/ Thoughts from the Editor-in-Chief, March 2011

by Hina P. Ansari

Thoughts from the Editor-in-Chief, March 2011

Jun 25, 2013

The BIG Reveal

With our ever-evolving vernacular being driven by our pop cultural obsessions, we now know exactly what “The Big Reveal” means. It’s the pulsating, beat-driven, dark stage, setting the scene for the ultimate results-driven surprise. We are bombarded by the reality show masters and mavens who feed our insatiable curiosity. These shows endlessly feature—or rather, flaunt—the ongoing societal battles ranging from weight loss to makeovers, buoyed by a buffet of boot camps. The most recent mind-numbing crash on the cultural highway has to be the soon-to-be-brides pretty much falling over each other in the hopes of getting free plastic surgery just in time for their big day.

Racking up reward points has a whole new bizarre meaning now. The jaded me questions their true intentions in showing someone’s success, and feels that it’s more of a ratings grab then a bastion of achievement. I continue to question the definition of beauty and just before the next commercial break, Beauty and The Big Reveal evolves again. Whether I like it or not.

As I write this, the next catchphrase is probably puttering about in the Twitterverse, punctuating the notion that what is beautiful to us constantly changes. It’s the onslaught of medical chat shows, makeover “special” episodes, flip this, lose that; the idea of finding the answer to the question of what helps/heals/ improves/deletes/changes for the better will never be a one-sizefits- all answer. I, for one, proudly flaunt the battle scars of heartaches, loves and losses of years gone by, and of course my long rap sheet of fashion crimes (yes, Olivia Newton-John, I’m looking at you) that can effortlessly rival any “before” photo. Now I can confidently say that I do know what works for me, what catches my eye, makes my heart flutter and gives me light. That is my Big Reveal.

That’s why I feel it’s so important to revisit the idea of beauty with our 2nd annual Beauty Issue, this time expanding it as The Live Beautiful Issue.We explore not only the hottest beauty trends, tips and tricks from around the world (Beauty, page 80), but we also peel it back and really discover what light beams from within us. In addition to the hottest spring looks from the global catwalks for you, we also have spring style tips for him (Fuchsia Fever, page 75). We examine the unhealthy relationships within the beautiful world of social media (Dangerous Games, page 124), and of course one cannot talk beauty without examining the on-screen double standards in the film industry (The Ugly Side Of Beauty, page 126). We also take a look at the regal beauty of love and royalty. With the Royal Wedding nearly upon us, how could we not? (Royal Fever, page 110).

In the end, sometimes The Big Reveal can be painful and unforgiving. However, it is with those revelations that we can discover true meanings and how things fits into our life, our day and our soul. So whether it’s your favorite perfume, lipstick, cape or status update, embrace it. It’s time to celebrate it all — inside and out!

Best,

Hina P. Ansari
Editor-In-Chief

As always love to hear your feedback. Feel free to write to me at [email protected].

BY: HINA P. ANSARI / PUBLISHED: THE LIVE BEAUTIFUL ISSUE, MARCH 2011

Hina P. Ansari

Author

Hina P. Ansari is a graduate from The University of Western Ontario (London, Ontario). Since then she has carved a successful career in Canada's national fashion-publishing world as the Entertainment/Photo Editor at FLARE Magazine, Canada's national fashion magazine. She was the first South Asian in...