Daily Life

Star-spangled everything at the out-of-this-world spring couture shows in Paris

The couture shows are always guaranteed to dazzle and give rise to new hair and makeup trends. And Spring Couture 2017 in Paris has not disappointed.

Every single look from the runways has blasted us out of any hair and makeup rut with touches of sheer genius and genuine inspiration.

Innovation was everywhere, from glittering makeup mastered by Peter Philips's star wizardry at Dior to Tom Pecheux's glittery eyes at Chanel (Pecheux has since jumped ship and been appointed YSL's new beauty director).

Hair was also revolutionary at Chanel with Sam McKnight's crystalized chignons, where hair was wrapped around and around in a heavily lacquered swirl. And at Givenchy Guido Palau had models' hair slicked back with stickers at their temples. 

Here we decode some of the runway highlights. 

Take a tiny element or go full throttle. Long live couture.

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Dazzle at Dior

If we had to pick a favourite it would be the stellar makeup created by Peter Philips at Dior with tiny gold stars dotted around and in the corner of the eyes, mimicking the way you might apply illuminator.

To brighten the models' eyes, Philips lined them with a flattering cream liner, Diorshow Khôl High Intensity Pencil in 529 (which launches later in the year) and kept the lashes mascara-free and the lids pale.

Philips says, "I delved into the mysterious atmosphere and the play on seduction in this collection, which presents the hide/reveal aspect of a masked ball."

Nailed it. The complexion was flawless and the brows strong and groomed. Lips took a back seat. 

"When you keep application light, its creamy texture and discreet shine give the lips a plumped look. Lips are sensual but keep a very natural effect."

Hair was styled by Guido Palau, wavy and long and worn either loose or tied back and adorned with an array of tantalising headpieces.

 

Shine at Chanel

 

#HC17 #ChanelHauteCouture

A video posted by CHANEL (@chanelofficial) on

Tom Pecheux worked his ethereal magic with a delicate dusting of silver glitter highlighting around the outer eye area and the cheekbones. This flattering trend is certainly here to stay.

Hair was also a standout as Sam McKnight spun his hair magic, creating a chignon cone that was lacquered to within an inch of its life (think a cross between Audrey Hepburn and Star Wars).

 

#hairisallaround @chanelofficial #chanel #karllagerfeld #hairstyles #pfw #hautecouture 

A photo posted by Sam McKnight© (@sammcknight1) on

Good vibrations at Armani Privee

 

Precious elements from the #GiorgioArmaniPrivé #SS17 collection captured by @KevinTachman backstage. #PFW

A photo posted by Armani (@armani) on

This collection is called "Orange Vibrations," and the beauty theme followed suit. You know how keen we are on matching eyeshadow and lipstick and here is proof positive that this trend is here to stay.

Makeup artist Linda Cantello painted the models' eyes, lips, and cheeks with a dash of apricot. For hair, Rudi Lewis created messed-up ponytails, parted to one side. This look was eminently wearable.

Cooky at Maison Martin Margiela

Makeup artist Pat McGrath and hairstylist Eugene Souleiman combined to thread string though the hair and over the eyes, lips and ears. This was pure frivolity.

 

Double decker eyeliner at Elie Saab

Makeup artist Tom Pecheux combined black and blue eyeliner along the models' eyes and finished with an exaggerated flick. Get plenty of practice tracing this look, as it's our hottest prediction for autumn eyes.

 

Attitude at Alexis Mabille

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Now this was a hair and makeup overload that somehow worked in spite of itself. This look teamed a barely-there base, mauve tinted lipstick, look-at-me nails and Hollywood hair topped off with a tiara. Funny that.

 

Minimalism at Valentino

Pat McGrath created a beautifully minimalist look at Valentino with luminous skin as the base and barely any colour on the face. Guido Palau then crafted healthy-looking hair that cascaded over the models' shoulders. This soft hairstyle was tucked behind the ears leaving just a few tendrils at the temples.  Vive la simplicité.