Author: theundressed

Couture Week’s Best Beauty Moments

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At Couture – beauty was conceptual. Beauty was realized as an exploration of other-worlds. Fendi’s starry interpretation of beauty was made heroine whereas Valentino’s dramatic eyes were met with hyper-wings & feathery plumes. Hyperreal skin wouldn’t go amiss at Schiaparelli. These are the moments to not miss for Spring. 

SCI-FI OTHERWORLDLINESS AT FENDI

The starry veil of a crystallized galaxy was mirrored as inspiration and dotted atop the face for Fendi. Fendi’s sci-fi realization of Spring beauty was crystal-clear & in thanks to hair artist Guido Palau & makeup artist Peter Philips. Deliciously glossed hair was kept parted & fringed via Palau. Made heroine, needless to say. Placed throughout the face were micro crystals to be the ultimate facial halo. No additional accessories required. To achieve this look? Dot a micro gem on the inner corners of the eyes or equally as shield across the lid for a look that’s just as otherworldly. 

DIOR’S NEW LOOK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ACIELLE / STYLEDUMONDE

Dior’s love language for sooty, lived-in eyes were decidedly made anew for Spring. And it’s the eye trend that keeps lashes batting. The trend in question – underlined white liner, the hero beauty look. Think: the upside of sultry shadow. Thickly-lined white blocks graduated around the eye shape which emphasized it’s natural under line. To tightline the waterlines & roots of the lashes, MUA Peter Philips used the Diorshow Khôl pencil in 009 White Khôl which was then completed with the Diorshow On Stage Liner in 001 Matte White layered underneath the natural line. Gentle, soft-focus illumination informed the look.

HYPERREAL SKIN AT SCHIAPARELLI

Skin was standout at Schiaparelli. It was made surreal & secular through Dame Pat McGrath’s genius with glow. Cheekbones? It was a (golden-champagne) highlight. Eyes were maintained as clean with a touch of shadow to mattify the lids. Other looks included a heavier-hand with further shadow & bejewelled glam. Opt for the Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation and Sublime Perfection Concealer for runway-ready dewiness. 

BEAUTIFIED EYES AT VALENTINO

Feathery plumage & ultra-extended graphic winged liner informed Valentino’s Haute beauty. Longingness is beautified through the bold looks as seen throughout. This echoed the emotionally-grounded collection as a (literal) extension of oneself. McGrath emphasized the strength of the upper lash line (either by way of feathers or hyper-winged liner). Glowing & fresh skin was a continuity paired with the lashed looks. 

SS22’s Best Beauty Moments from Fashion Month

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IMAGE: VALENTINA LI

Beauty is as bold as ever. Spring’s exciting glimpse into 2022 draws the line between the fantasy & fresh – proving directional, unapologetic beauty is for new beginnings ahead. Pro MUA Diane Kendal harked on shadowy, lived-in eyes at KHAITE to mirror the longingness to feel once more post-isolation. At Supriya Lele, lips were glossified with a chocolate brown lip service. Grunge for 2022 is the word of mouth. Pro Pablo Rodrigues gave wet, out-of-shower skin a high-fashion update with a strobe-lit, glowy finish. From undonely-kempt tresses to the facial features that stick, aesthetic escapism reigned on this year’s beauty dossiers. 

FACIAL FEATURES

For Simone Rocha, beauty is a secular experience. From Thomas de Kluyver, adornment came in the way of Gothically-imagined hand-pressed images of cherubs placed on the face and body throughout. This contrasted the baptismal-looking dipped hair, which was accessorized with beaded crowns. Cheeks were made to sparkle as skin was left youthful & healthy. 

CHOCOLATE LIP SERVICE

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Grunge is the word of mouth for 2022. Pro Hiromi Ueda glossified lips at Supriya Lele with a chocolatey-brown hue that’s oh-so reminiscent of nineties lip service. Ueda made statement lips sultry-sweet with the vampy appeal. All impact without apologies, bold lips are the nostalgic trend that’s sealed with a kiss for 2022 beauty. Opt for Laura Mercier Rouge Essentiel Cream Lipstick in Chocolate Divin.

PUNKY WINGS

At Chloe, consider the (winged) point made by makeup artist Hannah Murray. Liner became ‘surf punk’ all thanks to the MUA’s horizontal approach to the typically flicked-out shape. From the tear ducts to the corners of the eyes, neon orange graced the lash line. Elsewhere, the face was kept healthy-looking with eyes given dabs of wet-looking gloss. 

