Jason Wu Teams Up with Lancome & Talks Details

While Beyonce might have been taking over most of the headlines with her ever changing hairstyles, there is another person making quite the beauty buzz lately – Jason Wu.  Last week, I attended the launch party to celebrate his new collection for Lancome and had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with the designer.  His friendly nature and charismatic energy made it all the easier to get the scoop for you guys.

January Jones and even the First Lady, Michelle Obama have all donned Mr. Wu's apparel.  Although we may not all be able to afford his previous collections, we can afford this new collection!

What was it like working with Lancome?

It's been a wonderful experience. I've been a huge fan for their product for so long. It's a beautiful beautiful product and no one can deny that. To be able to collaborate with them was a dream come true because I love beauty. In every sense of that word. I love makeup. I love beautiful things. I love beautiful women. So this felt really natural and a really appropriate collaboration for me.

What was your favorite part of the collaboration?

Picking the colors of course! I'm like a kid in a candy store. Who doesn't want to pick the colors and dig into the archives. The collection is not only wearable but also glamorous. That's a great thing about the collection, it not only worked really well for my runway show but in different ways it could work in everyones everyday lives.

What was the overall inspiration of the collection?

The first collection was really about doing my favorite things. Violet is one of my favorite colors so I've gravitated towards it throughout my entire life and career. So that was one of key colors of the collection. I love a red lip, so we offer three different kinds of red lip in the collection. As well as three different kinds of red nail polish. It would be such a gorgeous essential to any woman's beauty arsenal or beauty regime. I really designed into what women really want and would embrace.

What is your favorite product?

The navy mascara. I think it is so cool.  I can imagine all the girls I know wanting to wear that. Along with the rest of the pallet. This is something you want like all the time. It's so subtle and works on everyone and so chic. I mean who wouldn't want that?

What can we expect from you for this years NYFW? 

Well you can definitely see my makeup collection on each of the models. I think you'll see me take a real step forward again. Every season is a step forward and this season is no different.

The collection will be on sale for a limited time in Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman during New York Fashion Week.

Top 5 Fall Hair Trends

The September issues are out!  While I'm soaking up as much of summer as we have left, my fall schedule is already jam packed and NY Fashion Week invites have already started flooding my inbox.  Therefore, it's only appropriate I prepare you with the hottest hair styles for fall as I saw last fashion week.  To dissect each one, I spoke with Celeb Stylist, Ted Gibson.  

Braids – Braids are so huge right now and I love this uncontrived, half up, half down look! We are doing fashion braids like this everyday with my new braid luxe service at my W Fort Lauderdale salon.  Braids are great for any occasion – they’ve been all over the red carpet lately! A woman with braids has a bit of  wild side, but knows how to keep it all together. The look pictured features two small braids taken from the front of the head and meets down the middle to form one braid. I love how the look is kind of messy – it adds a fashion element. To achieve this look, use a blow drying spray like ted gibson build it blow drying agent to add texture to the hair.

Sleek, straight, center parted – I love the pin straight, center parted look – it’s just so sexy!! I love this look for to add sleekness to your daytime look or for date night. The look pictured is super shiny, sleek and straight with a  center part. For this look, use a shine serum like tame it shine lotion to add incredible sheen and to smooth flyaways.

Side swept – I love this look because it’s super sophisticated. A woman with side swept hair is strong, determined and knows what she wants. This look showcases a deep side part with the hair pulled across her forehead. For the look, make sure you have a good hairspray like ted gibson beautiful hold to keep everything in place.

Low ponytails – Low ponytails are super hot for the Fall! They are great for night or day and scream sexy, yet sophisticated. To achieve the glossy look pictured, smooth the hair back into a low ponytail using a gel like ted gibson fix it gel.

Out of control volume – I loved the 80s and this look brings me back there! It’s so Jerry Hall! Wear this hair to stand out in the crowd at any party. To achieve this look, wash your hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner such as L’Oreal Professionnel’s Volumetry line. Next, curl your hair with a curling iron, then back brush to your desired volume.

