Indianapolis Fashion Week Beauty: Expert Tips from Basil Beauty and Barber Shop

Did you know that over 5,000 fashion enthusiasts flock to Indianapolis Fashion Week each year? I still remember my first time attending – completely starstruck by the incredible hair and makeup transformations happening backstage! That’s why I’m so excited to share these insider beauty secrets with you today.

When it comes to Fashion Week beauty in Indianapolis, nobody knows the scene better than the experts at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop. Located at 4911 West 38th Street, this beauty destination has become the go-to spot for models, designers, and fashion-forward locals alike.

I’ve been obsessed with runway beauty for years, and let me tell you – there’s something magical about the transformation process. One minute you’re looking at someone with a clean face and the next, they’re strutting down the catwalk looking absolutely flawless! The right beauty look can completely transform a designer’s vision, and that’s where professionals like those at Basil Beauty really shine.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything from trending hair techniques to makeup artistry secrets that’ll have you runway-ready. Plus, I’ve gathered tons of insights from Basil’s exceptional team on how they prepare models for Indianapolis Fashion Week. Trust me, these are tips you won’t find just anywhere!

Whether you’re attending fashion week events, participating as a model, or simply want to incorporate some high-fashion beauty into your everyday look, this guide has got you covered. Let’s dive into the glamorous world of Indianapolis Fashion Week beauty!

The Evolution of Indianapolis Fashion Week Beauty Trends

Let me tell you, Indianapolis Fashion Week hasn’t always been the glam powerhouse it is today! I remember attending one of the very first events about a decade ago, and the beauty looks were so much more conservative than what we’re seeing now. Back then, it was all about natural makeup and simple hairstyles that wouldn’t distract from the clothes.

Indianapolis Fashion Week really started gaining serious momentum around 2015, and that’s when the beauty aspect started becoming just as important as the fashion itself. I’ve watched this transformation happen right before my eyes! The evolution has been nothing short of amazing.

Early shows featured mostly commercial, wearable beauty looks, but as local designers got bolder with their collections, the hair and makeup followed suit. Anna, the lead stylist at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop, tells me they’ve seen this progression firsthand through their involvement with various designers and shows.

“We used to prep maybe 5-10 models a season,” she told me during our chat last week. “Now we’re doing full teams for multiple designers, sometimes 30+ models in a single day!” The team at Basil has really had to level up their game to keep pace with the growing demands.

This season, we’re seeing some really exciting trends emerging. Graphic liner is HUGE – think bold geometric shapes rather than just a simple wing. And don’t even get me started on the textured hair looks! Gone are the days of just straight or just curly. Now it’s all about mixing textures and creating architectural shapes that complement the clothing.

Basil Beauty stylists have become masters at predicting these trends. They regularly attend national beauty conventions and fashion shows to stay ahead of what’s coming. Sometimes they’ll even start experimenting with techniques months before Fashion Week rolls around, just to perfect them!

I’ve noticed that Indianapolis has developed its own unique beauty aesthetic too – one that blends Midwestern practicality with high fashion edge. It’s less severe than what you might see in New York but more experimental than many other regional fashion weeks. There’s something really special about that balance.

Janelle, one of Basil’s senior makeup artists, explained how they stay ahead: “We’re always looking at what’s happening globally, but then we ask ourselves – how can we make this work for our Indianapolis clients? How can we translate runway to real life?” This approach has made Basil Beauty a trusted name in the local fashion scene.

The evolution continues each season, with beauty looks becoming more integrated into the overall creative direction of each show. Designers now consult with Basil’s team months in advance to create cohesive visions that tell a complete story. It’s pretty incredible to witness how far we’ve come!

Essential Hair Styling Techniques for Fashion Week-Worthy Looks

Okay, I’ve gotta confess something – I once tried to recreate a Fashion Week hairstyle for a friend’s wedding and it was a TOTAL disaster! The bride was super understanding (thank goodness), but that experience taught me that runway hair requires serious technique. That’s why I’m sharing what I’ve learned from the pros at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop!

This season, we’re seeing a major comeback of sculptural hair on the Indianapolis runways. Think architectural updos, intricate braiding, and structural shapes that defy gravity. Marcus, the lead hair stylist at Basil, showed me how they create these looks, and let me tell you – it takes WAYYYY more prep than I ever imagined.