BALMY, OUT-OF-OCEAN SKIN

When it comes to a glass-like skin finish, it’s the balmy, out-of-water touch that takes the face from the ocean to high-fashion effortlessness. MUA Pablo Rodrigues artfully applied highlighter by way of Illamasqua to the high points of the brow bone, cupid’s bow, cheeks, and chin at David Koma. To capture this look, opt for Illamasqua’s Beyond Liquid Highlighter – OMG or E.L.F. Electric Mood x Tove Lo Glassy Skin Balm.

LIVED-IN EYES

Sooty, lived-in eyes were the focus for 2022 makeup. As with lips, makeup leaned into a grunge aesthetic which timelessly defined a decade. Rimmed coal eyes at Sandy Liang paid a statement to the Spring/Summer presentation. Lids & under eyes received the smudgy treatment. At Eftychia, MUA Becca Wordingham graced eyes with a creamy, blendable pencil to add effortless wow. At KHAITE, Diane Kendal lightly smoked-out lids to capture shadowiness. To achieve this look, opt for 19/99 Barna Precision Colour Pencil. 

FANTASY LASHES

Lashed-out, doll-like eyes are what’s to be expected. Makeup done by way of Valentina Li  proved to be a standout at this year’s Fashion Week. Individual lashes were expertly placed surrounding the eyes in a nonchalant fashion proving fantasy & cool do co-exist. The look embodied a come-as-you-are sense that’s synonymous to Spring freshness. This look can be completed with Tower 28 BeachPlease Luminous Tinted Balm in Golden Hour. 

THE PRODUCTS LISTED ARE INDEPENDENTLY SOURCED AND NOT AFFILIATED WITH COMMERCIAL DEALS. THIS BLOG DOES NOT RECEIVE ANY COMMISSION OR COMPENSATION.

KHAITE SS22

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Leave it to Khaite’s Cate Holstein to sartorially turnover a feeling. Musings on mood – Spring for Khaite is an evolved, post-isolation consciousness that’s gritted within a sense of place – of belonging once more. The label’s impossibly-chic repertoire approaches womenswear with a pragmatic otherworldliness to femininity, ever-reliably being the antidote to new season beginnings – and rebirth. Introducing Spring.

Styling followed democratic shapes & structure. Gently-filled down informed luminous coats & jackets. Harness-like silk straps became focal points which balanced floaty & poplin silhouettes. A liberating in-focus feature which grounded lighter ensembles. Western dressing was a touchpoint within the nineties-influenced collection. Leather & suede were a force throughout. Lengthening ruched dresses gave subtle sex appeal. 

Escapist tones reigned at Khaite such as ivory, sooty noirs, and touches of khaki. Contrasts of textures & luminosity were at play: sequins balanced the solid tones & heavier-appeal of the cozier pieces such as the bombers. Metallic tones called in Spring which played as silvery adornment to trenches and bustier tops. And then there was THAT dress: A Swarovski-crystallized sheer dress slipped on by model Julia Nobis. 

photo: khaite

Makeup and hair mirrored the collection. No feature overpowered the other – rather, gentle definition informed beauty throughout. Everyday makeup became stunningly beautiful by way of MUA Diane Kendal. Lightly smoked-out lids were given neutral hue eyeshadow for colour & contour. Eyes became lashed with sweeps of mascara, followed by brushed-out brows for texture. The genius of the look? The cheeks welcomed iridescence whereas the shadowy-dimness of the eyes harked on our longingness to feel once again. 

Pinky lips and mouths brought in new femininity. Luminous skin was canvas to the makeup. Hair – as with previous collections – was undonely-kempt. Ease of tresses & locks were effortlessly groomed. Moodiness transcended to locks by the hands of hair-artist Duffy. As emotional as the collection was – strength was imbued from stitch to strand throughout. 

Within the worst of the pandemic year, Khaite knows we’re still within the thick of it all. Never too far to deviate from the definitive New York wardrobe, Holstein answers with necessity over frivolity. What’s most authentic, works. Not over the top, the label’s collection approaches womenswear with a gritty earthiness that calls to the Khaite girl: Home. To Khaite? That’s Spring. 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COLLECTION

Here’s What’s To Discover for the Biggest Summer Nail Trends of 2021

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Our love affair for the lacquered needn’t be explained. Statement-making polished tips are flooding beauty headwaves for the best nailspiration. From the avant-garde to the bare minimal, what comes to mind are nails that call on our attention. 60s nonchalance is back with splodges of colour & daisies. Paris comes in the form of newly-imagined french tips which chicly adds oh-la-la to the normal mani. Going all in with wavy artistry? Consider it swirled. For the biggest mani trends of 2021, consider these minted styles to your nail files. 

