At the end of last year, it was predicted that ‘skinmalism’ would be the beauty trend to reign supreme in 2021. And, if the looks that have come out Milan Fashion Week’s autumn/winter 2021 shows are anything to go by, the era of undone beauty has well and truly begun.
With most designers eschewing bright makeup looks in favour of almost-bare faces and swapping statement hairstyles for more natural, pared-back ‘dos, this season’s trends were of the subtler, micro variety, with unexpectedly small details making all the difference.
From Prada to Max Mara, Fendi and beyond, see the biggest beauty trends to come out of Milan Fashion Week autumn/winter 2021.
MAX MARA: Smokey Smudges And ‘No Makeup’ Makeup
Following the timeless ‘rule’ of choosing to highlight either the eyes or the lips, Max Mara opted for gli occhi, smudging soft, smokey tones of olive and charcoal across models’ lids, while the visage was kept pared-back, with real, beautifully ‘imperfections’ shining through.
FENDI: Relaxed Glamour
Inspired by the women of the Fendi family, Fendi’s Milan Fashion Week gave us a glimmer of relaxed glamour through its beauty looks. Providing polish through elegantly groomed brows, softly made faces, slightly dishevelled locks and casually pinned hair imbued the looks with a sense of nonchalance.
PRADA: Slicked-Back Strands And Stray ‘Side Burns’
Renowned hairstylist Guido Palau’s artistry was on full display at Prada, where he picked up from where last season’s blunt cuts left off, this time with roguishly elegant slicked-back strands and free flowing ‘side burns’ for texture. Dame Pat McGrath kept the faces simple, blending faint metallic shadows across the eyelids for the faintest hint of shimmer.
MOSCHINO: Old Hollywood Meets Expressionism
An over-the-top escape into the extraordinary, Moschino’s star-studded autumn/winter ’21 presentation saw a fusion of beauty themes emerge: most notably the marriage of old Hollywood glamour, seen through dramatic side parts and scarlet lips, with expressionism, as makeup artist Kabuki painted a number of the models with bright, bold brushstrokes.
VALENTINO: Dramatic Fringes
Whether razor sharp and skimming the lashes, or emerging from a deep side part and swept across the cheekbones, Valentino’s foray into fringing this season was decidedly dramatic in nature—a fitting choice for the show’s teatro setting.
ETRO: Soft Smokey Eyes And Face-Framing Braids
A little bit ’90s with a bohemian twist, hairstylist Sam McKnight kept models locks natural at the Etro autumn/winter ’21 show, save for two face-framing braids that playfully elevated the look. To accompany the style, makeup artist Petros Petrohilos gave each model their version of a soft smokey eye and allowed clean, natural-looking skin to shine.
