New York Fashion Week never ceases to amaze when it comes to the colorful makeup combinations and truly “out there” beauty looks, and Spring/Summer 2019 was no exception. Yes, there were all the usual suspects that we see season after season – the creative cat-eye, the greasy smoky eye, the bold blocks of color – but this season brought something else to the table – an art-inspired movement we can’t get enough.
Whether its color strokes inspired by one of the great painters or a more arts-and-crafts approach to DIY beauty, one thing was made evidently clear on the New York runways: it’s time to unleash your inner artist.
Lanyu
Monet-inspired makeup made for one of the most breathtaking beauty looks we saw on the runways. At Lanyu, lids and lips were adorned with impressionist strokes of color, creating a delicate yet striking look that could’ve been taken straight off the French artist’s canvas.
Chiara Boni
Inspired by Paul Gauguin’s Tahitian paintings, the new collection from Chiara Boni La Petite Robe is all about vibrant color and blooming florals. Naturally, the beauty look was also inspired by her bright creations as models walked the runway with painted pink eyes and flashes of fuchsia in their hair.
Kate Spade
Taking us back to arts-and-crafts sessions at school (who didn’t love a bit of glitter?), the beauty look at Kate Spade was beautifully simple. In honor of the late designer who “left a little sparkle everywhere she went”, makeup artist Romy Soleimani brought nearly bare skin to life with a golden, glittery lids that were matched perfectly with sparkly nails.
Aranyani
Bold eyeshadow applied like slicks of paint made for a bold and graphic statement at Aranyani. The palette of pinks, purples, oranges, and yellows swirled together felt more modern art than makeup look.
Tadashi Shoji
It was all about galactic glitter vibes at Tadashi Shoji, which saw sparkly graphic shapes adorn eyes to create a cool, cosmic feel – DIY art meets beauty at its best.
Rodarte
“The makeup look this season is inspired by modern art with strong vibrant colors and abstract shapes,” describes makeup artist James Kaliardos for NARS. Models’ eyes were made up with one of three bright colors – vivid yellow, teal blue, or hot pink – along with a classic red lip and romantic blush for a look worthy of a classic portrait. And those elaborate flower crowns? Love.
Anna Sui
Pat McGrath worked her makeup magic backstage at Anna Sui, creating a watercolor work of art on a few select models. Washes of orange, pink, and yellow were blended up into the brows, along the cheekbones, and into the forehead for an otherworldly, fantasy feel. Of course, in true McGrath style, a pop of high-shine shimmer was dabbed onto lids to complete the look.
Jeremy Scott
Taking the arts and crafts trend one step further, Kabuki (who himself was inspired by friend and illustrator Errol Le Cain to enter the world of makeup artistry) used foil and glitter to create the ultimate metallic mouth at Jeremy Scott. Inspired by his experiences with the Club Kids scene in NYC during the 1990s, he sought to “channel the collection’s theme of adolescent experimentalism and self-imagery”. It’s officially time to dig out your glitter pots.
