Category: Moda

“She’s like if Mykonos was a person.”

We’re not sure what we’re more jealous of, Dua Lipa’s seemingly endless beach vacation or her perfectly chill seaside style. 

RELATED: Dua Lipa Puts a Mermaidcore Spin On the Exposed Underwear Trend

When she hasn’t been busy at the pink carpet premieres of the Barbie movie, the “Dance The Night” singer has been sharing countless fashionable social media posts of herself touring ancient ruins in Greece, frolicking around beautiful Mediterranean islands and visiting her home country of Albania — and those are just a few of her recent travel stops.

And while Lipa’s apparently never-ending vacation has been one of the internet’s favourite jokes of the summer, her holiday looks have been seriously stylish.

Whether she’s been soaking up the sun on a sailboat, reading by the water, or partaking in a perfectly timed sunset photoshoot on the beach, Lipa has stunned in everything from cute bikinis and crocheted two-piece sets to silky mini dresses.

Since we’ve spent so much of summer 2023 in awe of her holiday looks, here’s a round-up of the best vacation style moments from the seemingly endless Dua Lipa beach holiday.

A polished evening look

To enjoy quality family time while visiting Albania, Lipa donned a silky white button-down shirtdress outfitted with long, cuffed sleeves for a very quiet luxury-inspired look. Allowing the crisp simplicity of the dress to shine, the singer complemented the garment with a high, slicked-back bun, silver jewellery and a matching woven handbag.

Embracing the “island girl” lifestyle

While soaking up summer in Sifnos, Greece, Lipa sported a series of chic but laidback vacation outfits. First up was a simple black bikini she later wore with a black, sequined crocheted cover-up. The look was accessorized with a woven Bottega Veneta shoulder bag and favourite vacay sandals. Next up was a breezy one-shoulder green satin look that she wore with her hair in loose waves and gold jewellery. For another evening look, Lipa opted for an edgy asymmetrical mini-dress with a sneaky cutout over her upper thigh that she paired with kitten heels, chunky silver earrings and a slicked-back braided ponytail hairdo.

Posing beachside at sunset

To pose cliffside at an Albanian beach, Lipa sported a chic backless mini-dress from Celine. The singer paired the look with simple jewellery and makeup for a relaxed sunset look.

Sailing through the Mediterranean

As she “sailed through the Peloponnese,” Lipa showed off a cool-girl boating outfit, featuring a baby pink maxi-skirt, plaid bikini and an unbuttoned white blouse that flowed blissfully in the Mediterranean sea breeze.

Dancing the night away

The caption of this post says it all. During her most recent summer holiday in Ibiza, Dua Lipa stepped out in an edgy evening look that screams vacation. Lipa sported a draped, velvet romper over a tulle Gucci bra with lots of eye-catching gold Chanel accessories and a tiny metallic shoulder bag for a look that, as she said herself, belongs on a dance floor.

“Everything starts with a sketch; you can draw your own universe and create things that don’t exist.”

Christian Louboutin wants his money back — figuratively speaking. He’s calling from California, which is usually sunny but for the past few days has had nothing but clouds and rain. “Isn’t it the Cali guarantee that you’ll have nice weather?” I ask him from Toronto, sunshine pouring in from the window. “It’s true,” the shoe designer exclaims in his very thick French accent. “I’m going to complain.” Otherwise he has very little to gripe about, given that he has created one of the most iconic fashion brands in history.

RELATED: The Significance of Barbie’s Birkenstocks

There is no sole more famous than that of a Christian Louboutin. Since opening his doors in 1992, the Frenchman has risen to the ranks of pop-culture icon thanks to his whimsical and often theatrical approach to footwear. His designs have ranged from black patent pumps to barbed-wire boots and been spotted everywhere and on everyone, from Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City to Blake Lively on the steps of the Met Gala. And at the heart of Louboutin’s success is the red sole, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

But before all that, Louboutin was simply a young boy in the ’70s trying to survive living with his parents and three sisters in Paris. “I was the male Cinderella,” he jokes. “I love them, but they were my ugly stepsisters.” Don’t misunderstand him — they are technically his half-siblings; Louboutin found out later in life that his biological father was Egyptian (hence his home in Luxor, along with residences in France and Portugal). This is just how Louboutin talks: He loves a dramatic statement.

Like calling his sisters “witches” when he explains how, in lieu of babysitting, they used to drop him off at the Museum of African and Oceanic Arts (now closed). It was there that he spotted a drawing of a spiky stiletto from the ’50s that changed his life. “Looking at it, I didn’t understand what it was because I was used to women wearing platforms,” he recalls. “But it made me understand that basically everything starts with a sketch; you can draw your own universe and create things that don’t exist. Then eventually you can give them a reality.”

Years later, another piece of art inspired a big breakthrough: Andy Warhol’s flower series. As fashion folklore goes, Louboutin started working on a prototype of a pop-art shoe after his Paris boutique was made famous by an American fashion editor in the early ’90s. The designer immediately knew something was missing when the pink heels, adorned with an animated cloth blossom, arrived from his atelier in Italy. “The style was good, but with the black soles, the shoes lost their vitality,” he says. Looking for an answer, he noticed that his assistant was painting her nails and asked to borrow her red nail polish. At first, she said no, because “she needed to finish her hand,” he recalls. “So we had a bit of a battle over it, and I said, ‘Listen, I’ll buy you a new one,’” adds Louboutin, laughing. Eventually she relented, and the brand’s emblem was born.

