They will define next season’s trends for sure.
Haute Couture Fashion Week is always a spectacle, showcasing not only breathtaking gowns that transition from the runway to future red carpets but also magical beauty looks that frame the fashion and inspire special event hair and makeup styles—from weddings to festivals and parties.
This month, iconic designers like Christian Dior, Chanel, Armani Privé, and Giambattista Valli, among others, are unveiling their autumn/winter 2024 collections, which are perfect mood board material.
Haute Couture Fashion Week has not only highlighted stunning gowns but also presented a myriad of inspiring beauty looks. From the fantastical and otherworldly at Iris van Herpen to the classical elegance at Armani Privé, each designer brought a unique vision to the runway. These beauty looks are sure to inspire special event hair and makeup styles for the upcoming seasons, proving that haute couture is as much about beauty as it is about fashion.
Here, we explore the most inspiring hair and makeup looks from the couture catwalks, offering a visual feast that ranges from the otherworldly to the elevation of classic elegance.
CHRISTIAN DIOR
Christian Dior’s beauty looks for the autumn/winter 2024 season were inspired by the modern muse. The hair was styled in sleek, low buns, exuding sophistication and grace. Make-up artist Peter Philips focused on creating a flawless, radiant complexion with subtle contouring to enhance the natural features of the models. The eyes were adorned with metallic hues, adding a touch of modernity and glamour to the look. The lips were kept neutral, allowing the eyes to take centre stage. This combination of classic and contemporary elements reflected Dior’s commitment to timeless elegance with a modern twist.
THOM BROWNE
Brown never fails to push the boundaries of traditional tailoring with his collections, and that includes the accompanying hair and makeup, too. For his Fall 2024 Haute Couture show, models wore monochromatic bronze eyes and lips paired with gilded headpieces or white ones adorned with 3D flowers.
SCHIAPARELLI
As far as Dame Pat McGrath is concerned the aliens are among us, at least on Schiaparelli’s Haute Couture runway where she once again looked to extraterrestrial life for beauty inspiration. She added an otherworldly, iridescent glow to the models’ faces.
IRIS VAN HERPEN
Inspired by Iris van Herpen’s “sensory universe,” the show’s fantastical beauty looks by Nars make-up artist Karin Westerlund featured organic extensions of the gowns to the face. The models appeared as ethereal beings, with make-up and hair intricately connected to the garments. Delicate, almost otherworldly elements such as feathers and crystalline structures extended from the models’ faces, blending seamlessly with the exquisite couture pieces. The effect was a mesmerizing blend of fashion and art, pushing the boundaries of traditional beauty norms and creating a holistic sensory experience.
ARMANI PRIVÉ
At Armani Privé, the beauty looks were a testament to classical elegance. The hair was sleek and straight, tucked neatly behind the ears to create a refined and polished appearance. This understated hairstyle complemented the precision flicks that framed the models’ eyes, adding a subtle yet impactful detail to the overall look. The make-up was kept minimal, focusing on clean lines and a flawless complexion. This approach highlighted the sophistication and timelessness of Armani’s designs, proving that sometimes, less is indeed more.
CHANEL
As expected from Chanel, the beauty looks were both sophisticated and playful. The focal point was the super-sized black bows adorning glossy ponytails crafted with fluid waves. These bows were not just a party in the back; they framed the faces from the front, adding a whimsical yet elegant touch to the models’ appearance. The rest of the make-up was kept minimal, with a fresh, dewy complexion and understated eye make-up. This contrast between the dramatic hair accessories and the natural make-up created a balanced and harmonious look, embodying the essence of Chanel’s timeless style.
GIAMBATTISTA VALLI
Giambattista Valli’s collection, inspired by the gardens of Rajasthan, extended to the models’ beauty looks, creating a floral fantasy on the runway. The models’ skin had an iridescent glow, reminiscent of dewdrops on petals at dawn. Petals were artfully arranged on their faces, adding a touch of whimsy and romance to the overall look. The hair was styled in soft, loose waves, enhancing the ethereal quality of the floral embellishments. This combination of natural elements and radiant skin created a dreamy, almost fairytale-like aesthetic, perfectly complementing Valli’s floral-themed designs.