Runway Trend to Try: Embellished Pony

Backstage during New York Fashion Week, we spotted the embellished ponytail, which proves that adding a little interest to a classic style makes it exciting.  Jeanie Syfu lead the Tresemme team at several shows this season and is the queen of the fancy pony.  Here's her advice on getting the look.

All you need is a strip of fabric.  Jeanie suggests adding a strip of leather to the base of your ponytail by wrapping it about 2" down from the base as seen at Carolina Herrera.  You can also create two small ponytails and secure with gold ribbon then tie the lengths into a knot on top of your ponytail at your nape which I created for Erin Fetherston.

Which style do you like better?

NYFW Trend Spotting: MAC's Texturized Eye Liner

Eye makeup can go one of two ways when it comes to the NYFW runways:  Natural and light ala Derek Lam SS2015, or at the opposite end of the spectrum – the eccentric and bold, such as Yadim’s neon eyeliner from Peter Som last season.  And while we love the natural beauty trend, bold makeup is just way more fun.  So what bold eye makeup trend have we spotted this season? Thanks to MAC, texturized eye liner.

Caviar Beads at Ohne Titel

Remember that caviar nail trend a few years ago? This technique was reincarnated by Kabuki for the Ohne Titel show on the models eyes. He mixed MAC’s pro Black Black and Pure White Chromacakes to create a custom grey color which he applied through the lower line of the eyebrow. Then, as an lower lid liner, he applied Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Quite Natural. Now, for the fun part. He glued on the caviar beads using none other than watered-down Elmer's glue due to it's easy removal.

Glitter at Tadashi Shoji

Another textured eyeliner look we saw was created by Pep Gay at Tadashi Shoji. He placed bright gold glitter along the top lash line using MAC Pro Gold Glitter, which he adhered using Duo Adhesive, which allowed him to repeat to gently build intensity.

Metallic at Zac Posen

Zac Posen's metallic eye was another intricate Kabuki creation. Beginning with a base, Bamboom Paint was applied all over the lid and crease. Then, each of the following were mixed with Prep + Prime Fix; MAC Pigments in either Copper Sparkle, Blue Brown, MAC Pro Silver, MAC Pro Gold and MAY Pro Heritage. This is what created the metallic cream that was applied all over the lid up to the crease.  To highlight, Copperplate eye shadow was blended through the outer corner of the eye. Finally, to define, Photogravure Technakohl liner was add to the lash line.

Backstage DKNY: A Conceptual Look

We’re back in the NYFW swing of things. Backstage at DKNY we talked to some of our favorite beauty veterans and got the scoop on the conceptual beauty look they created. From the cobweby hat-hair created by Eugene Soueliman to Yadim's quirky graphic eye. See how they created these memorable runway looks.

Textured Cobweby Hat Hair

“We’re doing a hairstyle that’s as if a hat has been on it and it’s squished down," explains lead Wella hairstylist, Souleiman. And the key to getting this sans hat? Tension, which he created by French braiding two sections of hair beginning behind the ear and bring it down the back of the hairline. Then, using the small end of the back of a comb, he pulled out a thin layer on both sides along the center part, brushed them until full of static, giving the cobweb texture. After spraying them with dry spray, the static hair hung as a veil over the sleeked down flat hair. To keep it pressed down while backstage, the girls wore bandanas while finishing up backstage.

Quirky DIY-Looking Graphic Eye 

“When I talked to the team they said they wanted something quirky and eccentric,” Maybelline lead make artist Yadim explains. Well, he nailed it with the imperfect non-straight line around the eye replicating a shape found on the fabric on a piece in the collection. “It was a bit of a flower print but you wouldn’t really know it because it’s so abstract,” he explained.

Interested in how he created this squiggly graphic eye? He drew the lines using Maybelline Master Precise and Master Graphic, meeting the top and bottom on the outside corner. "You can't make a mistake because it's done purposefully." To get the lines this perfectly imperfect, smear them out with a makeup wipe and then go around and cleaned it up with a dry Q-tip. It still will leave the squiggly effect without initially creating it on purpose.