When asked if he still has the historic bottle, Louboutin is quick to say no. “I never thought it would become something important to me,” he says. “In the beginning, I planned to change the colour of the sole every season. When I drew the red, winter was coming, so I also considered using green to have Christmas colours. Then I thought, ‘If you don’t like colours, you definitely don’t like green, orange, yellow, purple or whatever. But you will still like red.’”

For Louboutin, red is a colour but also a non-colour. “Women used to tell me ‘I only wear black,’ and I would say ‘Yes, but you have a bit of red on you,’ and they would say ‘Red is different.’ So I realized quite quickly that red was a neutral like how gold is a neutral.” He also calls it the colour of “anything.” Chinese New Year and Spanish bullfights are the first examples he cites; historically, however, red has symbolized everything from blood, power and life to luck and lust. Consider the diversity of the following examples: Mary Queen of Scots, who hid a dark-scarlet bodice and petticoat under her sombre black satin gown for her execution, the bonnet rouge of the French Revolution, Julia Roberts’s gown in Pretty Woman.

With these revolutionaries in mind, does Louboutin have any plans to shake up the red sole and try something different? “I would be in trouble if I did,” he laughs, referencing his 2018 win to trademark it. He mentions that he once introduced a light-blue sole as part of a bridal collection so “brides could have something new and something blue,” but it didn’t last.

Instead, Louboutin keeps returning to red. “I owe a lot of things to that colour, so I’m not about to piss on it,” he jokes. “But I would say that, for me, the first meaning of red is passion. And what drives me to continue my work is my passion.” Walking on sunshine, indeed.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s September 2023 issue. Find out more here.

From the softest lilacs to the deepest plums, here are the best purple blush shades to shop.

After a very pink last couple of summers — courtesy of Valentino Pink PP and the Barbie-fication of quite literally everything possible  — we welcome purple blush, the latest colour trend to strike the beauty space.

Trading in the natural tones of pink blush for the playful appeal of purple shades, this unorthodox tint is the next big thing for blush. From the softest lilacs and lavenders to deep berry and plum shades, purple blush is proving to be an unsung beauty hero. The colour payoff of these purple hues reads surprisingly wearable (just look to Rihanna for inspiration), with flattering options all along the purple spectrum for every skin tone.

Ahead, we’ve gathered 10 of the best purple blush shades to shop — in all of your favourite formulas.

Fenty Beauty

Leave it to Fenty Beauty to bring the fun with a vibrant shade of violet blush. The ever-popular Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream melts into skin with ease, leaving behind a naturally flushed finish with an added dose of purple pigment. And did we mention that this shade is called “Drama Cla$$”? How cheeky.

Shop Now

Clinique Cheek Pop Blush

If we weren’t already sold on Clinique’s aesthetically pleasing flower-stamped blushes, the soft allure of the lavender “Pansy Pop,” shade did the trick. This long-lasting blush delivers a smooth swipe of colour with a seamless finish that reads like skin.

Shop Now

Dior Rosy Glow Blush

Dior’s Rosy Glow Blush may be best known for the TikTok-approved bubblegum pink shade, but this deep plum-coloured offering is a real hidden gem. Powered by Dior’s pH-led colour reviver technology, this “006 Berry” shade will adapt to moisture levels in the skin to create a custom shade of purple for each of its wearers.

Shop Now

Nars Afterglow Liquid Blush

If soft lilac shades speak to you, look no further than Nars’ Afterglow Liquid Blush in the shade “Wanderlust”. Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like Vitamin E and vegan collagen, this blush doubles as skincare and makeup. Meaning, you’ll be getting eight hours’ worth of hydration and colour upon application.

Shop Now

Wet n Wild Color Icon Multi Stick

Wet n Wild’s Colour Icon Multi Stick in the shade “Lavender Bliss” is proof that your new favourite blush could actually be a purple pencil. Seriously. This highly-pigmented beauty crayon poses a triple threat since it can be used on the eyes, lips and cheeks.

Shop Now

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

With September knocking at our door, we’ve already got fall makeup on our minds. Our pick for the season (and beyond) is Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in the eye-catching shade “Faith”.

Shop Now

Mehron Cheek Cream

We love blush in all its forms, but cream blushes allow for a buildable, blendable, natural-looking finish unlike any other. Boasting all of these benefits on a drugstore beauty budget, Mehron’s Cheek Cream “Berry” blush is on our wishlist.

Shop Now

Kulfi Mehndi Moment Blush

This cool-toned cream blush packs a purple punch that is sure to beg the question: What are you wearing on your cheeks?  The answer is “Lucky Lotus” by Kulfi. It’s flattering on all skin tones from fair porcelain to the deep ebony.

Shop Now

Rimmel London Maxi Blush

As far as entry-level purple blushes go, Rimmel London’s Maxi Blush in the shade “Rendez-Vous” is the way to go. This muted mauve is soft enough to wear every day, yet bold enough to make a cheeky statement.

