Isamaya Ffrench Dreams up Pastel Lashes for the Collina Strada Runway
The makeup artist created a multitude of feline-inspired looks for the brand’s SS26 show.
Isamaya Ffrench and Collina Strada are a match made in heaven, and the beauty details at the brand’s recent NYFW runway show are proof enough. While the SS26 collection featured puffy bubble hems and hair hats — the beauty looks, made possible by Lashify, included feline-inspired pastel lashes and iridescent eyeshadow.
When conceptualizing the looks, Ffrench referenced Hillary Taymour, Collina Strada’s creative director, and what she calls her “animal-inspired vibe.” Leaning into wide-bridged, cat-esque eyes, the makeup artist relied on colorful lash wings to create the illusion of lifted eyes. “The feline inspiration is always on my mood board. Here, it means pulling up the eye, creating a wider nose bridge and extending the color down toward the midline of the bridge, so the look feels lifted and animal-like without becoming costume-y,” Ffrench says in a press release.
For the light-catching, opalescent eyeshadow, Ffrench attempted to complement the pop of color from the lashes with a soft wash of shimmer. As for the base, Ffrench says she kept the rest of the glam fairly minimalistic in order to emphasize the bright lashes. The models’ skin was left natural and glowy, while a matching touch of shimmer was added to the lips to balance out the eye looks.
Just like Collina Strada’s signature eccentric, yet refined garments, the makeup looks at the brand’s SS26 show made use of both worlds. “It’s all about bringing together these tones and textures to complement the clothes in the collection. It’s a very polished but playful take that still feels elevated,” Ffrench says.
While you’re here, read about ISAMAYA’s new “Core 1” and “Core 2” eyeshadow palettes.
