Australia’s Jessica Lane Takes Home the Crown at Miss Earth 2024 – Our New Eco Queen is Here!

Photo Credit: Bob Reyes

Our hearts are soaring Down Under! Australia’s own Jessica Lane has officially been crowned Miss Earth 2024, taking over the title from last year’s winner, Drita Ziri of Albania. Jessica has already won over fans globally with her dedication to the environment, and now, she’s shining as the ultimate eco-queen for the year.

Let’s break down all the glitz, the glamour, and the eco-glory that went down at this year’s Miss Earth competition:

1. Meet Our Earth Queen

Jessica Lane, our Aussie queen, didn’t just win the Miss Earth title; she’s also been awarded the “Darling of the Press” for Asia and Oceania! Jessica’s journey started with her commitment to sustainable practices, and now she’s got the world’s attention as she advocates for a greener future.

2. The Big Four

In the coveted final four, Jessica was joined by three other incredible women who each took home elemental titles:

  • Miss Earth – Air: Iceland’s Hrafnhildur Haraldsdottir 🌬️
  • Miss Earth – Water: USA’s Bea Millan Windorski 💧
  • Miss Earth – Fire: Peru’s Niva Antezana 🔥

These finalists proved they’ve got beauty, brains, and a serious commitment to preserving Mother Earth.

3. The Top Eight

Before the final four, it was a fierce competition! Rounding out the Top 8 were:

  • Dominican Republic
  • Puerto Rico
  • USA
  • Peru
  • Cabo Verde
  • Australia (of course!)
  • Iceland
  • Russia

Each delegate brought her unique flair and passion for the environment, making the competition both inspiring and intense.

4. The Elite Top 12

To get to the Top 8, these contestants had to make it through to the Top 12. Jessica was joined by contestants from all over the globe, including:

  • Mauritius
  • Nigeria
  • Namibia
  • Dominican Republic
  • Russia
  • Philippines
  • Cabo Verde
  • Peru

And trust us, each one deserved to be there. 🌍❤️

5. The Stunning Top 20

It’s no small feat to make it to the Top 20, and these fantastic delegates proved they were up to the challenge! Among them were contestants from:

  • Wales, Korea, UAE, Netherlands, Thailand, New Zealand, Cuba, Poland, and more!

Each of these women brought a unique environmental advocacy to the table, making their mark on the Miss Earth legacy.

6. The Venue – Okada Manila

Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Okada Manila in the Philippines, the 24th Miss Earth pageant was a spectacle of beauty and eco-consciousness, drawing viewers worldwide. Robi Domingo hosted the event with a magical vibe that perfectly highlighted the importance of environmental protection.

7. Why Jessica Stands Out

Jessica Lane’s journey from Queensland to the world stage is inspiring. Her passion for sustainability and her ability to connect with people has made her a standout representative. This isn’t just a win for Jessica; it’s for everyone who believes in making a difference for our planet.

8. StarCentral Magazine Celebrates

Proudly backing her from the start, StarCentral Magazine sends Jessica Lane all the best as she begins her reign as Miss Earth 2024. Australia couldn’t be prouder to have an eco-champion at the helm!

Congratulations, Jessica! Here’s to an incredible year of advocacy, change, and celebrating the beauty of our planet.

Meet Natalie Violette: The TikTok Beauty Innovator Redefining Makeup Challenges

With a follower count exceeding 3 million and over 200 million likes on TikTok, Natalie Violette, known to her fans as @NatViolette, is much more than a typical beauty content creator—she is a visionary. In a digital realm flooded with makeup tutorials and fashion hauls, Natalie has carved out a unique niche through her innovative “challenge” videos, where she uses unconventional tools and materials to create stunning makeup looks. Natalie’s content exemplifies her boundless creativity and exceptional skill, from applying foundation with a toothbrush to crafting an entire face using only lipstick.

Pioneering Unconventional Beauty

Natalie’s distinct approach lies in her ability to transform everyday items into beauty essentials. Whether using UNO cards as makeup applicators or creating an entire look out of candy, her inventive challenges have captivated audiences worldwide. Her adventurous spirit and deep understanding of skincare and makeup enable her to turn unlikely materials—like rhinestones, ice, Play-Doh, or chalk—into effective beauty tools. Each challenge showcases her artistic precision and the expertise of a licensed esthetician, resulting in bold and inspiring looks.

From Modelling to Beauty Influencing

Natalie’s passion for beauty and fashion began at a young age. She started her career as a model at just 14, quickly learning tips and techniques from professional makeup artists on set. Her interest in fashion grew throughout high school as she shared her outfits on Instagram, soon catching the attention of emerging brands. Her first major breakthrough occurred when Forever 21 reposted her content, propelling her into the spotlight and giving her the confidence to explore the realms of beauty and fashion on TikTok.