"The Fast Pass" Mani 

Keeping with the conceptual, DIY theme, lead Essie manicurist Michel Saunders gave each model what she called "The Fast Pass," manicure. It's simply one swipe of nude-colored polish called "All Eyes On Nudes" down the center of the nail. Also looking as if the model quickyldid it herself. "Leaving a little bit of the sides out to show that it's ok to be imperfect," explains Saunders.

Runway to Reality: Fall Beauty Trends on NBC

When I go backstage during NY Fashion Week I'm always seeking out looks and trends that we can actually wear.  From retro blow outs and metallic smokey eyes to sophisticated burgundy manicures and diffused berry lips, I gave the scoop to New York Live's Jacque Reid.  Check out the segment after the jump.

NYFW Nail Trend: Negative Space

Backstage at the Spring 2015 shows last week, there wasn't a finger unpainted since you know by now, that the nail look has become much more than the icing on the cake for designers. While there were definitely some elaborate looks like this one at Libertine, my go-to manicurist, Jin Soon Choi claims, “This season is all about simple nail art and negative space.”  All in all, the shows proved that minimalist, negative space will be a huge spring nail trend and the best part, it's one you can begin wearing now. Take a look and fall in love.

Prabal Gurung, Jin Soon Choi used the Prabal Gurung for Sally Hansen Collection, which will be available next Spring, to create this stripy look.  She even left some nails untouched!

Creatures of Comfort, Alicia Torello used different shades of Zoya polish and left an unpainted stripe inbetween.

Nonoo, Tracylee Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Let it Snow to create this minimalistic look.

What do you think of the negative space nail trend?  Hit or miss?

Celebrating Juicy Viva la Juicy Gold Couture Perfume

Last night, I attended the launch party for Juicy Couture's Viva la Juicy Gold Couture perfume held appropriately at Gold Bar.  Thrown by SheKnows, it was a crowded, yet a very glamorous event with a spritz bar, champagne and photo booth.  The fragrance is one to talk about.

I know many of you love the original Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy fragrance and I don't blame you.  It's fresh and youthful, but this interpretation gives off the same vibe with a twist. It's a dedecant blend of berries, honeysuckle, golden amber, caramel and vanilla. Super sweet.

 You can find Juicy Viva la Juicy Gold Couture for $72 at Sephora.

*This post is sponsored by SheKnows, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

First Look: Pamella Roland's Hair & Makeup Test

Pamella Roland held her Spring 2015 fashion show today, but instead of attending backstage to get the beauty scoop, I had the opportunity to get a sneak peak at the creative process at the hair and makeup test held at her showroom last Wednesday. Picture being at a beauty brainstorm with Ms. Roland herself and two of the industry's best – lead makeup artist, Matin Maulawizada and lead hair stylist, Ted Gibson – only the brainstorm was creatively happening on a model surrounded by Japanese inspired pieces that were about to float down the runway.

After looking at the collection and speaking with Pamella Roland about her vision for the show, Ted and Matin started creating the visual – the look all of the models would wear as they walked down the aisle.

As they began, I asked them what first came to mind when thinking of Pamella Roland's collections...

"Chic.  Sophisticated.  Wearable and attainable," - Ted Gibson

"Practical. Fashion concious. Classic. Not too crazy or too safe. Walks a line.  Chic. Desirable.  Beautiful," - Matin Maulawizada

With those thoughts in mind, Matin focused on the eyes and cheeks by creating a monochromatic look by applying Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Cocoa at the lash line and blending it up, then using  Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in Hot Chocolate, a brown baked eyeshadow with hints of red in it on top of the lids and in the outer corner. On the cheeks, Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Stick Face Colour in Bronze Glow helped to created the exaggerated color with a dusting of Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Rosebud on top.  It was blended together so it would stand out in the lights of the runway.  The brows were softly defined, yet underdone and completed with a rosy lip.

Knowing he was going to be working with a corded headband that matched the clothes, Ted began working the hair into an updo and then decided to take it down.  Playing with texture and shape, he ended up adding interest in the 'do by waving the bottom and keeping the top slick and wet looking.  He spritzed L'Oreal Professionnel Fresh Dust Dry Shampoo in the waves and used the Infinity Pro by Conair 3Q blow drier to help distribute to make the texture even softer. "She wants it undone, but still pulled together," he explained about the direction of the look.  In the end, he ended up cutting the headbands and placing the blush color on a barrette to secure the hair back.

