The biggest takeaway from Milan Fashion Week spring/summer 2022 is that, after almost two years in and out of lockdown, people are really in the mood to party when it comes to beauty. But it’s not partying in the here and now that designers are concerned with, rather parties from another time and place entirely, such as Studio 54 for Kim Jones at Fendi, with all its decadence and sense of abandon. Or a late ’90s meets early Noughties mood, in the case of Blumarine and Versace, as well as Dolce & Gabbana with its sex appeal, glitz and glam.
Below, Vogue rounds up the best beauty trends from Milan Fashion Week.
Poker-straight hair
Nothing says late ’90s-early Noughties more than poker-straight hair. Think Paris Hilton, Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Lopez, and even Jennifer Aniston once she’d outgrown the “Rachel.” The look fell out of fashion in the late Noughties, giving way to more natural textures. But if the Milan shows are anything to go by, this sleek style is back with a bang. See Lily Donaldson with her long, bleached blonde, ironed out locks at the surprise Fendace show, or Dua Lipa over at Versace, who made her runway debut wearing XXL extensions. It’s maximum sex appeal for near-minimum effort, and, obviously, looks great on the dance floor.
Lip gloss
Not since the launch of Juicy Tubes has there been such a focus on lip gloss. In fact, the much-loved late ’90s-early Noughties beauty trend dominated the Milan shows, with Blumarine harking back to that very period with its glitzy, glossy, high-shine lips. Elsewhere, and going back a bit further in time, Peter Philips referenced the work of fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez with an array of Studio 54-worthy red lacquered lips at Fendi. If you’re in the mood to party, look no further than this nostalgic beauty trend—and if you really want to stand out you might want to invest in some Blumarine body glitter, too.
Middle parts
Another nostalgic beauty trend made an appearance at the Milan shows this season, and that’s the middle part. Less statement-y than its poker-straight companion (although the two go hand in hand), middle parts can update any look. Go high disco glam like at Fendi, with middle parts pulled into tight chignons, keep it cool and precise like at Prada, or sex it up with a good gloss, like at Dolce & Gabbana.
Headscarves
If you were in a girl band or boy band in the late ’90s-early Noughties, or at least wanted to pretend like you were in one, you almost certainly owned a headscarf. Well, good news, it’s time to dig it back out. Just look at Versace, where a mixture of PVC and silk headscarves dominated the runway, or Blumarine, where they were reimagined in faux denim. They even popped up at Giorgio Armani, where patterned silk headscarves were used to cover the hair entirely.
Hair glitter
Y2K fever reached its peak at Blumarine with headscarves, lip gloss and body glitter. But there was one other trend on show: hair glitter. Very much rooted in Y2K nostalgia, consider this style your go-to party look. Also exploring the possibilities of glitter was Marni, where a combination of glitter, hair dye and hair gel was used to create statement slicked-up mohawks. Perhaps one for if you’re feeling brave…
Green eyeshadow
The Bottega-effect was in full force at Versace, where varying shades of green feline flicks were layered on top of one another to dramatic and bold effect. Also exploring the color green was Giorgio Armani, where frosted spearmint tones gave accents to models’ eyes. If you’re looking to stand out at your next party, consider going green.
