At New York, Fashion Week this weekend, playful pops of feel-good color abounded in the form of radical dye jobs and high-voltage statement makeup, as did graphic accents that were just as traffic-stopping as the miscellany of bright and inspired ensembles on the street. An understated glamour entered the equation, too—even Alexander Wang, long known for his effortless downtown cool, exchanged unkempt lengths and sultry eyes for blowouts and a supernatural glow for his Spring 2018 runway show. But perhaps the greatest beauty lesson so far has come from designers such as Eckhaus Latta and Chromat, who have made individuality on the runway their calling card—both baby bumps and anti-chafing thigh straps made scene-stealing cameos this week. Here, eight show-stopping beauty takeaways from the Spring 2018 collections.
Technicolor Hair Is Having a Moment
Nobody does a beauty transformation quite like Alexander Wang, who season after season breathes new life into his models by way of dramatic cuts and colors. And, of course, Spring 2018 was no different. Backstage, London hairstylist Josh Wood took model Stella Lucia’s lengths from platinum to a ’90s Kate Moss-inspired fuchsia—an eight-hour affair that put a definitive bright spot on the week.
Inclusivity on the Runways Has Never Looked More Authentic
Most editors can count on one hand the number of times they’ve seen a pregnant model on the catwalk—which is why when artist Maia Ruth Lee showed up in Eckhaus Latta’s Spring 2018 show with a bare baby bump people sat up and took note. Preceded by the scene-stealing appearance of anti-chafing thigh bands at Chromat and a move toward street-cast models with individual looks, there’s only one question left to ask: Are the fashion tides finally (really!) changing towards inclusivity of all shapes and sizes? Let’s hope so.
The Graphic Eye Is Fierce and Feminine
Forget the classic smoky eye or subtle feline flick. This week, it was all about high-impact eyeliner offered up in tantalizing shapes and hues. Tom Ford kicked off the Fashion Week festivities with a glossy and glittery rounded cat eye, while military green “fingerprints” jutted out from the lids of models like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner at Jason Wu. For a lighter take, look no further than the thin white stripes sketched long and underneath lower lash lines at Ulla Johnson. And for a look that’s not too heavy, not too light, turn to Diane von Furstenberg’s thin arches made of black liquid liner that makeup artist Diane Kendal positioned between bare lashes and statement brows. The tripling effect feels just right.
The Bob Is Making a Street Style Comeback
Bobs, the reigning beauty take-home from the Fall 2017 shows, clearly made an impression on street style stars, many of whom showed up this season with above-the-shoulder cuts. Platinum or Smurf blue, sleek or tousled, this is one trend that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. So queue up, and cut it off.
Kaia Gerber Is NYFW’s Model of the Moment
If there was any doubt that Kaia Gerber was the next big industry It girl, her New York Fashion Week debut—during which the leggy brunette walked her first runway for Calvin Klein and opened Alexander Wang’s show in Brooklyn—sealed the deal. Superstardom is in her genes, after all.
There’s a Hair Accessory for Everyone
Elastic neon bands. Ribbon-laced plaits. Scrunchies made from vintage fabrics (yes, they’re a thing!). This season, the hair accessory got a Fashion Week upgrade everywhere from the city’s streets to shows like Fenty x Puma and Mansur Gavriel.