MUD at Fashion Week: Badgley Mischka Fall 2011

Stylist Peter Gray and Key Make-up Artist Tom Pecheux combined their talented forces yet again backstage for the Badgley Mischka show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2011. I had a chance to speak with Gray and Pecheux as well as with both Mark Badgley and James Mischka who explained that this collection was heavily inspired by the great party scenes of classic Hollywood films from the 1940s and 1950s. “The all-knowing sophistication of the leading lady versus the precociousness and blind ambition of the ingénue” pretty much summed up this feminine struggle strutting down the runway.

Tom Pecheux chose a look to add to this playfully sexy woman already dressed for luxury and glamour. The flawless, matte skin allowed the intensity of the eyes to stand out even further. He used strong metallics on the eyes to really emphasize the “feeling of drama” – mostly shades of silver along with a harder navy crease. Classic black eye pencil with a few generous coats of black mascara finished the eyes. Although they pushed the boundaries for the show, this overall look was very wearable. The cheek was contoured slightly with a hint of shimmer as a highlight and the lip was darker for a bit of catwalk intensity. It reminded me how important it is in fashion for women to be strong and powerful while still maintaining a level of femininity.

This look accompanied the beautifully designed clothes so well that when I saw the show I was just blown away at how it all came together. The overall look did its best to celebrate the strength and sophistication of the iconic leading ladies of those times.

To get Tom’s sexy-yet-powerful metallic eye: Start by evening out your skin by applying MUD Cream Foundation in your shade using the #940 Foundation Brush. Set with a Loose Powder in either Shell or Buttercream for a clean, matte finish. Next, apply Tinsel Eye Color across the entire lid beginning along the lash line and upward into the crease using the #800 Crease Brush. To contour the crease, use the #330 Shadow Fluff Brush to apply Smoked Sapphire Eye Color. Note: The best way to use this color is to build. Use a little, then blend it in. Repeat until you have the desired amount. The more product used, the more intense the look will become. As a highlight, apply Honeysuckle Eye Color to the brow bone with the #320 Oval Shadow Brush. Do your best to blend this highlight down into the crease slightly for a softer transition. MUD’s classic Black Eye Pencil can be used in the crease for added intensity. Finish with a few luscious coats of Black Volumizing Mascara. Now you’re ready for the runway. You go girl!