If you think this post is taking you on a sentimental journey already, I have to warn you for what’s coming next. She also gave Lili, my daughter, a small version of this bracelet, since she is her godchild. On her first charm are engraved the letters “I” and “L”. You can imagine Lili’s radiating little face while wearing the same bracelet as her mummy when we are having a party or special event. Especially, since she realizes that she got it from her favourite “Tantinés”.

Ines intended the charm to be filled with other charms that remind us of special places step-by-step, but, to be honest, I like it very much as it is right know. In fact, I liked it so much, that I gave her and Michelle, her little daughter and my godchild, the same set half a year later. The only difference are the letters “E” and “M” on Michelles bracelet.

I got so many positive reactions, that Pieter is planning to create a whole new collection based on this jewel. The concept is still top secret, though

I didn’t regret this day of traveling, since Francesca Tolot seemed to be an even more fantastic personality than I could even imagine her to be. She is no less than an icon in the world of make-up and became as significant for beauty, fashion and showbizz as the celebrities she has brought to perfection throughout her already three decennial career. She delighted us with telling the story of this impressive career and giving a demonstration of one of the looks of her recently published book “One Woman 100 Faces”. In this book, she shows -no kiddin’- 100 make-up and hairstyling looks on Mitzi Martin, her favourite model and muse, all this in collaboration with her husband and photographer Alberto Tolot. The foreword of the book is written by no less than Beyoncé Knowles, who is one of her regular clients. She writes for example: “Whether she (Francesca Tolot) is using neon colours, feathers, period make-up or natural make-up, she is the only artist I trust will bring out a beauty in me I didn’t even know existed.”

The masterclass was hosted by Michele Magnani, Senior Artist  MAC PRO Team Italy. His Italian demeanor and accent entertained us all and gave the meeting of make-up pro’s, journalists and bloggers the atmosphere it deserved. He was one of the many people who adressed me this day about my braided updo, much to my delight, of course. A few people at the Francesca Tolot gathering also complimented me with it, but the must unexpected comment was the one of a train conductor at Rotterdam station. He especially stepped into the train from his surveillance on the platform to utter his admirance of my hairdo, resulting in a few giggles and grins from my fellow travelers.

Michele Magnani and me. This picture is taken by Elke Willemen, senior artist Benelux and now working together with my former other half Ines Borgonjon. I’m wearing a long black jacket by Frankie Morello, that I found in an outlet store in Budapest. The leopard print scarf is by Essentiel, an Antwerp brand we can be very proud of.

The backside. I did this braid in the train without a mirror, by the way… It’s a question of knowing the dimensions of your own skull by heart

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