London Fashion Week – Beauty and Show Breakdown

Backstage J W Anderson – piecey undone hair by L’Oreal Professionnel and fresh clean makeup by NARS

Messy knotted braids at Erdem

Clubkid Crimping and fresh/grunge makeup at Topshop

Another London Fashion Week done and dusted and I think it was my best one yet. I went to some spectacular shows that left me feeling elated. Erdem, Charlotte Olmpia, Topshop and J W Anderson were my top four without doubt and I was lucky enough to have been invited backstage by both L’Oreal Professionnel and MAC to see up close and personal the beauty looks.

The one key theme throughout all of my favourite shows (except Charlotte Olympia) was an undone sexiness to the hair and makeup – it wasn’t your typical loud and in your face catwalk beauty, instead it was paired down and felt like it complimented the clothes without detracting from them. I’ve found myself influenced by all of the shows I went to and have worn my hair in braids (hello Erdem), crimped (Topshop) and with a super soft bend and minimal fuss or volume (J W Anderson) since – a key product used backstage was L’Oreal Professionnel Pli spray which I actually already use every time I style my hair – it gives waves a beautiful texture and keeps them lasting much longer, it’s also great for building subtle volume and movement on more undone styles.

It’s easy to dismiss catwalk beauty as being unrelatable but I think this season was a reflection of our times – a move away from the overly smokey eyes and tonged curls, and a move towards something a bit more effortless – think Veronika Heilbrunner and Clemence Poesy over Cheryl or Kim Kardashian.

Fruity and fabulous at Charlotte Olympia

Charlotte Olympia was spectacular spectacular with bananas galore and harked back to Copacabana days – Val Garland channeled Charlotte Olympia herself as the makeup muse – think toned down brick red lips (MAC Matte liquid lipstick in Dance With Me – I need it in my life ASAP) and clean smooth skin. The nails were also captivating – a bespoke blend of rose gold and and bronze which I also need in my life for Christmas party season – the shoes were obviously stunning as well – full of colour and fruit and paired with 1940s tailoring – I am Autumn’s number one fan but these last few days have had me slowly start to etch ideas of SS17 outfits- so stay tuned for those!

What are your favourite looks from LFW?