This season at London Fashion Week SS25, beauty trends took us on a journey through time, blending nostalgia with avant-garde innovations. From ethereal, doll-like makeup to statement hair moments, the beauty looks played a crucial role in elevating each collection’s narrative. Below, we break down the top beauty trends by category, focusing on the creativity and uniqueness each show brought to the runway.
Crowning Glory : Hair that Stole the Show
The hair trends at LFW SS25 showcased a bold mix of nostalgia and innovation. From Harris Reed’s ethereal floral crowns to Chopova Lowena’s punk-inspired bows and braids, the hairstyles on display blended the dramatic with the playful. Simone Rocha’s barrettes added structure to flowing locks, while Erdem’s sleek, androgynous styles paid tribute to 1920s elegance.
Harris Reed: Theatrical Floral Crowns
The Harris Reed SS25 show kicked off LFW with a stunning display of floral headpieces, accentuating the show’s theatrical essence. The hair, adorned with flowers and intricate detailing, felt like an extension of the collection’s vintage, upcycled fabrics. It exuded a dramatic, French mime-inspired feel, playing into the story of performance and character.
Additionally, hairstylist Ali Pirzadeh crafted a striking blend of old Hollywood
glamour and 1920s Art Deco sophistication. Using Dyson’s Supersonic and
Corrale pro straighteners, Pirzadeh styled the hair to complement Reed’s avant-garde designs. The result? A modern twist on timeless elegance that celebrated the collection’s structural silhouettes.
Simone Rocha: Barrette Moments
At Simone Rocha, barrettes were the standout accessory, adding a playful, structured touch to the otherwise natural, free-flowing hair. The juxtaposition of femininity and nostalgia created a delicate balance that perfectly reflected Rocha’s ethereal collection.
Vogue Runway
S.S. Daley: Masculine Meets Feminine
At S.S. Daley, hairstylist Anna Cofone created two distinct hair looks using products from Authentic Beauty Concept: one more masculine with sleek, groomed lines, and the other more feminine with sculpted, whimsical shapes. The hairstyles paid homage to both the painter Gluck and their muse, Constance Pry, combining elegance with modern edge.
Erdem: Androgynous Sleek Hair
Inspired by 1920s author Radclyffe Hall, Erdem’s sleek, androgynous hair symbolized strength and fluidity. Hair stylist Adam Garland achieved this minimalist style with impeccable precision, evoking Hall’s masculine wardrobe while still staying true to the designer’s exploration of gender dynamics. The simplicity of the look seamlessly blended with Erdem’s elegant aesthetic, making it a standout beauty moment at LFW SS25.
Chopova Lowena: Bold Bows and Braids
At Chopova Lowena, hair took a playful turn with giant bows and intricate braids. The contrast between the colorful, cosplay-like elements and natural, feminine charm created a punk-inspired yet polished look, perfectly mirroring the collection’s vibrant energy.
Eyes to Envy: Makeup as Art
The SS25 beauty trends embraced both demure and daring looks. Harris Reed’s blue eyeshadow, reminiscent of a doll-like fantasy, and Chopova Lowena’s gem-studded, vivid neon makeup brought punk glamour to the runway. Subtlety took a back seat as Sofia Tilbury painted a picture of ethereal beauty, while other designers played with futuristic touches.
Harris Reed: Ethereal Blue Eyeshadow
The makeup at Harris Reed was all about drama and ethereal beauty. Makeup artist Sofia Tilbury focused on bold, doll-like eyes with ocean-blue shadow, paired with muted lips and glowing, dewy skin. The overall effect felt theatrical yet soft, embodying the show’s celebration of theatricality and self-expression.
Chopova Lowena: Vivid Colors and Gems
At Chopova Lowena, the makeup took on a bold, avant-garde approach with vivid neon colors and gem-encrusted eyes. Makeup artist Lauren Reynolds gave models a punk doll-like appearance, balancing between whimsy and rebellion. Neon hues mixed with gothic influences created a bold statement that matched the show’s punk, energetic vibe.
Nails as Art: Intricate Details
The nails on display at LFW SS25 were far from simple. From Karoline Vitto’s industrial hardware to Simone Rocha’shand-sewn crystal embellishments, the nails were a statement accessory that added a touch of artistry and craftsmanship to each look.
Karoline Vitto: Glass and Metal Hardware
At Karoline Vitto, nails designed by Tyler Phoenix Nails became a bold statement accessory. Featuring intricate glass details and melted silver hardware, these nails pushed the boundaries of minimalist design, resembling pieces of silver jewelry. The contrast between the delicate glass and the sharp metallic elements perfectly complemented the industrial lines of the collection, blending modern sophistication with a hint of rebellion.
Vogue Runway
Simone Rocha: Hand-Sewn Crystal Embellishments
Nails at Simone Rocha were designed with an artisanal touch, featuring hand-sewn crystal embellishments. Nail artist Ama Quashie created delicate, shimmering details that complemented the collection’s feminine elegance, adding a touch of luxury to each look.
Harper Baazar Us
Vogue Runway
A Celebration of Bold and Ethereal Beauty
From Harris Reed’s theatrical crowns and doll-like makeup to Karoline Vitto’s industrial glass nails, LFW SS25 was a playground for beauty experimentation. The balance of bold statements with natural elegance made this season’s beauty trends both aspirational and accessible. Whether you want to embrace the sleek androgynous hair from Erdem or the vibrant colors at Chopova Lowena, this season invites us to explore the contrasts of beauty— both nostalgic and avant-garde.
Words by Noa Balou
