Here’s the view from my seat at the Nicholas K Spring/Summer 2012 fashion show at Lincoln Center. Enjoy the final walk.
Backstage Beauty: Marc Jacobs SS12
For Spring 2012 NARS drew inspiration from the 60s including larger than life lashes. Once again we are seeing a natural dewy complexion without any blush. The makeup look focuses on strong eyes, glowing skin and nude, glossy lips. Here is the product breakdown:
FACE
- Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer – new for Spring 2012; for now try a light application of Sheer Glow Foundation
BROWS
- Pandora Duo Eyeshadow (on brows)
EYES
LIPS
François Nars, on the look created at the Spring 2012 Marc Jacobs runway show.
1. What kind of look did you want to create for Marc’s show?
Marc showed me images of Amy Winehouse, Patsy Klein, and Sweet Charity – all of whom had inspired him. Because the girls are to be staring into the eyes of the audience when the curtain opens, we decided to focus on the eyes. We were inspired by this book from the 1960s, Cowboy Kate, whose character wore false eyelashes and Marc mentioned Bob Fosse (the choreographer) and so it was really important to make the girls look like dancers, to treat them like characters not models. The skin is meant to look like it is dewy, like the girls have been dancing – it’s very Cabaret. We used the new Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer instead of foundation.
2. What beauty technique did you use to bring Marc’s vision to life?
We used three pairs of false eyelashes for each girl! We actually had to cut them very precisely. The inner corners of one pair were cut off and applied to the inner corners. Then, we cut the remaining two pairs in half and used the outer halves on the outer corners, not at the same time of course. We applied one set, and then followed with the next.
3. What kind of affect does this create?
It makes the eyes look really full along the outer corners. It’s very decadent, very French, very Marc. We used Via Veneto Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner to line the eyes and eliminate the space between the lashes and the lash line. And then applied Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara for additional emphasis.
4. What about the rest of the look – especially the brows? They are very defined.
In order to keep the focus on the eyes, we needed to create a frame around them, which is exactly what brows do to the face. We made them very dark with the black side of Pandora Duo Eyeshadow, so that they look like dancers. In the past we’ve always done really minimal brows or bleached them completely so this was different for us. The brow is sharply defined from inner to outer ends. It’s very monochromatic.
5. Hence the reason for no blush and nude lips?
Yes- there is no color. The lips have Madere Pure Matte Lipstick applied for a nude, very couture look and topped it with Striptease Lip Gloss for shine. And absolutely no blush- when you look at the girls, it’s really like you are looking at a black and white film – there is no color.
6. You mention Amy Winehouse- what about Amy inspired the look exactly?
The look for Marc was very similar to Amy’s in that the skin is transparent. The direct inspiration was not a literal reference but to evoke the overall feeling or essence of her. The hair, the lashes and also her skin. She never wore a lot of foundation; just eye makeup.
IMAGE CREDIT: © 2011 Wireimage
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Christian Siriano SS12
Christian Siriano’s Spring 2012 show was full of all the vibrant colors that scream warm weather: lime green, bright corals and even fire engine red. The designer’s collection truly paid homage to the sophisticated woman—think long, flowy skirts belted with T-shirts for some fun, suits with cropped silk pants, and not to forget the dresses.
There’s only one word to capture the essence of the dresses Siriano worked into the collection: dramatic. Feathers, ruffles and tulle were the focus of Siriano’s dresses, which varied from cocktail party-appropriate to more red carpet-friendly options. It was a show to remember.
Monique Valeris is the founder of the home decorating blog, Decor Musings.
Backstage Beauty: Mehron for Falguni & Shane Peacock SS12
UK-based designers Falguni & Shane Peacock made their US debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week last Friday. To keep the focus on the opulent couture designs, the beauty look was understated with a twist—metallic smoky eyes up to the brow bone, coupled with a pinned-down coif and nude nails.
Key makeup artist Kevin James Bennett for Mehron Makeup designed a look described as “Hollywood glam reinterpreted by Versace & McQueen.”
“Every piece looks like art, so the makeup could not overpower it,” said Bennett. “We pulled one common thread–the gold and bronze tones– and created a totally metallic, bronze-gold eye with a sharp line blended out to a soft edge.” The makeup brand, traditionally known for its body painting products, was a perfect match to the collection.
Blush was applied to the cheeks while the foundation was still wet, creating a soft touch of color to offset the golden tones. Lips were a deep rosy mauve tone, slightly darker than natural lip color, along with a nude lip liner. To finish it off, foundation was mixed with lip gloss to giving the appearance that blended with the complexion.
To further add the focus to the clothes, hair was pinned down entirely with bobbi pins, and a black or red turban wrapped around the base of the hairline. “We tried to keep the hair as minimal as possible,” said Matthew Curtis, lead UK hairstylist for Tresemme, “but at the same time creating a bit of reflection as they walk down the runway.
Manicurist Daria Hardeman for M2M damoreJon Nails shaped the nail to a square round and used their nude shade in Foxtrot.
-Genevieve A. Santos
Genevieve A. Santos is a beauty quadruple-threat—makeup artist, entrepreneur, cosmetics marketer and creator of the Gorgeous on the Go blog, chronicling her adventures in NYC and real beauty advice for women on the go. She is the Organizer The NYC Makeup Artist Meetup, the largest online network for makeup artists in New York City. Follow her escapades on Twitter @gorgeousonthego.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Cynthia Rowley SS12
Fashion is all about having fun and Cynthia Rowley’s Spring 2012 showing at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York proved just that. The designer managed to weave together a collection that was both girly and edgy and what fashionista doesn’t live for this kind of combo?
Rowley played with florals in the form of blazers, fitted pants and short, A-line dresses. But at the same time, she kicked it up a notch by incorporating gold detailing on little black dresses for a modern twist and even showcased a pair of bold, gold metallic shorts strictly for the girl who isn’t afraid to show off her gams. There were also some mesh leather pieces in the mix, from T-shirts to dresses, which rounded out the collection perfectly.
What are your thoughts on the collection?
Monique Valeris is the founder of the home decorating blog, Decor Musings.
- « Previous Page
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- …
- 10
- Next Page »