I don’t know if I’ve ever experienced anything as magical as the Rodarte Spring/Summer 2018 fashion show during Couture Week in Paris. The Mulleavy sisters really brought it for their first showing in Paris. No detail was left unturned.
For this trip I was with the nail sponsor for the show, Morgan Taylor Lacquer, and had the pleasure of joining in on the nail tests and getting to watch their lead artist, Tracylee Percival in action. I’ve known Tracylee for years, she’s the best of the best but getting to watch her vision come to life… she’s a genius and an incredible artist. Just look at this look she created using real flowers — and my small part in bringing her vision to life!
Paris for Couture Week is like nothing I’ve ever experienced, and I’ve done Paris and New York Fashion Week on repeat. For this trip I was with the Morgan Taylor Lacquer team, who traveled to do the nails for Proenza Schouler and Rodarte’s Couture Week shows. Here’s a quick video from behind the scenes and also at the show for Proenza Schouler (I’ll have a video up soon on Rodarte!). It was really cool to be apart of the nail tests, which is when the nail team joins the hair and makeup team before the show at the designer’s studio they they can test and make the final decisions on the beauty look.
We did our beauty test the day before the Proenza Schouler show. Based on the designers vision, Morgan Taylor lead artist, Vu Nguyen along with Taylor Daniel (or as I like to call her THE Taylor of Morgan Taylor), put forth some dark reds and burgundies, as well as some variations of nudes with different top coats. Ultimately they settled on their deep burgundy, “Take the Lead” shade for some of the models and the others were met with just a single coat of “Matte’s A Wrap” over a well manicured nail for a more minimalist look.
It was a modern take on a minimalist look with the matte top coat, while the deep burgundy choice was all about going against the grain for spring (move over pastels) and challenging tradition.
Then came show day, and right down to the invitations the show was gorgeous (see photo above and shop my jewelry HERE). Set at the Lycée Jacques-Decour, a school built in the 19th century, the label sent down beautiful prints, slim fit dresses with cut outs, straps, and texture down the runway to a dramatic beat (I’m sorry I had to cut the music, Youtube is a challenge with any music you don’t have the rights to), but you can catch the show finale in the video above.
Bonjour from Paris! It’s been an incredible few days exploring the city with Morgan Taylor Lacquer. They are doing the nails for the Rodarte and Proenza Schouler runway shows at Paris Couture Week. I’ve been behind the close door of Rodarte with the designers, hair, nail and makeup team come together and all I can say is this is a show that beauty lovers aren’t going to want miss! The nails are being led by my girl, and literally my nail queen, Tracelee (Links: blog + Instagram) — if you don’t know her, you should. And if you’re wondering why I’ve put her on a pedestal, I don’t give crowns out easily, just wait until you see her nail look! Couture shows, deserve couture nails so get ready! And this Morgan Taylor look is not to be missed! You can follow my adventures in Paris on Instagram + Instagram Stories, we have the 2nd nail test at Rodarte today, Proenza Scouler tomorrow and I’ll be backstage at both shows and the actual runway shows on Sunday, so stay tuned for an exciting weekend! In the meantime GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!!!!!!!
I’m giving away my travel must haves on my Instagram today, which includes this grey Love/Hate Rodarte Shirt in size medium ($133), LeSportsac Travel set in black including the Global Weekender bag ($130), 3-Zip Voyager Backpack ($165) and hanging organizer ($60) which I’m willing with 6 top Morgan Taylor nail lacquer shades ($54)! Total value of the giveaway is $542 so head to Instagram.com/prettyconnected and stay tuned today for this to go live!
You’ll be winning everything described and pictured above and below in these shots:) Also how amazing is this Rodarte tee!?! It says J’aime Rodarte on one side and Je Deteste Rodarte on the other. Translation, I love Rodarte, I hate Rodarte (said no one ever).