Backstage: Baby Phat

Backstage at the Baby Phat show on Friday, key Linea Pro hairstylist Odile Gilbert created a "60s Cher" look for all the models which meant super long, pin-straight hair and a middle part. Some of the models, like the one below, had bangs too and it came out very nice. Odile said that she wanted something "feminine and sexy like Kimora (the designer)" and that "straight hair is always in fashion."

In order to create the super straight 60's Cher hair, Odile used uber sparkly flat irons, pictured left! She kept the hair products to a minumum, using only Mizani light holding hair spray to finish off the look.







I met up with head M-A-C make-up artist James Kaliardos again. He's pretty awesome and said he remembered me from the Nicole Miller show.

C: What's the look for Baby Phat tonight?
J: 70s Cher. 3 shimmery eyeshadows: bright gold to make the inner corner of the eye pop, peachy gold over the entire lid, and a dark/black gold for the contour of the crease and below the eye.

C: And for the rest of the face?
J: Peachy/orangey blush to create a high cheekbone. The lipgloss is also a peach color. We're using false eyelashes and some mascara. The most important part is keeping the skin sheer.

C: Any special techniques?
J: "Keep the skin as sheer as possible--that helps to make the whole look breathe."

C: How do you know Kimora?
J: "This is my first season doing a show for her, though I worked with her as a model."

Backstage: Nicole Miller

Today, I received one of my favorite assignments so far: I interviewed the head make-up artist (who was using M-A-C products) and hair stylist (using Bumble&Bumble) at the Nicole Miller fashion show in Bryant Park! Nicole Miller is a designer of woman's fashions, bridal and accessories. My internship has given me a lot of firsts and going backstage to Fashion Week was surely one of them.

I learned that knowing the PR people to events is key (hi, sis!). After standing around for a while because I wasn't on the guestlist, it occurred to me that I had the phone number to the PR person for M-A-C cosmetics, who got me in right away when I called. I can't wait 'til that sort of things becomes the norm for me. :P

I had an interview with hairstylist, Rolando Beauchamp, pictured left. Here are some his responses and my notes!:

C: What's "the look" of the show tonight?
R: "Uptown girl goes Downtown." Extremely low side part with the front portion curled around a tight, healthy ponytail that's textured and toussled when finished.

C: Why did you and Nicole decide on this style?
R: It's simple and easy. We needed simplicity for the hair because of the complicated clothes.

Bumble&Bumble products used:
"Shine," "Thickening spray" and "Does it all" hairspray.




Head make-up artist James Kaliardos was a great first interview. He was friendly and was patient as I stumbled through questions.

C: What will be the new make-up trend that we're seeing tonight?
J: "African Voodoo" eye--smokey plum eyeshadow, black mascara, bright dark blue liner (almost a teal color)

C: What's the inspiration behind this look for the eye?
J: The Voodoo look is to capture the spirit of a mesmerizing eye. The plum eye can be for anyone bored with brown, but afraid of black shadow. Plum also accentuates all eye colors-- Nicole and I both love a penetrating, strong eye. But it's very important that it's not theatrical.

C: What's the color palette for blush?
J: We're using an Orangey/Gold blush called "Fun & Games" by M-A-C. Also, the lip color is neutral. We're using "Nudie" which is neither a lip gloss nor a lipstick.

C: Pet peeve with ordinary girls make-up?
J: People who use too much foundation. If you can't see the skin because of too much cover up, you don't get a feeling for the person.