The Beautiful Life: Extreme Runway Looks

Sunday, September 13th at 8am: Wake up early to check out Anna Sui’s Target collection that just went on sale today. Order a blue bell-sleeved dress. I hope it arrives in time for her show on Wednesday. —Ning Chao

10:00am: Tom Pecheux is doing the makeup for Nars at Derek Lam.  The lips are deep red and lined with super-shiny gloss that amps up the pout-factor. Since the collection is inspired by Coney Island in the 1940’s, there are lots of candy-colored shadows on the eyes, including a light green liner on the bottom lid and a bright orange highlight on the brow bone. The overall look is confectionery glam. There seem to be more extremes this season between nude looks-such as no mascara-vs looks like this that are really colorful and fun.  Is the recession is finally over? More importantly, where can I get some cotton candy? —Lizzie Dunlap 

11:40am: Carpooled with manicurist Deborah Lippmann from the Rodarte hair and makeup test to the Marchesa test. Find out that both Deborah and Renato Campora (who’s doing hair here at Marchesa) are prepping actress Megan Fox for the MTV VMA’s tonight. Deborah says she usually uses her opaque nude “Fashion” polish on Megan. I wonder if it’s because that helps camouflage the actress’ infamous toe-thumbs? —NC 

12:00pm: Downtown at Donna Karan’s studio for DKNY.  Makeup artist Charlotte Willer is using a Maybelline New York emerald eye shadow, mixed with Vaseline to create a bright green mascara.  In addition to adding a futuristic edge and being an instant brightener, I wonder if it will get in the models’ eyes? I meet hairstylist, Eugene Soulieman, who is using Wella products to create a sleek ponytail, out on a zen terrace. We sit under a modern trellis as he smokes his European-looking, brown, hand-rolled cigarettes and we discuss how the chic ponytail plays off of the flowy collection. —LD 

3:00pm: At DVF, makeup artist James Kaliardos tells me the look is inspired by DVF, herself. Between the softly sculpted eye and shaped cheek, it reminds me of a woman from the future who’s stuck in a sepia-toned photograph. Meanwhile, hairstylist Orlando Pita is running a flatiron over sets of thick cornrows on each of the girls. Though very Jenny from the Block-cool, I wonder if this is the final look. Suddenly, he starts taking out the braids to reveal wild, crimped locks. The final goddess touch? A gold wreath atop each mane. —LD