Making magic happen

Taking charge of the hair and make-up looks for a catwalk show is no easy feat. Lubna and her team beautified over 30 models and it was go, go, go from the moment they arrived backstage. Lubna explains: “One of the reasons I became an MUA is because I love the intimate 1-2-1 experience I have with my brides where we spend a few hours transforming her into a work of art. Working in the fashion side of my role is equally as satisfying but much more fast-paced. Despite the team working under speed and pressure, we’re all aware that every stroke has to be perfect. The camera never lies. As soon as the models step out onto the ramp there is constant snapping and every single one of those photos has to capture perfection.”

Setting the trends 

The planning starts a few weeks before the show when Lubna receives a brief from Indiya, inspired by the collections that will appear on the runway. Lubna creates the theme and make-up looks and then teaches them to her team who assist on the day, taking on several models each. “All of my team members have trained with me so they have the highest standards of hair and make-up. Every model has to look uniform so I show them mood boards, organise them to practice the looks and then on the day itself no model steps out without them getting my approval.”

Dramatic, attention-grabbing eyes and soft lips with pulled back hair was the look Lubna created for our catwalk models; one that’s striking yet elegant: “Catwalk models need to make an impact from a distance and close up and the eyes never lie, by having them as the focal point it made the overall effect powerful and beautiful. I also wanted to show brides that simplicity looks timeless. Soft lips are more mesmerising than heavy rouge palettes and I was thrilled with the response – so many brides came up to me afterwards, impressed by what they saw and wanting to book me for their wedding day. It was an honour to be part of this historic event!”
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