In the fashion industry, a garment never stands alone. The transition from a studio piece to a runway-ready look requires a cohesive vision where design, hair, and makeup work in perfect harmony. To bridge this gap for our students, Ellen College of Design recently hosted an exclusive workshop led by Jaipur’s premier celebrity makeup artist, Fiza Khan.
The session was designed to give Ellenites a deeper understanding of the critical role makeup plays in professional styling and how it serves as an extension of a designer’s creative narrative.
The Intersection of Fashion and Beauty
For a designer, understanding makeup isn't about learning how to apply it, but about learning how to communicate a vision. During the workshop, Fiza Khan emphasized that makeup is a storytelling tool. Whether a collection is inspired by ethereal nature or edgy futurism, the beauty look must anchor that concept.
- Complementing the Collection: Demonstration of how to choose color palettes that enhance the fabric tones rather than clashing with them.
- The Runway vs. Editorial: Students learned the technical differences between "Runway Makeup"—which must hold up under intense stage lights—and "Editorial Makeup" for high-fashion photography.
- Creating a Total Look: The session focused on the "Total Look" philosophy, teaching students how to brief a beauty team to ensure the hair and makeup align with the mood of their garments.
A Hands-on Professional Perspective
Drawing from her extensive experience in the celebrity and bridal circuits, Fiza Khan provided practical insights into the industry's pace and expectations.
- Mood Boarding for Beauty: Students practiced creating beauty mood boards to accompany their garment sketches—a vital skill for their final portfolios.
- Trend Analysis: The workshop covered current global beauty trends, from "minimalist skin" to "bold avant-garde accents," and how these trends influence modern garment styling.
- Backstage Coordination: A key takeaway was learning the logistics of managing a styling team during a high-pressure fashion show, ensuring consistency across a 10-look collection.
Elevating the Ellenite Portfolio
At Ellen College, we pride ourselves on producing well-rounded professionals. By collaborating with experts like Fiza Khan, we ensure our students understand the 360-degree reality of the fashion world. This workshop wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about professional discipline and the power of collaboration.
When our students present their work at events like the Ellenite Showcase, they do so with a sophisticated understanding of how every detail—from the hem of a skirt to the shade of a lipstick—contributes to the impact of their collection.
"A designer creates the soul of the look, but the styling gives it a voice. Workshop with Fiza Khan allowed our students to see their creations through a truly professional lens."