Couture season tends to be a study in all things over the top—a welcome opportunity to trade practical sensibilities for all things sumptuous. And in the dead of winter, this fantastical approach makes for beauty worthy of a springtime daydream. From thinly veiled faces to full-spectrum lip color, these six moments are not to be missed.
Braided Crowns at Dior
The accessories at Maria Grazia Chiuri’s couture show—delicate noir veils, headbands bedecked in slithering serpents and gilded cowrie shells, earrings comprised of charms, pearls, and feathers—were all in keeping with her modern goddess theme. And along with a forked black cat-eye, a thick band of braided hair, woven and positioned just behind the other mane adornments, ensured that the archetypal appeal of divine mythology was top of mind.
Photographed by Corey Tenold
Sumptuous Accessories at Givenchy
A poetically-minded collection deserves equally romantic accessories. At Givenchy, hairstylist Paul Hanlon interspersed Clare Waight Keller’s collection of sheer, shell-like umbrella hats with a medley of gorgeous hairstyles secured by diamante barrettes and headbands that doubled as deco jewelry.
Photo: Alessandro Viero / Gorunway.com
Brushed-Up Waves at Alexandre Vauthier
Given that Alexandre Vauthier’s spring couture collection drew inspiration from individuality, the varied hair that accompanied the ensembles was a natural move. Along with air-dried rumples and behind-the-ear tucks, one mane of matte, brushed-up blonde had onlookers itching early for summer months and sea-sprayed texture.
Photo: Getty Images
Slicked Styles at Chanel
Inspired by Coco Chanel’s aesthetic pull toward all things simple and austere, Virginie Viard’s couture line-up featured a distinct lack of color—and hair primly, though prettily, styled. Deep parts, combed back coifs, and taut tie-ups were offered further polish by way of an application of product, resulting in a near-wet-look finish.
Photo: Alessandro Viero / Gorunway.com
Vivid Lips at Maison Margiela
At first glance, the jewel-toned, full-face veils at Maison Margiela seemed to render makeup superfluous. But pops of neoprene lip color—deftly applied by Pat McGrath—quickly disrupted that notion, with pale greens, saturated yellows, lavenders, and tangerines teaming with John Galliano’s artistically idiosyncratic parade for extra extra, if you will.
Photo: Alessandro Viero / Gorunway.com
Hyperbolic Bouffants at Valentino
A retro aura colored the runway at Valentino—one that extended to a freckling of sky-reaching bouffants. The updos, dreamed up by Guido Palau, were built of fluid waves and an air of exaggeration, and made all the more striking amid center-parted ponytails and glossy, pin-straight fringe.
Photo: Courtesy of Guido Palau/ @guidopalau
From Vogue US
