Black Lipstick Steals the Spotlight at Schiaparelli’s Couture Show

Once a symbol of rebellion, black lipstick now commands center stage as a powerful expression of identity in high fashion.

At Schiaparelli’s recent couture show in Paris, the attention wasn’t solely on the brand’s imaginative gowns and surreal silhouettes—it was on the lips. Nearly every model walked the runway sporting glossy, jet-black lipstick, marking a bold departure from the house’s traditionally subtle makeup choices.

This season, black lipstick transformed from a niche accent to the defining feature of the runway. While a handful of models opted for classic red, the majority embraced the dark, high-shine shade, infusing the collection with an air of mystery and strength.

Makeup artist Dame Pat McGrath created the striking look using her PermaGel Eye Pencil in Xtreme Black, delivering a lacquered finish that perfectly complemented Schiaparelli’s avant-garde designs. The result was a captivating blend of gothic glamour and couture sophistication.

Black lipstick has long existed on the fringes of mainstream beauty. Originating in the goth and punk subcultures of the 1980s, it has appeared occasionally on runways but rarely taken center stage. Often seen as daring and unconventional, it has stood as a symbol of rebellion and individuality.

Its prominent presence at Schiaparelli signals a significant shift.

For many, black lipstick is more than a makeup choice—it is a statement of identity, confidence, and self-expression. Fashion editor Kelsey Stiegman reflects on her own journey growing up as an emo teenager in a small town, using dark makeup and alternative fashion to assert her individuality despite social challenges. What once felt isolating became empowering over time.

Her relationship with black lipstick evolved from youthful defiance to a powerful emblem of self-acceptance. Products like Kylie Jenner’s “Dead of Knight” lip kit and KVD Beauty’s Everlasting Hyperlight Liquid Lipstick helped her embrace her identity boldly.

By placing black lipstick at the forefront of its couture show, Schiaparelli embraces not only a beauty trend but the diverse stories and identities it represents. In an industry often favoring conformity under the guise of creativity, this bold choice celebrates difference.

Black lipstick is no longer confined to subculture—it’s couture.

With Schiaparelli leading the way, black lipstick has been elevated from an underground statement to a high-fashion essential. It is bold, unapologetic, and here to stay.