Entering and Winning the Redken Fashion Insider contest has been one of the most exciting things I have ever embarked on. Backstage coverage at Fashion Week has been astounding and extremely informational. The Hair Artists, designers, models, and everyone else I was able to speak with were so helpful and kind in answering my endless inquiries. Ana and Heather from Redken were so very helpful in every way and I am so thankful to have met them.
Ana and Heather hard at work interviewing John on Front Row
For me this was all something I thought about in dreams, after this week of covering the glow of backstage creativity and excitement, I've learned what can be accomplished in my industry as a hair or makeup artist and how exciting that truly is. Meeting all my hair role model-hero's and again meeting up with those who I'd met in classes in Boise or Vegas to talk about career paths, hair, and fashion was amazingly helpful and directional.
Impromptu model shot at Chris Benz
I can't wait to come back to the city next month for Color Certification and continue taking classes with Redken, always staying on top of education, knowledge and trend. To stay updated, or if you ever come to Idaho, feel free to add me on facebook, email:ckhairartist@gmail.com
Hillary and I heading home.
See you soon, New York.
Near the end of my coverage of Fashion Week I was prearranged a tour of the Redken exchange with a hilarious woman named Mardina. I was given information about the artists who work there, the schedules they keep, and how always-busy the petite location on 5th Avenue is. A list of classes was provided. I'll be back in October to take the Color Certification Course, so it was tremendous for me to see exactly where I will be testing next month. Two classes are scheduled and there are at least 80 different stylists running through the Exchange in a given week. Some classes last up to four days there is so much information to cover.
Jason Morgan, a Redken artist, helps a stylist in the class going on when I visit-Cut and Know Why.
Gaby, George, and Patrick, all artists, were teaching Principals of Color, but stopped long enough for me to meet them.
Franceso from Parma and Chris Barron told me to take the fundamental classes to expand my knowledge, then they were off, back to teaching and helping students.
Guido and his hair team wanted an edgy disheveled look. Due to the stark ebony and chalk white of the clothing in the PHI collection, a nature element was chosen to set it off. On damp hair, Spray Starch by Redken was misted into the hair from scalp to ends and worked in. Because a matte slightly ratted appearance was the goal, the hair was blowdried with the hands and some models were left to air dry. Once dry, the stylists set to back combing the top and sides of the hair creating a soft movement down the strands. On models with shorter hair, extensions were glued to the scalp and sculpted in the same manner.
Diane Kendall instructed her crew on simplicity. She agreed that the makeup or hair shouldn't overpower the clothing. Very light foundation was applied to the skin, peaches blush barely touched the apples of the cheek and colorless lip balm shone subtly on the eye lids. Lashes and lips left alone add to the nature element.
The PHI's backstage setting was incredibly cool and modern. We were actually set up where the clothes were being made, on the very top floor in a building on the roof, on 9th Ave. We were able to see a pair of pants being constructed and the actual fittings happen. Because of the clothing's structural factor, and the all black and white element, the looks for hair and makeup were to keep it simple and stunning.
Face chart provided that showcases the makeup artistry used for Kamali's show.
Nadine, the director of artistry for MAC cosmetics, tells me about how Apple has added technology to new products, that this look is, "Glamour for the 20th century and its especially wearable for the uptown girl". She first applied Teddy and Molasses eyeliner pencils to the lid with a flat brush. Over the top, with her finger tip, she smudged a brown and gold duo-chrome, called "Guilt by Association" up to the crease. The look was finished with soft skin and subtle lips. Mineralize Skinfinish powders and a soft peach add to the models' skintone.
Remember Rodney? He's the owner of Cutler Redken salons, He hosted the backstage bash for Norma Kamali and it went off without a hitch. He even had clients scheduled to be coming in at the same time as the models and says his regulars love coming there because they know the salon is always developing fashion and that makes it exciting. I concur.
Even Norma rocked a braid for her show. Stylists on the hair team say braids are surprisingly wearable and you can always place your own sense of individuality or sophistication within the style depending on how you bring it into play. She told me about the newest application for the I-phone. Its called the Norma Kamali App. Add it and you can see her entire collection with the scroll of a thumb, you can also purchase items you like then and there! Genius.
Peter Gray lead the team for hair at Norma Kamali. The excitement behind this look stemmed from making an accessory out of the hair. They didnt want it to appear as a normal hairstyle, but as a mini-braided hat. He wanted structure, but not too much-very inexact and cheerful. He noted that no hairsprays were used in these creations because the loose falling strands are refreshing and organic
He utilized Redken products Fabricate 03 and Rootful 06 to establish a base and to keep the foundation from going anywhere. Next the entire head was softly back combed, letting the models hairs natually frizz. the lengths of the hair were messily gathered, off center a notch, and braided. Some of the models were given extensions to make the braid appear thicker and step it up a notch.
I was able to speak to Tory before the show and see what her vision for the collection entailed. She wanted to present the take on American style from Alexander Calder's perpective with a splash of European flare. She was thinking of a woman who has a free spirit, some un-seriousness to her look.
Her favorite item in the collection? A tie-dyed leather -innovative take on leather piecing.
An amazing hot tip I learned today backstage at Fashion Week was from Yannick. When your hair feels less than lively, tune it up by spraying Fabricate03 by Redken in at the roots in the crown area and heat it up with your blowdryer and a roundbrush. Lift the hair up, opposite the way it will fall, for the most incredible body and height. Its a great heat-active texturizer that adds hold thats a secret. No heaviness or weight - perfect for a revamp or second day hair.
Latest Comments