LFW: SS14 favourites

My top picks from London Fashion week (13th-17th Sept) for the trends of SS14, with a primary focus on makeup and hair.

Vivian Westwood. Red Label

The concept of the collection attaches an environmental/social message about changes in climate. The models represent climate refugees who are lost within the wilderness. Each unique makeup design is different to each model. Symbolic of wild animals who are tired and weathered from leaving their natural habitat; the harsh black streaks across the face resemble ash and the red implicates blood. The windswept hair, partnered with the rustic makeup embodies the whole concept of the collection and definitely made an impact on the catwalk.        

Holly Fulton.

Wash of soft violet eyeshadow over the whole eyelid, 'sun-caught' lips and 70s style party hair. Adore the colourful tones in the makeup which reflect 70s fashion culture.

    

 Maria Grachvogel.

Classy and strong, hair pinned back in tight curls to show the face and flawless skin. Grachvogel's collection is all about her signature detailed prints; lightweight fabrics; nude/earth colours and one piece jumpsuits. The collection is open to accessorise which is what makes it so inviting. The bright coral and hot pink lips are a returning beauty trend for SS14 and easily wearable with the collection.

Unique. Topshop

'The morning after the night before' as Topshop artists describe it, weathered makeup and beach hair after a night of partying in the most blissful summer this year. Glossy lids and smudged blue liner look kind of grungy but it comes with a wild child attitude. I don't know if the artists created a patchy tan around the contours of the forehead on purpose but it's done very cleverly with bronzer and looks so natural! The flush on the cheeks as well adds that sun nourished healthy glow to the skin. There's nothing about this makeup that I don't like, it's perfectly un-perfect.

Favourite pieces were the open back, loose fitted dresses and jumpsuits paired with the Topshop signature torn jumper. The navy blue dress flatters darker skin tones, as Jordan Dunn wears so beautifully on the catwalk.

NYFW: SS14 Top Picks

My personal highlights from New York fashion week (Sept 5-12) of next seasons trends in beauty and fashion.

Nicole Miller - Ready-to-wear collection perfect for the modern uptown woman. A fun, chic, luxurious collection of simple pieces with big impact in patterns and an array of colours. Nicole was inspired by the Place of Versailles, the collection as described is influenced by "the gardens of Versailles, shattered mirrors, broken glass, mazes, chandeliers, flowers, a lost Marie Antoinette". Pencil skirts and blouses, embellished trousers and fitted dresses, I adore these unique designs that are so enchanting to the eye.

I was particularly enticed into this royal French fantasy by the intricacies of the makeup and accessories on the runway models. The earrings hang like chandeliers, frost pink/purple lipstick and light peach eye shadow resemble the flowered garden of Versailles. French plaited hair in an easy up-do makes these looks appear like effortless beauty.

                   

    

Thom Browne - Period fashion juxtaposed with surrealism. This theatrical collection displays a range of fabrics entwined together for a craftwork masterpiece. 

My interpretation of Browne's collection brings to light that of Victorian fashion; iconic styles of the 19th century from the absurd interpreter Thom Browne. Petite latex gloves, corsets, high collars, pearls moulded with wires, puffed out sleeves, prominent shoulder detailing, lace-up shoe boots and big costume hair dusted with white powder. 

The striking makeup design is reminiscent of 19th century beauty. A delicate pale complexion, royal blue smudged eyeshadow and vivid red lips were fashionable colours during the Victorian era and represented the wealthy. Hence this couture makeup embodies richness and luxury in a disoriented style.     

Zac Posen - Ready-to-wear collection mostly made up of evening gowns which embrace elegance and femininity. Posen's designs flatter the womanly figure with fine ruffle detailing and silk fabrics. A selection of stunning floaty maxi dresses which suit all figures. Posen has designed a primary soft colour scheme, peaches, lilacs and pastel greens for the seasonal colours of spring/summer. 

A curly, messy updo decorated with flowers, thin eyeliner to outline the eyes and nude peach lips very simple and pretty for the runway; doesn't draw attention from the central focus of the dresses.
     

Fashion Shenzhen - Almost avant-garde makeup, eyeshadow starts from the eye and extends into the contours of the forehead. A sweep of vibrant orange and red pigments blended together creates a visual sunset across the face.      

Betsy Johnson - So Betsy! Wild, loud and with plenty of attitude. Betsy's models flatter the runway dancing with  pink afro hair, and metallic silver blue lips. A look that shouts 'makeup has no rules', obvious flush of pink and big impact lashes, definitely has an urban chick feel.        

Marchesa - Feathered black dresses, floral detailing, printed butterflies and clouded colours hidden within the fabrics of a dress. This collection evokes a dream, a fairytale. The rich purple lips with a metallic shine is an enchanting colour that is simply distinctive for this collection.