At Simkhai’s SS25 Runway Show, It Was All About Dewy Skin and Tousled ‘70s-Inspired Hair

Creative Director Johnathan Simkhai didn’t have to look too far for inspiration for his Spring 2025 collection, which was a glamorous ode to his mother Oma’s wedding dress. The discovery of a silk flower keepsake that was once attached to the dress she wore on her wedding day in 1972, served as the catalyst for him to create sophisticated yet romantic pieces that celebrated her and his family history. 

The entire collection was filled with textured lace pieces—that referenced the elaborate lace of his mother’s wedding dress that was manufactured at his grandfather’s mill in Iran—as well as skirts, dresses, coats, and tops embellished with fabric petals, flowers, and roses. Already special due to its personal and familial inspiration, the Simkhai SS25 show also marked the label’s return to the runway after a three-season hiatus and its latest venture into menswear.

To help bring his vision for the collection to life, Simkhai worked with lead hairstylist Holli Smith and lead makeup artist Diane Kendal to craft a hair and makeup look that radiated summer ease. Using an array of TRESemmé hair products and tools from Shark Beauty—including their new SpeedStyle ProFlex dryer — Smith designed effortless ‘70s-inspired tousled tresses with center parting. As for Kendal, the focus was on creating gorgeous, dewy skin for all of the models, which she achieved using an array of products from YSE Beauty by Molly Sims. To ensure that each model’s skin was properly prepped for makeup, celebrity esthetician Catherine Esposito was on-site to provide them with a 15-minute mini YSE Beauty facial. Keep scrolling for all the details on how to achieve the hair and makeup from the Simkhai Spring 2025 runway show.  

Hair

Inspiration: “Leaning into the ‘70s archetypes, we went for an untouched Brigitte Bardot vibe to get an effortless style.” – Holli Smith

Get the Look:

1. Start by sectioning hair into a natural middle part and apply the TRESemmé Extra Hold Mousse ($7.49) directly into the hair.
2. Next, structure the hair with single pronged clips to obtain volume.
3. Using a flat brush, position front pieces forward and tuck behind the ear to frame the face. Clip to maintain shape.
4. Use the Shark Beauty SpeedStyle ProFlex ($229.99) on gentle heat with the DeFrizzFast diffuser about 6 inches from the head to create hold without crunch, and maintain the shape.
5. Once dry, use your hands to break up sections of hair.
6. Finish with the TRESemmé Extra Hold Hairspray ($7.49) to set the look. For more of a wet look, spray hair with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Weightless Heat Protection Spray ($7.49) to add in moisture.

Beauty

Inspiration: “This Spring, I’m predicting another “dewy skin” skin trend, so utilizing the YSE Beauty Xtremely Rich Moisturizer was a perfect way to incorporate that trend into the runway!” – Diane Kendal

Get the Look:

1. First, Catherine prepped the skin by removing any leftover makeup or dirt with Take It Off Gel-Oil Cleanser ($45.00), followed by Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads ($72.00)  for any excess dryness to refresh the skin.
2. Before any additional products were used, Catherine made sure to brighten and tighten everywhere with The Golden Sculpt Face Roller ($34.00).
3. On the face, she applied the luxurious Xtremely Rich Moisturizer ($65.00) to help with any tired and dehydrated skin. Applying this moisturizer after using an exfoliating pad allows the moisturizer to really soak into the skin, and provides a great base for applying a light coat of foundation.
4. While the moisturizer was setting in, Catherine placed The Overachiever Brightening Eye Masks ($36.00) to deliver an instant cooling effect to the eyes with no-slip, hydrogel technology.
5. The final makeup look was finished by Diane with YSE Beauty’s newest launch, Like a Gloss, for a perfect, hydrating, and glossy lip that’s totally ready to debut down the runway.