I don’t even know where to begin with this chick. Not only is she one of my dearest friends, but she’s got talent radiating from her head to her toes. The best part about it? She's humble as hell. It was only obvious that she was next up on the docket for talented up and comers. When she speaks about something she loves, she’s got serious passion and that is something truly admirable. Not many people can make you feel as intensely enthralled about a subject you previously had no interest in, but this girl can tell a story and the entire room will want to know more about it. Who could it be? It’s the bangin’ Miss Jessica Cook, duh. I initially met Jessica when she was working at Ulysses Salon in downtown Salt Lake City, but she’s been all over the map since then. Lucky for us she’s sharing her love for the outdoors and her passion for making others feel and look beautiful the entire way. Currently residing Los Angeles, she works at a charming salon in Echo Park called Neighborhood Salon. Aside from her incredible talent in hair and makeup, she’s also got style for days and days. Whenever I visit LA she’s always more than willing to lend not only a place to sleep, but she’ll do your hair, your makeup, and if you’re lucky like me… you get to raid her closet. This girl is a gem unlike any other, and now, I get to share a little bit of her with all of you.
UM: When did you realize you wanted to be a hair stylist/makeup artist?

JC: This sounds silly, but I love it because it’s real. Once upon a time when I was about 13 or 14 years old, I was approached on the street and told to come into this salon because they could show me some great ideas with my hair, this is a move that any good hairstylist should be pulling!! Not only can it up your business, but you never know who you are about to effect in a life changing manner… haha! For real. In this case, it was me. A few days later I found out that a girl in school that I highly looked up to, had been going there to get her hair done. I was literally so insecure at that point in my life as any young teenager is, and decided to save the money to go to this "high-end" salon downtown, at that time for me this was a pricey endeavor, I REALLY HAD TO SAVE. It took me weeks to do so, and really I had no idea about hair or any possibilities that could go with it. I walked into the salon extremely shy, timid and mostly intimidated.  Everyone looked so good, stylish and put together, with ideas and creativity I had never witnessed before. So… with the mousiest brown most hideously styled hair ever I sat down. I had absolutely no concept of fashion at this point, and kind of constantly got made fun of at school for it. I felt awkward all the time, and never knew how to change it, my parents were busy at work trying to get us kids to a better place, and my siblings were older and always seemed to have fashion/friends come naturally, so I just did what I could to keep up but never really knew how to put myself together like all the other girls at school. The first time I got my hair done, not only did the salon treat me great, teach me a few style/make-up tips, but they asked me to start hair modeling for some of the hair shows that they would put on for Redken. This changed my life, it made me feel better about myself from then on out. I gained so much confidence just from some simple tips and a new style.  When I started modeling in hair shows, I learned that I loved the creativity and energy behind stage, the freedom of expression. It all was very magical to me. About a year or two later after religiously going to that salon, and being featured as a cut and color model, I decided that I wanted to be able to make others feel the same change or magic that I did in themselves. I started to hang out at the salon watch & assist. When I was 16 years old I got a job at Snowshack and started saving up for hair school, I haven't stopped since.  

UM: Do you prefer one to the other and why?

JC: I have always loved doing hair a bit more than make-up, I love them both so much, and I absolutely adore seeing a final product when I have had the pleasure to do both. I think that my passion is rooted in the hair industry though. It’s a wonderful thing that has lead me to such beautiful art forms such as make-up, but I will always have that deep rooted seed that was loving the hair industry that got me started in this whole bundle of love.

UM: Do you enjoy working in a salon or working on editorial projects more?

JC: I couldn't answer that to save my life. If I knew it would probably make me breath a bit easier on the daily. I am obsessed with both. I love the energy and the feeling of a killer photo-shoot or wrapping on a commercial or video. But I absolutely live for helping someone walk around feeling a little bit better about how they're looking. Not that hair is always needed for that, but when it is... I want to be there. I love the control of cutting hair, and the science behind coloring it and nothing feels better than finding a good salon to call home, because believe me.. it’s hard to do. When you do have a positive environment to work in, and are able to share your passion with talented individuals who have a constant desire to grow and create, it a damn wonderful thing.