“The biggest mistake people make is trying to style clean hair,” Marcus told me while demonstrating a twisted crown braid on one of his models. “Runway hair needs grip! We usually prep hair the day before with texturizing products, and sometimes even have models sleep in braids to create the right texture.”

I was shocked when he showed me their backstage kit – it contained at least 15 different styling products for different hair types and desired effects. The Basil team preps differently for each designer they work with, considering the collection’s theme, the lighting at the venue, and even how the models will move down the runway.

One technique that’s absolutely essential for Fashion Week styles is backcombing – but not the damaging way your grandma used to do it! Marcus demonstrated the proper technique: “You want to use a fine-tooth comb and target just the mid-shaft, not the roots or ends. This creates volume without creating knots that will damage hair when brushing out.”

The Basil team swears by a few holy-grail products for runway looks: a good dry texture spray (they use one that costs about $28 but swear it’s worth every penny), flexible-hold hairspray that can be layered, and their secret weapon – a water-soluble wax that adds definition without making hair look greasy on camera.

For those statement looks that require serious staying power, they’ve got some tricks up their sleeves. “We actually sew some styles in place with clear fishing line,” Marcus admitted with a laugh. “And for those super sleek looks, we mix a tiny bit of hair gel with hairspray on a toothbrush to tame every single flyaway.”

I tried the toothbrush trick at home and it actually works amazingly well! Just make sure you have a dedicated beauty toothbrush – don’t use your regular one like I accidentally did once. Talk about a minty fresh hairline! 🤦‍♀️

What I love about Basil’s approach is that they always ensure models can move comfortably, even with elaborate styles. “Fashion shows are stressful enough without having a painful hairstyle,” Marcus explained. “We do a full movement test before models leave the chair – head turns, quick walks, even jumping up and down sometimes.”

If you’re trying to achieve Fashion Week hair at home, start with the right foundation. The Basil team recommends investing in good heat protectant, proper thermal styling tools, and practicing with different texturizing techniques. And remember – even the simplest ponytail can look runway-ready with the right execution and attention to detail!

Makeup Artistry Secrets from Basil Beauty Professionals

I’ve been obsessed with runway makeup since forever, but lemme tell you about the time I tried to recreate a glossy eye look from last year’s Indianapolis Fashion Week… disaster doesn’t even begin to cover it! Within an hour, that gorgeous sheen had migrated all over my face. That’s when I realized that runway makeup is seriously an art form that requires expert knowledge.

“Runway makeup is completely different from everyday makeup or even special occasion looks,” explained Tasha, the head makeup artist at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop. “We’re creating looks that need to photograph well, translate from a distance, stay put under hot lights, and complement the designer’s vision.”

The team at Basil has worked countless Fashion Week events, and they’ve developed some serious tricks of the trade. For starters, they approach the face like a canvas that needs proper priming. “We spend about 40% of our time just on skin prep,” Tasha told me. “Properly hydrated and primed skin makes everything else apply better and last longer.”

This season, statement eyes are dominating the Indianapolis runways. But creating those bold looks requires some counterintuitive techniques. “We actually do eyes FIRST, before foundation,” Tasha revealed. “This way, any fallout from pigments can be cleaned up without ruining the face makeup. It’s a game-changer!”

I was surprised to learn that many of the products they use backstage aren’t what you’d expect. Rather than cream eyeshadows (which can crease under hot lights), they often use water-activated face paints set with translucent powder. For those ultra-pigmented lip looks, they create custom colors by mixing lipstick with a tiny bit of foundation to tweak the shade perfectly for each model.

“One of our biggest secrets is layering,” Tasha shared while demonstrating a bold metallic eye look. “We’ll use a cream base, then powder, then a glitter adhesive, then loose pigment, then a setting spray specifically for the eyes. It sounds like overkill, but under those runway lights and with all the movement, it’s necessary.”

The Basil team has had their fair share of backstage beauty emergencies too. There was one time when a model arrived with an unexpected breakout, just hours before showtime. “We always travel with a mini skincare pharmacy,” laughed Tasha. “We did a quick anti-inflammatory mask, followed by color correcting and building coverage in thin layers. By the time she hit the runway, you’d never know there had been an issue!”

