The Review of Mess: Episode Summary - "The Illusion of 'Mar-A-Lago Face'"
Release Date: December 27, 2024
Hosts: Jessica DeFino & Emily Kirkpatrick
Title: The Illusion of 'Mar-A-Lago Face'
1. Introduction and Episode Context
In the final episode of 2024, Jessica DeFino and Emily Kirkpatrick delve into the latest trends and controversies in the realms of fashion and beauty. The episode kicks off with reflections on the unconventional nature of the past year and sets the stage for a deep dive into the intersection of politics, celebrity culture, and beauty standards.
Jessica DeFino [00:39]: "This year was just a very weird time-wise. I don't believe in a linear time existing anymore."
2. Trump's New Perfume and Celebrity Reactions
The hosts discuss former President Donald Trump's expansion into the beauty industry with his new women's perfume, "Victory 47." Emily highlights the high price point of $200 per bottle and notes the previous success of Trump's men's cologne, which has already sold out.
Emily Kirkpatrick [02:01]: "It's $200 a bottle. I would also like to put out there."
Jessica critiques the branding, likening the perfume's description to that of a beauty pageant, underscoring the irony of Trump positioning himself in the luxury market while maintaining a populist image.
Jessica DeFino [03:24]: "This sounds like the intro to a Miss USA beauty pageant."
They also touch upon comedian Kayla Perrin's humorous take on Trump's potential fit in the beauty industry, suggesting an alternate career path akin to Joan Rivers.
3. Podcast Future Plans
Jessica and Emily announce exciting developments for "The Review of Mess," including the introduction of a second episode each month featuring interviews with MESS affiliates. These episodes will offer curated discussions behind a paywall, catering to subscribers seeking more in-depth analysis.
Emily Kirkpatrick [05:38]: "In the new year, we're going to start releasing a second episode every month."
4. Fur in Fashion: Real vs. Faux Debates
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the resurgence of real fur in celebrity fashion. Emily observes an increase in real fur sightings among stars like Rihanna and Gigi Hadid, questioning whether this trend is an extension of the "quiet luxury" movement or a class signaling mechanism.
Emily Kirkpatrick [07:16]: "I've seen a lot of real furs on people... it feels kind of like a signaling to a certain class level."
Jessica raises ethical concerns, debating the environmental impact of both real and faux fur. She criticizes faux fur for its reliance on petrochemicals while acknowledging that real fur often stems from existing industry byproducts rather than dedicated farming for tallow.
Jessica DeFino [09:31]: "Faux fur through polyester is not the way to go either."
The hosts lament PETA's lack of vocal opposition to the return of real fur, contrasting it with their previous activism.
Emily Kirkpatrick [11:23]: "PETA's silence is deafening."
5. Victorian-Inspired Fashion Trends
Jessica and Emily explore the current trend of Victorian-inspired clothing on red carpets, noting the precise replication of historical styles in modern fashion. They cite examples like Anya Taylor-Joy's Chloe spring 2025 bloomers and Emma Corrin's Alexander McQueen gown, discussing the blend of regressive aesthetics with contemporary sexy silhouettes.
Emily Kirkpatrick [30:19]: "We're almost taking the Trad wife aesthetic a little too literally."
This trend is seen as a reflection of societal shifts, with fashion borrowing heavily from the past to convey new messages about gender roles and societal expectations.
6. Red Carpet and Celebrity Fashion Predictions
The hosts predict a move towards more elaborate and themed red carpet appearances, coining the term "homage psychosis." They discuss how events like the Barbie press tour have set a precedent for heavily themed celebrity outfits, leading to a surge in costume-like fashion statements.
Emily Kirkpatrick [54:08]: "I'm calling it Stepford Face or Stepford Skin."
They envision a future where celebrities use fashion as a medium for storytelling and virality, pushing the boundaries of traditional red carpet norms.
7. 2025 Beauty Trends: AI, Cyborgs, and Neuro Cosmetics
Jessica and Emily forecast a rise in beauty trends inspired by artificial intelligence and cyborg aesthetics. They introduce concepts like "Stepford Face," where AI and machine-like features meld with human beauty standards, creating an inhuman yet desirable look.
Jessica DeFino [62:35]: "I'm calling it Stepford Face or Stepford Skin."
The conversation extends to "neuro cosmetics," products designed to evoke specific feelings through their scents and textures, blurring the lines between emotional well-being and beauty routines.
Emily Kirkpatrick [65:32]: "Perfume is the closest thing we have to mass producing and consuming feelings."
Additionally, they predict a move towards more gender-neutral beauty standards and the commercialization of therapeutic skincare lines developed by professionals, aligning with the dehumanized aesthetics of the future.
8. Mess of the Month: Mar-A-Lago Face
Concluding the episode, Jessica and Emily introduce their "Mess of the Month" segment, focusing on the "Mar-A-Lago face." This term refers to the overt plastic surgery aesthetic observed among Trump's inner circle and other conservative figures, characterized by overfilled lips, tight skin, and a motionless forehead.
Emily Kirkpatrick [90:08]: "Orcas in the Puget Sound have been wearing dead salmon on their heads as like little hats."
Jessica criticizes the framing of this aesthetic as exclusively conservative, arguing that similar beauty standards are prevalent across the political spectrum. They emphasize that the "Mar-A-Lago face" is more indicative of an upper-class beauty trend rather than a partisan one, highlighting the universal nature of certain beauty practices.
Jessica DeFino [91:58]: "This aesthetic is not conservative face as much as it is, like, upper class face."
Emily adds that this trend reflects a broader societal mirror, where both sides of the political aisle engage in similar beauty practices, making the criticism somewhat self-reflective.
Notable Quotes
- Jessica DeFino [03:24]: "This sounds like the intro to a Miss USA beauty pageant."
- Emily Kirkpatrick [07:16]: "I've seen a lot of real furs on people... it feels kind of like a signaling to a certain class level."
- Emily Kirkpatrick [54:08]: "I'm calling it Stepford Face or Stepford Skin."
- Emily Kirkpatrick [65:32]: "Perfume is the closest thing we have to mass producing and consuming feelings."
Conclusion
In "The Illusion of 'Mar-A-Lago Face'," Jessica DeFino and Emily Kirkpatrick offer a critical and insightful analysis of the latest beauty and fashion trends, intertwining political commentary with cultural observations. From the resurgence of real fur to the futuristic metamorphosis of beauty standards, the hosts dissect how societal shifts influence and are reflected in the glitzy world of celebrity aesthetics. Their forward-looking predictions provide listeners with a glimpse into the evolving landscape of beauty and fashion, urging a deeper contemplation of the motives and implications behind seemingly superficial trends.
For more insights and in-depth discussions, subscribe to Jessica DeFino's Substack.