UM: What matters to you most working as a hair stylist/mua?

JC: When everyone, including me is happy! 

UM: What is your favorite/least favorite part about your job?

JC: It’s a hustle, and it can be inconsistent. I loved that about it the first 6 years, but as I am getting older I am finding that I appreciate balance more and more. Correct me if I am wrong, but… I think that’s every artists complaint. 

UM: What's been your biggest accomplishment so far? 

JC: I had 3 big goals at the start of all this, it was living in NYC and/or LA, and getting nominated for NAHA (North American Hair Styling Awards),  I have now accomplished all 3 of those things. I get hyped whenever I think about all of that.

UM: What are your favorite products?

JC: Right now I am into Davines! It’s all-natural, has a great back story, a wonderful color line, smells damn good… and just all around does what it says it will do. Who doesn't like that? Oh, and the Oi line by Davines, it’s magical. 

UM: Do you have any hair tips for our readers? 

JC: Right now, let loose a bit. Keep it maintained but step out of your box. 

UM: Do you have any major goals as a hair stylist/mua?

JC: Always!! I am genuinely working on upping my freelance game so that I can start working more out of NYC & LA, not just primarily LA, which has been the past year. I'm also discussing entering NAHA again, if I can conjure up the time for that before the deadline, I will. A long-term goal is to start school for chemistry at a university to take things to the next level on the science side of hair, but that won’t be for a minute. I feel that I still have a lot that I would like to accomplish in the industry before I send it that deep. I will absolutely go for it when my bod has had it on my feet! :)

Works of Art By Jessica Cook

*Photos taken by Jorden Keith and Jozef Mitchell 
 
Awards season is truly the greatest time of year for a girl like me. I’m sure I’ve said this over and over but from a very young age I’ve obsessed over it and watched shows like The Golden Globes and The Oscars year after year… I remember specifically one year I had done something that got me into some trouble (what it was, I don’t remember), but my punishment was that I couldn’t watch The Oscars. The fit I threw was RIDICULOUS. I mean seriously, ground me from my friends? Fine, but ground me from watching The Oscars? It was downright criminal. Anyway, I’ve put together my best dressed list from The Globes last night with some major babe contenders. Take a looksee at my favorites and tell us who yours were!
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Emma Watson in Christian Dior
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Emma Watson in Christian Dior
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Kate Beckinsale in Zuhair Murad
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Olivia Wilde in Gucci
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Margot Robbie in Gucci
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Lupita Nyong'o in Ralph Lauren
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Emilia Clarke in Proenza Schouler
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Lizzy Caplan in Emilio Pucci
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Emma Roberts in Lanvin
*All photos have been credited
 
I am incredibly excited to be featuring someone that I have been infatuated with for years now…her talent is awe-inspiring and overwhelming even just to think about. Erin Robertson hails from Provo, UT and is currently attending Massart (Massachusetts College of Art & Design) studying Fashion Design. Among her love for fashion, Erin also loves living in Boston and working at a great restaurant called Lucky's Lounge. She loves things like red bull, coffee, sparkles, hotdogs, googley eyes, and despises things like long winters, breaking a nail, bees, and getting her headphones caught and ripped out of her ears (something I myself can attest to). Along with Erin’s unique personality she displays an even more unique sense of style that is indescribable. I’ve always admired her ability to pull off things that no one else can, and she does it with the perfect amount of confidence. If I could explore this babes closet I’d probably run away with everything in it!

An Art Show 

Spray Foam Dress

Fabric Design

Shoes

It was no surprise when Erin won the CFDA scholarship. Her designs are unique yet wearable and it's quite clear that she worked her ass off to get where she's at today. My personal favorite? The Jenga shoes... The minute I saw them I had to show everyone I knew, I was absolutely blown away. I cannot wait to see where Erin goes in the world of fashion, she is well on her way to the top! Just you watch...
UM: When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?

