On the coveted benches of the Chanel front row, all eyes were suddenly turned to a silhouette that we thought we knew by heart. In New York, during Chanel’s Métiers d’art fashion show, Linda Evangelista created one of the most talked about beauty moments of the evening with a retro-looking short bob, perfectly sculpted around her face. An ultra chic, precise cut that stands out without ever forcing it.
That evening, in the old Bowery Street station transformed into an underground catwalk, the iconic 90s top model revealed an absolutely impeccable flipped bob, accompanied by very elaborate nude makeup. A hair-make-up duo that modernizes the retro bob and confirms, once again, that Linda Evangelista knows exactly how to evolve her image.
Flipped bob: the retro bob that Linda Evangelista puts back at the center of the game
In the photos from the show, Linda Evangelista’s cut can be read at a glance: a silky bob that stops just under the jaw, perfectly smooth, with the ends rising outwards. This controlled movement gives this famous “flipped” effect, a direct nod to the sculpted hairstyles of the 60s popularized by figures like Jackie Kennedy, but in a more refined version.
This detail changes everything, because instead of a strict bob, the flipped bob creates an immediate lift effect. The points that extend slightly outwards lighten the contours, reshape the jawline and give the neck an impression of length. And then it’s not an exaggerated volume, rather a delicate curve which captures the light and structures the face very softly.
At the Chanel Métiers d’art show, a couture square designed down to the smallest detail
Sitting in the front row, Linda Evangelista displayed a cut calibrated for her legendary head shape: clean line under the jaw, disciplined roots, mirror shine, identical movement of the ends on each side. The result remains very couture, almost architectural, while maintaining a certain flexibility which avoids the frozen effect.
To accompany this very constructed hairstyle, the model opted for sophisticated nude makeup. The complexion appears satiny, perfectly even, without areas of excessive shine. The look is worked in a taupe halo which envelops the eye and a fine line which discreetly intensifies the fringe of eyelashes. On the mouth, a pinkish nude redraws the lips without stealing the spotlight from the cut. This precise beauty look underlines that at 60 years old, Linda Evangelista remains a style icon, capable of embodying a short bob that is both retro and terribly current.
How to get inspiration from Linda Evangelista’s flipped bob every day
For those who are considering adopting this square, a few guidelines help to plan ahead. The flipped bob works particularly well on oval or slightly square faces, because the outward curve softens the angles. On a round face, you can ask your hairdresser to place the length a little below the jaw, with a side parting, to further elongate the silhouette of the face.
In the salon, it is better to describe precisely what you want rather than just pronouncing the name of the cut. For example, we can ask:
- a smooth square that falls just at or slightly below the jawline,
- very sharp points, worked outwards to create a light flip,
- a controlled movement, with little volume on top,
- a shiny, almost mirror finish for a couture effect.
At home, styling is mainly done when blow-drying. After protecting the lengths, we straighten the hair then accentuate only the last centimeters with a round brush or an iron to curve the ends outwards. A serum or light oil on the lengths intensifies the shine, while a veil of supple hairspray helps maintain the curve without setting it, a detail that changes everything on the Chanel front row.
When it comes to makeup, the duo of luminous complexion and pinkish nude lips remains a safe bet with this very graphic short cut. A light but covering foundation, a taupe shadow blended along the eyelashes and a discreet brown or black pencil are enough to recreate the balance observed on Linda Evangelista. The idea is simple: let the cut speak first, and use the make-up to accompany the movement of the eyes, without ever overdoing it.
FAQ about Linda Evangelista’s flipped bob
What exactly is a flipped bob?
It is a bob whose length goes from the chin to below the jawline, with smooth ends facing outwards. The result is softer and more retro than a classic straight bob, with movement that frames and lifts the face.
Who wears the flipped bob worn Chanel style?
Linda Evangelista’s very controlled version is particularly flattering on oval or angular faces, as the raised ends soften the lines. On a round face, we recommend a slightly lower length and a side part to visually refine the contours.
How to ask your hairdresser for a flipped bob?
The simplest is to talk about a smooth square, just at or slightly below the jawline, with points worked outwards. Specify that you want light, symmetrical movement and a shiny finish, rather than a wavy or gradient effect.
How to style a flipped bob at home?
After drying, we smooth the lengths then we bend only the ends outwards, section by section, with a round brush or an iron. A shine product and a little soft hairspray help keep the curve sharp throughout the day.
What makeup to pair with a retro chic flipped bob?
A well-evened satin complexion, a taupe halo on the eyes with a fine line along the eyelashes and pinkish-nude lips recreate the balance seen on Linda Evangelista. This type of makeup highlights the cut without competing with it.