Shop Now

Glossier Cloud Paint

You’re never too old for a little finger painting, especially if your palette includes Glossier’s Cloud Paint. This “Haze” gel-cream blush goes on sheer for a subtle kiss of colour that builds up to a deep shade of fuchsia.

Shop Now

This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Ever wondered if everyone’s lying about linen being the best warm weather fabric? I put some key transitional pieces to the sweat test.

September is a magical time, isn’t it? There’s that “back to school” feeling you get no matter what your age (or actual academic reality), a sense of renewal, a fresh start! You know what isn’t always fresh? The weather. I don’t know who has us all convinced that we can become fall girlies immediately after Labour Day weekend, but I’m here to remind you that summer temps continue well through the month of September in most Canadian cities. Who among us hasn’t worn a perfect fall dress to a Thanksgiving weekend wedding and almost passed out from heat exhaustion?

In fact, cities like Toronto bracing for a post-Labour Day heat wave, so take this as your sign to keep your tall boots and chunky knits in storage until October 1 when PSL season really starts.

RELATED: The Unnecessary Belt Is Back

Until then, you know what slaps in the late summer/early fall? Linen. It’s breezy, breathable, looks elevated and pairs beautifully with lightweight knits (if you must). And yes, ICYWW, it really is as sweat-proof as your mom told you it is — I would know. I, self-proclaimed Sweaty Gal, did the leg work and wore some of the most popular Reformation linen pieces on steaming hot days so that you wouldn’t have to.

Without further ado, a round-up of the top transitional linen pieces that’ll take you from the summer well into fall.

The white mini-dress

Sweat score: 1/10. The dress is lined, which is fab for ensuring it isn’t see-through, but does add an extra layer.

Most likely to: Get a second date. (And look extremely adorable with a retro headband and boxy cardigan.)

Pros: Sometimes Ref minis can run a tad *too* mini on taller gals. Not this cutie that hits at just the right spot mid-thigh.

Cons: That I can’t wear it daily?

How to make it fall-ready: Take the “wrong shoe theory” for a spin and add a pair of loafers and white socks.

Shop Now

The coastal grandma drawstring pants

Sweat score: 1/10. They sit deceptively high on the waist, so there’s a slight chance of perspiring around the mid-section.

Most likely to: Dig for clams on the beach in Maine. (Or watch any film starring Diane Keaton.)

Pros: I was worried these pants would be so flimsy, they’d feel like a beach coverup but the weight of the linen is surprisingly substantial, yet not heavy.

Cons: The online reviews are right — these loose linen trousers do run quite long.

How to make it fall-ready: A pair of mesh flats and an oversized blazer take these babies from vacation patio to city sidewalk.

Shop Now

The Sofia Loren dress

Sweat score: 3/10. The combination of a fitted bodice and cinched waist means the girls can get a bit, um, more glowy when temperatures soar.

Most likely to: Eat pasta in Capri with a stunning Aperol Spritz in hand.

Pros: She hugs your curves in all the right places.

Cons: Her straps run a wee bit long.

How to make it fall-ready: The trick to transitioning a summery silhouette to early fall lies in the shoes and the handbag. In this case, swap your basket tote for a leather shoulder bag and opt for a pair of closed-toe Mary Janes in lieu of sandals.

Shop Now

The workhorse white shirt

Sweat score: 0/10. No sweat, no notes!

Most likely to: Work with just about everything, from over a bikini in the summer to tucked into your favourite pair of vintage jeans come fall.

Pros: It’s roomy enough to feel modern but still cut to skim the body so it isn’t billowy or overwhelming.

Cons: That I don’t own it in every colour.

How to make it fall-ready: Once Labour Day is in your rearview, make a breezy linen button-down feel fall-ish by wearing it as you would any other cotton dress shirt — think: tucked into a silk slip skirt or under a leather blazer. The contrast of textures feels instantly elevated.

Shop Now

Browse more of our favourite transitional linen pieces here:

The vest you wear as a top

Mother-daughter design duo Herskind have Copenhagen cool-girl style nailed with their collection of tailored pieces. And since vests are officially the new shirts, why not try one in breathable linen?

Shop Now

The essential linen blazer

It’s just the right amount of oversized, its cream colour is an all-season neutral and its subtly strong shoulders will make you feel capital-B bossy.

Shop Now

The sporty shorts

A pull-on linen short in a moody hue is the ideal blend of summer and fall moods. Team this Canadian-designed pair with ever-versatile white crew socks, some slim-line sneakers (like on-trend Sambas or Onitsuka Tigers) and a Rugby shirt for a varsity vibe.

Shop Now

The tailored trousers

A high-waisted linen pant is the perfect office-ready compromise when all you want to wear is soft pants. You’ll be so cool and comfortable on your morning commute, you won’t even notice the zipper.

Shop Now

This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

These looks are as timeless as it gets.

