Backstage Beauty: Curvy Models at Prada
There's been a lot of talk in the past few years about the ever-shrinking size of fashion models. But for all the discussion panels, editorials, and water cooler debates on the matter, little has actually changed on the runways of top fashion designers. Until yesterday, when Miuccia Prada kicked off the first day of Milan Fashion Week by casting several Victoria's Secret supermodels in her show.
Voluptuous beauties Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, and Doutzen Kroes (above) were flown to Milan exclusively for the show, which also included fashion's bombshell-of-the-moment Lara Stone. But they weren't sent down the runway in skintight dresses or leggy mini skirts. Instead, all the models were clad in classic 60s feminine shapes-A-line dresses, princess coats, and dresses with ruffles on the bodice or inverted darts at the bustline that amplified the chest, though in the least revealing way. In these clothes, the voluptuous models especially seemed to represent the type of beauty that was revered back in 1950s and '60s.
Related: Coco Rocha, Size 4: Too Fat for the Runway?
Backstage before the show, makeup artist Pat McGrath said of the look, "It's a womanly, curvy type of beauty. It's very beautiful, but at the same time, there's a dark twist." That twist-which seemed to offset the shapelier silhouette and keep things distinctly Prada-came in the form of dark, exaggerated eyebrows and a grand updo. McGrath swiped lash glue on the brow hairs to give them an almost prickly texture, then drew them in with brown and black liquid eyeliner for an intensified effect. Hairstylist Guido created a supersized bun that jutted off the back of the head, then cinched the front of the hair with a wide, knitted headband.
So what does it signify for the season when the intellectual woman's fashion hero-who also happens to be one of the most influential designers-sends pinup lingerie models down her runway? Stay tuned-this is only the beginning of the European shows!
Photo Credit: WWD
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