One of my favourite parts of Fashion Week is going backstage among the fashion madness to see first hand what the runway trends for the following season will be like. I can’t put into words how much I love it. I’m like a child at Christmas getting a sneak peek at everything from beauty to fashion among the energy of everyone getting ready for the big reveal.
In today’s post I’m talking about backstage beauty inspiration of two amazing designers where I had the honor to go backstage and see the trends for 2018. The first was the Christian Siriano show and the other, Naeem Khan. Both designers paid attention to all elements of beauty from hair, makeup and nails yet achieved completely different looks. They stood out to me the most at NYFW and I’ve been trying to put this post together since then ( note: there are LOTS of photos in this post!!)
Christian Siriano SS 2018 show
The Christian Siriano show is always my favourite, I’m possibly biased as he uses incredible diversity in his shows but I’ve been a fan for such a long time on everything he does. It was held at the beautiful Pier 59 with his SS 2018 collection being inspired by a “fantasy greenhouse” where various botanic plants and flowers come to life in a beautiful romanticised way. I’ve added some of my favourite looks from his collection at the bottom of the beauty section where you will see a variation of bold colours to interesting textures and prints that are still feminine but to also says “strong” which I loved the most. 
Hair was kept strong and structured from details viking inspired plaits for those with longer hair and sleek straight style for those with shorter hair.
Kiss NY were the nail experts backstage at the show. The nails for this particular show certainly took the spotlight in the beauty stakes as makeup was kept quite soft and minimal. Nail art was really playful and definitely fun. Various printed nail styles all incorporated and reflected Siriano’s SS 2018 as well as certainly grabbing the attention of back stage press and photographers with the intricate detail led by lead manicurist Gina Edwards. When speaking with Gina she said loved the fact that nails can be part of your everyday life not just special occasions. It can easily be worn day to night, casual or dressy. Something that definitely seems to be on the beauty radar for 2018 – the statement nails which you can also see in the Naeem Khan section too.
Some of the key nail products used
Makeup
Makeup was by US brand ELF – I was lucky enough to meet the team back stage who mentioned they are now stocking in the UK & Ireland! The skin was bright, dewy and radiant with a soft natural brow. They did however go for more volume in terms of mascara in keeping with Siriano’s botanical “blooming” feel.
Designer Christian Siriano backstage speaking with his models before the show.
My favourite runway looks
Naeem Khan
The Naeem Khan show took place a few days later at NYFW at Skylight Clarkson Square who took an alternative hair and beauty approach with a “more is more” attitude. His collection itself was inspired by Russian prima ballerina Anna Pavlova who became most established in 1905 in the role of ” The Dying Swan”. Across his collection you could see lots of feminine silhouettes, textures and colour- I’ve added my favourites below too. And while you can see elements of 1910/1920’s hair inspiration of swept back plait and floral detail, there are still hints of India inspiration, Khan’s origin, both in accessories and nail details.
High shine red lips were the key focus of the makeup look as makeup artists opted for a mix of red and burgundy tones from Maybelline. Collectively across all beauty sections everyone worked together incredibly well to create this stand out beauty look blending both the cultural heritage of the brand with the key inspiration of Anna Pavlova.
Nails by Kiss NY were pre painted a metallic silver and finished with delicate jewel accent detail. All models received mini manicures too backstage my the Kiss team.
Kerastase USA team on hair- all hands on deck for Naeem Khan show.
My favourite looks from the show
Backstage photography taken by me, runway photography via Vogue.com
Lou xxx