Backstage Beauty Report: Rachel Zoe Infuses Boho with Glamour

If there's one beauty look Rachel Zoe's known for, it's rocking a deep burgundy lip.  Backstage at her show yesterday it was no surprise that she was inspired by Kate Moss (duh) and kept the focus on a wine stained lip.  Staying true to herself, I wasn't mad at her, because I found myself once again loving the look her backstage glam squad created, especially the glam lip!   "Rachel wanted the girls to be like young Kate Mosses running around a field with a golden glow as if they can be frolicking around in the hay, but to juxtapose that, she wanted what she called a 'bad ass' lip," explained Charlotte Tilbury the lead makeup artist for Maybelline.

To achieve the look that's pretty much Rachel's inspiration for everything, Tilbury used Dream Fresh BB Cream on the models, a shade or two darker on the paler skinned girls for an added glow and added a bit of Dream Matte Mousse Foundation in Cocoa wherever the sun would naturally hit.  The cheeks had a hint of pink.  "The lip is an oxblood stain in the center of the lip, but it's matte and smoked out," Tilbury said as she demonstrated by painting it on a model using her finger.  The color: SuperStay 14Hr Lipstick in Wine and Forever.  To clean up around the edges, she used a q-tip to ensure the lines weren't too perfect.  Clear brow gel and mascara finished the look.

Kerastase Lead Stylist, Odile Gilbert, was excited to explain the look as I feel like it's something she wears on the regular.  "It's basically what you do in the winter when you have long hair and put a coat on," she explained.  "You tuck it into the coat."  To achieve the look, she prepped the models hair with Kerastase Resistance Volumactive Mousse, created a center part and secured a loose, low ponytail pulling out pieces in the front.

Maybelline manicurist, Honey created a custom blend for Rachel out of three colors to create a neutral that wasn't too pink or too cappuccinoish.  It took Honey a few hours of mixing and stirring and she came up with the perfect blend, which she calls the 'flush blush.'  No word on whether or not it will go into production.

One more thing to note is that RZ was one of the only designers who cared about skincare and making sure her models had the proper base before throwing them into makeup.  Dr. Jart was on hand with makeup artist, Joy Fennell to ensure they were prepped so their skin was properly hydrated and plumped.  Their key product: Water Fuse Sure Gel.

Backstage Beauty Report: Naeem Khan A 1920's Inspired Look Worth Talking About

Each year throughout my coverage of NYFW I can't wait to go backstage and get a look.  A look, meaning something worth talking about.  While every backstage glam squad has reasoning for 'leaving the hair down, straight and parted in the middle' or 'keeping the face fresh' for the runway, as a beauty journalist, it's boring!  Backstage at Naeem Khan today I saw a stunning 1920's inspired beauty look that left me in awe.

Bumble and Bumble created a beautifully structured, chignon with sheen and Essie's lead manicurist, Michelle Saunders layered two oldie but goodies, Licorice and Bordeaux to create a devil red shade that had more black than red to compliment the 1920's inspiration.

"The clothes have a lot of color and texture and the hair has a beautiful sheen, so I didn't want the makeup to have anything glossy, James Boehmer the Director of Global Artistry for NARS.  "It would be too much, so we played with other textures."

The look had a decadent feeling of the 1920's, focusing the strength on the brows.  Using NARS's new mechanical pencil (coming out in fall), Boehmer defined the brow shape and then layered Coconut Grove shadow over them, which is a very deep brown, to set it.  "I'm following the shape of the brows and then extending out and down forgetting about the arch," he commented.  "I don't want to make it high, but straight and low so it has a '20's feel and not a '90's feel."

