Models at the Vivienne Westwood show sported one of LFW's most memorable beauty looks for next spring. After NYFW's crazy nails comes crazy base in London. Forget the nude look: green, blue and orange face paint was the foundation for what the fashion editors at Grazia UK qualified as "a truly jaw-dropping beauty look."
Royalty-meets-Warhol was the reference for the "more is definitely more" look that dominated Westwood's Red Label show.
In the real world, it is unlikely that Britain's royals will be rushing out to replicate the technicolor make-up worn by models who included latest muse Alice Dellal. Unless, of course, they are seeking camouflage to fool the paparazzi. Kate Middleton could always take a trick out of makeup artist Val Garland's book and shop MAC's collection of Frida Kahlo-esque black, turquoise, red and pink makeup, smudged liberally over eyes and lips.
In keeping with the the theme of Warhol prints, hair drew inspiration from Deborah Harry and Queen Elizabeth II. Mark Hampton used Toni & Guy products to create either perfectly groomed curls (permed wigs) or a shaggy look with dip-dyed ends. Hair scarves and flowers completed the look of Westwood's eccentric beauties.
On the other end of the spectrum, designers opted for low-maintenance sporty beauty. Not surprising from a city that can boast Olympic prowess and and a shiny new Wimbledon title. Beauty buffs at Britain's The Stylist magazine were "obsessed" with Marian Newman's tennis net-inspired nails at the David Koma show.
Newman was in charge of crafting manicures for supermodels Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Lily Cole, Stella Tennant, Lily Donaldson and Georgia May Jagger, who paid tribute to British fashion at the spectacular 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony.
David Koma's Spring collection was a tribute to the US Open in the 1970s. Models' hair was styled with braids and ponies with a shiny strip of hair and lots of GHD Final Shine Spray for a "chic-looking sweat band."
The ponytail count continued to swell at LFW but other updos managed to get a look-in. The half-pony ruled the Antonio Berardi runway while over at Margaret Howell, a low, ruffled bun by Neil Moodie gave this season's trend for simple, boyish hair a "homemade" look.
The imperfect bun was also sighted at the Temperley London show - the Wella Professional team achieved this easy-to-copy look with straightening irons and a little backcombing. The hair was surprisingly low-key in contrast with striking makeup by Val Garland who sought to create a 1950s couture-inspired face reminiscent of screen sirens Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren.
CJL