Fall in Love with Armani Si

One of the funnest parts of New York Fashion Week is attending parties, dinners and lounges hosted by brands and media outlets to network and celebrate the week. Yesterday I joined Glamour at their Street Glam Pop Up Shop in the Chelsea Market, which is open to the public.  Sponsored by brands like Garnier, Maybelline, Gilt and Philosophy, there were hair and makeup touch ups, opportunities to shop, a hair psychic (yes, for real) and more. My favorite experience though, was at the Armani booth with Armani Si.

To promote their latest fragrance, Armani Si, the brand had a booth set up romantically with rose petals and ribbons to spritz the scent on for sampling.  With notes of vanilla, patchouli and may rose, the fragrance is light, but seductive.  Since fragrance is personal, they had DIY monogrammed love notes readily available for visitors to write out and mail.  Of course, I sent one to Joe with our "L" monogram on it.  I also spritzed it with Si as a finishing touch.

If you're in NYC this weekend, check it out.  I also stopped by Garnier to get my hair styled, shopped the Gilt x Glamour shoe collection and had my hair fortune ready by Glamour's Editor-at-Large, Theodore Leaf, who's fantastic.  By hair fortune, I mean this guy is a stylist (look him up) and was on point with the ladies and gave specific consultations on what they should do with their hair.  I heard a bunch and kept agreeing with him.  Everyone appreciated his advice.

*This post is sponsored by Glamour, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Insta-Glam: Models to Follow During NYFW

New York Fashion Week is literally the most important time of the year.  I don't care what anyone says, there is nothing more incredible then watching the Internet practically break, because of all of the footage surfacing from the most elite runway shows around the world. We've rounded up the 8 hottest models who's instagram handles you should follow for insider access that will have you feeling like you're in the big tent sitting next to Anna Wintour herself throughout all of NYFW.

Karlie Kloss, Instagram: @karliekloss

A definite fan fav, Karlie is known for her awesome personality and wacky photos. Follow her as she undoubtedly kills it on the runways for some of the biggest designers in the world.

Cocoa Rocha, Instagram: @CocoRocha

Coco's lustworthy Insta is riddled with photos designed to incite the most serious case of Wanderlust by showing the beauty in her surroundings (even if her surroundings are next to a camel or something equally as ridiculous). Her insider photos of NYFW are guaranteed to be visually stunning, like peeking behind the scenes of a Vogue cover shoot.

Cara Delevigne, Instagram: @caradelevigne

A mix between high fashion shots and personal insider photos, Cara will definitely be reporting on NYFW with a high-brow twist...and of course, a side of bacon.

Joan Smalls, Instagram: @joansmalls

Joan Smalls is sure to slay this year at NYFW. Her incredible cheekbones make her Instagram totally gorg, follow her for high fashion shots with a pinch of her offbeat humor sprinkled in.

Miranda Kerr, Instagram @mirandakerr

This VS Angel is looking to break the mold by joining the ranks of the NYFW runways. Keep an eye out for her infectious smile and unmistakable behind-the-scenes selfie guaranteed to have you feeling like you're part of the action.

Jourdan Dunn, Instagram @officialJDunn

Known for being best pals with fellow runway queen Cara Delevigne, these two often cameo on each other's Insta's while party-hopping. Keep an eye out for her taking the runway by storm with the occasional shot of her adorable son mixed in!

Gigi Hadid, Instagram @GigiHadid

The daughter of Real Housewife of Beverly Hills star Yolanda, this up-and-comer is sure to appear a few times at NYFW. Having walked last season, Gigi is sure to stun with her striking features and high-fashion Insta shots.

 Georgia May Jagger, Instagram @GeorgiaMayJagger

No stranger to the catwalk, Georgia walked the London Olympics runway without breaking a sweat. She's sure to make an appearance this season but only her Insta will give us the insider shots we really want...along with the occasional adorable animal cameo of course!

