What was once a private affair for the elite, Haute Couture is an excessive spectacle that has been brought to the masses to take part in, thanks largely to social media. Moving in a realm beyond trends; it is luxurious, theatrical, and a showcase of true handmade artistry.
Haute Couture presentations also serve as the ultimate inspiration for hair and beauty; pushing boundaries in an extreme show of creativity, from the avant-garde to the bare minimum.
Couture Spring 2023 saw whimsy elegance complemented by a shiny red lip at Chanel, a smoky, jazzy affair on the Christian Dior runway. Valentino's grungy roots took us through the crowd and into the club à la couture, while Haider Ackermann for Jean Paul Gaultier went for punchy, contrasting neon hues and a polished haute couture presentation. It was all there; from old-world glamour, fun and drama to graceful minimalism.
LASHES
Chic and surreal. It's all about the theatrics at Couture presentations, on and off the runway. Consider this a lesson in not taking yourself too seriously.
Doja Cat
Imane Ayissi Spring 2023 Couture
SULTRY GLAMOUR
At Christian Dior, we saw a contemporary twist on the Kiss Curl; with short styles, braids and updos channelling the glitz and glamour reminiscent of dancer and activist, Josephine Baker, during the 1920s. The highlight was the braids pulled back in low buns, designed by hairstylist Guido, complemented by a silvery, smokey eye. Perfect for a sensous, low-light night.
Christian Dior Spring 2023 Couture
Christian Dior Spring 2023 Couture
GRUNGY ROOTS
Is it grunge's turn to make a resurgence? Dark roots were effortlessly cool on the scene at Valentino; with barely there makeup and extravagant jewels and coats, the vibe is all about the individual, being free and being yourself.
Valentino Spring 2023 Couture
Valentino Spring 2023 Couture
CAT EYE
Le Club Couture; dramatic cat eyes are back, and they were heavy-handed at Jean Paul Gaultier, Valentino & Viktor & Rolf's respective shows. We saw runways awash with dark lips and elongated brows so don't be afraid to go a little overboard here - accentuate those flicks right up to your temples. Second-day liner is cool too.
Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2023 Couture
Valentino Spring 2023 Couture
Viktor & Rolf Spring 2023 Couture
GLOSSY RED POUT
A glossy red lip will never do you wrong. With clean skin and no eye makeup, red lips make for a super chic statement on the Chanel runway.
Chanel Spring 2023 Couture
Chanel Spring 2023 Couture
BARE MINIMUM
Pretty and fresh, as seen at Schiaparelli and Armani Prive. Get your hair a little wet, slick it back and pat some blush here and there for a minimal makeup look. Ideal for when you want to draw extra attention to your outfit. For better or for worse.
Schiaparelli Spring 2023 Couture
Armani Prive Spring 2023 Couture
PEARLESCENT
This delicate, glassy makeup look has harps strumming. With highlights in all the right places, it is an angelic look that will do you no wrong.
Giambattista Valli Spring 2023 Couture
Fendi Spring 2023 Couture
NEON DRAMA
The elegance, the drama! Heider Ackermann for Jean Paul Gaultier looks are for the maximalist with refined sensibilities; it's creative, joyful and fun. From splashes of acid green, denim blue, and bubblegum pink – accented by exaggerated, clumped doll lashes. Bold neon makeup is serving a look with purpose and we want to see more.
Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2023 Couture
SLEEK CHANEL BRAID
We love this slicked side part smoothed down into a perfect braid at Chanel. Simplicity at its finest, it's not going anywhere in a hurry.
Chanel Spring 2023 Couture
Chanel Spring 2023 Couture
Wild Card
Whilst technically not on the Couture calendar, the return of Mugler to the runway has us tête-à-tête. The sharp, sexy show saw hip grazing, glassy hair flowing and ponytails so snatched they gave the models that Bella Hadid cat-eye lift. Obsessed.
Mugler
