It’s inevitable that a fashion house will one day expand on its collections and fragrances to include a line of make-up and cosmetics. Case in point: Dolce and Gabanna, YSL and Chanel, among others. While some labels appoint a creative director (Pat McGrath, Val Garland and Peter Philips respectively) to oversee the process, other designers prefer to take a more hands on approach, controlling formulas and colour palettes themselves. One such designer is Giorgio Armani, who plays an integral role in the creating of his eponymous line, so much so one can often see him backstage at Milan Fashion Week with a make-up brush in one hand and the delicate face of a model in the other.
Burberry’s Creative Director, Christopher Bailey is yet another designer with an eye for make-up. Frustrated by the quality of the products made available to him - complaining he found them too cakey and mismatched – and inspired by the iconic Burberry trench, he recently designed a ninety-six-piece range for the British label.
Featuring eye shadows, mascara, eyeliner, liquid foundation and more, the extensive range will be available in the US in July, with worldwide distribution to follow. While the accompanying campaign, shot by Mario Testino, will present a beautifully made-up Lily Donaldson and Rose Huntington-Whitely in Burberry trenchcoats—naturally.
When describing the new line in a recent interview Bailey said, “Like the trenchcoat, it can be worn anywhere and at any time", therefore presumably it is modern and fresh with a focus on soft, sheer textures. As for the colour palette, well one can only hope Bailey has incorporated those divine sherbet shades from spring summer 2010, as well as blocks of cargo, brick and aubergine, found readily at Burberry Prorsum’s autumn winter collection.