The expressionists

MANILA, Philippines - Forget subtlety  minimalist beauty takes a backseat as the haute couture fall 2015 runways make a case for bold brights and standout styles. From Alberta Ferretti’s effortlessly chic updo to Valentino’s loose half-up halo to Jean Paul Gaultier’s unkempt fishtail style, the couture set showcased plaits aplenty. On the makeup front, statement lips were the talking point of the season. While an overdrawn matte red lip is paired with strong, straight brows and heavily blushed cheeks at Chanel, male model John Whiles turned heads at Maison Margiela with a swipe of cobalt on his lips. Meanwhile, electric pink puckers accented with glittery lids at Giorgio Armani Prive brought us back to the heyday of the ‘70s disco era.

When it comes to color trends, blue was the clear crowd-pleaser for fall, with the cool hue applied just about everywhere. A vibrant shade was used to paint faces and create over-the-top cat eyes at Margiela, three MAC Paint Sticks were blended to create ethereal eye shadow looks at Schiaparelli, a bright blue highlighted Gaultier’s extreme take on double-lined eyes, and Tony Ward replaced the usual noir with metallic navy to create sultry smoky lids.

Photos by KOJI ARBOLEDA  |  Styled by MJ BENITEZ  |  Makeup by OMAR ERMITA FOR SHU UEMURA  |  Hair by ETHAN DAVID

Modeled by MELISSA OF ELITE MANILA  |  Sittings by MARTIN YAMBAO  | Stylist Assisted by IYA POON