When Alexa Chung visited Burberry’s Spring/Summer ’26 collection at London Fashion Week, she wanted to reference iconic Lauren Hutton. There’s something about Hutton’s look that embodies effortless elegance, with a chic New York apartment, morning hairstyle, and “I woke up like this” charm that’s as relevant now as it was in the ’70s. But for Burberry, I wanted to add a modern element to that energy. It’s a little moody, a little calm, yet sophisticated and modern.
Inspiration: Effortless elegance, the Lauren Hutton style
It’s always fun to reinterpret vintage muses for a new era. Lauren Hutton’s open, natural, and lightly loosened beauty is as cool on today’s runways as it was in ’70s Vogue. But since shows like Burberry are usually refreshing, directional, and a little rebellious, we felt her makeup needed a sharper edge. What’s the answer? Balances softness and depth. The story is told in two shades of gray and brown. If handled poorly, it can look muddy, but if handled correctly, it can be super modern.
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Eyes: Grey, graphite, sculpted smoke
People sometimes avoid using gray and brown together, thinking they will clash or dull each other. But makeup is all about nuance. For Alexa’s eyes, I started by tightening the lines with a steel gray pencil. This is a small detail that instantly makes your lash line more defined and gives your eyes a strong but not overwhelming frame. I then used a veil of slate shadow to build the exterior, soft and diffused to keep the mood light, before adding a chocolate brown shade to the exterior corners to deepen the look and give warmth.
Top tip: I deepened my lower lash line a few shades and blended the color slightly downwards. result? It has a sculptural, slightly graphic vibe, more like a modern It girl than a 60s icon.
Statement Lips: Why Brown is in the spotlight
For the lips, I wanted to move away from overt reds and nudes, and fashion week always pushes the boundaries. The dark taupe pencil gave Alexa’s lips a defined edge, and I blended it towards the center to a rich tobacco brown. This gave the look more of a runway look than a daytime nude, and brought a grounded sophistication to the entire face.
Top tip: What’s the key to avoiding flat lips due to browning? Texture. Finally, I applied a small amount of moisture to the center of my lips (a moisturizing balm or light gloss will do). It’s details like this that keep a strong brown lip from looking too retro or too heavy.
Skin: balance between edge and shine
A palette of grays and browns can easily look drab if you don’t keep your skin bright and fresh. I kept Alexa’s skin looking radiant and vibrant by brushing on a soft peach blush on her high points. Remembering the points where you naturally blush after a brisk walk, I placed a light veil of highlighter on your upper cheekbones, cupid’s bow, and under your nose.
kit list
● Eyes: Apply Dior Mono Shadow in a deep brown color to the outer corners and under the eyes. From slate gray eyeliner to tight line. I washed the gray eyeshadow all over my lids.
● Master Matte Eyeshadow Palette: Neutral
●Cheek: Merit cheek that gives a soft and fresh complexion.
● Lips: Rare Beauty combines moisture and depth with Anastasia Beverly Hills Taupe Lip Liner.
● Skin: Apply Dior Maximizer Glow Forever all over your face for a natural glow.
● Brows: Anastasia Brow Pencil shapes Alexa’s natural shape.
The resulting look encapsulated what I love most about fashion week aesthetics: referencing the past but rewriting it for the present. Alexa wore it with the cool, calm vibe of Burberry.
See more: Sienna Miller | Cara Delevinski Waterhouse
©Wendy Rowe. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
