The haute couture fall/winter 2023 shows have finally come to an end for the season and left us with a goldmine of fashion and beauty inspiration. From Cardi B’s larger-than-life outfit for the Schiaparelli front row to the chic velvet gowns of the Balenciaga show, we at Vogue Singapore have certainly been witness to a multitude of sensational moments from the presentations thus far.
In terms of make-up, avant-garde eye looks reigned supreme. See Thom Browne‘s haute couture debut, for example. A lineup of tailored grey suits and puffy coats made their way down the runway—complete with bell-shaped hats, suitcases, and of course, theatrically painted miens. Thom Browne called upon make-up artist Isamaya Ffrench to perfect the looks: white foundation with pops of neon eyeshadow all over, plus wavy pop-art brows. As for the mane, dramatic, asymmetrical grey wigs by hairstylist Eugene Souleiman completed the aesthetic.
And when it comes to striking beauty moments, the conversation would be incomplete without mention of Iris Van Herpen’s ethereal collection, ‘Architectonics’. Inspired by “the future of floating cities and the concept of bionic design”, the looks are otherworldly—striking, sculptural silhouettes that shimmered and danced around the models as they walked. The silver and gold outfits are complemented with luminous make-up by make-up artist James Kaliardos—think smokey and pearlescent eyeshadow. Meanwhile, hairstylist Antoinette Beenders and her team of Aveda Artists styled the models in sleek hairstyles to draw attention to their intricate headpieces.
As it goes, the above is merely the tip of the iceberg. Below, a concise roundup of our personal favourites for your perusal. Spy our collation of the best runway beauty moments seen this season, now.
1 / 7
Giambattista Valli
It’s hard to pinpoint just one thing to love about this look. From the high-gloss Marcel waves anchoring faces to the drama-filled lash-and-liner technique seen on eyes, make-up here was modern and measured. Most of all for the everyday woman looking to gain inspiration from the runways, we loved the focus on fresh, healthy skin. Radiant and glass-like in just the right places and foundationally sheer enough to allow a constellation of freckles to shine through, it’s a complexion we can all aspire and achieve in our hot and humid climes.
2 / 7
Thom Browne
Thom Browne‘s debut on the haute couture scene is off to a triumphant start. As far as fashion goes, the collection of structured, oversize pieces and signature pinstripe came in no shortage of grey hues. Beauty-wise, make-up teams took to bold neons, applied with focus to the eyes. Black liner drawn in unexpected, abstract shapes reminiscent of the 1980s Italian design style known as ‘Memphis’ added a sense of art, levity and intrigue to the face. The powder grey pompadours that sat askew on heads certainly left a larger-than-life impression and captured the true, creative spirit of couture.
3 / 7
Zuhair Murad
Romance, sensuality, macramé… Zuhair Murad had it in spades in their haute couture fall/winter 2023 collection. What captured our attention: these bold two-toned lips, anchored by the finest of deep berry/near black lip liners and generously filled in with a lacquered crimson hue. A fashion-forward take on a sexy red lip, this look is not for the faint of heart.
4 / 7
Giorgio Armani Privé
The luxury Italian fashion house has adopted—and reinvented—the runway favourite rose bun trend from the fall/winter 2023 presentations. This season’s iteration comprises a multitude of twists perched atop piecey bangs instead; a variation that veers away from the delicacy of the original style due to the incorporation of texturised strands and choppy cuts. The cherry on top: simple, pared-down make-up accentuated with just a hint of red mascara to ensure attention stays solely on the mane.
5 / 7
Chanel
The ultimate Parisienne woman, imagined by Chanel. Naturally, understated and effortless, yet with that je ne sais quoi—in the form of gentle cascading waves, the stroke of a pencil over and under the eyes and soft pinks atop lips and cheeks.
6 / 7
Viktor&Rolf
There’s no doubt about it: frosted make-up is back in the rotation this season. Viktor&Rolf is living proof, whereupon they sent their models down the runway sporting a blinding metallic sheen over the lids and lips. For a touch of playfulness, pastel accents were added; a homage to TikTok beauty trends that melds modern-day sensibilities with the early aughts.
7 / 7
Iris van Herpen
As ethereal as they come, the mastery of Iris van Herpen would not have been absolute without the beauty accompaniments, mirroring the creations from couture fall/winter 2023. Clean, luminous skin pared against a stark-white eyeliner while strategically placed headpieces framed the face. Nothing about this look was certainly accidental; including near-invisible tinted brows and nude gloss over the lips.
