Despite the year’s upheavals, the international fashion collections have powered ahead in New York, London, Paris and Milan — although many of the methods for showing the spring 2021 releases have changed.
Watching the images roll in from the other side of the world doesn’t feel so different, however, and while the clothes themselves are subject to a delayed release time, it’s possible to garner inspiration from both the styling techniques used, and the beauty looks.
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Perhaps in a nod to the recent home-bound situation of much of the globe, many designers have opted for no-makeup-makeup and fuss-free hair when it came to the beauty component of their presentations. Thankfully, not everyone eschewed cosmetic expression, with the likes of Dior, Balmain, Versace and Ferragamo keying looks that made a wearable statement.
Interestingly despite the prevalence of mask-wearing prompting a surge in eye makeup trends, statement eye looks were not widespread this season. Lipstick made more appearances than expected, although mostly matte and therefore with more staying power.
From easy hair updates to simple yet impactful makeup, try adding these catwalk-inspired looks to your repertoire.
Ribbon headband — Erdem
The models at Erdem’s audience-less, forest-situated runway show wore pretty, textured up-dos with thrice-wrapped ribbon around their heads. Easy enough to recreate at home, fasten your ribbon at the nape of the neck and some sea salt spray or texture powder will help it stay put on your strands.
Deep side part — Ports 1961
If you usually wear a middle part in your hair, or even a slightly closer-to-centre side part, you’ll be surprised at how much changing your parting can change your appearance. At Ports 1961, sleek side parts were worn deep and low. Achieve this by parting your hair with a comb while wet and blowdrying while brushing the front section forward and to the side. Smooth with irons if you have some and set in place with a light misting of hairspray.
Black eyeliner — Dior
Channel a punky insouciance with a graphic black eyeliner look like that at Dior’s spring 2021 show. If the full black-enclosed eye is too intense for you, or you feel it makes your eyes look too close together, try a nod to the look with a thinner smudging of black across the top lash-line and outer corners of the eye.
Orange eyes — Salvatore Ferragamo
At Salvatore Ferragamo, skin was kept visually pared-back with some models presenting a white flick on their lids, others with orange. The orange in particular is a fun one to try — keep it focused on the outer half of the eyelid, and use a brush or finger to blend into the inner part of the eye, creating a seamless gradient.
Abundant bobby pins — Dries Van Noten
Statement hair clips and slides have certainly had their time in the sun of late, however let’s not forget about the humble bobby pin, which can be impactful in numbers as shown in Dries Van Noten’s spring 2021 collection shoot. Create contemporary finger waves, or position throughout the hair for an interesting take on adornment — great for a windy day, too.
Statement lipstick — Molly Goddard, Versace, Max Mara, Balmain
Perhaps the easiest trend to get amongst, this season sees designers cracking out the lipstick in shades of saturated red. Aside from at Molly Goddard, whose models wore a slick of glossy red with a swept-over side part, the most popular finish is matte, stamped on for maximum longevity.
Twisted bun — Elie Saab
Another easy summer up-do, Elie Saab paired his romantic dresses with lovely low buns. Try on yourself by parting your hair in the middle, and twisting the front section of either side away from your face before securing in a bun. If you have shorter pieces around the front, tease a couple out with your fingertips for a more relaxed finish.