ERI realized in high school. My sister's best friend taught me how to sew and that changed everything. I took classes all through high school. Also, side note, I made my prom dress and went to prom with Jon Larsen.

UM: Where do you find most of your inspiration?

EREverywhere. It’s always something different. Right now I'm super inspired by painters. My classmate Jordan Piantedosi did that painting for an art show, and the other who I recently discovered is Imi Knoebel.

UM: Do you have a target audience that you’d like to sell your clothing to?

ERHa. I’m learning about target audience in class. Right now, it's a pretty wide range. But because I like to personalize everything, like printing my own fabric and such, it's like you'd have to have that cash.

UM: What matters to you most as a fashion designer?

ERDetails. I'm crazy about them. I’m a messy human, but if a garment is messy or something doesn't make sense. I like purrrfection.

UM: What is your favorite/least favorite part of the design process?

ER: Drawing fashion croquis or tech flats. There are also some steps in sewing that I h8.

UM: Do you enjoy designing shoes or clothes more?

ER: Kinda equally. They're both important to the whole image.

UM: What was the process like to apply for the CFDA scholarship?

ER: It started with inspiration. And as soon as it was presented in class, I knew I wanted to do it on Utah. It was amazing how it all fell into place, magical actually. At the time, my school didn't have this as the curriculum. So I was doing this on top of school work…and working as a waitress.

UM: Who are some of your favorite designers?

ER: Proenza Schouler, The Row, Ostwald Helgason, Prada, Philip Lim, Nicholas Ghesquiere, Carven. Those are some good ones.

UM: What are your plans once you graduate?

ER: NYC makes a lot of sense. I want to work with a design team, learn the fashion life. Or maybe become a fashion fine artist. 2016 is far away.

UM: Do you have any major goals as a fashion designer?

ER: Hmmmm… I wanna keep making whatever I want and get weird with it. Whatever that means.

*Photos provided by Erin Robertson and taken by Lizzie Viggiano [Art Show], Colin Cardinal [Spray Foam Dress], and Alipio Hernández [portraits of Erin/Fabric Design/Shoes].
 

Our friends over at Zuriick have changed locations! The local and very popular shoe store is now located in the picture-perfect area of 9th and 9th in downtown Salt Lake City. I was lucky enough to take an early tour of their new spot last night and it truly is a vision. With a little help from local talent like Project Sunday and cityhomeCOLLECTIVE they have created a space that any shop owner would be jealous of. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by their corner tomorrow, Friday November 1st, from 5-8pm to help them celebrate their grand opening. All the cool kids will be there. And if you’re not in Utah – you can always check them out at Zuriick.com.

*Photo by Steven Stone

 
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Paris Fashion Week is by far my absolute favorite. I find that the uniquest of all designers tend to show during that week and it definitely makes for an interesting variety. I think that the reason the majority of the world doesn't quite understand the concept of fashion week or the looks that come down the runway, is because they are unable to interpret that look into something they themselves could wear. It's simple really, just break it down! You may not like the way it's styled while on the model but you can always translate it into your own personal style! If there is one piece you really like, take that and make it your own. Forget the rest.
I'm sure a lot of time people look at the fashion week boards on our Pinterest page and question my taste. But honestly, look harder, there is always an aspect in there that you will like. Whether it's the skirt, the jacket, the shirt, or just the details on the pants. Fashion is a form of art and you have to appreciate it for all that it is. Yes, it's easy to glance over it and decide immediately that you don't like it, even I do that at times. But when you really take the time to examine each piece you're bound to appreciate it for more than just clothing. 

