Through the Looking Glass: The Makeup and Hair Mastery at Dior’s Spring 2025 Couture Show
By Mackenzie Richard
Runway makeup is often overlooked in the broader storytelling of couture, but for Dior’s Spring 2025 Couture presentation, it was a critical element of the collection’s narrative. While Maria Grazia Chiuri’s designs explored themes of transformation and whimsy, the beauty looks—crafted by Peter Philips—offered a subtle, yet powerful, extension of the collection’s spirit. Together, they elevated the runway with artistry that balanced the light and the dark, the everyday and the extraordinary.



At first glance, the makeup seemed understated, focused on the illusion of naturally flawless skin and brows that demanded a second look. Philips brought his precision to Dior’s already iconic products, transforming them into tools of sartorial storytelling. His inspiration? The surreal journey of Alice in Wonderland.
Much like the story’s heroine, the makeup evolved the familiar into something unexpected and fantastical.
The skin, a centerpiece of the look, was luminous and refined, embodying a sense of quiet luxury. Philips achieved a finish that felt effortless yet meticulous, amplifying the collection’s understated elegance. Rather than chasing overt trends, the makeup exuded timeless sophistication, aligning with Dior’s ability to transform the familiar into something extraordinary. Philips took a less is more approach, using minimal products to achieve maximum effect—curling the lashes, adding a subtle flush of blush down the cheek, and allowing the natural beauty of the models to shine through. The slightly exaggerated, structured brows added an almost whimsical, caterpillar-like quality, a playful nod to the surreal spirit of Alice in Wonderland.


Guido Palau’s contribution cannot be understated. The mohawks, though playful and punk in spirit, were executed with the refinement and precision that make them feel at home in a couture setting.
“These mohawks were meant to be an item of couture themselves,” Philips explained, emphasizing the intent behind the intricate craftsmanship.
The result was a delicate interplay of toughness and romanticism, mirroring the collection’s themes.
Dior’s approach to beauty this season was transformative yet approachable, balancing whimsy with restraint. Unlike louder statements seen elsewhere in couture, the subtlety of the makeup and hair at Dior invited us to look closer, to appreciate how small details can tell a larger story. And in this case, they did more than enhance the garments—they became a key part of the sartorial narrative, reminding us that in the world of couture, beauty is never an afterthought.