Natalie’s rise to fame has not gone unnoticed. She has collaborated with major names in the beauty industry, such as Fashion Nova, MAC, Urban Decay, L’Oreal, and e.l.f. Her ability to blend practical beauty advice with visually captivating content has made her a sought-after influencer in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing. These partnerships underscore her influence and authenticity, cementing her reputation as a trustworthy and creative force in beauty.

Photo supplied by the Anderson Group

The Personal Side of Natalie Violette

Away from the camera, Natalie enjoys a quieter life in Connecticut. She finds comfort in baking and treasures time spent with her three dogs, who frequently appear in her posts. This personal touch adds a relatable and endearing aspect to her brand, deepening her connection with her fans.

In a recent interview with StarCentral Magazine, Natalie offered insights into her journey, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs she has faced, her passion for creative expression and her commitment to remaining authentic in a constantly changing industry. She reflects on how her early fascination with her mum’s makeup evolved into a series of imaginative challenges that sparked a wave of creativity among her followers. Her playful exploration of beauty tools began as a nostalgic homage to her childhood and soon grew into a platform for endless experimentation. Followers flooded her with challenge ideas, each more outrageous than the last, fuelling her drive to push the boundaries of conventional beauty norms.

Balancing Safety and Creativity

As a licensed esthetician, Natalie emphasises safety in all her beauty experiments. She is meticulous about ensuring that any product she recommends is safe for the skin. Her extensive knowledge of skin types and product ingredients, coupled with ongoing research, enables her to maintain high standards while delivering content that is both innovative and beneficial for her audience.

Setting Trends in Beauty

Natalie’s finger remains firmly on the pulse of the latest beauty trends. For Summer 2024, she anticipates a surge in popularity for blush, especially two-toned blush combinations and the vibrant “sunset blush” trend, which mixes orange and hot pink shades with a gold highlight. Moving into Fall, she expects metallic finishes to dominate, particularly on the eyes and lips, alongside a revival of ’90s grunge, complete with smudged eyeliner and bold, dark lips.

Her videos are highly interactive, fostering a strong sense of community among her followers. Natalie sees her followers as her “online besties,” valuing their feedback and ideas. This interactivity has been instrumental in her success, helping her stay connected with current trends and continuously evolve as a creator. She maintains a balance between riding the wave of fleeting TikTok trends and cultivating her distinctive style by incorporating trending elements into her unique content.

Choosing Authentic Partnerships

When partnering with brands, Natalie remains true to her values of authenticity and transparency. She carefully selects brands she genuinely loves and uses their products herself before deciding to collaborate. This approach allows her to maintain the trust she has built with her followers, choosing partnerships that align with her creative vision and that appreciate her unique style.

Natalie’s early experiences in the modelling industry also played a pivotal role in shaping her current approach to beauty. As a young model, she was captivated by the techniques and products used by professional makeup artists, sparking her passion for makeup. This curiosity led her to experiment with different products and techniques, eventually paving the way for her to become a beauty content creator. Her ability to blend the professional skills she acquired on set with her playful, experimental style has become a hallmark of her content.

Finding Balance Beyond Beauty

Balancing her busy life as an influencer, Natalie enjoys baking and spending time with her dogs. These hobbies provide a sense of equilibrium, allowing her to recharge creatively. Even in her downtime, elements of her everyday life often find their way into her content. For example, her dog Bruno has made several “celebrity” guest appearances, even helping her pick out a full face of makeup in one of her videos—a playful intersection of her personal and professional worlds.

Looking Ahead

Natalie Violette’s journey in the world of beauty content is a testament to the power of creativity, authenticity, and passion. As she continues to push boundaries and redefine what beauty content can be, her influence on TikTok and beyond is only set to grow. With her innovative approach, genuine engagement with her followers, and commitment to staying true to herself, Natalie represents the future of digital beauty influencers.

Her inventive challenges, authentic brand partnerships, and a blend of personal and professional content make Natalie a standout in a crowded digital landscape. As she continues to evolve and inspire, Natalie Violette remains a shining example of how creativity and passion can break new ground in the world of social media.

Countdown Begins: 6 Days Until Sydney’s Best Dressed 2024

With just six days left until the highly anticipated Sydney’s Best Dressed 2024, fashion enthusiasts and participants alike are gearing up for an evening of glamour and style. Founded by Maryrose Salubre, CEO of MS Entertainment Network, this annual event has become a hallmark in the Australian fashion industry, celebrating elegance and sophistication on the runway.

