Perfection is boring. We’ve spent far too long trying to chase a refined version of beauty—pulled-tight, slicked-back buns, lips lined with razor-sharp edges, and the overly manicured “clean girl” aesthetic. But now, it’s time to color outside the lines—and according to Proenza Schouler, the best way to do that is by smudging your lipstick.
For the fall 2026 show (Rachel Scott’s first womenswear collection), many models sported classic red lipstick—with a twist. Instead of opting for something typical, makeup artist Thomas de Kluyver for Byredo created a smudgy, artistic interpretation of a red lip. De Kluyver explained that Proenza Schouler has typically had very minimal no-makeup looks on the runway, but he worked with Scott to figure out what beauty looks like for the house in 2026. “We had this idea of using makeup as a fashion accessory,” he said backstage. Models had Byredo Red Coma smeared along the top side of one of their lips and on the opposite side of the bottom lip.
“We wanted a character and narrative about someone who started their day ready, but couldn’t finish everything,” echoed hairstylist Holli Smith, who carried the “almost-ready” effect to the hair, using T3 and Oribe products. Smith’s translation was subtle, and she designed low ponytails that were loosely brushed back and gathered at the nape of the neck with black rubber hair ties. The skin was kept bare, save for a radiant boost from Furtuna skin care products (like the brand’s Biphase Moisturizing Oil) for what de Kluyver describes as “fresh, morning skin.” The models sported short nails in muted, neutral shades like JINSoon Sea Clay and Chillin. By keeping the rest of the beauty subdued, their eyes were immediately drawn to the flash of smudgy color on the lips.
This undone lip fits seamlessly with Scott’s vision for who the Proenza woman is. “To the unknowing eye, she is put together, precise, deathly punctual,” she said in the show notes. “Those that recognize her sense that there is more to her: The Proenza Schouler woman for Fall 2026 rejects perfection as constraint. She is composed, yet mysterious and cinematic. She is disciplined but capricious—human.”
If looking more human means applying our lipstick messily and with abandon, count us in. It’s sure to be one of the easiest—and most daring—trends of the season.
Shop the Look
Byredo Liquid Lipstick Matte in Red Coma
Furtuna Skin Biphase Moisturizing Oil
T3 Aire IQ Intelligent Hair Dryer
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Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray
