Why The Hottest Luxury Fashion Brands Are Expanding Into Makeup
Heads up: Prada Beauty launches today
Luxury fashion labels have always served as a status symbol for some and an aspirational goal for others. Priding themselves on heritage and craftsmanship, these brands can be quite difficult to afford with their hefty price tags. An accessible point of entry, though, presents itself when these fashion houses expand into the realm of beauty, with products ranging from foundations to lipsticks. Some labels, such as Chanel and Dior, have since established themselves to become well-known for their beauty products. Ahead, we shine the spotlight on other luxury fashion brands which are now making their mark on the makeup space.
Related article: These 10 Bullet Lipsticks Will Become Your New Makeup Essentials
Starting from 1 August, Prada Beauty will become the latest luxury fashion house to dip its toes in the makeup and skincare market. Fans might already be familiar with Prada’s line of perfumes, so the extension seems natural and inevitable. The project is being spearheaded by co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, along with makeup artists Lynsey Alexander and Inès Marzat, as well as L’Oreal’s Luxe division.
Drawing inspiration from the brand's history and archival prints, WWD reported that Prada Beauty will launch with skincare (including a cream, serum and cleanser), soft-focus foundation in 33 shades, 13 soft- and hyper-matte lipsticks ranging from nudes to bright tones, a transparent matte lip balm, and six four-colour eyeshadow palettes. Don’t expect sparkly, high-shine products anytime soon, though - Miuccia Prada has stated that she “hates glitter”.
After four years of research and development, Belgian fashion label Dries Van Noten and Puig released a line of lipsticks and fragrances in March 2022. And just like the namesake designer and his creative ethos, the beauty brand invokes his signature clash of colours, prints and textures.
The lipsticks are available in 30 shades - in satin, matte and sheer finishes across the colour spectrum - and a transparent lip balm. Each of them are infused with rosehip oil and pomegranate seed oil to nourish the lips for up to twelve hours. There are five lipstick case designs to choose from, each inspired by fashion collections by the brand, to house each refillable bullet lipstick.
With the aim of marrying self-expression, diversity and inclusivity with the couture heritage of the Italian maison, Valentino and its creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli introduced the Valentino Beauty makeup line in June 2021. Valentino Beauty began with a bang from the start with foundation available in 40 shades, 50 lipstick options and a line of eye products.
A lot of thought was also dedicated to the packaging. Besides being adorned with the signature Rosso Valentino red and V logo, check out the Go-Clutch which features a finishing powder along with a removable gold chain so that you can wear it as a crossbody, with a Minirosso lipstick attached.
The Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags remain some of the most covetable and recognisable bags in the fashion world. But considering how expensive they are and how difficult they are to purchase, perhaps the Hermès beauty line, launched in April 2020, would be a better way to live that chic French fantasy.
Hermès Beauty started with 24 lipstick shades inspired by the brand’s iconic silk scarves. Each of them are encased in a lacquered tube designed by the jewellery and footwear creative director Pierre Hardy. The brand subsequently launched blushes, nail polishes, complexion balms and face powders, and named Greek makeup artist Gregoris Pyrpylis as its creative director for beauty in January 2022.
The namesake label of Malaysian fashion designer Jimmy Choo is best known for its stylish and comfortable footwear. After a decade-long partnership with Interparfums which introduced four successful fragrances, the duo released a makeup capsule collection in March 2020.
Titled the 'Seduction' collection, the line aims to continue the classic red carpet glamour synonymous with Jimmy Choo, offering 10 lipsticks, eight nail polishes and six perfumes, each decorated with gold and glitter. The capsule is available exclusively at British retailer Harrods, with online options including lip glosses.