Runway Watch - NYFW Jen Kao fall/winter 2011

Here is more makeup that I loved from New York Fashion Week. I was particularly fond of the fabulous faces on the New York runway in the Jen Kao collection. The fabrics used in the collection included shiny lurex, silk chiffon, bright furs, and just a bit of technicolor fringed trim, evoking the image of a strong and sexy 1970's rock chick. Polly Osmond's makeup design managed to perfectly complete the picture of a psychedelic party princess, even while using very minimal color on the models faces.

Bronze eyebrows topped off very dewy skin and a peachy nude lip, which was a elegantly simple match for the intense jewel tones of the bold clothing. Keeping the makeup so "bare" and earthy allowed the face to become a magnificent canvas for a brow focus. Polly Osmond, leading a MAC Pro Team, mixed a loose gold pigment with a bit of water and created a strong statement brow with natural thickness and a moderate arch. Could this be a sign that the bleached brow runway trend is nearly over?

makeup by Polly Osmond

Sure, it may be difficult to pull off a metallic eyebrow in real life. However, I do feel like I may have to try the midnight blue, gold-tipped, "peacock" manicure at some point this summer.

photos courtesy of nymag.com

The makeup was accompanied by hair asymmetrically parted, twisted, and wrapped around the head in a nautilus shape. The look speaks to me and says, "I'm glam rock on the outside, but still a hippie in my heart."