Last week, I had the privilege of meeting talented design duo, KLûK CGDT. I got to chat to them about their interpretation of the Yves Saint Laurent Tuxedo Palette and the look they created, inspired by a key moment in the history of Mr Saint Laurent.
To celebrate, 50 years of YSL, KLûK CGDT together with seven of SA’s top designers, were invited to create a fashionable piece, interpreting the new YSL Couture Colour Palettes (more on that soon).
Each designer was given one of the eight palettes to work with, and asked to use the palette to design a runway look that was showcased at the 2014 SA Style Awards, that took place at Hyde Park Corner on Sunday the 23rd November.
KLûK CGDT was given the task of interpreting the first palette in the collection, No1 TUXEDO, a smokey eyeshadow palette with shades of grey, taupe, charcoal and black.
When I spoke to Malcolm and Christiaan at Hyde Park Corner the next day, I asked them how it felt to interpret a palette by such an iconic YSL Classic. Malcolm said it was like looking after someones’ baby!
For their show-stopping feathered creation, that got heads turning as it opened the SA Style Awards Fashion Show, KLûK CGDT drew inspiration from the palette to bring this look to life.
They wanted to make the tuxedo look relevant for today, while still keeping it uniquely KLûK CGDT.
They started by making the Tuxedo more wearable, by creating a modern jumpsuit. Classic wool and satin lapels were used to keep it traditional, while soft tule and feathers added drama and flamboyance!
Malcolm described the “tuxedo [as] being the dichotomy between feminine and masculine”.
To bring this balance into their creation, they used elements that are not only feminine, but relevant to their current “Garden of Eden” collection. A soft tulle shirt, a ladylike pussybow neck tie and an embellished flower design on the back of the shirt, that can be seen in other pieces of their latest collection.
Christiaan told me that the beautiful feathered jacket that finished 0ff their look, was the most expensive item they’ve ever made. They had bought the fabric over 2 years ago and when they were given the opportunity to create a look inspired by the TUXEDO palette, they immediately knew that this fabric had to take centre stage.
Such a beautiful jacket, that I got to touch, feel and see in all it’s glory. It’s no wonder the designers received requests on the night for versions of this to be made!
I love how KLûK CGDT made this look their own! They did a brilliant job incorporating the YSL TUXEDO Couture Palette into their creation, through the clever contrast of shades, brought about through the use of different textures.
It’s no wonder the design duo currently hold the title of “African Designers of the Year”.
Get the TUXEDO Makeup Look…
The TUXEDO makeup look is all about strong smoky, sculpted eyes with heavy contouring and deep, glossy red lips. A look created by YSL National Makeup Artist, Malusi Malanga…
For the eyes: Start with a sharp winged line on the upper lash line, using YSL Eyeliner Effect Faux Cilis. Sculpt the eye by applying the the base shade (B) across the eyelid and illuminate with the highlighter shade (H) under the brow bone.
Apply the Darkest Shade (1) on the outer corner of the eye, above and along the crease line. Blend from the outer corner above the crease line, going upward and inward. Apply the Medium Shade (2) on the lid, starting at the outer corner and blend it with the Lightest Shade (3), towards the inner corner of the lid.
Finish with a slick of YSL Mascara Voume Effect Faux Cils Shocking for a dramatic, false lash effect.
For the face: Prepare the face with YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation and perfect the complexion, using Touche Elcat, to brighten under the eyes and illuminate your features. Blend every edge to perfection in order to create the illusion of sculpted cheeks.
For the lips: Saturate lips with an intense deep red colour using YSL Rouge Pur Couture in shade Le Rouge to give lips a radiant, satin finish.
Stick around as I’ll have the scoop on all eight palettes and the looks created by each of the designers up soon!
