As a devoted fashion enthusiast, Paris Fashion Week has always been the most exciting season of the year for me. It’s the time when renowned brands and designers; such as Dior, Chanel, Miu Miu, and many more unveil their collections, the results of a year’s worth of painstaking work and creativity.
Earlier this month, from Sept. 26 to Oct. 3, the world watched as brands showcased their Spring and Summer 2024 collections. The audience at these fashion shows is comprised of magazine editors, buyers, loyal clients, and influential figures in the media, including fashion influencers.
This year’s Paris Fashion Week saw one particular individual steal the limelight for her makeup-free look: Pamela Anderson. Best known for her iconic role in the television series “Baywatch,” her appearances in Playboy magazine, her activism, and her personal life in the early ’90s as the wife of Tommy Lee, Anderson made headlines and stirred discussions about her decision to go makeup-free.
For a Vogue France “Get Ready With Me” interview, as she prepared for the Vivienne Westwood show, she disclosed that she doesn’t rely on “handlers” or a “glam team.” She mentioned that at first, she didn’t go to Paris with the intent of not wearing any makeup, but it was something that came to her as she was trying on her clothes. She decided that the clothes should have all the attention and do all the talking, and that true beauty comes from within.
She argued that chasing youth and conforming to beauty standards depicted in magazines would only lead to disappointment and sadness. She emphasized that, at her age, she shouldn’t be concerned about others’ opinions; she should be unapologetically herself. Instead of spending hours in a makeup and hair chair, she preferred exploring the city and savoring life.
In a moment when scrutiny of appearance is intense, she arrived barefaced and left everyone stunned by her natural beauty. She was the headline of many beauty and fashion magazines, some supporting her decision to go makeup-free, and others scrutinizing it. “I feel like it’s just freedom, it’s a relief,” Anderson said, adding that this is the happiest she’s ever been in her own skin.
As a college student in my 20s, I often place an immense amount of pressure on myself to maintain a flawless appearance and to consistently leave a positive first impression. It’s as if dressing up and putting makeup on is similar to wearing armor, and I’m prepared to face the challenges of the day. Witnessing Pamela confidently go for a makeup-free look on one of the world’s most prestigious fashion stages is simply inspiring. It’s a reminder that we can embrace the freedom to be ourselves, stand proudly in our own skin, and break free from the confines of societal expectations.