“We Are The World” blended upcycling and diversity at Haute Couture Week, with Marcello Costa’s makeup and a rare moment as he walked the runway.
Designer Ronald van der Kemp appeared on the official Paris Haute Couture Week calendar with his collection “We Are The World.” The show combined fashion, environmental awareness, and diversity, according to the text. In addition, beauty took a leading role through the signature makeup created by Brazilian beauty artist Marcello Costa.
The collection reinforced a conscious, experimental approach by using archive fabrics, luxury-industry surplus, and upcycling techniques. The handcrafted looks gained new visual layers through a reinterpreted retro makeup concept. In this way, beauty directly echoed the runway’s aesthetic.
Retro makeup with a contemporary language
Costa developed an authorial proposal connecting references from the 1920s, 1930s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s with a contemporary, refined, expressive language. Strong colors such as blue and green, plus metallic tones, expanded the visual impact. In addition, the text frames makeup as a conceptual extension of the show’s narrative.
“I really believe in retro, but not tied to a single era. It’s a retro 20s, 30s, 60s, 70s, 80s. I brought that vibe to the runways this season because, as a trend and opinion maker, I believe it’s my responsibility to help guide that movement,” Costa says.
A rare runway appearance
During the show, van der Kemp spontaneously invited Costa to leave backstage and walk the runway. The gesture is described as rare in haute couture, especially for a beauty professional. As a result, the moment became one of the presentation’s standout highlights.
“I never dreamed of this. I always stay backstage, I don’t even watch the shows. I handed the responsibility for the last looks to my assistants and, suddenly, I was walking a haute couture runway in Paris, on the official calendar,” Costa recalls.
Studio runway with process on display
The show took place in a studio conceived as a large image-production set. The runway simulated a real model-prep environment, with photographers positioned along the path and dramatic lighting. In addition, the text mentions continuous photo documentation throughout the presentation.
During the show, Costa interacted with the models and retouched makeup live. In this way, the creative process became visible and part of the narrative. Next, fashion, beauty, and image merged into what the release describes as an immersive performance.
Upcycling at the core
The text presents van der Kemp as the first haute couture designer fully committed to upcycling. His trajectory is linked to exclusive use of reclaimed materials and artisanal processes. As a result, in “We Are The World,” sustainability appears both in materials and in message.
More than a traditional runway show, the presentation is described as exposing creation in real time. Between photography, makeup, and movement, the concept pushed the boundaries of contemporary couture. Finally, the text highlights the fusion of fashion and beauty as central to the experience.