Runway throwback: makeup looks from past fashion shows to draw inspiration from From graphic eyeshadows and sparkling lips to vibrant colors and frosty lips

Trends have a long memory, and while everyone is busy chasing yet another "new" beauty craze, the truth is much simpler: just reopen the archives of past runway shows to understand what the next big comebacks will be. Looks that had already said it all, paused only to return even cooler: graphic eyeshadows, sparkling lips, bold colors. And while we wait for trends to be officially announced, we might as well get a head start. Here are some makeup looks from past runways to inspire you this year.

Runway throwback: the most iconic makeup looks from past shows

Vivienne Westwood Fall/Winter 2014

For the Fall/Winter 2014 Gold Label show, Vivienne Westwood presented a collection that feels, and indeed is, straight out of a museum. The show took place at the V&A in London and is a collage of eras, cultures, and historical references: theatrical silhouettes, tartans, exaggerated volumes typical of Westwood. The makeup, created by Val Garland, follows the same anti-perfection logic: splashes of color on the face, geometric designs, freehand red and blue strokes, and flushed cheeks.

Chanel Fall/Winter 2012

At the Chanel Fall/Winter 2012 show, the atmosphere was icy, almost surreal: a frozen, suspended landscape. In this ultra-conceptual setting, Peter Philips, then Chanel’s creative makeup director, turned the face into a surface to decorate rather than perfect. The main focus was jeweled brows, embroidered with sequins and precious beads. The skin remained matte, almost muted, leaving full attention to that graphic, surreal detail that felt more like an art installation than a runway beauty look.

Dior Fall/Winter 2010

At the Dior Fall/Winter 2010 show, makeup was signed by the undisputed queen Pat McGrath, a living legend and the mind behind some of fashion’s most radical beauty looks. Everything here revolved around bold eyes in full Ziggy Stardust style, with graphic eyeliner and intense contrasts that made no compromises. Nothing soft or clean: colors were saturated, daring, almost futuristic.

John Galliano Spring/Summer 2008

At the John Galliano Spring/Summer 2008 show, makeup was again by Pat McGrath, turning models into true disco dolls with a slightly vampy charm. The iconic element was lips fully covered in rhinestones, catching the light with every step. Eye colors ranged from deep black to icy blue.

Maison Margiela Fall/Winter 2015

At the Maison Margiela Fall/Winter 2015 show, eyes were the true focal point: graphic black eyeliner, extended almost like wings, surrounded by vertical lines resembling exaggerated false lashes. Bleached brows appeared, skin was matte and neutral, and lips remained understated. A striking makeup look inspired by the avant-garde.

Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2010

Makeup for the Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2010 show, created by Pat McGrath, was of a mesmerizing, almost hypnotic simplicity. Beyond the minimal, slicked-back hair, the runway makeup played with a "barely there" aesthetic but with a surprising twist: the eyebrows became the true chromatic star. That touch of color changes everything.

Marc Jacobs Fall/Winter 2014

For Marc Jacobs Fall/Winter 2014, François Nars focused on a monochromatic, almost mannequin-like look, with neutral, pearly eyeshadows, bleached brows, and frosty lips created with a silvery metallic veil, adding that icy touch perfectly in line with the show’s mood. No mascara, to keep the gaze light, and matte porcelain-doll skin, slightly sculpted.