GO WITH THE FLOW(S)

Multi-hued & wavy, these stylish tips are all about joy. This style proves it’s charm & uplifting appeal with its unapologetic aesthetic.

PASTEL PERFECT

Soft yet striking, pastel is the reliable choice for feminine allure. 

ALL ABOUT THAT (SPACE)

En route for newly trending tips is about that space. Freshen the normal mani by leaving a couple nails (almost) completely bare. 

RAINBOW IT

Rainbow tips are as fresh as chic. Key feature? Keep the colour at the tip of the nail for a modern look.

LOVE, FROM YOUR FRENCH MAN(I)

Try an upgraded french mani & find oh-la-la everywhere you go.

BARE MINIMALISM

One cannot underestimate the appeal of a clean mani. This beautifying style has an enduring appeal that outlasts fast-paced trends. 

YOUR 60’S REVIVAL

It’s that flower power. Groovy nails bring the nonchalance of the 60s to 2021 in the form of psychedelic hues & daisies. 

ON POINT

On point. At home or in the salon, go for pointy to make your mark. Too sharp? Opt for a more rounded nail shape.

Jacquemus AW21 Ready-to-Wear

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New heights. Beginnings afresh. At Jacquemus, “La Montagne” is an ‘en plein air’ ode to the summit of our expectations following isolation. Bright & beautiful, AW21 looks as flashy as convincing. 

The showcase was inviting and directional. Surreal yet grounded. Simon Porte opted for an IRL runway for his Fall Ready-to-Wear see-now-buy-now collection. For those of us who missed a show, Jacquemus delivered. Make way for feel-so-good fashion & unapologetic colour fever (i.e. fiery tang & splashy pink). Anything but boring. Trust was a theme throughout. Outdoorsy harness-detailing dangled from cropped zipped shirts & attached to sheath, trompe l’oeil dresses. Silhouettes were as deconstructionist as freeing. 

Headlining afoot? Enter Kendall, Bella, & Adut. Bella donned a straight-fitted elasticated waist skirt, finished with earthy crinkling. A part-armour, part bralette graced the decolletage. Shearling mules completed the tonal ensemble. Adut? It was an 80s colour palette which ruled no exception. Splashy pink & engine red soared sirens. For Kendall – it was all show with an ultra-cropped short-sleeved cardi with swaths of the fuzzy fabric secured together with a ‘JACQUEMUS’ closure. 

The clasp was one of the details made hero for the collection, as also seen on model Devyn Garcia’s sensual, hickory-eggplant silk chemise & skirt set. Model Jill Kortleve sported a midi knit dress with thin straps held together with that ‘JACQUEMUS’ hardware. Open-vent trousers & boxy blazers were seen. Adapting from sartorial 80s & made anew, the collection was very future nostalgic. 

Makeup was barely-there yet luminous. MUA Hiromi Ueda opted for a freshness that was athletic yet beautifying. A healthy base with a natural-looking brow & rosy, in-the-hills flush. Pared-back & soft, it was a sporty finish to complete the ensembles. Hair was followed on course via hairstylist Cyndia Harvey with earthy styles maintained in their most natural form. Hair was kept brushed away from the face, parted-down.  

Neon green, atmospheric sky blue, deepended noir, & a palette of neutrals were seen throughout. Extremist lengths, shapes, & layering took to nature for inspiration (i.e. enwrapped sleeping-bag style skirts, itty crop tops, & sun hats). Breathing new energy into AW21, the pieces felt lively. What sets Jacquemus apart? Playing loud.

Feel again.

FULL COLLECTION HERE

KHAITE Resort 2022

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Resort 2022 for Khaite is summed as: When We Were ‘We’. 

Mood of the moment, Khaite’s Cate Holstein captures the undergrounds of a post-pandemic feeling. By way of intuition, comfort re-emerges as a touchpoint for 2022 dressing (i.e. 90s informed, easy silhouettes). 

Grit. Ease. Romance. Energy. For Khaite, Resort is all about instinct. Sewn within practicality, it is about identity. It carries a seriousness with utmost attention to agency, yet uplifted with an aura of empathetic femininity. Approaching & otherworldly, Holstein’s intent is moving.

Romance grounded Hellenic-style dresses & sets, with unending draping & gathered ruching. It was felt within its airiness. A dropped-waist jersey crepe dress paid accompaniment & contrast to the Grecian-like gowns, which was completed with a scoop neckline & relaxed fit. Ethereal & earthy colour palettes informed the collection.

