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London Fashion Week SS26 Cements a Maximalist Beauty Turn

Backstage teams elevated beauty into an overt narrative tool.

Overview

  • Statement lips led the season, with Simone Rocha’s glossy motifs and “sweet dream” lettering executed by Thomas de Kluyver using Byredo’s Liquid Lipstick Vinyl Fantôme.
  • Graphic eyes delivered high drama at Harris Reed through Charlotte Tilbury’s smoky, razor‑sharp artistry, while AK|OK pushed lived‑in black liner and Marques’Almeida referenced Amy Winehouse.
  • Hair swung from couture structure to ease, with Sam McKnight’s architectural updos at Richard Quinn and Shiori Takahashi’s tousled textures closing the week at Burberry.
  • Tactile complexions replaced bare skin, from Yadim Carranza’s mud patches at Dilara Findikoğlu to Joey Choy’s sand‑pressed faces at Labrum and clay finishes at Di Petsa.
  • Runway details stretched to nails and accessories, including Ella Vivii’s psychedelic sets at Chopova Lowena, custom looks at Harris Reed, diamond‑studded toes at Burberry, and crystal headpieces at Susan Fang.