When it comes to jaw dropping dresses that are worn by your favorite celebs - Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Toni Braxton, Celine Dion and Paris Hilton - Michael Costello is the designer who creates stunning creations that give them an ethereal and sexy look. Michael is no stranger to Fashion Week; however, during this season's NYFW SS18, he had his first presentation which shared his line filled with diversity from skin tones, size and age. We took some time to talk with him as well as Michaela Polaco, Lead Makeup Artist for INGLOT to find out more about this show.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We've been a fan of the brand for quite some time, what drew you to being a designer and ultimately creating draw dropping dresses?
MICHAEL COSTELLO: My love for fashion, fabrics, silhouettes, but ultimately I always wanted to be a designer to create gowns that empower women, and highlight their beauty.
AM: Who have been some of your favorite celebs to dress and who would you like to dress?
MC: I've dressed Beyoncé, J Lo, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, among other beautiful celebs, and I would definitely love to dress Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry.
AM: We love how social you are as your IG posts include phenomenal style as well as insight into your personality - how essential is this to your brand?
MC: I love sharing my creations, and my personality through social media. I wear multiple hats; I'm a dad, designer, a business owner and I think it’s important to share this with the world.
AM: What inspired you to create SS18?
MC: S/S18 was inspired by the whimsy and romance of classic fairy tales. The collection entices you with a dreamy escape from the monotony of the day-to-day, while accentuating our signature alluring, modern silhouette.
AM: How important is diversity in fashion and why did you decide to focus on this in your show?
MC: Diversity is very important in fashion. It’s not about creating a movement or an acceptance, its more about realization that all women come in all forms, shapes, and sizes and we at
Michael Costello celebrate everyone equally.
AM: What is the inspiration behind the makeup look for the SS18 show?
MICHAELA POLACO: We’re converting the idea that glamour is something reserved for the elite. The inspiration comes from our desire to accentuate women’s natural features. We
achieved this by creating very supple, fresh and radiant skin, an effortless, wearable yet sexy eye and a lip that looks stained from a glass of wine. The palette is ethereal yet evokes the
thought, ‘I could pull that off.’
AM: Michael Costello's show is focusing on diversity and breaking barriers, how is this aligned with the ethos of Inglot?
MP: INGLOT is one of the most diverse brands on the market. From our array of eyeshadows spanning the rainbow; to our complexion products made up of a variety of textures, finishes and shades that range from the lightest of the light to the deepest of the deep, with every skin type in between. I think that Michael’s vision is completely aligned and compatible with that of
the INGLOT; making for a dynamic duo!
AM: What is the beauty look of the show?
MP: The Look:
· Skin: To create a dreamy effect on the skin, I mixed INGLOT AMC Liquid Illuminator with INGLOT HD Corrective Primer as a base, so the skin radiates through the makeup look and lasts
throughout the night.
· Cheek: After the base was applied on the apple of the cheek, I applied INGLOT Sparkling Dust FEB #02 & #03 (frosted loose powder in light nude and bronze) to give skin a shimmery
look accentuating each woman’s glow.
· Eyes: I wanted to maintain the ethereal feel on the eyes, so I mixed INGLOT AMC Pure Pigment in #115, a holographic rose gold shade, with INGLOT Duraline – It’s a magic serum that
turns powder products into cream or liquid. This created a long lasting, highshine metallic element that mimics a glossy lid, without the mess.
· Lips: To finish the look, I applied INGLOT HoldOn Lip Primer, lined the lips with INGLOT Soft Precision Lipliner #56 and finished with INGLOT Sleeks Cream Lip Paint #91, a creamy, rosy
long-wear paint with a glossy yet flat texture.
AM: What are 4 must haves that people should have in their cosmetic bag from Inglot that allows them to get the look from the show, but can work well into their everyday routine?
MP: INGLOT AMC Liquid Illuminator: Because a healthy glow is always necessary and you never know when your look will need a pick me up. This product was a major player in the Michael
Costello looks.
INGLOT Refreshing Face Mist: Also a pick me up for the skin, whether you're experiencing overheated skin and need a cool down or have dry skin that needs a drink of water. This was a key product used to keep skin looking supple and youthful at the Michael
Costello show.
INGLOT Lash Enhancer Mascara: To create a full looking lash that's voluminous yet defined.
INGLOT High Gloss Lip Oil: Infused with many nourishing oils to keep your lips soft and healthy, it adds a high shine that can be worn alone or on top of your favorite lip product to give an
added kick. At the show, we also used it on top of models’ high planes of cheekbones for major skin.
AM: What was your path to becoming a makeup artist?
MP: Starting from the age of 16, I actually spent many years trying NOT to be a makeup artist, but one way or another I always found myself back in the industry. I worked at countless makeup counters, and spent many mornings up at the crack of dawn - Sometimes to do
makeup for “Z list” celebrities, other times to work on brides that were featured in VOGUE. I started at INGLOT as a regular artist and three year later I’ve just finished keying Michael Costello's NYFW presentation. What I've learned is, never say no to an opportunity and
always arrive ready with your game face on, because you never know who you'll meet or what jobs can lead to others. It’s a competitive industry that's always changing, so you have to
prepared for everything and always be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. I love being a makeup artist and I’m so grateful I’ve ended up where I am supposed to be.
Read more from the Sep Issue and read Blush Dreaming with Michael Costello in mag.
