What Is Beauty?

It's an age-old question that seems to be more relevant now than ever before--quite possibly because beauty comes in so many different forms and our standards are open to interpretation (at last!) With Hollywood actresses evolving into all different shapes and sizes these days, it's safe to say that the entertainment and fashion industries are finally embracing women of all walks of life. (Hooray!) That's not to say that there isn't still an incredible amount of pressure on ladies in this industry to keep appearances up and look a certain way to succeed. Quite naturally, as a fashion and beauty editor, I'm more than a little immersed in this silly superficial world, but I like to think I have a firm grasp on reality and work with an open, inspiring and accepting heart.

As an Asian woman who's not a size zero (never have been, never will be!), I feel passionately about making a difference in the beauty industry--from having a hand in some way about the types of women depicted in media to motivating everyday women to look and feel fabulous--and deviating away from the norm. After all, it's this notion specifically that inspired me (at 11 years old) to dedicate my career to an industry that seemed competitive, critical and one-sided. I think we're making waves (big ones, actually), and if the new BEAUTY CULTURE exhibit at the Annenberg Center of Photography is any indication, I think it's at least safe to say that the majority of the world is opening up to this ultra-important dialogue.

I'll get off my soapbox and simply say that if you're in the L.A. area at all, you must go to see this incredibly moving exhibit. From stunning, iconic, rare photos of our favorite supermodels and actresses to thought-provoking, often startling images depicting all forms of beauty from all over the world, the works on display will get your wheels turning for sure. I attended the posh party on Thursday night to open the exhibit and was joined by guests including Dita Von Teese, Halle Berry, Gisele Bundchen, Katie Holmes, Ali Larter, Emmy Rossum, Don Cheadle, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sophia Bush, Jenny McCarthy, Petra Nemcova, Perry Reeves, Alek Wek, Amber Heard, Daryl Hannah, Estella Warren, Jena Malone, Jenna Elfman, Jordana Brewster, Kirsty Hume, Krysten Ritter, Olivia Munn, Peggy Moffit, Alex Kuczynski, Tim Street Porter, Jessica Pastor, Carol Bayer Sager, Bridgid Coultier, Catherine Hardwicke, Anna Getty and so many more! Dita performed a surprise sexy striptease, patrons lauded the incredible imagery in the exhibit, and a good time was had by all.

See beautiful people below: