In the world of luxury beauty, few brands navigate the intersection of raw emotion and high-concept design as deftly as Byredo. Their latest offering, Vesuvio, is a limited-edition 18-colour eyeshadow palette that serves as a deeply personal love letter to Naples, crafted by the brand’s Creative Image and Makeup Partner, Lucia Pica.
Drawing its narrative from 19th-century Neapolitan paintings, the palette is more than just a collection of pigments; it is a journey through the “sublime”, capturing both the tranquil haze of the Mediterranean and the mythic, violent beauty of Mount Vesuvius.
A Study in Dualities
As a Neapolitan native, Pica has infused this collection with a sense of “romance and realism.” The palette is designed to hold two opposing states in a single vision: drama and quietude. This duality is reflected in the campaign imagery captured by Johnny Dufort, where modern, vivid backgrounds clash with moments of still reverie, mirroring the unpredictable nature of a volcano.
The colour story is intentionally curated to flow like a painter’s canvas:
- The Quietude: The journey begins with ethereal pastels like lilac, watery green, smoky blue, and soft pink, interspersed with sophisticated shimmers of grey and off-brown.
- The Drama: The narrative then shifts into “magma” territory. Expect high-intensity volcanic pinks, oranges, and purples, grounded by mineral tones of burnt umber, copper, and bronze.
Each shade offers a “twist,” ensuring that even the most neutral tones possess a distinct, unexpected character.
Artistry Meets Texture
Beyond the storytelling, the technical execution of Vesuvio remains true to Byredo’s reputation for sensorial luxury. The formulas are ultra-creamy and “weightless,” designed to provide a luminous finish that lasts for up to 12 hours.
True to the spirit of intuitive makeup, the pigments are highly buildable. Whether you prefer a soft, blended wash of colour using your fingertips or a precise, graphic eye with a brush, the textures are engineered to glide onto the skin effortlessly.
The Vessel
The packaging is an objet d’art in its own right. The signature weighted, mirrored case has been reimagined with a modern, abstract interpretation of Vesuvius. Adorned with a graphic rainbow motif, the case feels less like a makeup compact and more like a collectible piece of contemporary design.
For those looking to capture the spirit of the Italian coast and the fire of its most famous peak, the Vesuvio 18-Colours Eyeshadow Palette is now available through selected Byredo boutiques, premium retailers, and online at byredo.com.