Beauty Lovers, Drop Everything: Erdem x NARS Strange Flowers Collection Might Just Be The Most Gorgeous Collab Of 2018 So Far
Erdem Moraliogu is one of those designers that, whether it's your style or not, you can't deny his talent for making beautiful things. Beautiful, floral things, in particular. Each of the shows for his eponymous label, Erdem, not only highlights the beauty in the clothes, but the beauty in the, well, beauty. Since 2013, cosmetics giant NARS have been in charge of make up looks backstage each season, so it probably shouldn't come to us as a surprise that the two have come together to create possibly one of the prettiest designer collabs we've seen in a while.
The 13-piece collection, aptly named Strange Flowers, was announced yesterday during Erdem's show at London Fashion Week, held at the Tate Britain. Erdem described his very hands-on process with François Nars to show attendees, and spoke lovingly about the collaboration, which has reportedly been in the works for years, spending nearly the past two years in production.
Source: British Vogue
“It was really interesting to explain my aesthetic in collaboration with NARS and see how far we could push different elements through colour and product,” he said. “It was fascinating to develop new pigments and palettes as well as the cosmetics themselves.”
The collection showcases six lipsticks, two eyeshadow palettes, a multi-use highlighter, two blushers, a set of blotting papers and a lip powder palette. The collection was worn in yesterday's show, which went for a '30s and '40s inspired look which head make up artist Val Garland called “posh totty goes to the movies”.
“This was never going to be just another designer collaboration, where you do five new lipstick shades,” he added. “There was a lot of time spent talking about the idea of using products or textures that you normally would associate with certain parts of the face, in different ways.”
Source: British Vogue
The most notable product in the collection that mixes up textures is the lip powder palette, inspired by Erdem's mother's trademark red lip and a nod to an early runway show where models' lips were dusted with pigment rather than lipstick. Plus, if the products themselves aren't beautiful enough, the names — including Carnal Carnation, Moon Orchid and Fleur Fatale to list a few — and the branding surrounding the products are just to die for, with the packaging inspired by Erdem's favourite blue Pantone shade, and his love of florals.
Price points range between £15 for the blotting papers and £35 for the palettes, which, given the luxurious look and feel of them, are pretty reasonable. Sadly, you won't get your hands on them just yet. The collection is available exclusively at Selfridges from April 15th, and will go on sale nationwide from May 1st.
