Lipsticks as
Timeless Objects of Beauty
Ceramics, engraving, cast light. Fashion houses such as Hermès, Celine, Guerlain, and Dries van Noten are designing elegant cases for lipsticks with elements of couture. Not loud, but lovingly designed, with artistic, well thought-out details. Lipsticks are becoming small, perfect objects—collector’s items for the handbag.
(Beauty) These are not just cosmetic products. Rather, they look like miniature sculptures, wrapped with engraved emblems, faceted metal, or in ornate ceramics. Here, colors for the lips become objects of art. Elaborately designed and finely crafted, these small works by Hermès, Celine, and Dries van Noten are reminiscent of fashion craftsmanship at the highest level.
Haute couture is moving into cosmetics and it is not uncommon for renowned creative minds to be found behind the designs. One example is the French designer Pierre Hardy at Hermès, who was previously responsible for the French fashion house’s jewelry and shoe lines. “Rouge Hermès” has been developed with the aim of creating objects of lasting value.
“Feminine, pure, simple—designed to be instantly desirable yet to withstand the test of time, while capturing the spirit of Hermès,” is how Hardy describes his design approach. “Rouge Hermès” works on all these levels—the tubes are elegant and heavy in the hand, balanced in shape and color, and engraved with the House’s ex-libris emblem.
Dries van Noten’s lipstick cases feature a skillfully composed clash. Inspired by the label’s typical mix of materials and textures, neon nuances meet animal patterns while coral marble converges with porcelain prints. “I was very aware that I had to introduce something unique in an already oversaturated beauty market,” says Dries van Noten, who was still serving as Creative Director at the time of the launch, describing the development of the in-house makeup collection.
With artfully designed cases, lipsticks become
small objects of art—far more than just a makeup accessory. They are collector’s items, statements,
and silent symbols of luxury and style.
The Rouge Celine lipsticks are more minimalist, but no less elegant. The design is inspired by the classicist design language of Art Deco. The golden cases look like relics of a bygone era, albeit highly modernized. There are matching accessories—minimalist, precise, well-thought-out—a perfect fusion of fashion and beauty.
And the color behind the facade? All lines focus on classic nuances and elegant finishes, complemented by seasonal editions in limited shades—designed to stand the test of time. Just like haute couture, these lipsticks are a countermovement to fast-moving mass consumption. They do not hide behind interchangeability but instead, complement elegant bags and turn the act of applying makeup into a moment of mindfulness. The noblesse of these products remains discreet and can be experienced above all by those who appreciate these beautiful pieces.