That bit of extra beauty

Headdresses, eyebrows or exuberantly coloured hair are all those special extras to make Spring and Summer all the more fun. Either teamed with the dramatic eyes and bold lips, or to stand alone they are not for the shy.

Alexander McQueen does it best, with distinct butterflies practically flying off the heads of the models. In rich reds, black and white, surrounding and framing the models faces it creates a dazzling spectacle. The model appears as if in a dream world or from a Disney film: a Snow White or Sleeping Beauty, when the princess is at one with nature. This striking head piece would not have looked out of place at Isabella Blow’s memorial service at which many of the famous were seen adorning remarkable head wear. However I am not sure where else it could be worn except Ladie’s day at the races.

Fluorescent eyebrows; all the more harder to pull off, were on the catwalks in full glory teamed with neutral make-up helping them to stand even more. They would match perfectly with the dazzling pink hair that seemed quite popular as well, seen on Agyness Deyn at Anne Sui.

These playful extras will always be around on the catwalks, but how much they are reproduced on the streets is questionable. I just hope pink eyebrows don’t become the norm.

Florals in bloom

Femininity takes over this season, and what better way to show this than delicate flowers to accessorize. Whether they are in the hair, on wrists or as broaches, flowers are in full bloom everywhere.

Sonia Rykiel was the epitome of feminine and romantic florals, where as Galliano was gold and fabulously eccentric, Giles showed delicate pink petals, plastic fringe grips were seen on Luella and crystal orchids embellished the hair of Dior by Galliano.

Florals never seem to go out of fashion when the Spring/ Summer season comes around, and this year the flowers are spreading. Ostentatious or just subtle and simplistic the flowers add a twist and bring Spring alive for the trends.

My personal favourites were the angelic look of romance by Sonia Rykiel, with oversized flower garlands on the hair in pastel delicate shades, which can be purchased for £98. The crystal embellished orchids by Galliano were my second choice which add a modern twist to what some might see as an old style.

Artistic Beauty

Sharp, flowing lines and piercing edginess of Rodarte, contrasted to the dense, graphic colour of Galliano. The theme of artistic beauty comes alive for S/S 08.

Almost cartoon-like black liquid liner creates a sharpness and drama of large endearing eyes, emphasized by the white shadow. The look just makes you stop and stare. Galliano’s approach achieves a no less theatrical result. The charcoal eyes and gemmed lips create a stagy and imposing look. Comical poses by the models add a quirky touch.

These looks are both impressive and exciting, created by James Kaliardos for Rodarte and Pat McGrath for Galliano. These looks just show how important make-up is to complete the stagy and breathtaking catwalk shows.

It should be a rule that every woman must try a new make-up approach when they go out partying: dazzle and be ostentatious, it is’nt impossible to achieve.

Baby Doll Beauty

The doll inspired trend has to be my most favourite look of S/S 08. A fantasy dream world, summed up by the John Galliano for Dior look:
Pale turquoise shadow, teamed with extravagant centred lashes and deliciously feminine rosy hues on both lips and cheeks. Grecian gold locks and curls finished the effect. C’est belle. I love it

Feminine, ethereal and eccentric, I think the doll beauty trend is wonderfully creative. Fantasy and dream-like in appearance it is a look that grown up girls dream of, and although slightly impractical for everyday, I think if you took the pale turquoise and the feminine, rosy hues it would be the perfect fresh look for S/S.

I think this look best suits young women with already pale complexions and bluey eyes. This trend of make-up will look great with the pale floral dresses of this season, to emphasise a truly feminine and delicate feel.


Luella also created a version of the ‘doll,’ with puff-balls of hair looped into bunny ears and glossy lips. Luella was the more grown-up version of the sweet doll look, however the Galliano look still remains my favourite.

80s Crazy

Extreme colour, retro style, neon and rave are all words that come to mind when thinking of the 80s. Doses of mascara, voluptuous fake eyelashes, all teamed with pastel pinks and blues and tangy oranges and yellows.

Think Madonna singing ‘Vogue’ with those bleach-blonde-highlighted waves and that unforgettable beauty spot. Think Blondie’s Deborah Harry and her platinum locks and bold eyes.


              Lagerfeld                                       Ashley Isham

S/S 08 sees another reinvention of the o-so unforgettable 80s style, with sweepings of bold colours or touches of zingy yellows and electric blues on the eyes. Plenty of blusher emphasises the look as seen by Ashley Isham or neutral clams the look as seen with Lagerfeld.

All these new looks can be achieved with the help of MAC make-up no less. Their new playful collection includes glitter and frosty pink shades, in just as pretty packaging. Called ‘Heatherette,’ it will be available from April exclusive to Selfridges and maccosmetics.co.uk.


Although not my favourite beauty look this season I think it is a great version of the 80s craziness.

Mesmerizing metallics

Gold, bronze and platinum transforms pretty princesses into metallic goddesses.

                       Prada                                          
Versace, Prada, Bottega Veneta and Richard Nicholl were among some of the designers to take on the metallic look.

Versace created a demure look using metallic to draw upon smoky eyes giving a hint of sparkle to create a grown-up sophisticated look. Prada took it one step further with an almost rock-chic look. Doses of black and tones of charcoal were teamed with burnished gold and pewter metals to create pure drama and extravagance.

Bottega Venetta took a fresh approach with just a sweep of gold sparkle, where as Richard NIcholl was the modernist and showed heavily silver clad eyes using the purist of platinum tones: simple yet extremely effective.


My favourites of the metallic trends have to be the drama of Prada and the freshness of Botttega Venetta. The extreme contradictions of the two seem to some up the metallic looks of S/S 08 for me.

Loud, Luscious Lips

Gucci’s 1940s look

If you want to make a statement, then I think either 1940s inspired red (Gucci), or crazy colourful (Louis Vuitton) is the way to go. Plus, to quote the experts at Vogue, ‘anything but subtle’ for S/S 08.

There was no need for zoom on the camera at the catwalk to see all those loud lips. Valentino and Vuitton took the avant-garde approach with greens and blues, as well as one of my personal favourites, John Galliano which used rubescent lips adorned with glistening ruby coloured gems. Beautiful! C’est Spectacle! However to contrast; the more wearable red look was seen with Daks and Bottega Veneta.
Louis Vuitton


The crazy and playful look of colours was also key for S/S 08. Louis Vuitton and Cos used pastel shades of lilac, peach and orange adorned lips, teamed with neutral make-up, creating that je ne sais quoi, adding fresh colour to the already colourful wardrobe of S/S 08.