Set within the elegant gardens of Musée Rodin, models prepare backstage with a sense of restrained beauty. The makeup, intentionally pure and devoid of excessive sparkle or contouring, exudes a luxurious feel befitting a couture show.
Makeup artist Peter Philips describes the beautiful look he created for Christian Dior's fall 2023 haute couture show as both strong and fragile.
At the request of creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri, Philips explains that the inspiration stems from the quiet power of marble statues, harmonizing with the tonal collection. The clothes themselves boast luminosity, metallic finishes, and a light colour palette.
Just a short distance away, hairstylist Guido Palau's team meticulously crafts teardrop-shaped braids, a fresh interpretation of the ouroboros plaits showcased in Dior's recent cruise show in Mexico City.
Palau reveals that Maria Grazia Chiuri sought a feminine and beautiful look, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek references where women appeared strong yet romantic. The resulting hairstyle is visually simple but technically intricate, perfectly complementing the collection's overall aesthetic.
The hair is sewn into place by hand, sometimes adding extensions to create the necessary length, and several artists surround each model to support the process. According to Palau, the classic style speaks to the collection’s spirit of connection. “Whenever you do a braid, it’s this monumental thing,” he says of its emotive qualities. “Everyone understands a braid—our grandmothers had braids. The braid has many connotations: It’s always kind of feminine and romantic.”
To see the show click here
