LIBEROSIS

"We had been trying to be adults since we were 15

When we finally reached 18, nothing changed

It wasn't until we were lying on the bathroom floor

Drunk and high in two different states 

That we realized, Age is just a number

And reality is learning there's no such thing as being an adult

You only grow older, And if you're lucky

Maybe a little wiser."

- Unknown

There's a sense of inexplicable beauty in being born towards the end of the year, because everything just smashes into you all at once. Reflections from being one year older, and then not long Christmas comes crashing at your doorsteps as well, and finally more insane reflections as the fireworks explode into the New Year sky. 

HERSTORY

"Stop worrying that your opportunity will never come,

worry instead that when it comes, you're not ready."
- The Empress of China

'The Empress of China' is a TV series overflowing with female power so it's impossible not to obsess over it, especially since it is the most expensive TV series in Chinese history. Every shot is filled with extravagant jewellery, luxurious costumes and breathtaking scenery. The series is based on 'Wu Ze Tian', the only woman in Chinese history to ever rule as an emperor which is extraordinary female power! The actress portraying this lead role is no other than the producer herself, Fan Bingbing, who has no shortage of influence herself, topping the Forbes China Celebrity 100 list in the last 3 consecutive years and recently ranked as the world’s fourth highest-paid film actress over the past 12 months. I was profoundly inspired by this for the current article. Channeling this intensive female power into these photos, you will find it filled with subtle elements of Ancient China: intricate gold pieces and dominant red lips. 

THE RED LIP SERIES

 "I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them 
so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know,
 with a white quilt, and perhaps it says 'Go to sleep, darlings,

 till the summer comes again.'" - Lewis Carroll

I don't usually do well in the cold, mentally physically nor emotionally, but New Zealand was amazing enough for me to overlook the freezing temperatures. My lips tend to go purple when temperatures fall, so to brighten my complexion I've turned to the ever reliable red lippy. How beautiful is it to have a bright pop of red against all the winter white that New Zealand bestows, it's like a vision of Snow White. Except my hair isn't ebony, but maybe it ought to be... maybe soon.