A/W ’11 Paris: Why brown takes the crown this season

Tue, 8 March 2011 7:42AM

While our makeup bags start getting excited about all the colour coming their way, there’s another strong trend emerging from the A/W ’11 shows that sees far fewer bold, bright, intense shades of makeup and many more neutral, taupe, peachy apricot sprinkles of colour instead. The look, if I was to put a word to it, would be Earthly – as it resembles something almost heavenly, with perfect skin, natural shades of makeup, and a real sense of purity.

The fashion world often mimics what’s going on within the global community, Primpers. There’s a strong theory that suggests when the world is suffering financially, the fashion world reacts by hiking up hemlines and having a parade of mini-skirted models walking down the runway. When things start to lift, as they are now, the hemlines drop and clothes become longer, more layered and generally less flirty. True story.

Such is the case with beauty, as the hair and makeup of each show needs to be in harmony with the clothes. So, we’re seeing colour, to celebrate the slow return to normal after the GFC, and we’re seeing really natural, pared-back makeup, in reflection to our increased awareness of all things nature related. There’s no denying the clear shift in perception when it comes to global warming, organic living and all things holistic. The world is changing, and fashion is always one of the first industries to catch on.

So, let’s look at what I’m talking about…

First up, we have the barely there makeup at Akris, which was created by makeup artist Diane Kendal.

Akris A/W ’11

Blending a reddish-brown grease paint over a taupe-color pencil on the models’ eyelids, Kendal kept the eyes mascara-free and the skin fresh and soft with a little foundation and a peach creme blush.

Issey Miyake A/W ’11

The same can be said for Issey Miyake, where makeup artist Lucia Pieroni created simply made up faces with an almost ethereal finish thanks to a touch of highlighter on the inner corners of the eye. Like many of the other makeup looks this season, the brows were slightly darkened and well groomed, and the lips were kept bare, save for the odd bit of balm.

Balmain A/W ’11

One of our favourite shows every season here at PRIMPED HQ is Balmain, which is known for its effortless style and ultra-cool hair and makeup choices. This season, makeup artist Tom Pecheux created a makeup look that he described to WWD as “transparent”, with cream finish products in brown shades to demonstrate the look. Notable mention also needs to go to the hair here, with stylist Sam McKnight wanting to bring that natural, rock ‘n roll feel to the hair. Love this!

Balenciaga A/W ’11

With our favourite Aussie export, Miranda Kerr, returning to fashion week for a brief sprint down the runway at Balenciaga, we were thrilled to see that fresh skin still reigns supreme. With bare lashes and lips being offset with a subtle dose of peach creme blush on the cheeks, this look is super simple, and super fresh, Primpers.

Dries Van Noten A/W ’11

Continuing our fresh-faced parade is the makeup at Dries, where makeup artist Peter Phillips used a golden highlight around the models’ eyes. Aside from that, the skin was kept relatively bare, with mascara and blush being left on the shelf in favour of something more, well, natural Primpers.

Rochas A/W ’11

And finally, we have Rochas, where Lucia Pieroni was at it again with this taupe-coloured delight. Pieroni told WWD that the look she created was a “little bit Nineties”, with the skin left naturally shiny with a taupe-colored eye shadow applied to lids with a gloss. The lips were also coated with a gloss in a pretty peach shade. Winner!

So, while there’s definitely a resurgence of colour and fun and brights this season, expect to see more of this Earthly beauty taking centre-stage as well, Primpers. Stick to tones of brown, taupe and cream, with subtle highlights of gold on your inner eyes. When it comes to your lips, add a balm or subtle peach gloss and if you’re up to it, ditch your mascara for a day, too.

Tell me Primpers…

What do you think of this look?

What is your favourite look above?

Are you more of a colour or barely there girl?

Posted by: Yasemin Trollope

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Tags: AW11, beauty, beauty trends, makeup, miranda kerr, peach makeup, runway trends