Two coats of Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara and a bit of smudged shadow lining the bottom rims finished the eyes.  Inspired by the diffusion of the light in 1920's films, he shaded the cheeks to create a shadow and illuminated the corner of the eye with an eyeshadow shade called Alhambra Duo Eyeshadow.  Using the same color, he highlighted the bow of the lip like a thumbprint.   A dust of Zen Blush was swept on the apples of the models cheeks to give them a kick.

Zac Posen Backstage Beauty Report: Deconstructed Chignons with Aubergine Lips & Tips

There's nothing classier and more New York than attending a Zac Posen fashion show.  It was the first show I've ever attended in my six plus year career in beauty and the one show I'll never miss covering backstage beauty.  This season, the show was held at the Palace Hotel's Terrace Room.  Picture crystal chandeliers lining the runway, intricate paintings on the backstage ceiling, mirrors lining the walls and famous models like Crystal Renn.  Artists from John Frieda, MAC and Essie created a look that a complete contradiction from last year. "There's a lot of construction in the clothes so we wanted to make sure the hair was relaxed," explained Luigi Murenu, John Frieda's Global Creative Consultant. "We wanted to create an art deco, 2013 chignon with volume and personality."

Before drying or in some cases, on dry hair he combed John Frieda Luxurious Volume, Volume Building Mousse through the hair to build up the hairs texture and bring it to life.  Once dry, the team began crimping the top of the hair in a "clap, clap, clap" way so the iron didn't leave an imprint on the hair, but just made it look "as if they had more hair."  Keeping volume on the top, he flattened out and tightened the sides, sealing them with a serum, and secured a ponytail at the nape of the neck.  Separating the pony into two sections, he twisted them around each other and pinned it up into a deconstructed chignon.  The key pieces were two side fly aways that were purposely pulled out and crimped to give the look a sense of lightness.

Kabuki, the lead makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics, was inspired by the snow falling outside during the makeup trial and explained how the makeup was "minimal and snowy in the eye, but brought back into the jewel colors of the collection by doing a rich, burgundy stained lip."

The skin was highlighted and eyes were soft, but the lip was special.  "The look needed a moment of a strong moment, which brings out the dellicatecy of the eye," Kabuki stated.  To create the lip look, he first used Vino Lip Liner to define the outer shape and applied lip balm only to the center of the lips.  This prevents the color from spreading.  Then, taking a single tissue, he touched it to the lip and put loose powder through it to set the pencil without changing the color.  Finally, he applied Lip Mix in Burgundy to the center of the lip and thinned it out as it got closer to the outer corner.  "This way, you don't have to worry about color bleeding or running, but you still have the dense coverage in the middle," he concluded.

"When you put a dark lip with a dark nail it keeps it really dramatic and gives it a bit of an edge," comments an Essie manicurist.  The shade used was Carri On, which is their darkest aubergine.

Stories & Snapshots from Backstage the Heart Truth Red Dress Fashion Show

Where else would I be able to chat with Wendy Williams about her sleek wig, Kelly Osbourne about her fuchsia lip gloss, Kris Jenner about Kylie and Kendall's modeling careers and Deborah Lippmann about Jillian Michaels?  Of course, only a good cause could bring all of these personalities together and this time it was to spread awareness about heart disease at the Heart Truth Red Dress Fashion Show.  Backstage I weaned in and out of all of them like a sly fox sneaking in a question or two as they were being primped for their runway debut.

There's nothing not to love about Wendy!  She had a glamorous wig on as she was getting ready, but waited until the last minute to place her show wig on.  She described her look saying, "The wig is sleek and the dress is sleeker."

Kelly Osbourne is perhaps the sweetest person and showed me the combination of lip glosses she wanted to wear to compliment her earrings, but her makeup artists wouldn't give me names or allow for pics of the unidentified clear containers.  And of course Kris Jenner was "so excited to be part of something special with her girls who developed in to models."  Yes, Kylie and Kendall were walking too and they're beyond naturally beautiful.