Par Exemple [For Example]

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Take this look from Vivienne Westwood. Love the skirt, love the jacket, could definitely do without the kitten shirt.
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Details from Maison Martin Margiela
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"What's that jacket, Margiela?"
WORKS OF ART. If you don't have the time to follow the shows on your own, I've made it easy for you! Take a trip over to our Pinterest page to see all of my favorites. And keep an eye out, I'll be writing about my time spent at NYFW soon! STAY UGLY!

*All photos have been credited
 
Before sitting down to start this article. I wondered, what is it that makes me love the 90’s so much, and when did this love begin? Is it the string of fantastic cult films like The Craft, Clueless, or Cruel Intentions that I list as some of my favorites? Is it artists like the Spice Girls, Nirvana, or Mazzy Star? What about the phase I went through where all I wanted to watch was Party of Five? My mother used to record it for me on a VHS tape, until she watched an episode herself and realized how inappropriate it was for a girl my age... Anyway, it wasn’t any of these things that initially sparked my interest with this particular decade. So what was it? Was it Marky Mark himself?! No, no surprisingly it wasn’t... 
After reminiscing about my childhood I recall a time when a cousin of mine had told me I looked like Christy Turlington. Inspired by the compliment I turned to the World Wide Web to see who this woman was. Upon discovering her and many other beautiful, accomplished, and well-known supermodels of the 90’s, I became infatuated. I believe this was the beginning of my obsession with the fashion industry itself; it was dirty and glamorous and I was more than intrigued.  
“We don’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day”.  - Linda Evangelista
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The influence women such as Christy, Naomi, Kate, Cindy, Linda, Claudia, or Shalom, had on the industry then was profound, and still to this very day continue to weigh heavy. For instance, Versace, who had some of the most popular ads in the 90’s, still bring out models like Naomi to strut their stuff on the runway. My personal favorite, Christy, landed ads for Calvin Klein Underwear, is a star in Prada’s fall 2013 campaign, and the face of Jason Wu's fall 2013 campaign. Stephanie Seymour also landed the major campaign ads for designer Jason Wu last Spring. Cindy Crawford is appearing on covers of various fashion magazines at the remarkable age of 47, proving she’s still one of the most marketable faces on the planet. Who could forget her in that Pepsi commercial of '92? And last but not least, Kate Moss; the unstoppable. Out of all the supermodels from the 90’s her career is one that never ceased to exist. Perhaps the most popular in the industry, she’s still on runways both of the couture and ready-to-wear variety, and appearing in many a Versace ad. Well-known also comes with a side of controversial from time to time, Kate's being her unforgettable "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" bit. 

Believe it or not, one of the most iconic moments from a handful of these models, I just learned about probably a year ago. Our very own editor, Shadna, introduced me to the brilliance of the music video for George Michael's "Freedom! '90".  And being the massive George Michael fan that I am, I was ashamed to admit I hadn't seen it. Go watch it, it truly is a magical display of beauty. Also, for a peek at what these women are up to today, see below, and STAY UGLY!
*All photos have been credited.
 
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Due to a recent downward spiraling of events, Pulp Fashion has been on a brief hiatus. Therefore, I hope that you will pardon me for the next few posts, because yes, they may have happened quite some time ago... but they are oh so necessary for me to cover. How could I not write about some of the greatest nights/weeks in fashion?! Ahem, setting films aside for a moment...let's discuss the exquisite display of gowns swanking their way down red carpet after red carpet last month. I might go as far to say that some of the gowns at Cannes can often compete with what we may see waltzing up the red carpeted steps of The Met Gala. As I stated before, this post is a little behind, so I'm sure you've all seen a plethora of photos putting the magnificent Cara Delevingne on many a best dressed list (among other diamonds sparkling in the already beautiful setting of Southern France). While many celebrities appeared to have forgotten to pack their sense of style before they got on the plane, most of them had the good sense to at least carry on someone who could help. I think Nicole Kidman's collection of couture is reason enough as to why this post cannot be bypassed! Now in no particular order, I give you my very favorites. I hope you enjoy the beauty, and STAY UGLY!

