It’s that time of the year again…back to school, back to style. New York Fashion Week (NYFW) and the start of the academic year often go hand in hand, and both look a little different this year. Thankfully, technology is helping both institutions move forward despite a global pandemic.

One of the first virtual fashion shows to take place at NYFW for Spring/Summer 2021 was Jason Wu. According to the designer, “For Spring 2021, I was inspired by my home away from home, Tulum. I wanted to create a collection that reminds me of the bright, tropical hues that recall so many happy memories. The theme of the collection is about escapism–because fashion should inspire us and make us feel happy. It has been really fun exploring the more casual side of the Jason Wu woman, which is why I decided to show my more casual contemporary counterpart line for the first time on the runway.”

At the show, the inspiration for hairstyling was soft and approachable, created to let individuality and natural texture shine through.

According to Lead Stylist Holli Smith, who used az Craft Luxury Haircare available on azhaircare.com and coming soon to a salon near you, “The look is very at ease to compliment the collection's more casual feel. We are celebrating every hair texture represented on the runway and treating each model individually based on their hair length, cut and texture. There are models with straight, wavy, curly and coiled textures.

“Some have shorter cuts and some have braided hair. We thought it was best for some to have an easy, dry low ponytail with their own hair textures to expose the neckline of the clothing. Others have their hair down in a messy but soft texture and those with shorter hair had the best version of their own look,” she added.

Meanwhile, nails at the show were sleek and nude. “The look is super clean and fresh—a new beginning. I'm feeling a squoval nail shape to remind us how strong we are,” noted Celebrity Manicurist Deborah Lippmann.

Maybelline New York created the backstage makeup look for the Jason Wu SS21 show.

 “When you’re on vacation you don’t really wear much makeup,” said Erin Parsons, Lead Artist for Maybelline New York, of the faux freckles, sun-kissed glow that complimented the tropical set in Jason Wu’s Spring Summer 2021 collection.

“We applied Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Coffee Edition in Espresso Enthusiast and Chai Genius since the models had to wear masks following application, and we knew that the makeup would not move,” said Parsons of models’ statement faux freckles.

Maybelline New York also created the backstage makeup look for the Christian Siriano SS21 show held at the designer’s home in Connecticut.

According to Vincent Oquendo, Lead Artist for Maybelline New York, “I’ve always been inspired by old Hollywood stars, and Edie Sedgwick in particular as an Andy Warhol muse always wore bold eyeliner. Christian’s inspiration images were more modern,” said Oquendo, “and when I saw the collection’s colors and textures it made me think of Warhol. I wanted to replicate those textures on the eye.”

First, he used Tattoo Studio Sharpenable Gel Pencil in Deep Onyx on the lash line, starting from the outer to inner corner. Leaving the lid completely bare, he then added liner directly into the crease and connected the two lines to create a sideways V-shape. Next, Oquendo applied two layers of Hyper Easy Liquid Liner in Pitch Black to the lash line, bringing the liner to the inner tear duct for an elongated effect.

Using Tattoo Studio Sharpenable Gel Pencil in Polished White, he then drew a triangle from the outer crease of the lid to the middle of the eye, topping liner with the yellow shade from the City Mini Eyeshadow Palette in Hi-Rise Sunset. To finish, lashes were coated with Volum’ Express Colossal Mascara to deliver bold volume instantly. 

Oquendo used Brow Extensions Fiber Pomade Crayon to softly fill brows, followed by Brow Ultra Slim Pencil for extra definition. 

Next, he used Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer under the eyes. Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation was applied all over for a flawless finish and set with Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Powder. Following, Cheek Heat Gel Cream Blush in Nude Burn and Fuchsia Spark were layered onto cheekbones for a healthy flush. To prep lips, Oquendo swiped Baby Lips in Quenched on the lips and finished with a coat of Superstay Ink Crayon in Trust Your Gut. 

Maybelline recently rolled out a variety of makeup products for the season, as reported in Happi.

In other news, Pantone revealed its color predictions for the Spring and Summer season, as reported in Happi.