Deborah Lippmann gave the talent manicures backstage and I always love cornering her at this show to talk about what I'm going to see backstage for the rest of the week.  Instead, she had a more captivating story.  As she was painting Jillian Michaels's nails, they were "having girl talk" about heart disease and the scary truth that it's the number one killer amongst women.  Of course, Jillian began giving Deborah "hard hitting health tips" and told her that "people need to get moving, it doesn't matter what they do."  Beyond the glitz and the glam of the evening is the message.  It was nice to speak with Deborah, who I've admired for her skills and polish collection for so long about something tied to meaning.  Oh and of course, Jillian chose to wear Lady is A Tramp, "she's not going to wear a wimpy red," Deborah concluded.

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.

Top 5 Spring Beauty Trends, Straight from Backstage NY Fashion Week

As I prepare to cover backstage New York Fashion Week this week to get a sneak preview of the fall beauty and fashion trends, it only appropriate to post a round up of what I saw when I covered last September at the Spring shows since you can actually start wearing these trends now.  After all, the groundhogs predicted only six more weeks of winter this weekend and I, for one, couldn't be happier!  Here are the top five spring beauty trends to get excited about.

1. Bright Eyes

Most of the brightly colored eyes that were seen backstage included hues of blue.  To make the look more wearable, (so you don't look like Mimi in Drew Carey, remember her?) try switching out your black or brown liner for navy or add a fun pop of color to your lids by playing with a brighter shade.  You can also incorporate different tones of blue into a smokey eye instead of sticking with your basic greyish shades.

2. Candy Colored Hair

Colored streaks are here to stay... for a little while at least.  Love 'em or hate 'em, some very high end designers including Oscar de la Renta incorporated them into their runway looks.  From adding highlights into sophisticated updo's to creating an ombre effect, you can play with hair chalk at home for fun look that washes out.

3. Nude Nails

The nude nails at Rodarte were my favorite version backstage since texture was added, making them more interesting, but DVF and Derek Lam opted for a more classic, clean nude nail this season.  Pick your poison, but just know that nude doesn't have to be boring.

4. Sophisticated Braids

This spring a basic side braid doesn't cut it as more intricate details were all the rage.  My favorite braids were from Honor (pictured above) as I love how they showed off the nape of the neck making them more elegant, but the models at Tory Burch and Jason Wu also donned great looks.

5. Bold, Matte Lips

It was all about a colored, matte lip at Burberry, Missoni and Prada.  The tick to wearing is to make sure your lips are properly prepped.  Make sure they're moisturized before applying the lip product.  You'll still be able to achieve the matte finish.

6 Things to Add to Your Holiday Wish List from Celeb Manicurist, Deborah Lippmann

Normally when I see Deborah Lippmann, she's busy supervising her team of manicurists backstage during New York Fashion Week.  I always find her somewhere amongst the chaos to chat with her about the nail look for the show, trends for the upcoming season and pick her brain about what's next.  The celebrity manicurist and founder of her own nail and hand care line talks about not five, but six things you should add to your holiday wish list including jewels, affordable, yet chic clothing that I'm obsessed with and of course, a little pampering.

1. My new holiday shade Cleopatra In New York

I love the contrast of the black base with a pop of gold glitter.  I think that it’s very festive and modern, without being a traditional holiday shade.  Tip: One of the tendencies when using glitter polish is expecting the first coat to look the way that it looks in the bottle.  When seeing it in the bottle, the glitter may appear to be full-coverage, but the formula may go on sparse because it is meant to be layered.  Always apply thin coats because applying too much polish at once will cause it to chip easily.

 

2. Briolette Small Cluster Drop Earrings from Ten Thousand Things

These earrings are sweet and simple, which makes them an easy accessory to go from day to night.  They’re very delicate and feminine, and I love jewelry that’s versatile and can be worn for any occasion because they’re appropriate during the day and at night.  I always have jewelry on my list, and have to tell my husband that I’ll never be disappointed with jewelry because I can never have enough.

