“You are a priestess going to the temple at the top of the hill. You are fierce, serene, strong, and you have a purpose…” read the signs backstage at the Valentino Spring 2016 Haute Couture show, intended to motivate the models to channel their inner enchantress before taking to the ranunculus-strewn runway barefoot.
Renowned hairstylist Guido Palau and makeup artist Pat McGrath collaborated to craft an ethereal, out-of-this-world beauty look for Valentino. For the hair, the models’ tousled locks were parted down the middle and tucked away from their faces. A half-up mini chignon sat below the golden, custom serpentine headpieces designed by Harumi Klossowska de Rola—the daughter of the late French artist Balthus. Palau then twisted stray pieces of hair into loose plaits that ran down the lengths of the hair—an haute nod to the cornrows at Valentino’s ready-to-wear show.
Meanwhile, McGrath highlighted the models’ natural beauty, and kept the focus on a radiant and flawless complexion. A daub of blush on the apples of the cheeks emphasized the models’ from-within glow. Eye makeup did not call for any eyeliner, or mascara; instead, McGrath framed the peepers with a rust-toned eyeshadow and added a hint of gold to the inner corners of the eyes to make them pop. The refreshing look was completed with neatly groomed brows and bare lips.