What really impresses me about the Basil approach is how they balance boldness with wearability. Even their most avant-garde runway looks somehow seem like something you might actually want to try at home. They credit this to their deep understanding of face structure and knowing exactly how to highlight each model’s unique features.

For those wanting to try Fashion Week makeup at home, Tasha recommends starting with one statement feature rather than going all-out immediately. “Maybe it’s a graphic liner or a bold lip, but keep the rest of the face relatively simple,” she advised. “And invest in setting products – a good primer and setting spray will make any look last longer.”

Another pro tip I picked up? The “tissue technique” for making lipstick truly bulletproof: apply a layer of lipstick, blot with a tissue, dust translucent powder over the tissue while it’s still on your lips, remove tissue, and apply a final layer of lipstick. I’ve tried it and can confirm – this lipstick DOES. NOT. MOVE.

The Basil team prides themselves on sending models down the runway looking distinctive but never “done.” Their philosophy is that makeup should enhance confidence, not mask identity – something they bring to all their clients, whether they’re walking a runway or just wanting to feel special for a night out.

Nail Art Trends Making Waves at Indianapolis Fashion Week

I never thought I’d see the day when people would be taking more photos of models’ HANDS than their outfits, but that’s exactly what happened at last season’s Indianapolis Fashion Week! The nail art was just that incredible. I remember standing backstage, mouth literally hanging open, watching the Basil Beauty nail techs create these tiny masterpieces.

“Nails have gone from an afterthought to a critical component of runway looks,” explained Mei, the head nail artist at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop. “Designers are now specifically requesting nail designs that extend their collection’s story or highlight key textile elements.”

The transformation in runway nail art has been absolutely wild to witness. Just a few years ago, it was all about solid colors or maybe a French tip if they were feeling fancy. Now? We’re talking hand-painted miniature artwork, 3D elements, and nail shapes that seem to defy physics! The Basil team has been at the forefront of this evolution in the Indianapolis fashion scene.

This season, textured nails are EVERYWHERE on the Indianapolis runways. We’re seeing velvet-effect finishes, raised patterns that mimic fabric textures, and even tiny pearls and crystals arranged in geometric patterns. What blows my mind is how the Basil team manages to create these intricate designs under such tight time constraints.

“We actually pre-prep sets of press-ons for many shows,” Mei confided. “This allows us to work on the detailed art in advance, perfect it, and then simply apply and customize the fit backstage.” Smart, right? I tried doing detailed nail art once while rushed and ended up with what looked like a kindergarten finger painting project!

Color trends this season are leaning toward unexpected combinations – think muted pastels paired with single bold accents, or ombré effects that transition between complementary colors. One designer even had the Basil team create nails that changed color under different lighting conditions to create a surprise element when models hit specific spots on the runway.

“The most challenging request we’ve received was creating nails that incorporated actual fabric swatches from the collection,” Mei told me while demonstrating a marble-effect technique. “We had to develop a special sealing technique to keep the fabric pristine while making sure the nails remained comfortable for the models to wear.”

The practical side of Fashion Week nails is something most people don’t consider. Models need to be able to change outfits quickly between walks, so functionality is as important as aesthetics. The Basil team has perfected the art of creating showstopping nails that don’t interfere with quick changes or cause wardrobe malfunctions.

“We test every design by having our nail techs wear them for at least 24 hours before approving them for runway use,” explained Mei. “If they chip, snag fabric, or become uncomfortable, we go back to the drawing board.” This attention to detail is why designers trust Basil with their vision season after season.

For everyday folks wanting to incorporate runway nail trends, Mei suggests starting with one accent nail featuring a runway-inspired design. “You don’t have to go full avant-garde to reference Fashion Week trends,” she advised. “Even incorporating a single element, like a metallic foil accent or negative space design, can give your manicure that high-fashion edge.”

The Basil signature nail service has become legendary in Indianapolis – they offer “Runway Ready” manicures that bring fashion week techniques to everyday clients. I treated myself to one before a friend’s wedding and let me tell you, I’ve never received so many compliments on my hands before! They really know how to translate runway concepts into wearable art.

What I love most about the nail trends coming out of Indianapolis Fashion Week is how they balance artistry with wearability. Unlike some other fashion weeks where the nail art is so extreme it could only exist on a runway, the Basil team creates designs that influence what real people actually want to wear. It’s fashion-forward but still connected to real life.