3. Trip to Cal-a-Vie Spa

This spa has is fairly easy to get to in the US, and the weather is gorgeous because it is located outside of San Diego, California.  You can work out all morning and have incredible spa treatments all afternoon, which to me is the best of both worlds.  I enjoy the intimate atmosphere – there aren’t too many people, and the last time that I went I came home thinner, relaxed and with a few more friends.  They have couples week, so you can go with the girls or you can also do something special as a couple and go with your significant other.

4. iPhone 5

I always want new gadgets.  As soon as something new comes out I want it, so this is definitely on my list!

5. Maison Martin Margiela for H&M Collection

This collection is so hip, cool and affordable.  I was out of the country when it launched, so I definitely have some pieces from the collection on my wish list.  There is a really cute, big puffy coat that I really want.  Everything in the collection is very trendy as Margiela is, with unexpected shapes.  It’s an affordable way to be super hip.

6. La Prairie Caviar Crystal Limited Edition Set

Sometimes we feel like we can’t spend the money on ourselves to get beautiful skincare products, so getting them as a gift is really great.  It’s the gift that keeps on giving.  The La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream feels incredible, and I love what it does for my skin.  It also looks beautiful in my medicine which is another bonus!

Spring 2013 Beauty Trend: Flawless Faces, Get the No-Makeup-Makeup Look

Backstage at NY Fashion Week this September I took note of the top beauty trends for Spring, some of which included buff nails, nude lips, electric eyes, deep side parts and flawless faces.  Flawless faces, which to me is more than just a trend, it's a way of life.  It's your skin! I got some tips from CoverGirl Celebrity Makeup Artist, Jake Bailey, on how to achieve the no-makeup-makeup look, flawlessly. 1.       Start by removing any excess oil or makeup with a toner or astringent.

2.       Apply lip balm at the start of your makeup routine so it has time to be absorbed. Then, when you’re ready to apply lipstick, lips will be soft and supple, but not sticky.

3.       Spread a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer over entire face as a primer and then blot with a sponge to remove excess.  I'd recommend Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Free Moisturizer, $16.99.

4.       Using a flat-topped brush, dab a creamy foundation like Giorgio Armani Designer Shaping Cream Foundation SPF 20, $65, onto your face and décolletage.

5.       Conceal under eye circles with a light reflecting concealer.  Be sure to keep the product away from your lash line  It will only highlight puffiness.

6.       Use the sponge to blot away excess foundation before applying blush and bronzer to prevent a “cakey” look.

7.       Using a brush, apply cream blush to the apples of your cheeks, then blend it out around your entire cheek for a natural flush.  The brush gives it a more natural look.

8.       Warm up the look with bronzer in the hollows of your cheeks and around the perimeter of your face.

9.       Use an oversized, soft brush to set the look with a light powder.  The soft bristles provide less resistance, helping keep makeup intact.  I use the CoverGirl + Olay Pressed Powder, $10.49, because it's a bit moisturizing and doesn't make my skin look cakey.  Check out my review here.

10.   Finish with mascara. For a smudge-free application, place a business card at the base of the lash line, then brush mascara over top lashes. The business card helps separate lashes and prevents clumping and excess.

Exclusive Video Interview: The Courtin-Clarins Daughters Spill Their Skincare Secrets

When I visited the Clarins lounge at the Empire Hotel this week I expected to hang out with my PR friends and learn more about their new blog, the Beauty Flash Blog, which showcases the world of the Courtin-Clarins girls, the four women who are the granddaughters of the founder of the brand.  To my surprise, I was able to catch the girls when they got back from lunch (at PJ Clarkes no less) inbetween shows and did a fun video interview!  Check out what these chic Parisians had to say about their NY Fashion Week experience, their grandfather's skincare secrets and how they beat cellulite.

