This past week, the Grand Palais in Paris had been transformed into a massive wooden dollhouse structure complete with a minimalist garden out front – all imagined by Karl Lagerfeld and forming the perfect backdrop to present the CHANEL Spring-Summer 2016 Haute Couture Collection. Honouring the colour beige that was so adored by Coco Chanel, many of the sublime pieces came adorned with pearls, sequins, and even wooden fragments, with bejewelled bees – a symbol representing the renewal and perpetual rebirth of nature – seen interspersed amongst the designs. Another unique item that’s sure to become the piece you never even knew you needed, was a small wood-embellished smart-phone pouch that the models wore around their hips – leave it to Karl Lagerfeld to find a way to make a fanny-pack stylish again.
The makeup was created by Tom Pecheux, who kept the theme minimal and clean, using graphic Cleopatra-esque eyeliner as the focal point, harmonized with glowing skin, softly neutral lips, cheeks, & nails to serve as perfect counterparts.
The hair by Sam McKnight, was worn parted in the centre and rolled into an oversized updo in the back, using large foam “croissant” shapes made of wired foam and covered in human hair to match each model’s own hue.
Beauty breakdown:
Skin prepared with LA SOLUTION 10 DE CHANEL (2016)
FACE:
- Les Beiges – Healthy Glow Foundation (2016)
- Éclat Lumière Correcteur Perfection
- Les Beiges – Healthy Glow Sheer Powder
EYEBROWS:
- La Palette Sourcils de CHANEL (2016)
EYES:
- Illusion d’Ombre – N° 118 Moonlight Pink (L.A. Sunrise 2016 Spring Collection)
- Stylo Yeux Waterproof – N° 88 Noir Intense
- Ombre Essentielle – N° 118 Midnight
BLUSH:
- Les Beiges – Stick Belle Mine Naturelle (N° 20)
LIPS:
- Rouge Coco Baume
- Rouge Allure – N° 162 Pensive
NAILS:
- La Base
- Le Vernis – N° 504 Organdi (2016)
- Le Gel Coat (2016)
2016 Spring-Summer CHANEL Haute Couture Show
Backstage Makeup CHANEL
©CHANEL 2016
Photos: Benoît Peverelli
While these looks are much too editorial for the average woman to pull off in real life, there are still elements that are worth adapting to one’s personal style. Taking a cue from the ‘less-is-more’ way of thinking, this proves that a simple black eyeliner paired with neutral lips & cheeks, packs quite a statement – especially when paired with a sleek pulled-back hairstyle (think more ballerina than the Princess Leia looks shown here). Add to that, groomed brows as well as a couple of mascara coats, and you’ve basically created a classic look that will suit anything and everything.
Well played, Mr. Lagerfeld.
2 Responses to CHANEL SS16 Haute Couture Show | Backstage Beauty