Clinical skincare is fast becoming one of the most discreet signals of modern luxury. At Erdem’s Autumn/Winter 2026 show, the shift was unmistakable. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the house placed skin health at the centre of its beauty direction and partnered with SkinCeuticals to redefine backstage preparation.
The result was polished and restrained. Skin appeared luminous, refined, and modern. Rather than relying on heavy makeup, the focus moved toward structure, resilience, and long-term strength. As a result, the complexion felt effortless but intentional. This approach reflects a wider movement among affluent consumers, who increasingly invest in longevity and performance-driven self-care.
Renowned facialist Hadda Akrim led the preparations backstage. She translated her clinic-based sculpting techniques into an express ritual designed for the pace of fashion week. However, the method still supported long-term skin health and integrity.
She began with a precise cleanse, followed by lymphatic activation to release tension and reduce puffiness. At the same time, an antioxidant phase featuring vitamin C brightened the skin and strengthened its natural defences. These steps created a calm, balanced foundation before makeup.
At the centre of the routine, Akrim applied P-Tiox serum using deliberate lifting strokes across the forehead, eye contour, and nasolabial folds. The peptide-driven formula smoothed the complexion while supporting deeper structural resilience. Consequently, makeup enhanced rather than concealed the skin. The finish appeared rested, subtly sculpted, and luminous without excess shine.
Advanced RGN-6 introduced lightweight firmness, while a targeted massage using A.G.E. Advanced Eye refreshed the delicate eye area. Finally, a mist of Phyto Corrective Essence Mist restored hydration and clarity, ensuring a refined finish before models stepped onto the runway.
As fashion week schedules grow more demanding, backstage skincare is no longer indulgent. Instead, it has become essential. “The ritual I created is both targeted and high impact,” says Akrim. “It builds a strong, hydrated base that allows makeup to sit seamlessly.”
Beyond the runway, the collaboration signals a deeper transformation in luxury beauty. Clinical skincare is moving from dermatology clinics into fashion’s most visible spaces. Medicine, aesthetics, and design now converge in new ways. In this era, true luxury lies not in transformation but in preservation.
| Photography: Josep Albert Serveto