Each year, Sydney’s Best Dressed attracts stylish men and women who showcase their unique flair and creativity across a range of categories. From haute couture to avant-garde styles, participants compete for coveted titles, culminating in the prestigious Sydney’s Best Dressed Annual Gala Awards Night.

This year’s event features two exciting competitions:

  • Sydney’s Best Dressed Model of the Year Competition: Open to women aged 18 and up, this competition aims to discover and celebrate the top models in the industry.
  • Sydney’s Best Dressed Little Miss Model of the Year Competition: A platform for young talents aged 12 and below to shine in the world of fashion.

Winners of these competitions will receive an exclusive opportunity to be photographed for the next issue of Model & Mode magazine, showcasing their talent and style to a wider audience.

The main event will take place at the esteemed Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport, located in the vibrant heart of Mascot, on June 30, 2024. This luxurious venue promises a night of glitz and glamour, setting the stage for a memorable evening for participants, sponsors, and fashion enthusiasts alike.

“We are thrilled to be just six days away from Sydney’s Best Dressed 2024,” said Maryrose Salubre. “This event is not only about showcasing fashion excellence but also about celebrating diversity and creativity in the industry.”

Unveiling the Future: NSW’s Emerging Designers Take the Stage

Designer: Arman Martirosian (NEBULAS) / Photo Credit: Julia Liang

Outstanding fashion and textile design students from Sydney’s leading tertiary institutions are set to unveil their innovative creations on Saturday, 1 June, at the highly anticipated annual Future Fashion exhibition at Powerhouse Castle Hill. This event will showcase the cutting-edge designs and visionary concepts developed by these talented students, reflecting the latest trends and forward-thinking approaches in the fashion industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the creativity and craftsmanship these emerging designers bring to the table and celebrate the new wave of talent poised to shape the future of fashion. The Future Fashion exhibition promises to be an inspiring and enlightening experience for all who attend.

Future Fashion provides a glimpse into the concepts, processes, and sustainable techniques developed by the next generation of designers emerging from four Sydney-based fashion design schools–Whitehouse Institute of Design; University of Technology Sydney; Fashion Design Studio: TAFE NSW Ultimo Campus; and Torrens University Australia: Billy Blue College of Design.

The exhibition spotlights high-level technical skills and concepts inspired by form, sound, history, haptics, and experiences. It includes selected works from collections developed by recent graduates Arman Martirosian (Whitehouse Institute of Design), Lina Yu (University of Technology Sydney), Samara Darling (Fashion Design Studio: TAFE NSW Ultimo Campus), and Will Maddock (Torrens University Australia: Billy Blue College of Design).

Designer: Samara Darling / Photo Credit: Timilehin Akindoyeni

As part of the launch, Powerhouse will present a curated talks program inspired by the Future Fashion exhibition. Four featured designers will share stories behind their innovative designs through artist talks with Powerhouse fashion curator Glynis Jones. Issues surrounding sustainability in fashion will be explored in a design-focused presentation led by TAFE NSW Head of Fashion Design Studio Laura Washington. Through curator-led tours, audiences will also see rare glimpses of unique fashion pieces on display at Powerhouse Castle Hill.

Held at Powerhouse Ultimo annually since 1993, the Future Fashion exhibition reflects the Australian fashion industry’s adaptability and responsiveness to key global trends and the tertiary education sector’s role in cultivating designers’ creativity, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking skills. This exhibition demonstrates Powerhouse’s commitment to supporting designers at pivotal moments in their careers. Notable alumni previously exhibited in Future Fashion include Dion Lee, Toni Maticevski, Anna Plunkett, and Luke Sales from Romance Was Born, Claire Tregoning from P.E Nation, and Lyna Ty from Song for the Mute.

‘For more than thirty years, Future Fashion has connected audiences with the concepts and techniques of emerging designers who have continued to establish significant careers in fashion. Powerhouse is proud of its commitment to support the next generation of designers by providing platforms that spotlight the high calibre of design talent fostered by Australian tertiary institutions,’ said Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah.

Designer: Will Maddock / Photo Credit: Keoni Davis

‘Research and concept development are key parts of these designers’ creative practices. From work inspired by marine architecture to pieces that include wearable water, beanbags, and music to engage with the exciting field of sensory design, Future Fashion presents the depth of talent nurtured in Sydney’s tertiary fashion schools,’ said Future Fashion curator Glynis Jones.

Future Fashion will be presented at Powerhouse Castle Hill from 1 June 2024. The Exhibition Is open every weekend from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information about the exhibition, visit their website.

This article was sourced from a press release sent by Powerhouse Media.