Amal Clooney brings a special kind of style prowess to the celebrity fashion world. Working behind the scenes as a human rights attorney, the 45-year-old star (and wife to George Clooney) doesn’t typically spend her days in front of the camera. But when we do get a glimpse at her elegant outfits, they’re reliably put-together, polished, and professional. The best part of this formula? Her impeccable eye for vintage fashion.

RELATED: Kendall Jenner’s Best Style Moments

With a taste for refined silhouettes and clean-cut tailoring, Amal Clooney is an expert at curating retro-leaning ensembles. Though she has a penchant for 1960s designs, her references span decades — from flapper-inspired ’fits to 2000s-era couture. Each time, these looks are accessorized to perfection for a fresh modern spin on otherwise classic oeuvres. And with a crisply-dressed George as her complementary plus-one, Amal Clooney shines when serving sartorial history lessons. Below, FASHION rounded up her best vintage-inspired looks yet.

The 1960s mini-dress moment

The 2023 Venice Film Festival kicked off on August 30, and a day earlier, Amal Clooney arrived in the Italian city in true vintage style. Sporting sheer slingbacks (a.k.a. an elevated take on trending mesh flats) and a matching black handbag, her floral-printed shift stood out as a nod to 1960s-era mini-dresses. With its minimalist detailing, the archetypal shift dress de-emphasizes the waist for a structured look that is both comfortable and chic. What better getup to kick off a notoriously hectic festival?

The nineties bridal look

Earlier this summer, Amal Clooney put a vintage spin on the minimalist bridalwear mood of the moment — sans wedding, of course. On a dinner date with her husband of eight years in Lake Como, Italy (where the couple share a summer house — NBD), the philanthropist was spotted in a gauzy slip dress from the spring/summer 1999 Christian Dior by John Galliano collection. With ever-so-subtle lace embroidery and dainty ruffled detailing, it honed in on the sophisticated simplicity of nineties-era going-out clothes.

The 1920s-inspired eveningwear

Flapper fashion, but make it Versace. This is the energy Amal Clooney brought to the 2022 Albie Awards — an event established by the Clooney Foundation to honour “courageous defenders of justice” across the globe. Designed by Donatella Versace specifically for the occasion, the gold fringe gown was dripping in intricate gilded embellishments. She finished the look with voluminous side-part waves and a bold red lip for an all-around retro mood. The best part? Flappers are famous for pushing back on unfair societal constraints. So for an affair celebrating just that, this reference feels all the more right.

The impressive archival pull

What exactly does one wear to spend an evening with the royals? For Amal Clooney, the decision seems easy. At the Prince’s Trust dinner in 2019, she donned a one-shouldered Jean-Louis Scherrer by Stephane Rolland gown, sourced from the luxury boutique William Vintage. The (haute couture!) ensemble came from the designer’s 2007 collection and featured an asymmetrical cascading cape. Paired with a box clutch and side-swept soft curls, the ensemble captured the essence of Old Hollywood glamour.

The retro career uniform

In April 2022, two months after Russia invaded Ukraine, Amal Clooney visited the United Nations in New York to advocate for war victims wearing a decidedly to-the-point ensemble. Her look of choice? A vintage Christian Dior polka dot skirt set. The top flared into a subtle peplum silhouette, while the pencil skirt hit slightly above the knees. It’s an outfit she previously wore when speaking at the Supreme Court in London in 2015. With the addition of large ’60s sunglasses this time around, the ensemble felt like a vestiary acknowledgement of the 1960s working woman image.

The mod maternity outing

While pregnant in 2017, Amal Clooney put a refined retro spin on the coveted French Girl style. The star stepped out in Paris wearing a crisp ivory dress-and-coat set adorned with sharp black square-shaped piping. The look — sourced from William Vintage — reportedly dates back to 1965 and appears reminiscent of the fashion icons of that era. It’s breathable, smart, and perhaps her most classically vintage serve yet.

No functional purpose in sight. Just amped-up accessorizing.

Did you survive the useless belt era of the 2000s? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Just kidding — but you are entitled to break out your old waist-accentuating accessories. Because like it or not, the non-functional Y2K belt is yet again the height of fashion.

RELATED: The Power of a Baby Tee

Somewhere in the early aughts abyss — nestled snuggly between velour tracksuits and the dress-over-pants trends — the Y2K belt has lived on vaguely in the cultural consciousness. As a staple of new-millennium celebrity style, it took many forms. The decade saw a scarf fastened around Kelly Clarkson’s hips, a thick leather belt atop Beyoncé’s low-slung pants, and a slew of oversized monstrosities accentuating Kim Kardashian’s waist. The world arguably hit peak unnecessary belt in 2002, when Carrie Bradshaw sported a green buckled band around her bare (?) waist. These belts were confusing, random, and an apt representation of the era’s chaotic approach to accessorizing. And now, they’re having a renaissance.

All summer long, needless belts have been re-appearing — and we have the runways to thank. At Tory Burch’s Spring 2023 show, slinky belts were used as card-holder straps. On Blumarine’s Fall 2023 catwalk, thick statement belts were paired with ultra-miniskirts. And in recent weeks, the TikTok algorithm has been serving up an aesthetic mishmash of superfluous belted ensembles. There are big chunky belts worn atop spandex shorts. We have slinky chain link belts placed over tank tops. Some users are event styling them with body-con summer slips and lacy bridal skirts. While these tap into quintessential Y2K aesthetics, the trend has also been modernized for 2023. Take Michael Kors (below), where useless belts were paired with polished minimalist dresses. Regardless of how it’s worn, the controversial styling choice is, if nothing else, a little bit amusing.

