At times in life we all face loss, when it is a public loss it effects those personally touched and those that have seen that loss. 2024 saw tragedy and change, as did the beginning of 2025. People watched as Los Angeles burned and were deeply touched by that event. These looks have been put together, recognising that we are not an island but a global community.

Taking Inspiration From the Galaxy

The wonderful thing about the galaxy, is you can look up and get a reminder of the gift of life. Beauty and stillness can be healing, with the stars capes providing a relaxing a soft palette choice. I did find these pallets for reference to choose from ranging from blues, greens, purples to a mix of bronze, golds and greys. The colour schemes compliment each other with movement for accessories, as well as the main outfit.

The galaxy pallets offer a good range of choices. Print off the ones you like and organise them as you choose to.

Taking everything up a step; if you have an office, you may have appropriate music playing quietly in the background. You could play the YouTube loop, above, on a screen or on a tablet. Be aware of lighting and your clients taste. Have your portfolio ready to go with swatches and whatever else you need to set the scene, along with your creative ideas.

Main Character Syndrome

This is a real thing. My thoughts behind soft elegance is to make it look well put together, well thought out and slightly understated due to the past 12 months. Fandom is watching and they aren’t missing a beat.

Having said that, this is where we move up a step. There will be those who will baulk at looking respectful to viewers and fans alike, if that is their world view then step up. In this instance, the professional view is the client is right, you are after all providing a service. Trust me the chances of people even knowing their name in 5 years is pretty low. Fandom is everywhere and are watching and making their feelings known, I have taken a deep dive and feet are walking away from these types of people. Be professional, listen to your clients and provide a good service. We aren’t moral police at the end of the day but there to do a job.

Introducing Soft Elegance

Go back to your basics, body shape, tastes, palettes etc. We are using the galaxy and that beauty as inspiration this year.

The look is elegant and not over the top. Maybe some bangle like Saturns rings, or earrings for some instant glamour. Use mid toned makeup on women, not 60’s pastels or dramatic makeup but mid colours such as used in the gospel video on Darlene Zschech (bit of a kick back but sweet look).

For men, maybe a watch or something of sentimental value or whatever would have personal meaning to them. The look is well groomed, doesn’t have to be anything over the top.

The look is to have an air of professionalism, The Arts is our business and that is what this presentation is about. Leave Main Character Syndrome do their thing and do your job.

Hair Styling

I will add I am so over curly hair and some social media influencers. They aren’t professionals and I’m well and truly over curly hair and short shorts from the past 5 years. Lets take back some ground, yeah?

Straight hair baby. The videos below show ironed straight hair and how the gospel album looked from that era plus soft makeup. In My Redeemer Lives Darlene has a layered look in the last 3 inches only. She does not get her hair layered all over, it is a cute look nonetheless. With ironing hair there are certain oils and products to use in a certain order. If clients love that look, they cannot iron more than once a week or it will ruin their hair. A good hair schedule is iron once a week, a brushed out style another day with an undo will get them through the week, I know because that is what I used to do.

The above albums are from gospel music. They are for creative reference only, including light and stage set up if you like.

Stepping Up

The big step ups is dropping Main Character for this year in light of global events, to at least look respectful.

If not, don’t worry people like that will not be around in 5 years.

Having your office area ready to go with your items, music, portfolio etc.

Being mindful of Fandom and the work The Arts community does.

Keeping step with all the basics of taste and body shape.