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Cara Delevingne in Burberry
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Jessica Chastain in Givenchy Couture
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Alessandra Ambrosio in Roberto Cavalli
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Audrey Tautou in Lanvin
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Tilda Swinton in Chanel
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Bianca Balti in Dolce & Gabbana
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Barbara Palvin in Alexandre Vauthier
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Emma Watson in Chanel
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Nicole Kidman in Dior Couture
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Nicole Kidman in Chanel
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Nicole Kidman in Alexander McQueen
*All photos were credited. Click on photos for original source.
 
Considered to be the biggest red carpet affair in the fashion industry, The Met Gala, social event of the year, took place last night at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Every year celebrities arrive dressed to the nines in some of the most talked about ensembles that frequently go down in history. On a personal level, I can’t imagine a more magical night to be a part of (aside from The Oscars). Since 1948, the annual soirée has been celebrating The Met’s fashion exhibit at the Costume Institute, and tickets now range anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000! Each year there is a new theme, and for 2013 it was Punk: Chaos to Couture.
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Click on the photo above to take a look at Vogue's inspiration for this years event.
Vogue hosts the gala and oversees the seating charts, invites, and cost of the affair together with Chanel. This year’s co-chairing faces next to the infamous Anna Wintour, are Rooney Mara, Lauren Santo Domingo, and Italian fashion designer Riccardo Tisci. Now, in no particular order, I present to you my best dressed for 2013.

Cara Delevingne in Burberry

Bella Heathcote in Chanel

Rooney Mara in Givenchy

Katy Perry in Dolce & Gabbana

Sienna Miller in Burberry

All Black Gems

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Emma Watson in Prabal Gurung
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Jaime King in Topshop
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Emma Roberts in DVF
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Miranda Kerr in Michael Kors

Iffy-yet-intrigued 

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Nicole Richie in Topshop. Call me crazy but I really love her undone spray painted hair. She took a risk and she did it with confidence!
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Mary Kate Olsen in vintage Chanel and vintage Balmain. Leave it to MKO to really make me question my sense of style.

Couple Of The Night - Lily Aldridge and Caleb Followill

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Both in Tommy Hilfiger
So there you go, my complete list for 2013. Who were your favorite belles of the ball? Who were your least favorites? Spill all the details below... I'm dying to know!

*All photos were credited. Click on photo for original source.
 
Now the reason I say “obligatory” Chanel post is easy… in my realm, Chanel is everything, Chanel is the crème de la crème. If I didn’t feel that way, I would have never branded myself with the house logo. Over the years I’ve found that everything Karl Lagerfeld touches truly turns to magic, and that is a statement I will stand by until the day I die. 
The collection itself really was true to its genre, ready-to-wear. I found this surprising because a good portion of the time I think Chanel tends to be just a smidgen on the couture side, even for a ready-to-wear collection. However, this time felt a bit more real. Karl continued to use what seems to be his fabric of choice, tweed (or shall I say the fabric of choice for Chanel in it’s entirety), but these tweeds seemed to sparkle as the models flowed from one spot to another along the runway at The Grand Palais. I honestly saw myself pinching quite a few outfits right off of those pretty little things and wearing them to work tomorrow. I’m clearly living in a dream, thus the obsession with owning an entire wardrobe of Chanel and Chanel only. It could happen... I invite you to visit our Pinterest page to view more of my favorites from the Fall 2013 show, or Style.com for full coverage and then some. Au revoir! 

*Click on photo for original source. All photos were credited.
 
This week in Paris, some of my favorite moments have happened off of the runway. Street style is often more inspiring to me than what I see on the catwalk for a number of reasons... one being the fact that you get to see the transition of a high-end designer garment turn into something completely different depending on the individual's personality. I think it takes a special kind of photographer to really catch the magic happening before and after the shows. These are just a handful of my absolute favorites thus far, that give us a small peek into the whirlwind of PFW.
*Click on photo for original source. All photos were credited.