09.22.13 Beauty

NYFW Fashion & Beauty Trends

BY Soraya Dayani

This post is brought to you by Olay Total Effects CC Cream

The first leg of four shows has come and gone; it really was the calm before the storm at the NYFW SS14 collections. Here is brief recap of what breezed through New York:

I should state that NY has always been the calm before the storm, with household names like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan paving the way for the rest of the minimal brigade.  There was certainly an air of minimalism from most designers; not quite like the 1990’s but referencing was definitely swiped from back in the day. Palettes ranged mostly from stark whites to neutrals with a soft punch here and there of pastels and the odd burst of acid colour used more like placements prints. The silhouettes were either elegantly three quarter length – which made me smile from ear to ear – with a Japanese influence to layering and folding, or boxy, tomboyishly girly, urban short. There seemed to be a nod to the mid-century  50’s minimalism from most shows.

My favourite shows were Joseph Altuzarra (chic), Proenza Schouler (vintage), Zimmermann (glam), Marc by Marc (fun & young), The Row (nostalgia), Honor (retro), Zero + Marie Cornejo (sporty) and Karen Walker (tomboy).

I loved them all for different reasons of course, but mostly because they are wearable and have a vintage cast to the clothes.  However, I may be holding onto my vintage dresses along with this summer’s purchases a little longer than planned as I’m not a great fan of stark whites and boxy short silhouettes which appeared more than the latter.

Joseph Altuzarra was the most memorable at NYFW. Each item was exquisitely executed, from willowy button down blouses worn loosely to three quarter length thigh-high-slit skirts that couldn’t have been more modern, stunning, and elegant; a brilliant and refreshing interpretation of the classic skirt and blouse.

The beauty was also a reflection of the collection’s ease and confident sensuality.  The make-up was created by Tom Pecheux and hair by Odile Gilbert with the approach to “Purity.”  It was the perfect beauty for a stifling NY summer.  Those who know what summer is like in New York will understand and appreciate the clean and simple looks that were created, which takes me to my own skin regime during the shows.

With early morning shows and presentations followed by celebrating magazine launches every evening, hydration is key to not looking beaten down by NYFW.  I used Olay Total Effects CC Cream which became my survival base coat every morning. It’s the perfect combo of color and correction and for once a moisturizing cream that doesn’t feel heavy on my skin.  Beauty in general was very minimal this season in NY with less on the eyes and more about prepping the skin. An example was Proenza Schouler paving the way for effortless beauty by keeping the girls natural but of course with the magic touch of their super hero beauty team. Here are some of my favourite beauty looks from NYFW.

Now looking forward to seeing what the rest will preach in London, Milan and Paris.

(Photos courtesy of Style.com)

A Londoner through and through, Soraya Dayani studied Printed & Fashion Textile design, an education she immediately parlayed into building a career as a Fashion Stylist. She got her start as a Fashion Editor at London's style bible, i-D magazine. After a stint in Paris, she now calls New York home. Since her start she's consistently worked alongside internationally renowned Photographers and Directors on various advertising campaigns, editorial shoots and music videos. Soraya has built a reputation as not only a coveted stylist but a style expert, which has led to countless collaborations with international clients to help find and define trends. You can follow Soraya on Instagram @SorayaDayani.