Similarly, glossy complexions took centre stage at 16 Arlington, where a pared-back “skin-first approach” kept the focus firmly on Marco Capaldo’s flamboyant design signature. Paired with tactile accessories, exquisite tailoring and flashes of tinsel-like fur, Lauren Parsons’ make-up declared skinimalism the ultimate match for extravagant occasionwear.
Slick talk
Tolu Coker
Henry Nicholls
The perfect companion to glassy skin? Glossy lids and wet-look waves, of course. Lans Nguyen-Grealis served up a lustrous beauty look worth emulating at Tolu Coker, with an application method that even a make-up novice can nail. Take a swipe of multipurpose gloss over bare skin to add sheen and interest to a basic base. And if you didn’t plan on a pixie crop for 2024, fret not: Tolu’s team transformed a suite of wigs to create the retro style. Taking inspiration from the finger waves of ’60s fame, “wigs were waved and set to air dry with gel, ” lead hair artist Efi Davies explained. For a natural, modern finish, she then ”soaked” them in copious amounts of shine spray “to break the hold but keep the shape.” The result? Laminated locks with a modish edge to keep on your hair mood board.
Emilia Wickstead
Mirroring the super smooth visages (thanks to Eve Lom’s luxe skincare formulas), models sported slick side partings at Emilia Wickstead. Swooped to the extreme and a little gamine, hairstylist Ali Pirzadeh sleeked all strands with hairspray except those at the edges, keeping baby hairs fluffy and lending softness to the structured style. We’re calling it: this is the cool girl’s take on classic slicked-back hair. Brush firm-hold hairspray through your roots and mid-lengths with a rat tail comb, then smooth it with a hairdryer to achieve the look.
Richard Quinn
Lia Toby
Deep, sleek side parts were the style du jour at Richard Quinn, where Sam McKnight channeled ’80s couture via his elaborate up-dos. Right at home on a runway renowned for its regal bridal gowns, the look takes considerable coiffing but is easier to achieve than you might think. Part your hair into two halves, smoothing the back half into a French pleat using hairspray and chignon pins. For the front, follow McKnight’s method for finessing a slick side swoop: wave with wide curlers, brush into a curving bang and swirl ends up into your pinned twist at the crown. Elegance epitomised.