We are right in the heart of awards season and I absolutely love seeing the choices that celebs make for the red carpet. It is always so inspiring! From the hair to the makeup, from the color choice to the accessories, I am always ready to devour all the photos the next day. Last year, I had the privilege of walking a runway for Dimitra’s Bridal Couture in Chicago which is the salon where my bridal gown and wedding weekend outfits all came from. Dimitra’s love to celebrate women of all sizes, shapes and colors and decided to create a runway show last year that celebrated just that. Tina & Maria (the two owners) brought together a collection of their real brides, on a runway at the gorgeous Waldorf hotel in Chicago to showcase the latest from their designers, as well as asking each of the women to walk in their actual wedding dress. I needed zero time to commit to a valid reason to step in to my Romona Keveza again so I was in! The team at Dimitra’s also had my parents walk in the show which was so special, as they celebrated 50 years of marriage last year and I loved that they had that moment in such a milestone year!
So – how did I prepare to walk a runway? I sat down in a chair and let the experts do their thing! As you know, because I speak about her all the time, Makeup by Aga is a dear friend, and has been my makeup artist for over 18 years. YES, you read that right! 18 years. She is now a part of my family, and I could not imagine getting ready for an important day without her guidance, knowledge and overall magical “Aga” energy that she brings in to any space! To learn more about Aga’s services, click here.
Caroline Shaw, known in Chicago as the wedding dresser, and Ismini Walsh of Dimitra’s helped me get in to my looks for the runway and I am so appreciative! Photo: Collin Pierson
Aga was kind enough to break down my runway look, and I am sharing it below!
Skin Prep
We started with TwinMedix Pro Essentials Oxygen Skin Transformer, it is rich in antioxidants and offers deep cleansing. The mask releases oxygen into the skin and as a result, we achieved a complexion that instantly looks fresher and brighter. Info on TwinMedix here.
Following the mask, we used a new product, also by TwinMedix. TwinMedix Pro: Refine Primer/Moisturizer is loaded with hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, leaving the skin silky smooth.
Full Complexion
From luxurious primers to brighteners and foundation, we relied on Veil Cosmetics. The line of products from Veil result in a truly flawless yet weightless look. Their water based products feel amazing on the skin and provide your complexion with a subtle glow.
Eyeshadow
A few years back, I promised myself that I would support smaller brands and those owned by women and artists. To really make eye’s standout, I pulled out eyeshadow pallets by an amazing French brand, Viseart. The pigments are lush and potent, super easy to blend, age-friendly ( we have MOB walking on a runway ) and absolutely gorgeous .
Lashes
No runway is complete without lashes, they were used in every shape and size, from Kiss to Ardell and Lilly Lashes. Michelle only wears Lilly Lashes, and I have too say the really add some serious pop to a look!
Highlights & Blush
Highlights and blush were perfectly airbrushed with Temptu Air Pro guaranteeing longevity and intensity of the colors for hours to come.
This Reem Acra pantsuit is from my welcome party, the evening before our wedding – from Dimitra’s Bridal, photo: Collin Pierson
Lips
Since we celebrated authenticity, we did not have uniform lip color for our models. We saw gorgeous reds, pinks, with all colors by Kevyn Aucoin Beauty.
Setting Spray
In red carpet beauty, weddings and definitely runway, setting spray is a must! My favorite and only go-to is Finishing Spray from Skindinavia; its fine mist, oil free, paragon free composition have won me over. It secures your makeup for 16+ hours! Perfection.
#loveontherunway2019
PARTNERS
Media Host- @ModLuxWeddingsChi
Host Venue – Waldorf Astoria Chicago @wachicago
Floral Decor & Event Design – Taylor & Co. @taylorandcoevents
Live Music & Runway DJ – BeatMix Music @beatmixchicago
Photographer – Collin Pierson Photography @collinpierson
Linens & Custom Seating – Nüage Designs/Nüvole Collection Furniture @nuagedesignsinc
Tabletop- Tablescapes @tablescapeschgo
Paper Goods & Invitations – Elizabeth Grace @1elizabethgrace
Alternations & Runway Prep – Davis Imperial Cleaners @davisimperial
Runway Stylist – The Wedding Dresser @theweddingdresser
Model Makeup – Bridal By Aga @bridalbyaga
Model Hair – Hair By Juan Jose @hairbyjuanjose
Runway Show Production – Michelle Durpetti Events @mdurpettievents
Cinematographer – LEAP Weddings @leapweddings
HEARTFELT thanks to my amazing husband for all of the gorgeous photos! @CollinPierson ❤️