Pre-Fashion Week Beauty Preparation Timeline

Okay, I’m about to share a major beauty truth bomb – those “overnight transformations” you see at Fashion Week? They’re actually the result of WEEKS of careful preparation! I learned this the hard way when I tried to get runway-ready just two days before attending my first Indianapolis Fashion Week. Let’s just say the results were… underwhelming.

“The biggest misconception people have is that Fashion Week beauty happens in a single day,” laughed Jordan, the booking manager at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop. “In reality, we start prepping models and clients weeks in advance, following a really specific timeline.”

The beauty preparation marathon typically begins about 4-6 weeks before Fashion Week kicks off. This is when the Basil team recommends starting any intensive treatments that require multiple sessions or downtime. “For hair, this might mean beginning a repair regimen for damaged locks or starting color correction if a significant change is needed,” Jordan explained.

I was shocked when Jordan showed me their Fashion Week prep calendar! They literally map out a day-by-day breakdown for their regular clients who want to look their best for the events. At the 4-week mark, they schedule deep conditioning treatments for hair and recommend beginning any specialized skincare routines to address specific concerns.

“Three weeks out is when we do color services,” said Marcus, their head stylist. “This gives us time to make any adjustments and allows the color to settle in and look natural.” This is also when they recommend the first round of exfoliation treatments for skin to start the renewal process.

The two-week countdown is when things really start getting serious. This is when Basil schedules haircuts for models and clients, making sure there’s enough time for the cut to “settle” and for any adjustments if needed. For skin, this is the sweet spot for facials – enough time to get past any potential purging but close enough to the event to see benefits.

“One week before is absolutely critical,” emphasized Tasha, their makeup expert. “This is when we do final brow shaping, lash services if desired, and gentle exfoliation treatments. But this is NOT the time for aggressive treatments or trying anything new!” I learned this lesson the hard way once with a chemical peel three days before an event… never again!

The final 48 hours before Fashion Week begins is all about subtle refinements and preparation. A light trim to freshen up the haircut, a hydrating mask to plump skin, and ensuring you’re well-hydrated from the inside out. The Basil team even provides their clients with a nutrition and hydration guide for the final days before Fashion Week.

“The night before any runway appearance, we send models home with specific instructions,” Jordan told me. “Clean hair washed with the right products for their texture, specific skincare steps, plenty of water, and a good night’s sleep.” They’ve even been known to provide silk pillowcases to prevent hair breakage and skin creasing!

Between shows, the Basil team creates custom touch-up kits for models and clients, featuring blotting papers, a mini hairspray, lip products, and other essentials tailored to their specific looks. These kits are lifesavers during the hectic Fashion Week schedule when there’s barely time to breathe between events.

What I find most impressive about Basil’s approach is how they create personalized timelines for each client. “Everyone’s hair and skin are different,” Jordan explained. “What works for one person might be completely wrong for another. We take the time to understand each client’s unique needs and create a roadmap specifically for them.”

For anyone planning to attend Indianapolis Fashion Week events, the Basil team recommends booking your beauty appointments AT LEAST 4-6 weeks in advance. “We get booked solid during Fashion Week season,” Jordan warned. “Planning ahead ensures you get the time slots you want with your preferred stylists and technicians.”

The beauty of this methodical approach is that it creates results that look effortless – even though they’re anything but! That “I woke up like this” model glow is actually the result of weeks of careful preparation and professional expertise. And nobody in Indianapolis understands this process better than the team at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop.

Behind the Scenes: How Basil Beauty Prepares Models for the Runway

Let me tell you, until you’ve been backstage during Fashion Week, you have NO IDEA how chaotic it really is! My first time behind the scenes, I was absolutely floored by the controlled chaos – models running between hair, makeup, and wardrobe stations, designers making last-minute adjustments, and through it all, the beauty team somehow remaining calm and collected.

“Backstage coordination is an art form all its own,” explained Kai, the creative director at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop. “We’re not just doing beauty – we’re managing time, personalities, designer expectations, and unexpected emergencies, all while creating flawless looks under intense pressure.”

The preparation actually begins long before anyone arrives at the venue. The Basil team conducts detailed meetings with each designer, sometimes months in advance. “We create look books and detailed beauty plans for every single model,” Kai told me while showing me their impressive digital organization system. “Each look is photographed, products are listed, and application techniques are documented.”