Exclusive: Backstage Beauty at Alice & Olivia

This season, the Alice & Olivia presentation was held at the McKittrick Hotel and the backstage space was so narrow that models, Stila makeup artists, Tresemme hairstyles and Essie manicurists were squished into tiny diagonal spaces around a long, rectangular table trying to get ready without getting aggravated.  Try to be the only beauty blogger who had access, trying not to get in the way.  Like a snake, I slithered in and out of their chairs and got the scoop.  The lip look alone was worth the craze.

This was the fourth season Sara Lucero for Stila took the lead on the makeup for Alice & Olivia.  Heavy liner was complimented by false lashes, the skin was left radiant skin with a youthful, pinkish glow on the cheeks and the lips were the focus.  "Depending on what the girls were wearing, they had different lip looks," Lucero stated.  One was to resemble a "forbidden poison apple," which was a layering of candy apple like colors from Stila including a mix of Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Fiery and Merlot Vinyl, topped off by Lip Glaze in Cranberry, which acted like high shine top coat for your nails.  The other was a super glossy opaque nude that, "knocked out their natural lip tone and gave it coverage."  The shade: Banana Lip Glaze, which is a golden shimmer.

Matthew Curtis of Tresemme lead his team to create, "big, crazy brushed out curls." First he sprayed Tresemme 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray, because the heat from the curling iron works with the alcohol to contract the hair, making it hold.  Using  1" tongs, he curled all the way up to the root, but left about 1" from the root straight. The inspiration was vampish victorian, dark but feminine. Left pin curled until the models were dressed, he then teased the hair back and brushed out the curls.  To create a "fantasy-like lift," before he finished it off with hairspray, he used hair nets around the bottom of the hair to lift the curls up and sprayed.

Essie manicurist, Miss Pop applied two coats of Essie polish in Licorice and created small dots with Good as Gold.

Why Nail Art Will Never Die

Something different was happening with nail art this season during New York Fashion Week and I'm not talking about innovative looks.  The tables have turned.  Instead of manicurists trying to sell their art to designers during beauty tests before the runway shows, designers were requesting specific types of nail art to manicurists.  They were asking for classic styles like half moon manicures and 3D textures, which can only prove one thing.  Nail art is not a trend, but a style that's here to stay.  

Backstage I grabbed Michelle Saunders, a Lead Manicurist for Essie who was responsible for 11 of the 27 shows Essie sponsored this season to chat about how nail art has changed.  "This season it's all about the sophisticated and modern nail and when it comes to nail art, Essie stays fresh by just using polish to create different effects and textures," she commented.

Keeping the nails classic, using just polish definitely makes for a sophisticated aesthetic.  "We don't need to explain the looks anymore," she says.  "Designers get it."  From a reverse French to a French, mixing shades to create a customized color and creating effects through polish is chic and timeless.

"It's more of a look than a trend, like red lipstick," she concludes.

For the ultimate NYFW nail art photo gallery, check out PopSugarBeauty.

Interviews with Stars of the Red Dress Fashion Show

Backstage at the Heart Truth Red Dress Show last week the focus wasn't so much on "the look," but more on the message.  Each notable was walking in hopes to spread awareness of heart disease.  Did you know it was the number one killer amongst women?  Crazy right?  I chatted with Giada De Laurentiis, Taryn Manning (who is hysterical) and Sasha Cohen about walking in the show, their favorite way to wear red and the best piece beauty advice they've ever gotten.

Giada De Laurentiis

• Runway Lesson:  I went to the BCBG show earlier this morning and learned I need to walk with my hips forward.
• Who She Wore: Carolina Herrera
• Favorite Way to Wear Red: I usually love to wear a red lip.  When I don't have time to do my makeup, I throw it on and that's all people look at.
• Best Beauty Advice: My grandmother told me that as I get older and since I travel a lot I'm going to get circles under my eyes.  So she told me to get ice and put it in my sink with a little bit of water and dunk my face in it for two seconds.  I do it every morning when I travel and it really brings the puffiness down from underneath my eyes.

