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Yes, there were the clothes—swirling seventies-inspired riffs on Italian boho chic in the form of a colorful fur gilet, plunging tunic, or crisp denim day dress—but when the lights came up after Wednesday afternoon’s Gucci show in Milan, all eyes were fixed on one front-row seat. In town to celebrate her role as the face of the fashion house’s new makeup collection, Charlotte Casiraghi was unmistakable in a fitted black sheath and a swipe of crimson lipstick. The 28-year-old Monaco royal, who has spent several years collaborating with Gucci as its official equestrian ambassador, was handpicked for the job by designer **Frida Giannini—and it’s easy to see why. In the Mert Alas andMarcus Piggott–**lensed campaign, she is all smoldering sensuality with a haze of diffused smoky eye shadow and a bold burgundy lip. Off camera, settled into a suite at the city’s Four Seasons hotel the next day, wearing a Gucci floral-print top and jeans, she is fresh-faced and glowing with a hint of soft brown eyeliner (a staple in her basic makeup routine) and a bit of rosy blush. At close range, Casiraghi’s beauty is both striking and familiar: With her square, perfectly composed features, she’s a dead ringer for her mother, Caroline, Princess of Hanover; at other times, her cinematic good looks call to mind the film star presence of her grandmother, Grace Kelly, in her Hitchcock days. In town for just 78 hours, Casiraghi will soon be headed home to her family—she has a nine-month-old son, Raphael, with actor **Gad Elmaleh—**and her beloved horses. “I ride almost every day that I’m not working or travel [traveling],” she admits of her devotion to show jumping, which she has pursued with intensity in recent years. She lights up when talking about her grey gelding, Tintero—as well as her love of a good lipstick. Here, we sat down to speak with her about her beauty philosophy, her favorite logo-free handbag, and the importance of being fearless with makeup.
First of all, did you enjoy the show? Yes, very much. It was strong, but there was also something soft and feminine. The accessories were great—very casual, very chic. The Gucci bags are the best. I don’t like bags that are too branded [with logos]. I prefer low-key and classic. The one that I use most is the Soho. It’s little, so you can wear it [as a cross-body style] and have your hands free.
Anything else that caught your eye?
The boots.
Tell us about how your relationship with Frida Giannini and the house of Gucci began? It started with the equestrian [connection]. When I began competing again, Gucci was my sponsor, so we developed a relationship around horse-riding. Frida and I designed equestrian clothes together, so it was really centered around my passion for horses, which Frida also shared.
Now you’re the face of Gucci’s new makeup, which launched this week in the U.S. When did you first see the range? I saw it just before we shot the campaign, last March. I was impressed by the packaging, which is really beautiful. It’s something you want to have just because it looks very precious—and then the products themselves are very high-quality. The mascara brush is amazing, and the eyeliner lasts a long time and is very easy to use.
Pat McGrath, who helped develop the line, did your makeup for the campaign. Did you learn any tricks from her on set? One good trick she taught me is to put light-beige pencil on the inside of your eyes. It helps the color of your eyes to come out. Otherwise, I think it’s not to be afraid of experimenting with makeup. I’m never afraid of using bold colors or glitter or a stronger lipstick.
We noticed that you love a bold lip. What was the red shade you wore to the show on Monday?
It was Gucci’s Iconic Red lipstick.
Do you ever wear makeup for riding competitions?
When I ride, I always like to look neat. It’s an elegant sport. I just put on a bit of foundation to have a healthy look.
When did your passion for horses start?
I’ve been riding since I was maybe three or four. Ponies at first, and then I’ve really always been doing it since. I started competing more seriously only a few years ago. Now I have several horses, because as you progress you need to do as many shows as you can, but the horses need to rest. To preserve their health, it’s better to have at least two of them to [alternate].
Riding is also a great workout.
Riding uses so many different muscles. I ride two to three horses a day, and I ride almost every day when I’m not working or traveling. You use your legs, your arms, your back. It’s a very complete sport. But I don’t think of it as exercise. I do it because I love it, and it’s a plus that it helps me stay in shape.
Are there any other beauty products you can’t live without, especially when you’re traveling here in Milan?
The most important thing to travel with is makeup remover—something to cleanse your face well, because that’s the basic of any routine. You need to have clean skin. That’s something I never travel without. In France, we use a lot of pharmacy products that are very natural, with no chemicals. But a cleanser and a lotion, those are the basics for me.
Any final words of beauty wisdom?
When you’re fourteen or when you’re 34, your makeup isn’t exactly the same. You have to feel comfortable in it. You have to match your mood. You start to know your face. The best thing is learning to use makeup in a way that suits you.