THAT cardi-bralette set which sparked all radars is back in tow in a pink raspberry hue. An enduring staple to a stylish wardrobe. Sartorial iterations of the 70s (i.e. eyelet, open-back dresses & a multi-hued oversized pullover), was on display. Sport-luxe was as chic as ever. Pillowy puffers prove to be the stylish shields for cooler temperatures. A must. Khaite’s rendition of the biker short-bra top combo was hero of the collection, with its cursive namesake on the waist & underband to perfect the ensemble. 

Hair was kept undonely human yet romantic. By way of hairstylist Joey George, evidenced was touch. Model Alyda Grace’s lengthy locks were kept lived-in whereas Emily Miller’s feathery bob was swept in 70s layers. Model Hiandra Martinez was graced with cornrows, secured with a finishing low bun & flyaway-free hair taming gel. 

Makeup artist Cyndle Komarovski kept makeup stoic yet fresh. Gentle luminosity informed skin complexion (think: candlelit, lit-from-within) but not obviously so. Sculpting contour carved cheekbones. Brows were a feature point of the paired-back look, as the always steady facial architecture.

Resort for Khaite? Remembering who we are means to see ourselves again. It means through. 

To be ‘we’.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COLLECTION

The PVC Shoe: The Ultimate Summer Trend for 2021

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Call it as we must. The mid-nineties to early-noughties have imprinted their sartorial influence this season & a new, post-pandemic world involves a wardrobe that reckons with an unabashed, sexual confidence. PVC shoes make this case. It’s the trend to be waxed (plastic) about. 

This saucy style has re-emerged as a compelling argument for more-is-more. It definitely does all the talking. Fashion is certainly having its footing with this summery throwback. Amina Muaddi ornaments her fluted, pyramidal-heeled styles with crystal encrustment. The ultimate when-fairytales-come-true “glass” slipper – though one shouldn’t leave these amiss after the crack of midnight. Gianvito Rossi opts towards a sleek approach with a pointed toe sole finish. It-girl footwear crush Paris Texas unleashes the aughts & pairs their styles with a Western-style redux detailing (think: faux croc). Designed with copious colour (i.e. pastel pink & neon green), & serious embellishment – it makes way for an eclectic, unapologetic femininity. Leaving little to the imagination in all its reveal, is this the subtly sexy shoe for inhibition-less IRL dating? It’s certainly fantastic. 

Delicate yet striking, bold yet sexy, the PVC shoe lends itself as the ultimate party-ready adornment ranging from ultra glamour to refined-pretty. Perfect for wintry party-wear as well. Better yet? The eye travels further when wearing this style as it adds length to any frame for an elongated silhouette. It’s an empowering, transformative stance. Retro yet oh-so current, these are meant for utter bliss.

Style Tip: These are meant for show. Wear these at your next cocktail party or gathering. Style with either a monochromatic or a saturated-hued dress. Your favourite LBD would add balance to the style. Wanting to add a dose of off-duty chic? Pair with your favourite denim. Cropped works best. Highlight these with an open-vent legging for cooler days. 

The Beauty Looks I’ve Saved from Instagram: The 17 Best for Spring Inspiration

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By way of heavenly, holographic eyes and cheeks, sexy electric-blue liner, and out-of-shower-like skin, Spring proves to be the unstoppable flush of inspiration for fresh beauty. Precious Lee’s eyes were kept as divine as ever with this Pat McGrath Beauty Palette. Clouds of fiery pink pigment were applied to Nicola Coughlan’s lids, completed with fresh skin. This Dior Eyeshadow Palette lended an icy, baby-blue statement to Yara Shahidi’s upper and lower lash lines. Ashley Graham kept her serve on with a 90s smoked-out wing & parted, sleek hair. It’s definitely about the focus. Beauty couldn’t be brighter. Here are the 17 best Spring beauty looks from the ‘gram.

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The Simone Rocha x H&M Collection Has Arrived: Here’s What to Discover…

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The dreamy Simone Rocha x H&M drop has just arrived…and it is as ever Simone as her penchant for ribbons and beads would show. The trademark collection embodies an avant-garde, come-as-you-are sense, a freshness that’s expectedly Spring including lightweight trenches, breathy cotton, & beaded knits. 

Relying on Fashion’s familiar faces such as Tess McMillan, Adwoa Aboah, Kaia Gerber, & Paloma Elsesser, the multi-month campaign was brought to life (literally!) with THAT Phygital Pop-Up Book.

Simone gets her audiences lost in her maddening attention to detail – yet always, the beautified garments maintain their grounding in Earthy practicality. And it’s ethereal perfection. What can one expect? The Rocha’ed genius of contrast. Dresses are flirtatiously designed to highlight the waist through the Irish Chinese designer’s signature voluminous sleeves and hips. 