Taryn Manning

• Runway Lesson:  I've watched a lot of runways growing up and when I put the dress on the designer taught me to do a U turn when I get to the end because of my train.  In acting that's called a banana or a snake so I understood.
• Who She Wore: Carmen Marc Valvo
• Favorite Way to Wear Red: I love a red pump.  I just wore a pair out by Dolce Vita.
• Best Beauty Advice:  I've always had funky style and wear a bunch of hats, cause I'm a musician, too.  What I would do, is over do jewelry and stuff like that.  An old family friend, who I barely even know told me that less is more.  My mom told me she meant to lose the hat and the jewelry.  She was right.  Less makeup.  And shut your trap, too!  It goes for everything.

Sasha Cohen

• Runway Lesson: I've seen a lot of shows so I'll just walk and have fun.
• Who She Wore: Marc Bouwer
• Favorite Way to Wear Red: I have pale skin and dark hair so I think a red  lip suits me well.
• Best Beauty Advice: My mom always told me to take care of my skin.  I cleanse every day with a hot towel, tone then moisturize and add sunblock.  Always.

Exclusive Sneak Peek: Herve Leger NYFW Beauty

The invite to cover Max Azria's Herve Leger show is always an honor as his infamous bandage dresses always catch my attention, but this season an even more special invite landed in my inbox – the opportunity to cover the hair and makeup test the day before the show. RSVP: Yes.  Here are details on my exclusive preview of what the models hair, makeup and nails will look like.  PS: The show is tomorrow afternoon.

Prior to today, the glam squad met with Lubov Azria, the Chief Creative Officer of Max Azria to give direction for look and show off the Fall 2014 collection.  According to Lead Bumble & Bumble Stylist, Laurent Philippon, words like "bold," "cyber," "high tech" and "robotic" kept coming up.  There were two models at the test and I watched as he pulled their hair into high, tight ponytails and added streaks of "avatar blue" extensions into them starting at the root.  A look that later, wasn't approved by Azria.

Tomorrow, the girls are expected to walk with the same equestrian style ponytail, but the colored pieces of blue and a reddish coral will be coming in from the bottom as if they were an extension of their necklines.  "This way the audience can only see the color when the model turns, making it a more subtle statement," explains Philippon.

The eyes were the makeup look.  "I applied everything n a diagonal so you get the feeling of digital speed and movement," comments Val Garland, the lead makeup artist for Temptu.  The whole look was really emulated through the eyeliner, which Garland used a cream liner to create the graphic shape and then set it with Temptu's paint.  Her tip:  Don't move for 15 seconds after applying eyeliner to ensure it stays crisp like "a tick."  Her look was instantly approved.

Essie's Lead Manicurist, Julie Kandalec gave Azria a variety of designs to choose from playing off of the the lines in a bandage dress.  "She wanted to go in a blush direction to pick up the bare shade in the collection," she commented.  Tomorrow, all of the models will be wearing the same shade, Lady Like, but maybe not the same nail.

Red Dress Ready

Each year I like to cover the Heart Truth Red Dress Fashion Show, because it's empowering and unlike all of the rest since celebrities walk the runway to show their support in raising awareness of heart disease.  Like them, I like to wear a little red number, too, to show mine.  Yesterday before the show I popped into the Serge Normant Salon in the Meat Packing District where a John Frieda stylist gave me an effortlessly chic blowout to complement my feminine French Connection dress.  What she used to get the look surprised me. About two months ago I attended a launch event for John Frieda's latest collection of Frizz Ease products that are labeled for women with curly hair.  Impressed by the demos done on the models while there, I took note and decided I'd include them in stories, but never use them on my own hair since it's dead straight.  To my surprise, even though I questioned it, my stylist used the Frizz Ease Curl Reviver Styling Mousse before blowdrying and I was left with incredible volume.

Turns out, it's not too heavy for my hair and mousse is mousse.  While it may help to define curls, it certainly helped to pump up my volume.

*This is a sponsored post, but all of my thoughts and opinions are true.

