There’s something about the haute couture shows. Even among a crowded calendar of fashion weeks, these are the presentations that stand out with next-level glamour, opulence and intricacy. As such, there’s also serious magic to be expected from the haute couture beauty looks on display. Fortunately for us, this season’s shows in Paris have not disappointed.
Setting the tone for enchanting hair and make-up trends to follow suit, there are looks aplenty to take inspiration from. For those seeking more adventure in the hair department, there’s the avant-garde updos at Dior and Schiaparelli. Meanwhile, classic beauty codes from a bold red lip to sweet blush contouring have been interpreted by the likes of Chanel and Zuhair Murad.
If you’re looking to dip your toe into some experimentalism, look no further than the technicolour violets at Viktor&Rolf—a masterclass in cosmetic colour blocking—or the new, polished take on mermaidcore hair presented by Giambattista Valli.
From classic to camp, this season’s runways are already providing us with a wealth of beauty fodder to heed. On that note, prepare your palettes and read on to take stock of the most alluring beauty looks as seen at the haute couture spring/summer 2025 shows…
1 / 8
Dior's spiky punk dos
To complement Maria Grazia Chiuri’s vision of the Dior woman, that by her codes, went down the rabbit hole of Alice in Wonderland, a more playful and rebellious beauty brief was delivered on cue. Models strutted down the runway with Dior’s iteration of the mohawk—with hairs that took on the shape of a bow and arrow.
2 / 8
Schiaparelli's translucent skin
Two words: skin perfection. The tight and taut high updos were surely no accident at the Schiaparelli show; they made way for the glistening skin and the mastery of contour to shine on the runway.
3 / 8
Buffed and coiffed at Tamara Ralph
Eyes up here. Elegance is a way of life at Tamara Ralph, where peachy-pink tones and lit-fron-within skin takes a sophisticated turn when paired with beautiful coiffed updos reminiscent of the ’70s.
4 / 8
Chanel's statement red lip
Subtlety makes for a bold statement at the Chanel show. Clean, radiant skin and barely-there mascara is a pitch-perfect complement to siren-red lip that packs a formidable visual punch.
5 / 8
Giambattista Valli's polished waves
Say it with us now: Mermaidcore is back and better than ever. Giambattista Valli presents a refreshed take that veers away from tousled, sea-soaked strands—instead, softly sculpted waves are used to frame the mien in a deliciously delicate fashion.
6 / 8
Zuhair Murad's bows and blush
Femininity dialled up. That certainly seemed to be the beauty agenda on display at Zuhair Murad’s runway show. Models took to the catwalk with oversized satin bows cinching their high ponytails in place, allowing miens contoured with vibrant blush to stand out for a sweet impression.
7 / 8
Viktor&Rolf's technicolour violet
Vivid, in-your-face purple was the hue of choice over at Viktor&Rolf. From lids awash with shimmering violet, to mauve blushes and berry-ripe pouts, the looks were a masterclass in using colour. All the better with a pastel-hued crop to pull things together.
8 / 8
A sultry, wet mood at Jean Paul Gaultier
The Jean Paul Gaultier runway took a sexier turn under the hand of Ludovic de Saint Sernin, who played guest designer this couture season. Such was the narrative of its beauty notes as well; slippery, wet strands splayed all over the mien—a reflection of the sinuous gowns it came with—matched to shimmery shades of rust and copper.
