Milan A/W ’12: Dear Alberta Ferretti, where have all the good girls gone?

Mon, 27 February 2012 11:12AM

Things we expect from Alberta Ferretti: feminine, floor-sweeping gowns that are high on celebrities’ wish-lists come awards season. Also, runway shows rich in ladylike fabrics, pleats, draping and elegant embellishment. All accessorised with pretty, girlish makeup and flowing hair.

Things we do not expect from Alberta Ferretti: models sporting slick, masculine chignons and pared-back faces.

So you can imagine our surprise when looks like this hit the runway last week for Milan Fashion Week.

“But where are the romantic waves?” we hear you cry. “Where are the blushing cheeks and glossy lips?”

Where, indeed. It’s time to toughen up, people, because it’s no more Mrs Nice Alberta. Not this season. Think honed, matt skin, chiseled cheeks and lids, sharp brows and nude, no-nonsense lips, all courtesy of make-up director, Diane Kendal for MAC, who described the look as “strong and sculpted.” She primed models’ faces with moisturiser and simply perfected complexions with MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation, $52, used a concealer. That shine-free look was thanks to MAC Prep + Prime Translucent Finishing Powder, $42. For us mere mortals, though, we’d probably use the foundation as an all-over base, blended on with a foundation brush, for slightly more coverage.

And the hair. The hair! “There seems to be a toughness going around,” said über-stylist Guido Palau.  You don’t say, Guido. Your low, centre-parted, super slick chignon takes no prisoners. But in the chicest possible way, naturally. (PS. You can nail that same sheen with Palau’s weapon of choice, Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist, $29.95).

The jury is currently out on this hair-and-make-up combo for us. While we love its sleek simplicity, we can’t help but feel it’s going to be difficult to pull off in the Primped office. Let’s face it – a slick, low-slung bun paired with a nude, matt lip is rather more fierce than flattering, especially under fluoro lights.

So, are you ready to get tough with your hair and make-up?

Or does trading in your candy-pink pout and rosy cheeks make you want to run for the hills, shouting, “Not without my lipgloss!”?

Text: Emily Taylor

 

 

Posted by: Emily Taylor

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Tags: a/w '12, alberta ferretti, foundation, mac, Milan Fashion Week 2012, natural-looking makeup, New season makeup trends, primer, redken, runway trends