Sheer coats were etched with romantic details i.e., THOSE headwave-making beaded breast-outliners as shown in her SS21 Collection. Elegance is added via pearl-trimmed collars on an off-white cloqué dress. Lace detailing completes a painterly floral dress. Bows are made to modern corsetry on tulle dresses and blouses. Cloqué fabric (think: jacquard) was romantically made anchor to the dresses. Subtle hints to post-lockdown flirtation?

Simone tributes her Irish roots with doses of tartan grunging floaty frocks, and thus edging the collection with a complete balance of femininity. Pearled brogues, feathered ballerinas, & chunky-soled slides are what’s in for footwear, and whose artful eccentricity is found in her homage & heritage to Hong Kong. Hair (by way of Rocha’s go-to hairstylist Cyndia Harvey), is preened into ribboned bow clips and statement-making headpieces, securing this collection as a portrait of Simone’s femininity. 

SS21’s Biggest Beauty Looks from Fashion Month

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With the current austerity the world has had reckoned, visual optimism reigns en masse by way of Spring 2021 Fashion Month as a beautifying language for facial adornment (re: otherworldly beauty from Erdem Moralioglu to shockingly vibrant hues from Tom Ford & Christopher John Rogers). From graciously-thick graphic onyx liner to new hair lengths yet to reach its watery potential, escapism, fantasy, and self-discovery are the silver linings of what’s ahead for runway-inspired beauty trends.

POPS OF BOLD

The extrovert’s palette that rules no exception. Tom Ford’s amped exorbitant joie de vivre showcase was met with 80’s inspired flushes of fuschia pink cheekbone draping with metallic-like frosted eyes to match. Christopher John Rogers followed this suit with fantastical lip service of fiery orange. Bora Aksu proved a point of difference with a subdued yet equally glamorous approach. Bright hues were blurred and paired with veiled, translucent masks for a moving, directional display, softly patted by makeup artist Janeen Witherspoon. The takeaway? A potent, juicy springtime boost where serotonin levels electrify with impact. 

ALL ABOUT THE SKIN

According to Victoria Beckham, it’s all about what’s on the surface, i.e., minimalist yet radiant skin. And she’s not alone. Proenza’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, coupled with The Row’s Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, offered an embrace to an earthy, natural approach to beauty. Barely-there, no-makeup makeup has returned, comfortingly. Beckham emphasized the subtle basics that merely deviate from the designer’s signature look: fresh-looking, out-of-shower skin & neutral-toned eyeliner. Lashes were made sensuous with the best-selling Satin Kajal Liner. It’s where Lucia Pieroni dots the line(r). Zoom call ready? Very posh. 

THE GRAPHIC EYE

photo via CHANEL

The je ne sais quoi of beauty trends for 2021. What makes the graphic look so genius? It’s seasonless & completely adaptable. Take notes from Paris. Chanel’s take was a thickly-lidded smoky update that followed the eye’s natural arch and lid. Explained Chanel’s Global Creative Designer for Makeup and Colour Lucia Pica, “I really wanted the girls makeup to look very blurry, matte and pristine.” A 1920s cinematic look with a modern update. Chloe’s proved to find less restraint with an added edge by way of a flick and double-winged liner to a boho lover’s bliss. Dior’s expectedly captured emotion with a daring heavily-handed, kohl eyeliner look – complementing fresh lips & skin. 

OUT-OF-WATER (BEACHLESS) HAIR

This water-bound hair trend needn’t require a pool or beach – just a few drops of hair oil or dollops of pomade. Versace’s SS21 Hellenic-inspired glamourous showcase was all about every inch of sexuality, including the effervescently chic, Ursula Andress straight-from-the-water wet hair look. Chloe echoed the same note, with vestiges to off-duty ease. This Spring/Summer off-the-runway hair will be seen as a bonafide look for summery nonchalance.

INTELLIGENT FANTASY

photo via SIMONE ROCHA

WFH easy glamour begins here. Erdem’s otherworldly, intelligent beauty meets Rodarte’s spellbinding aesthetic. Pared-back, the wearer’s beauty undercurrents free & unfettered, with gestures to all encompassing gothic romance. Fantasy comes to mind when Simone Rocha is in the conversation, with pearled headpieces and doll-like blush application on cheeks. With NARS Global Director Uzo Ukaeje, the Mulleavy Sisters opted for Rodarte to turn towards vamp with Opulent Red. Erdem’s take on ethereal beauty was complemented by in-the-garden rosy cheeks & muted eyes with a softly defined brow.