Trend Alert! Fall Forecast / Backstage Beauty «

If you’re a Helmut Newton fan you’re gonna LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! this season’s penchant for powerful beauty. Strong models stalked the majority of the catwalks and we want IN! From the dominatrixes at Marc Jacobs, with slicked back, power trip ponytails, to the gangs of statuesque beauties with statement brows, masculine make-up with plenty of contouring at Dolce & Gabanna. Plus, it was clear waifs have been rejected for athletic girls that look like they could be members of Team GB for the 2012 Olympics! Fear not gym-haters, there were plenty of alternative trends too:

Metallic, chromatic colour on the eyes was spotted at shows such as Thakoon, 3.1 Philip Lim and Roksanda Ilincic in shades of sunset red, copper, silver and bronze.
Gothic influences permeated proceedings from Fendi’s sexy “Hitchcock goes Gothic” models to punky Siouxsie Sioux’s at Felder Felder.
There was a strong 60s undercurrent – typified by Burberry Prorsum naming their collection after swinging superstar Jean Shrimpton.
On a more avant-garde tip, Jeremy Scott’s inspiration was Spice Girls-meets-Harajuku, with tie-dye Baby Spice pigtails and neon eye colour framed with doll-like lashes.

But if you thought that was wild, Sam McKnight and Lady GaGa (who else?!) stole the show at the Thierry Mugler’s extravaganza with 3ft platinum ponytails and a jet-black fringe – and it doesn’t come more powerful than that!