OF ROSES AND DAISIES

New York Fashion Week has always been viewed as the strange cousin, geographically distant from the Paris-London-Milan circuit and overtly commercial. Post the beating it took last year, with major American brands Thom Browne, Joseph Altuzarra and Rodarte choosing to show in Paris, NYFW 2019 saw a return to packed schedules. The reality is that NYFW’s influence cannot be discounted; Ralph Lauren’s 50th anniversary spectacle and the return of major labels saw to that. True to form, besides silhouettes and patterns that will inspire our wardrobes in the months to come, beauty trends were extraordinarily bold, an ode to the city’s dynamic personality.

Flowers have always been part of our festival beauty rituals, making the romance that blossomed on the runways of Rodarte and Mansur Gavriel ideal for this season. With strands of petals flowing through the locks of dewy eyed models or perched precariously on chic bobs, this look is part renaissance romance and part woodland fairy. Not just for the bohemian spirit, you could equally channel Beyonce or Rihanna on the covers of Vogue to pull off this look.

At Mansur Gavriel, dainty daisies peeked through short hair, attached using eyelash glue! To pull off the look of suspended flowers, first prep your hair with a primer spray that adds some gloss and protects your hair from the glue. Next, use a texturising spray for dull or lifeless hair to mimic gentle waves. Bumble and Bumble’s prep and surf sprays are good options to build this look. Finish by artfully placing the flowers in a pattern of your choice.

Rodarte’s runway featured a more dramatic look with multi-hued roses. With multiple looks from powder blue roses in loose braids to red roses framing the face, one is spoilt for choice. As NYFW stylist Odile Gilbert notes, “the styling process is involved but doable.” According to Gilbert, washing with a shampoo and conditioner that adds volume is key, followed by styling with an extra hold mousse for extra bounce. Place the flowers to desired effect and finish with a strong hairspray to ensure the arrangement stays in place!

Will you go the minimalist route with Mansur Gavriel or embrace the diva in you with a floral crown? We are tempted by both, to be sure!