/ Thoughts From The Editor-In-Chief, Spring 2012

by Hina P. Ansari

Thoughts From The Editor-In-Chief, Spring 2012

May 15, 2013

The Beauty of Beauty

It’s funny. Every year during this time, as I watch the fashion giants of the world present their Fall/Winter collections, I am always humoured and riveted by the sideline chatter that undoubtedly takes place. You know the type of chatter I’m referring to: It’s either a commentary on the model or the unbelievably gauche approach to style made by one designer, while another couturier’s collection left them in tears. Tear up? Really? I’ve always been intrigued by that reaction to a runway show. If it makes you cry, maybe there is more to it then the way the pleats fell on that particular dress. But I digress.

For me, the idea of beauty comes in so many permutations. Sure, there’s the obvious aesthetic aspect to it. But it’s so much more to it than that. I’m the one who always had an inspiration wall (a billboard filled with intriguing words and images – the original version of Pinterest) either by my desk, at my home or even on my fridge. When I see something that strikes my soul – be it words, quotes, photos, a designer’s latest collection or even fabulous candid shots of my favourite cinema star – there is a certain feeling I get when I know I’ve witnessed something that is a thing of beauty. It’s a bottom-of-my-stomach, soul-shaking sensation. It’s unique. And I never confuse it with anything else. When I see a thing of beauty it affects me like nothing else.

It could be my newly acquired mid ’70s vintage record player. Or the fabulous collection of jazz LPs that came with it. The incredible painting entitled “Les Noces de Cana” by Caliari that I discovered at the Louvre in Paris. The dinner plate that M.F. Husain used as a palette and signed for me, whenever he felt like painting during his many visits to our home. Or the adorable Japanese toddler who unexpectedly bowed to me in the elevator, prompted by her parents. Or the Hemingway kitty, covered in brown and black spots looking more like a Cubist painting, that stole my heart.

Beauty hits my soul even more when it’s presented in its raw form. With quirky characteristics and all.

That’s why it is important to me that the idea of beauty is not a one-size-fits-all ideology. In this issue we have fun with this philosophy while giving you the latest from the international catwalks. It’s spring, and we take a fantastical flight of fancy with our fairy-tale-inspired beauty story (page, 86). Saving money is never an ugly thing, so we have a cool, cheap and cheerful list of fashion goodies you can score all for under $50 (page, 62)!

The beauty of nature, whether it’s the ocean (Under the Sea, page 47) or the garden (Tips & Tricks, page 112), is embraced and incorporated in your style and stylish home.

And of course, recognizing and owning your beauty and all its forms is always important, especially in this day and age. We take that to heart with our timely and relevant discussion on bullying (Bullying, page 116).

We also address the essential but often daunting task of financial awareness for your kids (The Talk, page 122). And, as always, the online dating world has a new twist, with facial features posing as the key compatibility factor (Face to Face, page 106).

This spring, let your soul be shaken up by the beauty that is around you. Open up your heart and your mind, and your soul will be rejuvenated.

Because beauty is everywhere.

Hina P. Ansari
Editor-In-Chief

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARKAN ZAKHAROV / WWW.ARKANPHOTO.COM

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...