Chanel Catwalk Makeup

MAKEUP ARTIST: Tom Pecheux

HAIR ARTIST: Sam McKnight

Chanel's S/S 2016 Catwalk makeup was not completely outrageous and was carefully constructed to match the theme and the garments perfectly. The most notable makeup seen on most of the models was the blue painted shape across their eyes:

       



When looking at the whole show, it is apparent that this was done to mimic the shape of the large sunglasses that some of the models were wearing. In the video below from the backstage of the Chanel show, the creative director, Karl Lagerfeld, says how his inspiration for this look came from the colour of the sky. Therefore the travel theme has inspired the makeup too. I found this an interesting adaption that suited the clothes and the theme of the show so well. The pale blue colour did not overshadow the garments, nor the faces or hair.

To create this look, firstly Chanel's Hydra Beauty range was used to prep the skin. This range consists of moisturisers that intend to hydrate any type of skin. This shows that the intention of the makeup artists was to have a base of healthy, glowing skin, which translates in the above photos. Following this, their Blue Rhythm de Chanel Fall 2015 makeup collection was used to create this look.






From looking at this collection, it can be assumed that this blue look was created using eyeshadow. It is interesting finding out this information, as with a first glance I assumed that this look was created using paint. However the use of eyeshadow explains its matte finish and soft edges. I watched a youtube video showing the backstage of the show, and the makeup artists are using paintpots. It is possible that the eyeshadow has been mixed with a medium to create a consistency that can be easily painted onto the face. It is also apparent from photos that highlighting has been used around the eyes, which I assume is one of the pearl coloured eyeshadows.



The video:

There wasn't much more to this makeup look than these products. The eyebrows were left natural, as were the lips with a touch of shine. 'Less is more' is a relevant quote in this case; minimal products has been used to create quite a striking look. Moreover, it adhered to the popular trend of the use of the colour blue that was seen throughout the S/S 2016 fashion weeks.

In terms of hair, the styles were also simple, but accessorised to match the eccentricity of the clothes. Shiny silver accessories were used, either as clasps or as headbands:

    

   

The most common hairstyle during the show was this plain look. It consisted of a middle parting and two pigtails at the back, fastened with a metal clasp. The models had a variation of metal headbands that ranged in thickness and detail, depending on the garments. In the video Karl states that these were used as they replicate the hardware of aeroplanes, which is an innovative adaption. The hair was left in its natural texture it seems, which conforms to the old fashioned inspiration that was throughout the show. As Karl says in the featured video: the styles have to be inspired by daily life as these are 'Ready to Wear' and that has to be translated in the show.

Sources

SS16: The backstage beauty report (2015) Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/beauty/make-up/spring-summer-2016-make-up-trends/ (Accessed: 18 February 2016).

HYDRA BEAUTY - HYDRATION, PROTECTION, RADIANCE (no date) Available at: http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/hydra-beauty-130667 (Accessed: 18 February 2016).

Tunell, A. and Staff, H.B. (2015) Backstage beauty: Mini braids & Mod lashes at Louis Vuitton. Available at: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/g6283/best-hair-makeup-paris-fashion-week-spring-2016/?slide=4 (Accessed: 18 February 2016).

MODTV (2015) CHANEL spring 2016 fashion show backstage ft Karl Lagerfeld, Cara Delevingne | MODTV. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RWEUppjik0 (Accessed: 18 February 2016).