Christian Dior Couture Spring 2011 Beauty

Pat McGrath was back at the helm for Christian Dior Couture Spring 2011 show in Paris and according to WWD.com, described the look as "super graphic, super Dior." Yup, I think I'd go along with that.

Sometimes backstage beauty can baffle: er, are they even wearing any? Some years you get streelish looks because being made up is just not in vogue that season, so think centre-parted ironed hair and some eye gloss. Er, not much inspiration there.

Because that's exactly what catwalk beauty does: it's inspirational; not necessarily aspirational. Dior never lets me down on that front. There's always crazy coloured eyes and Marlene Dietrich lips. It's great stuff, and it's what makeup artistry's all about: creativity.

The looks for the show were inspired by French illustrator René Grau, apparently. What do you think? Love the OTT factor of catwalk looks or do their larger-than-life aspect leave you cold?

Images via the wonder that is WWD.com