Avon Makeup Backstage Elizabeth & James

Here's a peek behind the scene's of Mary Kate and Ashley Olson's fashion show for their line, Elizabeth and James through the eyes of Irina Shayk, Avon's Global Ambasador and (I had to say it...) Sports Illustrated Super Model.  Loved the video. Had to share!

Backstage Beauty Report: Elle Fashion Next

You're going to love this look.  The first backstage I covered this season was a bit off-beat, but the makeup look was far from it thanks to Maybelline New York.  A dramatic winged cat eye, soft, matte skin and sheer nude lips.  Wearable and easy to achieve.   The show, Elle Fashion Next, where emerging talent from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago are given a chance to showcase their work, was a great success.  Here, of course, is my backstage beauty report.

Being that there were many students showcasing their unique styles, it was important for the lead Maybelline New York Makeup Artist, Gabriel Almodovar to add consistency to the show through makeup.  Since the winged cat eye was the main focus, he instructed his team to use whatever it took to make sure it was done right.  His secret?  Using Maybelline 's EyeStudio Master Drama Cream Pencil Eyeliner in Midnight Master, since it glides on so easily, with an angled brush to create the preciseness and draw it out to a crisp point.

Everyone, even the models, were buzzing about the new lipcolor that Maybelline is launching this November called Color Elixir.  This is one I for sure, have to get my hands on!  It's a perfect hybrid between a lipstick, gloss and balm. The models were all wearing a sheer nude called Glistening Amber.

Backstage Beauty Report: Zac Posen

Throughout my 14 seasons of reporting, I've never missed a chance to cover backstage Zac Posen.  The gowns are so beautiful it hurts.  This time, I followed Zac around backstage and watched as he inspected some of them one last time before they made their runway debut.  Special.  The look immediately reminded me of a modern day Marie Antoinette, delicate floral appliques placed into texturized updos and a soft ballerina inspired makeup.

Even though the look is very romantic, Kerastase's Odile Gilbert described it as, "f*ed up hair," explaining that no two updos were alike.  After loosely curling the model's strands, she used K Powder Bluff Texturizing Dry Shampoo to give it the texture it needed to artisticly pin it up with no rhyme or reason.  Finishing by pinning in the florals.

After seeing the clothing, Kabuki, MAC's lead makeup artist, knew the look was going to be romantic, but wanted to have one element of contrast, but have the feel of a ballet - a graphic element to the eye.  Using MAC's #43 lashes and Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Mascara, his goal was to give the top lashes volume, but not length to add dimension to the eye.  "There's something very feminine about the movement of the eye," he explained. "It's simple, but holds up with proportions of the clothes."  An elegant, but precise line was also drawn on top and black pencil was smudged underneath to complete the eye look.  The face was kept nude and lip color was enhanced.

Two colors were used to create a faded nail look.  Morgan Taylor's Coming Up Roses and Polished Up. First Coming Up Roses was applied and then Polished Up was sponged on by rocking it back and forth to create the faded effect, lead manicurist, Gina Edwards explained.

The backstage scene is always my favorite.  Of course, I love covering backstage beauty, but there's something about Zac Posen that makes me want to stay. Here are some more pics I just had to share with you!

Wigs by Number with Ted Gibson Beauty for Carmen Marc Valvo

Picture this: it's 8:30 am on Thursday, September 6th, the first day of fashion week and the Ted Gibson team is searching wig stores all over the city to find wigs and wig caps for the Carmen Marc Valvo show the next day.  At 2pm I walked into the salon to check out Ted's new cosmetic line and get a blowout and right into a prime moment the real hair prep before the big show.  The wigs were found and the team was busy.  Think all of the work goes on backstage?  Think again.

Just the day before Ted and Devon Toth, the Director of Education at Ted Gibson, met with the designer and rest of the glam squad to nail down the inspiration behind the look – inspired by street syle, the vibe was techno tribal for his Spring/Summer 2014 collection.

The vibe at the salon was surprisingly cool, calm and collective.  "Our team found real, human hair wigs in dirty blonde that can be dyed and we're dying the tops platinum and the bottoms black,"  Jason Backe explained.

