FASHION chose 8 of the freshest beauty looks to grace the Spring 2008 runways, and asked three men to weigh in.
Photography by Peter Stigter
To say ta ta to a very long winter, FASHION has chosen eight of the freshest beauty looks from the Spring 2008 runways and asked three men to weigh in.
Meet our panel:
Greg Wencel, hair and makeup artist for the Plutino Group
Tony Cape, advertising consultant, The Mississauga News
Mike Astbury, web administrator, St. Joseph Media
Gucci Spring 2008
Trend: Smoky eye
_____________________________________Greg: “This is my favourite of all the looks. It’s the ultimate femininity. What woman wouldn’t want lush gorgeous hair and sexy smoldering eyes?”
Tony: “So good. The smoky eye contrasting with the blond hair is very hot, maybe a little too hot. She’s intimidating–I don’t think I’d ever end up in the same room as this woman let alone actually have a conversation with her. But she looks phenomenal.”
Mike: “Intense. I don’t think it would work for everybody, but the right person could stare a hole through anything with eyes like that.”
Christian Dior Spring 2008
Trend: Hair jewellery
_____________________________________Greg: “This is not really my style. I like looks that have more of a modern minimalist feel. Big, bold, busy hair accessories are way too reminiscent of ‘over the top 80’s Dynasty.”
Tony: “That is some serious bling. I would like it if it was a little less prominent. Her head is in the right place, but I think there’s a bit too much jewellery. Ya, if it was half the size, I think I would really dig it.”
Mike: “Certainly unique, but hardly practical. Where would you wear this? It doesn’t look like the most comfortable thing to wear, either.”
Calvin Klein Spring 2008
Trend: Au naturel
_____________________________________Greg: “Fresh, clean, beautiful neutral makeup. This look is appropriate for women of any age. It is a very natural and youthful look.”
Tony: “How can you not like au natural? It works for so many different situations and it shows confidence–very nice. It helps that this model is pretty attractive. Some people do need a bit of makeup. Does saying that make me a bad person?”
Mike: “Perhaps this is just personal preference for girls with little makeup, but this may be my favourite look of the bunch. ‘Plain’ but very natural and pretty, why hide it?”
Anna Sui Spring 2008
Trend: Crayon-bright streaks
_____________________________________Greg: “Pop Art coloured hair extensions are visually exciting to see in a fashion show or a look in a fashion editorial. I think this look caters to a specific age; it has a very junior and playful vibe.”
Tony: “Definitely not for everyone, but I still like it. If my girlfriend came home with those streaks, I might be a bit rattled, but this look makes me think that she would be pretty interesting to have as a friend.”
Mike: “Hair like this makes me think ‘adolescent,’ like somebody just found their first bottle of dye and chose random strips of hair. Reminds me of Avril Lavigne when she first came out, not in a good way.”
Antonio Berardi Spring 2008.
Trend: Tangerine Lips
_____________________________________Greg: “It’s refreshing to see a bold bright lip. In my opinion, having a matte opaque lip colour is not that wearable. Opt to doing a softer version; try using a sheer tangerine gloss instead.”
Tony: “Funky! Orange lipstick is not an easy look to pull off, but she does it with the matching top. It’s maybe not something to wear to church, but very good for a night out. I’m not sure, but I think her strong cheekbones help make it look good. I feel like she would steel the spotlight at an Asian-themed place.”
Mike: “Very striking. I really like the shade. Nice and simple, but definitely works on its own. Lovely.”
Roberto Cavalli Spring 2008
Trend: Teased updo
_____________________________________Greg: “This is my least favourite of all the looks. Sometimes bigger is not always better! This hair looks way too costume-y, it reminds me of how a person who woke up from a 10 year coma would look like.”
Tony: No thanks. I know the bed head look is cool (for guys), but I didn’t know the “I’ve just been in a tornado” look was popular. If her hair was even remotely normal, she’d look terrific.”
Mike: This poor model looks like she was on the losing end of a fight between the ’80s and a tornado - And then slept on it.”
Christian Dior Spring 2008
Trend: Dramatic shadow and crimson lips
_____________________________________Greg: “For me this has a retro feeling. A very done face, polished and super sexy.”
Tony: “Generally I’m not a fan of hats, but she pulls it off well. The dark lipstick shows a lot of confidence and her eyes are really attractive. Overall, it’s a sweet upscale-rocker look. It helps that she looks like Gwen Stefani and has a very pretty face. Again, she looks like she’d be great to hang out with. And I probably would like my girlfriend wearing this.”
Mike: Great look. The hat, the lips (the dark shade is a great choice), the eyes are all very striking. I would do a double-take as this girl passed me on her vintage Vespa heading to a rock show, only to look away quickly because she could probably take me in a fight. Intriguing.”
Antonio Marras Spring 2008
Trend: Bright lids
_____________________________________Greg: “The use of one bright shadow across the whole lid is super modern and feels very new right now. It’s bold, yet still very simple and minimal because the rest of the makeup on the face is understated.”
Tony: “She looks way too strung out for my tastes. She’s really attractive – why would she want to look like she’s been on a bender or gone 12 rounds with Muhammad Ali? So yeah, I’m not down with the really bright eyelids. I do like the outfit and the hair though.”
Mike: “I like the earthy sort of red tone on the eyes, not overly dramatic but still attention grabbing. Makes me think of nature, one of the best compliments I can give. But a different outfit could change my perspective on this one.”