the Cybertruck could be iconic only if it were on fire! The discussion quickly expanded beyond fashion, with some linking the imagery to international conflicts. “Well, that’s a very clear side just picked, the same one that sides with Russia. Not great,” one user stated.

This incident highlights how public figures like Kardashian are closely watched for their choices and associations. Even what might seem like a fun photoshoot can carry significant meaning. While she intended the shoot to be lighthearted, the timing raised concerns for many fans, especially with Musk’s political connections currently under scrutiny and Tesla facing criticism. Despite the backlash, Kardashian has chosen to stay quiet and let the photos speak for themselves. As always, she is navigating between bold fashion choices and cultural debates, showing that whatever she does, people will have something to say about it. It remains to be seen if she will respond to the controversy or move on to her next big moment.

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