I was completely fascinated by their backstage setup process. They arrive at least 4-5 hours before showtime, transforming empty spaces into fully functional beauty stations. Everything is meticulously organized by look and model, with detailed schedules accounting for exactly how long each person needs in the chair.

“We typically allow 45 minutes for hair and 45 minutes for makeup per model,” said Kai. “But some complex looks might require up to two hours, so we schedule accordingly.” They actually use color-coded systems to track each model’s progress through the beauty stations – it’s like a beautifully choreographed dance!

The most impressive thing I’ve witnessed is how they handle the inevitable emergencies. There was one show where a model showed up with a dramatic new haircut she’d gotten the night before – completely different from what had been planned for the show. The Basil team didn’t miss a beat – they huddled for literally two minutes, came up with a new concept that would work with both her hair and the designer’s vision, and executed it flawlessly.

“The key to handling backstage emergencies is having options,” Kai explained. “We always bring multiple ways to achieve similar looks, extra products for every possible scenario, and most importantly – we bring our creativity and problem-solving skills.”

One of the biggest challenges is creating cohesive looks across an entire collection while still considering each model’s unique features. “It’s not one-size-fits-all,” emphasized Marcus, the lead hair stylist. “We might adjust the height of a ponytail based on face shape or modify an eyeliner technique based on eye structure, while still maintaining the overall aesthetic the designer wants.”

The relationship between the beauty team and the fashion designers is fascinating to watch. There’s this beautiful collaborative energy, with designers trusting the Basil experts to translate their vision into reality. “Some designers give us specific references and others give us complete creative freedom,” said Tasha. “Either way, our job is to enhance their collection and bring their vision to life.”

Time management backstage is absolutely critical. The Basil team uses a staggered schedule, starting with the models who need the most complex looks. “We build in buffer time for unexpected issues,” Jordan explained. “And we have dedicated team members who focus solely on final touches and touch-ups before the models hit the runway.”

What makes Basil Beauty particularly valuable to Indianapolis Fashion Week is their attention to documentation. “We photograph every completed look from multiple angles,” Kai said, showing me their extensive digital archives. “This allows us to recreate looks exactly for look books, and it helps us maintain consistency if we’re doing multiple shows for the same designer.”

The respect the models have for the Basil team is obvious. I watched as models who work nationally and internationally specifically requested certain Basil stylists because of their reputation for creating comfortable, long-lasting looks. “When a model feels confident in how they look, it shows in how they walk and present the clothes,” Kai noted.

By the time models are lined up to walk, the Basil team has transformed them completely – not just with makeup and hair, but with a confidence that comes from knowing they look absolutely perfect from every angle. And then, like magic, the lights go up, the music starts, and all that behind-the-scenes chaos transforms into the seamless beauty we see on the runway.

Conclusion

Whew! Indianapolis Fashion Week is seriously a whirlwind of creativity, style, and beauty innovation! After diving deep into all these insider tips and techniques, I hope you’re feeling inspired to try some runway-inspired looks yourself.

What I love most about the approach that Basil Beauty and Barber Shop takes is how they balance high-fashion artistry with real-world wearability. They understand that runway beauty should inspire us regular folks, not intimidate us! Their team has truly mastered the art of creating looks that make a statement while still feeling accessible.

Remember, achieving that Fashion Week glow isn’t about one magical product or technique – it’s about thoughtful preparation, understanding your unique features, and working with professionals who can guide you through the process. The experts at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop have established themselves as Indianapolis’s premier destination for runway-ready transformations because they truly understand this balance.

If you’re planning to attend Indianapolis Fashion Week events or just want to elevate your everyday look with some runway inspiration, I strongly recommend booking a consultation at Basil Beauty and Barber Shop. Located at 4911 West 38th Street in Indianapolis, their team can create a personalized beauty plan that will have you turning heads wherever you go!

Have you tried any Fashion Week-inspired beauty looks? I’d love to hear about your experiences! And if you visit Basil Beauty, be sure to share your transformation – there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing how runway beauty can translate into real life confidence and style!

Remember, beauty trends may come and go, but finding your unique style with the help of expert guidance is always in fashion!