Paul Costelloe opened London fashion week this year, and the anticipation was palpable as the light went down and the first bars of music started to play. Out came a selection of models dressed in quasi Gothic garb, mixing femininely styled flawless faces with structured shoulders and pelmet skirts that paid homage to the 80's and the Elizabethan era.
It was refreshing to see how the models at Costelloe had recaptured the essence of skin, as there wasn't a hint of bronzer in sight. The trend seemed to be all about creating the perfect natural face, but one that allowed the natural tone to shine through- more about enhancing than disguising ones own complexion.
The pale trend was evident amongst the models, with the faces being kept quite bare, save for feline flicks of black eyeliner. The feminine look was juxtaposed with the use of a powerful hairstyle, an elongated backcombed beehive that added gravitas to the models.
Costelloe was very playful with his collection, enhancing the female form with silhouetted curves, and using male models with long locks to create an interesting contrast about the boundaries of feminine and masculine.