Catwalk shows aren’t just about the clothes. Behind every collection there’s a story, an inspiration or a muse who dictates the entire look from head to toe.

Backstage at London Fashion Week, names like singer Patti Smith were on repeat from creative teams, along with mentions of “American Vogue covers from the Seventies”, or “spacey-futuristic” and “sports-luxe” looks.

Every show’s beauty agenda is as individual as the designer’s ensembles.

From scraped-back ponytails to flowing bohemian locks in hair, and contoured futuristic bases to classic red lips in make-up, there’s a style for everyone to emulate.

RED ALERT

Designers went on the rampage with red clothing, and lips didn’t escape the scarlet takeover.

Gucci Westman at Revlon ignored the one feature focus at Temperley and teamed a bright red lip with a smokey purple eye for a chic powerful look on the catwalk.

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Some models look like they’re from outer space with their slender limbs and perfect features, but make-up artists were striving for ‘otherworldly’ complexions.

Roksanda Ilincic’s show used St Tropez Naturals as a base. She said: “The iridescent shine gives a look like the girls have been hit by a strobe light. I’s so young and healthy-looking.”

GRUNGE GLAM

Grungey glamour was evident as pouts were nude and matte, eyebrows “straight and feral” and lashes were left bare.

The Kate Moss circa 1997 look was also seen at Christopher Kane.

Plait’s That

With the student riots cited as inspiration for many a collection, a womanly warrior-esque look made its mark via plaits.

PPQ opted for the double with pigtail plaits falling from fun Batgirl hats, while John Rocha’s models’ locks were weaved into a variety of plait widths all over the head for an erratic nonconformist feel.