Expressive beauty is the new wave hitting the 40th London Fashion Week runways. This year’s Spring/Summer 2024 shows were more than fashion statements. They were a display of bold self-expression, challenging norms and revealing a fearless side of beauty. Backstage, you could feel the energy shift as makeup artists, hairstylists, and nail designers pushed boundaries, turning models into walking art pieces.

Gone are the days of predictable looks for good. Now, expressive beauty takes center stage, making each look a memorable statement.

At this year’s shows, beauty took on an edge, moving away from minimalism and embracing striking colors, textures, and designs. Models didn’t just wear makeup. They owned it, showcasing looks that demanded attention. From textured sixties-style bouffants to crystal-studded nails, London Fashion Week served a feast for the eyes.

A Bold Move Toward Expressive Beauty at LFW

This season’s shift toward expressive beauty was evident right from the start. It is clear that beauty professionals and designers decided to abandon the “less is more” approach, opting instead for bold and vibrant choices. As the models walked down the runway, every detail contributed to a sense of fearless individuality.

Marca / From bold eyeliners to intense blush and intricate nail art, it is safe to say that London’s beauty teams were on a mission to redefine fashion week beauty standards.

Hair, makeup, and nails at the 40th London Fashion Week didn’t just complement the clothes. They told their own stories. This shift toward more daring looks might have surprised some. But it resonated with audiences craving something fresh.

Thus, expressive beauty proved that beauty is not just an accessory to fashion. Instead, it is a powerful form of self-expression.

The Return of Sixties Glamour at the 40th London Fashion Week

One standout trend in the sea of expressive beauty was the revival of sixties-style bouffants and beehives. The beauty team at Bora Aksu, led by the talented Syd Hayes, took the classic bouffant and gave it a modern twist. Think textured finishes with a touch of volume, creating an effortlessly cool look that adds drama without feeling overdone. Sure! It was a nod to the past but reinvented for the modern woman.

Meanwhile, Tolu Coker’s show took the beehive style up a notch, pairing it with graphic white eyeshadow swooshes. Thus, this mix of vintage and modern created a striking contrast that felt fresh and original.

Nails Take Center Stage

Nail artist Ama Quashie introduced a new level of creativity with hand-sewn crystal tassels on the nails of Nensi Dojaka’s models. The look was both intricate and striking, adding a unique sparkle to the runway. This detail gave the hands a playful, almost magical quality, elevating nail art to an art form that can’t be ignored.

GTN / Nails often play a supporting role in fashion shows. But at the 40th London Fashion Week, they became stars in their own right.

Quashie’s ‘petal drop’ manicures were another hit, incorporating delicate flower-like designs that felt both soft and striking. These looks showed that nails could be as expressive as makeup and hair.

A New Trend on Hair Styles

Apart from nails, hair was a key player in the expressive beauty looks on London’s runways this season. Renowned hairstylist, Cyndia Harvey brought high-impact hair to Simone Rocha’s show, combining play and performance with a unique twist inspired by the collection.

Harvey’s looks were theatrical yet wearable, turning hair into a canvas for creativity. Instead of merely complementing the outfits, these hairstyles made statements of their own, enhancing the theme of expressive beauty.

Above all, makeup artists at this year’s shows were not afraid to experiment, pushing the limits of color and design. Expressive beauty came alive in the form of bold eyeshadows, striking eyeliner, and unexpected color combinations.

Sven Kramer

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