Lucy Bridge “Colour Mode”: A Deep Dive into Dramatic Colours
Catarina Afonso
“Colour Mode” is the first book on make-up artist Lucy Bridge’s work, developed in close collaboration with renowned creative director Veronica Ditting and published by Thames and Hudson.
A face can set the mood of an entire fashion image. Lucy Bridge is the make-up artist trusted to help shape that first impression. She has worked with Paolo Roversi, Tim Walker and Mert & Marcus. Her runway credits include Mugler and Dries Van Noten.
Based between London and Paris, Bridge moves between the intimacy of the photographer’s studio and the precise demands of the catwalk. In October 2025, she became TOM FORD BEAUTY’s first-ever Global Make-up Artist.
Tim Walker
‘I first saw Lucy on the number 55 bus going into central London. It was 2009 and at that time youth culture felt subdued, almost deliberately plain. It was the era of normcore, when people dressed to blend in rather than stand out. And then there was Lucy: striking, composed, unmistakably herself’
The dramatic and vibrant make-up designs of Lucy Bridge take shape in a book published by Thames & Hudson. Ten specially commissioned stories by leading photographers are interspersed with “Looks in Progress”, behind-the-scenes images that reveal Lucy’s creative process and working practices.
The book contains over 380 images that capture different facets of her craft through ten distinct photographic points of view. Together with these varied perspectives, the photographic stories reveal Lucy’s ongoing creative partnerships and technical skill. In particular, they show the range of looks and narratives she creates through make-up.
The design and layout of the book are dynamic, combining precision with energy. The first page of each of the ten photographic stories displays the make-up colours used within. These colours originate from their branded product names, sequenced in the order that they appear on the models. The book also features a selection of editorial works spanning 2009 to 2026.
Ten different photographic perspectives
Jack Davison’s photography uses distinctive double exposures of vivid colours and shapes in surrealist settings. In particular, the cover image presents Lucy’s signature make-up palettes in abstract form. Carlijn Jacobs’ story, by comparison, explores dramatic colours and experimental textures to create exaggerated, dynamic looks. Sam Rock’s photography documents expressive body painting, blurring the line between make-up and clothing. In like manner, the story created with Tim Walker treats make-up as transformation. Colour washes, strong pigments and electric-hued accents express their shared love of theatrical characters.
Dries Van Noten
Another contributing photographer, Dries Van Noten, reflected on his first encounter with Lucy’s work: “When I saw Lucy’s work, I felt she was pushing things further than other make-up artists. There was a surprise factor. I wanted to make pictures that push you and surprise you, and Lucy was perfect for that.”
The book gathers photographs by Jack Davison, Carlijn Jacobs, Matthieu Lavanchy, Jean Marques, Oliver Hadlee Pearch, Thurstan Redding, Sam Rock, Luis Alberto Rodriguez, Paolo Roversi, Esther Theaker and Tim Walker. Equally important are the voices behind the work. Lastly, Haider Ackermann, Saskia de Brauw, Dries Van Noten and Walker reflect on their collaborations with Bridge. Lucy’s conversation with Julia Bridge, in particular, offers a more personal perspective on where it all began.
About Lucy Bridge
Lucy Bridge is a British makeup artist based between London and Paris. She was appointed Tom Ford’s first global makeup artist in October 2025. Additionally, collaborated with creative director Haider Ackermann on his Spring/Summer 2026 runway presentation in Paris.
Bridge went to Manchester to study makeup, hair and wig-making before moving to London. There, after working at MAC Cosmetics, she started freelancing as a makeup artist in 2009. Her involvement in London’s club scene, however, played a pivotal role in her rise to prominence. She built her early editorial network through connections with photographers, stylists and designers from East London’s club scene. Meeting Tim Walker was the cherry on top, as it led her to feature in an “i-D” Chanel editorial. More importantly, that encounter marked the beginning of a fruitful 15-year creative partnership.
Lucy Bridge’s style is unconventional even in her technique, as she is known to use paintbrushes rather than traditional makeup brushes. Her work features bold lines and vivid colours, often with a subversive undertone. She draws inspiration from art, film, travel, culture, as well as social media.
Walker’s guest-edited solo issue of “i-D” in 2017
Lucy served as the key makeup artist for Walker’s guest-edited solo issue of “i-D” in 2017. Additionally, between 2017 and 2024, she served as lead make-up artist for designer Charles Jeffrey’s label, Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY. She crafted theatrical, avant-garde runway face paint as well as beauty concepts. She has directed runway beauty and editorial make-up for luxury houses, including Dries Van Noten, Kenzo and Jil Sander.
Finally, to pre-order your copy of this iconic book, go to Thames and Hudson
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I have always been very curious and interested in many different areas of knowledge. Over time, I understood that the best way to pursue my interests is to also be able to communicate them.
I enrolled in a Communications degree, majoring in Journalism. Later on, I pursued a Master’s in Arts, Cognition and Criticism, in order to expand my communication expertise into the art criticism field. I approach art subjects and themes by combining my journalism training with my knowledge of art analysis, both at a cognitive and at an institutional level.
My passion for fashion goes hand in hand with my passion for the arts. Beyond the aesthetic aspect, I am interested in the narratives, the identity and the cultural significance behind a piece of clothing, a painting or a photograph.
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