As one glance through September’s mega-Vogue will show you, fashion is going in a darker, more structured, less girly direction. So too are hair and make-up. Gone are the soft waves, delicate palettes, and bright floral fragrances of seasons past. This fall is for fearlessness, drama and lots of luxury.
Solid, all-over hair color is hot for fall but if you can’t live without highlights, opt for very fine ones. Giovanni Mele, artistic director and owner of Giovanni and Pileggi Salon (1701 Walnut St., 2nd Fl., Philadelphia, 215.568.3040), is a fan of ultra-blonde highlights with a light wash of subtle brown, for an interesting, variegated effect.
Cuts are taking a unique turn, with horizontal layers for an almost shaggy look. Short, modern, geometric styles with a touch of volume – think updated Twiggy – are gaining popularity.
“There are lots of straight styles out now but it’s just a matter of time before curls start to make their way back onto the scene,” said Mele. “Especially with ’80s fashion coming back the way it is.” Bangs, however, are (thankfully) staying simple. Check out the Davines line of products, especially the color-enhancing shampoo, to keep your tresses healthy. And, whatever your style, don’t forget to get a trim every six weeks or so.
Just as fall hair color is all about solid, strong hues so too is this season’s make-up. Bold red lips are back and all the buzz at Blossom (13 S. State St., Newtown, PA, 215.860.3388), a Newtown beauty boutique owned by Terry Sykes. Fresh and Paula Dorf both have great shades to make your pout go “pow.” For eyes, gunmetal, copper, olive, chestnut, and plum shadows go tastefully iridescent, and your lashes will speak volumes with falsies. Kali, a make-up artist at Blossom, recommends Shu Uemura (Madonna’s fave), so light and natural-feeling you’ll forget they’re on. Or go semi-permanent with eyelash extensions, which last for two to three months. Fall’s brow is also strong, though groomed. Think less waxed, more shaped.
Fragrance-wise, spicy, woodsy scents, as well as Orientals, are back, and musk is getting sophisticated, says Sykes. Fresh makes the unique Cannabis, while L’Artisan Parfumeur has a luxe patchouli, both of which are more night-at-the-opera then parking-lot-of-the-Phish show. Serge Lutens, a Marrakech-based perfumer, creates scents that evoke mystery and adventure, while iconic fragrances, like those from Bond no. 9., are full of confident elegance. Unisex scents are also hot.
“A fragrance doesn’t have to be marketed specifically as ‘unisex’ for it to work well on both men and women,” says Sykes. “Many lines, such as 06130 (named for the Grasse zip code where they were created), use notes of cedar, vetiver, and citrus that are perfect for both sexes.”
Cooler weather means your hands need ultra hydration, and Blossom carries some of the finest hand creams in the world. Like Crema per le Mani from Santa Maria Novella, the Italian luxury brand that’s been around since the thirteenth century, which infuses Sicilian blood orange into its creams.
So get that new cut, splurge on a new fragrance, and play up your face. Fall is all about luxurious details, and after a long hot summer, you’ve earned it.
AroundPhilly Staff
