Designing and Practising Society's Makeup, Hair and Styling

After discussing with Sebastiane the importance of contact within the final scene to show society's acceptance of She, I realised I would need to design another look for the dancer. I had initially planned that Louise would represent She so I designed two white outfits that would complement each other; however now that the dancer is going to represent the accepting member of society I need to change the styling to reflect this.

Makeup Design

I wanted the makeup to contrast against She's ethereal, white makeup look; however I still wanted She's look to be more dominant. She initially views society negatively and feels intimidated by them as she feels unfairly judged and discriminated against for not conforming; I therefore wanted to give this makeup look a severe edge, to reflect society's constraining hold.

Mac Etro SS14 Milan Fashion Week
(Bobbi, 2017).

I was inspired by Mac's SS14 makeup look for Etro at Milan Fashion Week as the dark, smokey eyes were softened by the light, dewy skin and natural lip. When this society figure enters She's subconscious, She's negative view of society slowly deteriorates to a feeling of acceptance. I chose to apply a dark khaki eyeshadow on the lid, with a warm brown to blend it out in the crease for a smokey effect. I chose khaki as it mirrors the styling and the rich colour gives a striking, dark look, reflecting She's distress towards society's unfair, viscous actions. However I decided to keep the lower lash line bare as I did not want the eyes to look glamorised or too smouldering. The absence of colour under the eyes opens the eyes and makes them look brighter and more accepting, reflecting She's shifting view of society's intentions.

Makeup Practice

If I were applying a dark eye shadow like this to the eyelids I would do the eyes first and then do the skin makeup so that any fall out from the eyeshadow did not disturb my base; however this makeup will be applied straight after the model's first scene so she will already have her base makeup on. I will therefore use cotton pads or tissue to hold under the eyes to catch the fall out. I kept the skin very dewy for a youthful, fresh look and only added a small amount of product to the eyebrows for a natural look. I applied a medium nude colour to the lips and added lip gloss for a feminine sheen; however I think the lips look too defined and peachy so I will apply a paler nude to put all emphasis on the eyes. The khaki eye shadow blended easily with a neutral brown in the crease and it very similar to the styling, tying the look together. I think my decision to leave the lower lash line bare was successful in opening the model's eyes and giving a more editorial look, rather than a wearable look for the evening.


Hair Design

I took inspiration from the dancer's previous hair design as I thought the taught ponytail would reflect the society member's cold and judging exterior.

(Schafer, 2017).

The dancer/society member's previous look was more dramatic; however I wanted this look to be more subtle to contrast with She's look, but not over shadow it. I therefore decided to not add painted stencilling over the hair, but instead use gel to slick it back to a taught high pony tail. I will use black mesh to wrap around the hair elastic to heighten the hair for a more editorial feel. I have practised a slick ponytail for my dancer's look many times, so I am confident in achieving this hair style. 

Styling

I wanted the styling to be tight and restricting, dark in colour, but not too dominant so it doesn't over power She's white cage dress.

(boohoo, 2017).

The bodysuit has big, detailed shoulders to reflect society's dominating, confident presence. I chose the waved shoulder detail to mirror the society phantom figure's black hood in scene 2 to show a connection between the negatively and more positively viewed members of society. The khaki body is tight on her body with a thick, high neck, making it look restricting and suffocating; however it is very elasticated so my dancer will be able to move freely. I thought a bodysuit would be appropriate as it reveals the model's long, lean legs, giving a clear message of self confidence. In the film's final scenes where the accepting society member is introduced, neutral, earthy tones are used in the styling so I continued this with the khaki colour as it would contrast with She's stark white dress in the same scene. 

I was initially concerned when I realised I would have to change this society's styling because my stylist had already started making the outfit she would have worn. However, because it is similar to She's white leatherette styling in this scene, I will consider She wearing it instead towards the end of the film to show She evolving into different versions of her new, confident self.


References:
BOBBI, M., 2017. Backstage at Etro, MAC SS14 Milan Fashion Week [viewed 23rd March 2017]. Available from: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/95279348340205557/

SCHAFER, S., 2017. Paris Fall 2011 - Issey Miyake [viewed 12th February 2017]. Available from: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/318911217349530498/

BOOHOO, 2017. Rebecca Ruffle ShoulderHigh Neck Bodysuit [viewed 23rd March 2017]. Available from: http://www.boohoo.com/restofworld/tops/bodysuits/icat/bodysuits#esp_cf=
m_colourrational&esp_filter_m_colourrational=khaki&esp_pg=2