After all, belts were intended as utilitarian garments. They were first created to carry tools, and over the decades they’ve primarily functioned to keep pants upright — with style coming as a secondary bonus. Somehow, the adoption of the belt into solely aesthetic territory is so wrong that it feels right. Like unsupportive mesh flats and deconstructed denim, useless low-slung Y2K belts eschew practicality in the name of, well, looking cool.

They don’t hold anything up. They don’t usually cinch the waist. They just sit plainly over clothes, like a necklace for your hips. But in all their frivolity and fruitless function, flashy belts are the epitome of self-expression. From chain link sashes to thick disc straps, there are options out there for both trend newcomers and seasoned Y2K belt pros.

Below, FASHION curated the best Y2K belt picks on the market right now.

The floral option

This vintage-inspired metal chain offers a rustic-meets-summery look. Accentuated with daisy-adorned medallions, it’s delicate, feminine and an easily accessible statement. And because it’s durable and lightweight, it’s great as an outfit add-on when travelling. To clean and shine, simply rub it with a dry cloth and voilà. Can your favourite necklace do that?

Shop Now

The Western option

Notice how the belt is sitting *above* the jean loops? Ah yes, that’s the magic of this unwarranted garment. This chunky offering by Calgary-based brand Kate Hewko is made of vegan leather and comes with eye-catching buckle statements. With the versatility of a classic black belt and the added oomph of decorative jewellery, it takes you from a day at the stampede to an evening at an early aughts red carpet.

Shop Now

Looking to channel your inner Halle Bailey — er…Ariel? Allow us to introduce this cotton crochet belt. Decorated with seashell embellishments and accentuated by dangling fringe, it’s the perfect piece for a day at the beach or a warm-weather ice cream outing. Pair with a lightweight, loose-fitted linen frock for maximum mermaid effect. It may not be practical, but it sure makes getting dressed more fun.

Shop Now

The nineties nostalgia option

If you’re anything like us, this picture of Claudia Schiffer in a tartan skirt with a gold chain belt holds a permanent spot on your style-inspiration Pinterest board. Introducing: The affordable dupe. This slinky garment has an easy clasp closure for slipping on atop skirts, pants or dresses. Reminiscent of vintage Chanel runways, the luxury accessory epitomizes the power of the unnecessary belt.

Shop Now

The minimalist option

Monochromatic minimalism and cool Y2K belts? Not exactly two compatible concepts. But somehow, this brown leather Isabel Marant piece brings these ideas together. The straightforward design is elevated with a tab slot fastening (that has multiple styling options!) for an accessory that would appeal to Ashley Olsen and Paris Hilton alike.  If you’re feeling adventurous, it also comes in bolder shades.

Shop Now

The boho option

A near-exact replica of this glorious accessory worn by Hayden Panettiere in 2005, this Western-inspired disk belt is the immediate focal point of an outfit. Embellished with round leather segments, studs, and a prominent coin buckle, it can be worn with jean co-ords for a rustic look or flowy maxi-skirts for a hippie-inspired serve. The disc belt — which some have said originated in Native American communities — was a staple on Y2K red carpets. This is as close as it gets to reliving that era. (Plus, it comes in six other colours.)

Shop Now

This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Lizzo’s makeup artist used “in-the-moment” inspo to create a different intricate look for each stop of The Special Tour.

Music stadium tours are known for being many things. (Think intense, physically demanding and long.) An opportunity for makeup experimentation and complex beauty looks? Not so much — unless you’re Alexx Mayo, that is. The makeup artist has been working with singer and rapper Lizzo for the past six years, and during that time, he has created countless show-stopping looks that have solidified him as one of the most impressive celebrity makeup artists working today. At the end of July, Mayo completed a 10-month-long run of doing Grammy Award winner Lizzo’s makeup for The Special Tour, which was in support of her album Special.

RELATED: Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour Beauty Looks Are Pure Perfection

“Somebody recently told me that they can’t think of another artist who has changed their look on tour as much as Lizzo has,” says Mayo over the phone. “I thought of icons like Madonna, Janet and Cher, and I realized it’s true. They each have a look that’s specifically designed for a tour, and it’s very consistent. You know what the look is going to be every night.” Mayo, on the other hand, comes up with Lizzo’s varied makeup looks on the morning of each show. And we’re not talking about deciding between winged eyeliner and a smoky eye. Lizzo’s The Special Tour makeup has included multicoloured polka dots rising up to her forehead, neon negative-space eyeliner and a graphic cat-eye topped with glued-on black stars. “I was wrapping a gift for someone and had extra confetti stars from the craft store,” says Mayo of the celestial look. “I thought they could be useful.”