Check out this breakdown:

 2 # of given days to prepare the wigs

8 # of hours it took for Ted's team to find all of the wigs and wig caps in NYC

5 # of hours in the salon it takes to complete one wig

7 # of team members working on the wigs at all times in between clients

25 # of wigs created for the show

3 # of extra wigs made for just in case reasons

22 # of models

stylist michael forrey talks prepping for threeasfour

Have you been on Instagram or Twitter lately?  Of course you have, which means you're well aware that NY Fashion Week has begun.  I spoke with the mane man behind my bob, (which now looks more like a lob), Sassoon NYC's Creative Director, Michael Forrey, about how he preps for NYFW.  This Sunday, he'll be leading the Sassoon Salon Creative Team backstage at threeASFOUR.  His main 'tool' may surprise you.

What's one off-beat product that often comes in handy backstage and how do you use it?

A fabric needle and fishing wire - don’t worry, I'm not helping the designers sew last minute pieces! Actually, I often use these tools to attach braids or hairpieces as an alternative to a rubber band. The fishing wire gives a strong but flexible hold and makes the final look appear flawless.

How do you and your team prepare for NYFW? 

My team and I prepare for NYFW with workshops, where we test different looks and see how they translate on models. By working together as team, we get to utilize different people’s strengths and the final product is nothing short of amazing! 

Trend forecast!  What hair trends can we expect to see on the runways this season?

I think for Spring 2014 we will see very futuristic sleek, wet, geometric looks.

Describe backstage of NYFW in one word: Exhilarating! 

Top 5 Fall Nail Trends

Backstage during New York Fashion Week last season, it was no surprise that nails were still a main accessory. Playing with texture keeps nail art interesting, proving it's here to stay. I spoke with Celebrity Manicurist, Jin Soon Choi, who broke down the top five nail trends for the season. Get ready to play!

1. Black Matte 

Seen at: Karen Walker, Kaelen, Prabal Gurung, Tibi

Black matte is the hottest thing this fall and there are two different matte finishes available: A pure matte finish which is more young and edgy (Karen Walker) and a satin matte finish (Tibi) which gives a more finished matte look.  I recommend matte black on short to medium length nails with any types of shapes and with natural make up.  Another hot interesting black matte look is a shimmer black matte that was shown on the Tibi Fall 2013 Collection.  Satin matte finish on shimmering black nail polish (JINsoon Obsidian and Matte Maker) goes with all different age groups and skin tones because it provides a satin sheen and it looks more finished than regular matte finish.  Try JINsoon Matte Maker top coat for a satin matte finish instead of a dull unfinished look.

2. Matching Lips & Tips

Seen at: Zac Posen

If you wear unadorned dark oxblood nails, this look can be both modern and chic.  If you want to match your lips and nails, make sure the makeup is very minimalistic, dewy, and not overdone so it will highlight the nails and lips.  Fair skin tones would pull off this look the best.

The nails should be on the shorter side and the shape should be round to square. 

3. Talons

Seen at: Kate Spade, Katie Gallagher

Talons make a really strong statement and are tricky to pull off if they are not done well, otherwise they look like fake nails.  I would recommend talons for someone with long fingers. Talons work well in a hip hop version or for a super glam fashiony look.  If you want to make even more of a statement with talons, you can apply simple studs or nail art.

4. Texture

Seen at: Houghton, Nicholas K., Ruffian,

Adding texture is very versatile - it enhances everything from talons to sophisticated high end "Punk" looks, and is especially applicable to nail art.  It can be fun, creative, and hot.  You can easily use a simple version of this in your daily style; just make sure to coordinate with your outfit and use the most appropriate studs or laces to go with it.

5. Ombre

Seen at: Vivienne Westwood

Ombre can go with all different looks, different length of nails, and different shapes.  It can be casual or it can be theatrical like Vivienne Westwood herself.  You can apply two to three colors and mix them up, but I would recommend a more clean pastel ombre (choose lighter colors from your outfit or make up) if you have strong make up or style. Be careful to avoid clashing Ombres with your make-up so your look isn't too exaggerated. Having a perfect color combination is the key for ombres to achieve a more fashiony, stylish look, rather than a cutesy, childish look.