The biannual couture shows in Paris are an exercise in creativity for designers and hairstylists and makeup artists alike. When it comes to beauty, each detail is meticulously thought out, be it individually placed eyelashes or exuberantly shaped hairstyles that mimic the silhouettes of the clothes being shown. At the fall-winter collections held in Paris in July, a sophisticated yet modern aesthetic emerged, with strong makeup elements like a classic red lip or bronze smoky eye balanced by artfully undone hair. Here, highlights from the runway and front row.
Easy Does It
Tousled hair with an effortlessly achieved look was the go-to style for many designers—a relaxed, modern counterpoint to couture’s intricate designs. At Chanel and Armani, the hair was allowed to fall haphazardly into the face, while simple middle parts at Givenchy and Stéphane Rolland added a youthful vibe.
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Belle Fleur
Flowers inspired Dior designer John Galliano’s couture collection, and makeup artist Pat McGrath and hairstylist Orlando Pita followed suit. McGrath used a rainbow of hues on the eyes accented with highly arched brows and dark lips, while Pita created vase-inspired dos to cap off each look.
Bronze Beauties
Deep russet shades of amber, gold and bronze gilded many couture catwalks. At Giorgio Armani Privé, where the collection ranged in tone from beige to amber, makeup followed suit, while at Elie Saab, deep bronze replaced darker hues for a twist on the smoky eye.
PYTS
In town filming an episode of Gossip Girl, Blake Lively and Leighton Meester took time out to survey the couture scene from the front row, where they were joined by celebs such as Jessica Alba, Claire Danes and Natalia Vodianova. Gwyneth Paltrow skipped the shows, but not Valentino’s dinner at his storied chateau.
Next: Statement-making reds >>
Big Red
Both a fashion and beauty statement, red dominated the runway and front row. “There is nothing as classic,” said Chanel’s Peter Philips of the red lips he created. “Red lips are iconic, but applied to a face with nude makeup, this gives it a contemporary, easy-to-wear feel… street credibility.”