It’s not that Mayo intentionally avoids repeating makeup looks — “it’s just organic, in-the-moment creativity,” he says. His star client’s unwavering confidence helps, too. “There’s no mirror in front of Lizzo while I work,” says Mayo. “So she has no idea what she looks like during the process, but she has the confidence to know that she can rock anything. I think that that attitude helps everyone on the team, too.” While the vibe in the makeup room is free-flowing and creative, both Mayo and Lizzo have just one non-negotiable: Each look has to be finished with false lashes. Mayo relies on Ardell’s vast selection of lash styles to help execute his artistic vision each night. “I just love the glitz and glam of false lashes,” says Mayo. “They help Lizzo emote when she’s performing.”

Mayo started wearing makeup himself at age 14, around the same time he came out as gay, but he certainly wasn’t donning the vibrant looks he’s known for creating today. “I hung out with the punk and goth kids,” says Mayo. “We were all really misunderstood, and makeup was my way of expressing my sadness and anger. I thought that wearing dark eyeliner and eyeshadow would make people back off from me and my sexuality — and it worked.” So how does one go from being a misunderstood goth kid in Los Lunas, N.M., to the go-to celebrity makeup artist for bright, vibrant looks? “It’s the music,” he says. “The makeup is what Lizzo’s music sounds like to me. It’s colourful, it’s rainbows, it’s glitter. It’s just happy.”

This article first appeared in FASHION’s September 2023 issue. Find out more here.

This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

It seems opposites really do attract.

It’s hard to be a celebrity in a relationship, I assume. Your dating timeline is basically public knowledge. Slightly humiliating monikers like “Bennifer” and “Tay-Squared” are unavoidable. And your street style as a couple is treated as a marker of your compatibility. But Hailey and Justin Bieber — in all their mismatched glory — don’t seem phased by this.

RELATED: Hailey Bieber’s Most Stylish Looks of 2023 (So Far)

The A-list couple, who tied the knot in 2018, are frequently photographed out and about looking like they’re headed to entirely different functions. Hailey leans form-fitting and polished, while Justin is reliably dressed down and baggy. It’s almost as if they purposely skew as far as they can from one another when getting dressed. And you know what? It works.

Case in point: The pair is currently in New York City, and their sartorial contradictions are on full display. While out and about to promote Rhode’s latest launch — the Strawberry Glaze flavoured Lip Peptide Treatment — Hailey Bieber went all out in a fiery red structured mini-dress with monochromatic heels and a matching bag. As for Justin? A grey sweatsuit set, a backwards baseball cap and a pair of yellow Crocs.

A month earlier, the married duo were spotted leaving a restaurant in similarly contrasting clothing. Hailey sported a summery white mini-dress with a tasteful asymmetrical collarbone cut-out, while Justin wore XL jeans, a half-zipped hoodie and yet another baseball cap. See a theme?

https://www.gettyimages.ca/detail/news-photo/hailey-bieber-and-justin-bieber-are-seen-leaving-lartusi-on-news-photo/1543200745

On a May 10 dinner date, Hailey went full Matrix fashion in a leather maxi and bralette with pointed heels. Justin, on the other hand, wore a white tank, low-slung jeans and worker boots. This seems not like a simple vibe difference, but a deeper commitment to being so visually contrary that the untrained eye would think, “Hm, I wonder why these two strangers are holding hands.”

Said dress code conundrum was the case yet again on a date night in April. Hailey’s ensemble? Pointed-toe heels, chic sheer tights and a halter LBD. Justin’s? Sweatshirt, baseball cap, and slides, if we’re being generous (but slippers if we’re being serious).

It was the same deal in the winter, at the grand opening of OBB Studios in Los Angeles. Mrs. Bieber was decked out in Schiaparelli couture with gold accessories, while her husband was in paint-stained jeans, a Drew House sweater and a pink beanie.

At this point, this sort of outright outfitting confusion is part of the couple’s style DNA. Historians will tell you that back in 2021, on a much-publicized outing in Paris, Hailey Bieber dazzled in a pink Miu Miu cocktail dress while Justin donned a slouchy red hoodie. Moral of the story? They almost never look in sync, and maybe that’s the point.

The garments worn by Hollywood couples tend to be taken as symbols of synchronicity. Tom Holland has a “Z” emblazoned on certain pairs of pants, which fans speculate is an understated ode to Zendaya. More alarmingly, Machine Gun Kelly accessorized with a vial of Megan Fox’s blood around his neck during their courtship. But Hailey and Justin Bieber take a decidedly different approach: dedicated inconsistency. Olivia Broussard (@olivialayne6) recently went viral on TikTok pointing out this phenomenon. “Is one of them overdressed or is the other one underdressed?” Broussard mused, flashing a series of photos of the duo on screen. “I cannot tell by looking at these outfits.”

There are, as with everything in life, exceptions to this pattern. Sometimes, the Biebers will appear delightfully harmonious. Take an April outing in L.A., where they both sported baggy jeans, a staple of low-effort, versatile dressing. Hailey completed her look with kitten heels and a crop top, while Justin went for a hoodie and sneakers. Here, despite their differences, the pair were decidedly in equilibrium. But this is not usually the case.

