Fuchsia lips and escapism sunburnt skin: The major beauty trends we'll all be wearing from London Fashion Week
Onto the next fashion week of the season and despite concerns over whether the show should go on, in London, creatives like designer, Bora Aksu determined that now, more than ever, we need a sense of occasion and (careful, socially distanced) contact. Not having a traditional show would be “cutting off that human touch, I really couldn’t do it,” he said.
It's why brands like Burberry, Erdem, Molly Goddard and more all put their all into creating a spectacle this season.
A unifying thread across many of the collections has been art imitating life in an homage to the tough times we've faced recently, and a sense of optimism for the good moments yet to come, when spring (and the corresponding spring fashion collections) usher in a new day.
At Simone Rocha, the collection was a celebration of "comfort and security in the extreme." Comfort-clothes, like ergonomic shoes, cutesy bows and cocoon coats, were given a high-fashion spin, while the beauty saw a Victoriana throwback of pearl-embellished curls combined with sunburnt, escapism skin.
Bora Aksu was inspired by the deadly flu pandemic of 1918 that ripped through Europe toward the end of WWI and the time of optimism that followed. "The change in women’s roles in society, especially the nurses and the way they dressed, is the source of inspiration," said the brand. For beauty, delicate, gauzy face coverings were layered over fuchsia pink lips.
Elsewhere, extravagance, opulence and escapism reined supreme as embodied by Molly Goddard's bright, liberated edit of voluminous, colourful dresses. Despite initially planning something more neutral and pared back, the designer said she realised how "dark and depressing the last few months had been." Thus, she dished up a riotous platter of neon pink tulle, orange florals, yellow polka dots and fun. The hair look, created by Luke Hersheson, was inspired by 90s grunge Kate Moss.
At Rixo, the designer gave us respite in fashion form with an other-worldly underwater theme finished off with wet-look silver eyeshadow, created by NARS'Global Makeup Artist, Vincent Ford.
Suffice to say, that despite the challenges, London came back fighting this fashion season.
These are the best beauty looks from LFW SS21...
@thomasdekluyver / InstagramSunburnt skin at Simone Rocha
The makeup look, created by MUA Thomas de Kluyver concentrated stand-out blush tones straight across the models cheeks and over their nose for a fresh "I've-been-strolling-in-my-sunglasses" vibe.
Victoriana curls at Simone Rocha
Hair by Cyndia Harvey saw amped up ringlet curls interlaced with pearls.
90s grunge hair at Molly Goddard
Hair stylist, Luke Hersheson was inspired by 90s grunge Kate Moss for this look, which emphasises natural texture and air-dried hair. "It looks slept on, this is a girl who quite literally woke up like this," says Luke. "I used L’Oréal Professionnel TECNI.ART Beach Waves Spray on mini buns and left to dry. When we took them out we had a movement within the hair that felt like it had happened on its own. We drenched the hair with L’Oréal Professionnel Morning After Dust to increase the dryness and take away any remaining fluffiness before finishing with L’Oréal Professionnel TECNI.ART Savage Panache." There you have it.
Mermaid eyes at Rixo
“I was inspired by RIXO’s collection of mermaid prints and beach
ready colours," explains NARS' Global Makeup Artist, Vincent Ford. "For the skin I wanted to create that ‘day by the sea’ glow. I used Sheer Glow foundation over Agua Gel Luminous Oil-Free Moisturizer to balance glow versus shine. On the eyes I mixed three Powerchrome Loose Eye Pigments [Riding High, Castaway and Naked City] to create an iridescent seaside shade that the light would catch just right. On the lips I applied a mix of Morocco Lipstick and Hyeres Lip Liner to compliment the cool tones on the eyes.”
Windswept hair at Erdem
The inspiration behind the hair and beauty look at Erdem was Lady Emma Hamilton, an infamous 18th century muse. Hair was directed by Anthony Turner and was dried and curled using Dyson's Supersonic dryer and Corrale straightener. The makeup, led by NARS Global Artistry Director, Jane Richardson, was a delicate other-worldly flush
created using NARS liquid blush and Exhibit A blush across and down over the cheeks.
Getty ImagesBudgeproof lips at Bora Asku
The deliciously blurred, hot pink lips at Bora Aksu had to be totally budgeproof so as not to transfer onto the gauze face masks. To pull it off, makeup artist, Janeen Witherspoon used products from insider MUA brand Kryolan.
Cyndy Lauper hair at Vivienne Westwood
At Vivienne Westwood's show, Isamaya Ffrench took care of makeup with a classic, rebellious red lip, while Lyndell Mansfield created punky Cyndy Lauper crimps in hair.
@jorgemakeup / InstagramGalaxy eyes at Mithridate
Makeup artist Jorge Balzaretti used Suqqu's new Cream Foundation to create "natural looking skin, mimicking a healthy glow." The structured liner and touch of sparkle under the eyes was created using products from Suqqu's new and upcoming Pre Holiday 2020 collection.
@trevorsorbie / InstagramEmbellished hair at Mithridate
Johanna Cree Brown created ethereal wet-look hair, studded with hair accessories for extra razz.
@garethpughstudio / InstagramGame of Thrones realness at Gareth Pugh
Gareth Pugh’s latest collection, The Reconstruction, celebrates the interplay between fashion, music and film and this season, it was presented in the form of a visual concept album. Out favourite look is this Iron Queen creation with nails created by Lauren Michelle Pires using CND, hair by Isaac Poleon using L'Oreal Pro and makeup by Ana Takahashi using MAC.
