Ciara's Stylist Talks Her New Album Cover Style & Shoot Details

"Ciara and I have a great relationship," Cesar Ramirez, her stylist of four years says. "We are both dedicated and hard working and share a similar vision of perfection."  In case you haven't heard it yet, Ciara's new album, "Ciara," is worth downloading for her three new hit singles alone.  All in one day, her cover was shot and that hair... of course, is something to talk about.  A bit of extensions and sexy waves, I got the scoop from Ramirez himself on what the day was like plus a quick how-to. What was the vibe on set? 

The vibe on a Ciara set is always fun and full of energy! It's inspiring when you work with a beautiful open minded client who is willing to play and take suggestions. On set, you can hear anything from Sade to Madonna playing in the background.

What was your inspiration for her cover look?

Ciara and I were both inspired by our favorite model Kate Moss. We love her simple "cool girl" attitude. Our goal was to stay as true to Ciara as possible and at the same time feature her sex appeal.

Did she ask for anything specific?

Ciara asked for something fresh!! I kept it simple yet sultry. She wanted a signature look that would be fashion forward and create a trend, which was very smart of her and something we accomplished.

Who did you collaborate with to come up with the look?

The team included Yolanda Fredrick (Ciara's long time makeup artist) Jamaica (Ciara's long time Coreographer) and I. We always come together with Ciara and discuss what fits and feels right for the moment and then go execute.

What type of extensions did you use and why?

A little enhancement is always fun! Bits and pieces create drama for shoots and film. Indique has amazing hair and it’s my go to hair spot.

What are the 5 must have items in your kit when on set?

My croc flat iron

My Nume waving rod 3 in 1

My boar bristle toothbrush

Moroccan oil hairspray

Redken powder grip

Did Ciara want anything you used?

Yeas. My skills!

Ted Gibson Explains the Creative Process Behind the Rachel Roy Fall 2013 Presentation

Each season when I'm reporting backstage during NY Fashion Week I always take a moment to look around, take in all the craziness and remind myself how blessed I am to be there. Funny thing is, the most sought out celebrity hairstylist, Ted Gibson, doesn't take the scene for granted either.  As someone who understands hair, is a great listener, has experience in editorial, celebrity and runway, my friend Ted also turned his passion into his career.  It's no wonder why designers like Rachel Roy always partner with him.  From Rachel Roy's hair trial to her presentation, Ted gave me the scoop on how the creative process went down. "It takes a village," Ted said right off the bat.  Yesterday was Rachel Roy's Fall 2013 digital presentation, which streamed live on her Facebook page.  Before the presentation on Friday, Roy's creative team including Stylist, Julia von Boehm (every designer uses a stylist to help pull looks together with accessories and details), Ted and Bobbi Brown (on makeup) all met to brainstorm and come up with the look.

"The great thing about Rachel is that she knows exactly who the girl is that she's trying to portray," explains Ted.  "I listen and am always focused on her direction so she values my opinion."

After shooting around ideas and making sure his thoughts worked cohesively with Bobbi's, the two artists got to work and produce a finished look for Rachel to sign off on.  Most of the time for trials like these hairstylists and makeup artists are working on fit models, because the models for the show aren't even cast yet.  Yes, this is four days before.

"I really wanted the hair to be able to reflect an effortless chic style, but still make a statement," Ted stated.

Yesterday was show day.  Ted and the team began working on the models promptly at 7:30am.  Since it was a presentation there were only three, but that didn't mean there was any less effort put in.  "The collection was all about refined opulence," he explains.  With lots of texturized fabrics, fake fur and embroidered pantsuits, he didn't want the hair to be too overdone and described the look as if "the models were out all night and just showed up to the presentation."

Texture. Texture. Texture.  Believe it or not no curling iron was used.  He took the hair in sections and sprayed it from midlength to the ends with Build It Blow Drying Agent then twirled each section in opposite ways (forward and back) before drying.  Once dry, he created three loose braids, leaving the ends out so they didn't have as much texture, and left them in as the models got their makeup done.  Afterwards, he took them out and refined the waves with his hands.

"A girl from downtown can wear it and so can a girl from uptown," he explained.  The look was accessible just like Rachel's collection.  Job well done.

Celeb Stylist, June Ambrose Dishes on Fall Trends and Styling Jay Z

I was recently asked in an interview who I would go out with if I could have a date with anyone in the world.  My answer – Jay Z.  I believe he's one of the most intelligent, talented and influential men in the world.  Well, I didn't get that date yet, but thanks to Caress, I got to pick the brain of his stylist, June Ambrose, their brand ambassador.  Other celebs she's worked with include Zoe Saldana and Kelly Ripa (someone else I want to do dinner with).  Check out what she has to say about her beauty must haves, what's worth splurging on this fall and styling my main man, Jay Z. What are your top three beauty must haves and how do they help you express your personal style?

1.       A nicely scented body wash. Right now, I’m loving Caress Endless Kiss Silkening Body Wash. The rich blend of creamy vanilla and sandalwood scents helps set the tone for my day and even inspires my mood and wardrobe, while the moisture beads leave my skin super soft.

2.   Lip scrubs! I create my own with sugar and vaseline to exfoliate my lips & leave them moist. It’s also a great primer for matte lipsticks!

3.   Tea bags for puffy and tired eyes is another go-to! I place cold (used) tea bags under my eyes in the morning and evening. It’s my grandmother’s remedy that she has used for years.

Nail art has become paramount to self-expression and personal style.  What are your favorite nail art trends and why?

I love the stiletto nails! They give the appearance of longer leaner finger and bring out the sexy, vampy side of me.

When working with Jay Z how does grooming play a part in his overall image?

A well groomed man always feels like a rocafella in a suit. Manicured hands always make a man’s watch stand out! He's known for the details.

What trends can we expect to see this Fall?

Oh the fall trends are so great! Lots of animal print, gold fit for a queen, color blocking & lots of lace and leather!

What should we save on and what should we splurge on?

Definitely splurge on a strong boot (that you can use every day) and save on metallic pieces (since they are a one-season trend).

You've been given the opportunity to help celebs reinvent their image.  Is there one piece of advice you give to all of them when starting over?

Trust yourself complete, because emancipating you look requires major confidence! If you can “wear” that confidence, then evolving is so much easier!