More often than not, Hailey is dressed to the nines while Justin looks unbothered and relaxed. She’ll wear a luxe Saint Laurent fur coat, and he’ll be in bug-eye sunnies and patterns layered with reckless abandon. For them, that’s normal. And sure, it’s a little jarring. She’s giving high-fashion, he’s giving Adam Sandler with a jar of pickles. But perhaps their drastically different dressing methods signal two partners that are secure in their relationship. They’re wearing what they want, and not judging one another for it.

What’s the purpose of painstakingly coordinating with your significant other, anyhow? To present an image of unity to the world? To convince onlookers that you’re on the same page? The Biebers, and all their incongruous outfits, take this notion and flip it on its head. What’s next for these two and their contrasting street styles? I’m not sure. But in all likelihood, nothing will make sense. And I’ll love it.

No one does modern minimal style quite like her.

There are few celebrities who have modern fashion girlies in a chokehold quite like Hailey Bieber. Between the elevated simplicity of her street style looks and her glam red carpet moments to her knack for turning just about anything into a beauty trend, Bieber continues to be a blueprint for copycat-worthy style.

RELATED: Hailey Bieber Spills Her Tried-and-True Beauty Essentials

The model and Rhode brand founder has had quite the public style evolution. From sporting skinny leather pants and high-top sneakers during the 2010s to her often sophisticated looks of today, Bieber’s style has hit its stride.

And, despite being labelled as a “double nepo baby” by New York Magazine because of her famous father and husband, Bieber has managed to carve out her own fashion forward personal brand for herself that sets her apart — and she’s had fun while doing it.

In honour of her luxurious yet seemingly attainable style, we’re rounding up some of Hailey Bieber’s best looks of 2023.

August 2023

Bieber wore a series of red ensembles to promote the launch of her Strawberry Glaze flavoured Lip Peptide Treatment in NYC, including this sweet scarlet mini-dress. She paired the strapless number with strawberry earrings and matching red mules.

Earlier that same day, Bieber sported fall’s hottest colour in head-to-toe red for an appearance on Good Morning America. The monochromatic look exuded old Hollywood glamour with Bieber pairing the romantic off-the-shoulder Vivienne Westwood tea-length dress with matching Maison Ernest stilettos and a chic patent leather handbag. Staying on theme, the model’s iconic bob was styled into a deep side part and she further accessorized the look with elegant jewellery, including gold hoops, a wristwatch and a collection of rings.

For dinner with fellow supermodel BFFs Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid in Los Angeles, Bieber wore a vintage white Versace mini-dress covered in trippy yellow and orange dots. She paired the citrus-inspired dress with a matching orange Bottega Veneta clutch, white heeled sandals and a “B” pendant necklace for a very end-of-summer look.

July 2023

The off-duty model sported this denim-on-denim look while out and about in L.A. By pairing the quintessential white crop top and baggy jorts combination with a dark denim Calvin Klein jacket and pair of classic gold Brinker + Eliza earrings, Bieber elevated the outfit beyond just errand-running attire. She kept it casual by sporting a pair of trendy black Adidas Samba sneakers and crew-length white socks.

June 2023

A Hailey Bieber style round-up would be incomplete without this head-turning look. The A-lister spent a night out in NYC in full-on Barbiecore, stepped out in this glittery rose-coloured Vivienne Westwood bustier mini-dress. To accessorize, Bieber opted for a slicked-back hairstyle, glowy pink makeup, dainty Tiffany & Co. diamond necklace and earrings, transparent Gianvito Rossi heels and a matching sparkly purse.

Has any other celeb been a bigger advocate for jorts this summer than Mrs.Bieber? The model went full-on dad mode with this white monochromatic look, paired her baggy jorts from Loulou Studio with a skinny belt, her go-to micro-sunnies an a sock and sandal combination that defied all known fashion rules. With the help of a stylish Bottega Veneta bag and her signature brown bob, Bieber elevated the outfit from dad-chic to just plain chic.

May 2023

Tonal dressing? Check. Oversized coat? Check. White crew socks and loafers? Check! For one of the most stylish coffee runs ever attempted, Bieber paired a dramatic camel coat with a matching belted miniskirt, a simple black top, preppy black loafers and white socks.

March 2023

Strolling hand-in-hand after a brunch date with her husband in L.A., Hailey wore an interesting ‘fit with several elements that shouldn’t have necessarily worked together but totally did. The model wore yellow corduroy pants and a white top with Jil Sander heeled mules, a fuzzy orange-red coat and a red Yankees baseball cap. Despite the seemingly clashing pieces, the outfit was brought together by Bieber’s mini shearling Bottega Veneta bag that complimented the coat’s texture while matching her pants and mules perfectly.

February 2023

In a cooler weather look that many of us Canadians can appreciate, Bieber stepped out for a coffee date with singer Justine Skye wearing a black bomber-style jacket and her usual black sunglasses, simple gold earrings and slick-backed bun. But, in a move that would only work during an *L.A.* winter, she juxtaposed the oversized coat with a pair of black biker shorts.

Plus, where you can find some of the cutest pairs.

On the heels of the popularity of the quiet luxury aesthetic, loafers are having quite the renaissance.

