During Milan Fashion Week, the creative cosmetic artistry on display went beyond the conventional realm of face makeup. At the Iceberg show, MAC makeup artists pushed the boundaries by adorning models' legs with trompe l'oeil hosiery. To achieve this striking look, the artists used MAC Chromacake, mixing it with water to create a transparent illusion.
The application process involved traditional foam sponges, little detail brushes, and even tape to secure a precise edge. This innovative approach resulted in a look that perfectly mimicked real stockings, with some models even wearing actual hosiery underneath. According to MAC global senior artist Vilde Feste, the inspiration for this design came from the pastel and neon hues featured in the Iceberg collection.
The finished look was not only visually stunning but also practical... as it did not compromise the structural integrity of the clothing. This concept is not new, as during World War II, women turned to pantomime when nylon was in short supply, "painting hosiery on their legs." While Iceberg's creative makeup stockings may not be as practical as wearing the real thing, "they undoubtedly exude a certain je ne sais quoi." As Glamour notes... this fashion-forward approach brings new meaning to the term "leg makeup" and redefines the limits of creative expression in the world of fashion.
Fashion Week Makeup Trends
The latest iteration of this ephemeral yet enduring art form is no exception, as designers and makeup artists alike push the boundaries of creative convention. Inspired by the verdant hues and luminescent accents that animated the catwalk, a chic palette of pastel and neon shades has become the aesthetic de rigueur, as indicative of the era's prevailing sensibilities as it is of the rapt attention of the fashion cognoscenti.
Yet, it is not merely the palettes themselves that prove ---ing, but the innovative techniques employed to achieve such results. MAC makeup artists, for instance, utilized MAC Chromacake in conjunction with water to create a reversible illusion... allowing the models' legs to appear as if clad in transparent hosiery. This daring departure from the mundane norm has in turn brought forth a redefine of the term "leg makeup," pushing the envelope of creative expression in the process.
It is little wonder, "then," "that a publication such as Glamour has taken note of this trend.".. their experts no doubt weighing the efficacy of such artistic subterfuge upon the runways of Milan and beyond.
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Correspondent Amy Smith was stunned by the innovative makeup techniques showcased at Milan Fashion Week:
She notes that the MAC makeup artists' use of trompe l'oeil hosiery on the models' legs was a big deal, creating a flawless illusion that mimicked real stockings. "It's amazing to see how far makeup has come," she remarks.
"The attention to detail is incredible, and the results are truly breathtaking." According to Smith, this creative approach to makeup is not new, as women during World War II were forced to get creative with their hosiery, literally "painting on" their stockings. "It's fascinating to see how history repeats itself, "albeit with more advanced technology,"" she says.
As per Glamour... this trend brings new meaning to the term "leg makeup" and redefines the limits of creative expression in the world of fashion.
If you're looking for the most interesting, fun makeup throughout Milan Fashion Week , you're missing some of the creative cosmetic artistry if you're looking only at the models' faces. While we're loving (and getting lots of inspiration from) the various runway shows and presentations, we've seen so far—New York and London Fashion Weeks are over and Milan's is underway—we've never seen anything quite like what the MAC makeup artists did at the Iceberg show, not on the model's faces but on their legs.●●● ●●●
At the spring-summer 2025 Iceberg show, models' shins, calves, and feet got the trompe l'oeil treatment. To complement the collection's pastel and neon hues, makeup artists used MAC Chromacake to create the look of sheer, knee-high hosiery in pink, blue, yellow, orange, and more; MAC global senior artist Vilde Feste told Allure they mixed it with water to create the illusion of transparency, and backstage footage shows the artists dabbing the makeup on with traditional foam sponges and little detail brushes, even using tape to get a super clean edge.