RELATED: The Mesh Flat Is the New Face of Impractical Footwear

Although the footwear staple has been around for decades, loafers have been gaining buzz both on and off the runway in recent seasons. Gucci’s Spring 2024 menswear collection included several looks featuring the brand’s classic Horsebit loafer. Memorably, the iconic shoe was also recently honoured with a special exhibition to celebrate its 70th anniversary during Milan’s 2024 menswear fashion week. A few weeks later at Dior’s Spring 2024 menswear show in Paris, Winnie Harlow hopped on the trend by completing a sky blue Dior mini dress and layered sweater ensemble with a pair of navy blue leather Horsebit loafers for a cool preppy look. 

Of course, TikTok has also influenced the shoe’s recent spike in popularity, too. A quick search for “loafers” on the platform will yield countless videos, many of which have well over ten thousand likes, as influencers and everyday fashion lovers showcase how they style their beloved pairs (yes, some TikTokers seem to have quite the collection).

And as people’s embrace of flat shoes in general grows, along with a sustained penchant for gender-neutral styles, you can expect the loafer’s moment to continue this fall.

The chic simplicity of the original 1936 Penny Loafer design by American brand G.H. Bass was inspired by Norwegian slipper-esque shoes and first known as Weejuns. And lucky for us, the shoe works for almost all seasons. This comes in especially handy when trying to serve your best looks despite fall’s sometimes unpredictable forecasts. After all, what’s worse than wearing open-toe shoes when the temperature suddenly drops down to almost zero? (Just be sure to stow your loafers away before the first snowfall.)

Not only are loafers a cool-weather wardrobe staple, but infinitely versatile in their styling possibilities — dress them up or down for practically any occasion. From adding a touch of preppy polish to a tailored blazer to toughening up a floral dress, the outfit options are unparalleled. Just look south of the ankles of many Copenhagen fashion week-goers earlier this month for loafer inspo.

Celebs have sworn by the shoe for ages as well. Long-time style icons such as Princess Diana and Grace Kelly were known to sport the style with their most sophisticated outfits and, today, modern supermodels like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid are often seen seen elevating low-key street style looks with a pair of loafers.

And just like most traditional fashion favourites, the loafer is constantly being reinvented both in its design and how modern fashion fans are choosing to style them. Between the popular lug-sole style reminiscent of Y2K platforms, to the ever-so-comfortable “driving shoe” design, and of course, the sophisticated Prada loafer that’s extremely popular today, the classic shoe has been reinvented a million times over. So, whether you’d rather sport a classic Penny loafer with a pair of straight-leg trousers or pair a more adventurous chunky sole with a mini-skirt, it’s clear that the loafer has bona fide all-star status when it comes to footwear.

Check out our round-up of the coolest ways to style loafers this fall, plus the pairs to shop to recreate the looks.

Preppy, with a twist

Despite the popular belief that one must only wear dark socks with black shoes, you can never go wrong with the classic black loafer and white crew sock combo. This preppy look has been in style for the past few years and the stark contrast between the black and white is a crisp way to elevate an outfit. Consider wearing the look with a skirt or pair of oversized shorts so this iconic accessory combo can truly shine.

While you pair white crew socks with just about any loafer, opting for a chunkier version with a bit of a platform can take it to the next level. The dimension of a bulkier loafer, like this one from Call It Spring, adds a little edge and perfectly juxtaposes the preppy vibes of the white sock and black loafer combination.

Shop Now

A pop of colour

Deviating from the traditional all-black look, a colourful pair of loafers will add interest to an ensemble. If your outfit already has flashes of colour, the shoes will make the colour pop, and if you’re choosing to opt for a monochromatic outfit, the colourful loafers will liven up the look.

After a Barbie-filled summer, you just can’t go wrong with this pair by Free People. The blush shade is soft enough that it won’t overpower an outfit, but add a cheeky splash that Barbie herself would approve of.

Shop Now

A little something extra

You can’t go wrong with loafers that have a little something extra to them. Think: tassels, colour-blocking or grommets. A touch of playfulness on a classic shoe like the Penny loafer feels unexpected and modern.

These black and white loafers scream sophistication. Reminiscent of a classic tuxedo, the colour-blocked leather and exaggerated tassels feel fresh.

Shop Now

The heeled loafer look

A heeled loafer brings the footwear staple to new heights — literally — with a stacked heel adding an extra layer of polish to nearly any outfit. Bonus points for pairing the prep school favourite with a cool, contemporary ‘fit, like head-to-toe red leather.

This retro-inspired Prada pair is reminiscent of footwear from the 1950s, but its elegance proves the style has stood the test of time. Between its chunky manageable heel, almond toe and shiny patent leather, this pair is sure to be a prized possession in any loafer fan’s collection.

Shop Now

Fall is calling

If you’re on the hunt looking for something other than traditional black loafers to wear this season, a chocolate-toned pair is calling your name. Take the fall vibes to the next level by matching your autumn-hued shoes to other fall staples like an oversized vintage-inspired leather jacket.

The caramel shade of brown on these Aldo slip-ons will match all your staple fall knits. The gold buckle detail and subtle fringe adds just enough interest to the shoe’s traditional shape.

Shop Now

This article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.