The Best Wine Stained Lipsticks for Fall

While most fashionistas were busy pulling their wardrobes for NYFW, I was more concentrated on pulling together my lip looks.  Whether I was reporting or gallivanting, each day I hit the shows and events sporting a different wine stained lipstick out of my new fall collection.  So allow me to present you with my favorite snapshots of my lip looks and berry shades for fall.  Get 'em while they're hot! MAC Yung Rapunxel Lipstick (limited edition)

NARS Semi-Matte Lipstick in Fire Down Below

Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner in Arabian Nights

Life Outside the Tents as A NYFW VIP: Lounges, Swag Suites & Dinner Parties

When you think of Fashion Week you may think of the backstage scene that I've been tweeting about all week, or the runway shows themselves, but truth is, there's so much more when you're a NYFW VIP.  Since all editors, bloggers and influencers end up in NYC for the shows with the same goals, brands take full advantage and host dinner parties, pampering lounges and after parties all for a little face time.  Here's some of my fashion week extracurriculars... I know, it looks like a lot of work (wink).

Birchbox Lounge

Set up conveniently across from Milk Studios where a variety of shows took place this season, I popped in before attending Christian Siriano near by on Saturday.  First things first, I got down to business by creating my own Birchbox.  Next, I indulged in a little pampering with a mani (shade: Color Club in Status Update), grabbed a snack from WichCraft and caught up with some friends.

Style Coalition Lounge

I popped in the Style Coalition Lounge at the Empire Hotel before going backstage to Zac Posen on Sunday night to catch up with my friend Yuli, who runs the organization. They partnered with Microsoft and my fave stylist, Ted Gibson.  The best part?  It was exclusive so there weren't a thousand people running around and it really was a break from the hustle and bustle.  While there, I had my hair touched up by Ted Gibson's stylists and left looking glam!

Dinner with NARS

Each season NARS rents out parts of restaurants in the West Village and throws a dinner party.  This is what I was most excited for this season.  Between all the running around and waving hello to friends backstage I got to catch up with my media friends over wine, cheese plates and chocolate covered strawberries in the garden of Palma.

Allure Beauty Lounge

After going backstage to interview Reem Acra before her show (see post here), I headed to the Empire Hotel to stop by a few suites.  Allure had SkinMedica preforming facials, Maybelline giving makeup touch ups and manis and a whole fragrance bar set up with samples from different brands along with Sephora pulled up on iPads for easy purchasing.  Smart.  I would have loved a SkinMedica facial, but my makeup was set for the day and I didn't have the time.

Clarins Lounge

The brand just launched their Beauty Flash Blog so I was eager to see my PR friends and learn more about it.  The Courtin-Clarins girls were there (the granddaughters of the founder of Clarins) so I filmed a video interview with them, which will be live soon!  I'm so glad they're getting involved with the brand.  They're super chic and approchable.  Other editors were getting makeup touch ups and mini massages in the suite as well.

Backstage Marc by Marc Jacobs, Where Glam Squads 'Got Their Slap On'

"Makeup is about getting your slap on," remarks makeup artist, Dick Page for Shiseido.  Backstage at the Marc by Marc Jacobs show was surprisingly quiet, until I began speaking Mr. Page.  "Why not do scruffy eyes and a little bit of lipstick...  Why not," he questions.  His motto set the theme for the entire look, "Just do your f*cken makeup! It's not that serious." 

"I want to see that the makeup looks wrong enough before the models walk out onto the runway," comments lead makeup artist, Dick Page.

"It's left over makeup, not perfect," Page says.  "You can even do it in a dirty city bathroom."

The hair was kept simple, because Guido Paulo of Redken accessorized each of the models hair with two scarves.  "When wearing a hair accessory you want to play your hair down," he explains.

The hair was texturized to make it "gritty" and then it was twisted back in no specific  style or form making each of the model's a bit different.

Top Models, Rich Girl Hair and Mega Lashes Backstage at Zac Posen

This season I'm only covering a few shows, my favorites.  Being my favorite designer, I jumped at the opporunity to go backstage to Zac Posen again this year as some of my career highlights have been with him including my first fashion show and a private meet and greet with the designer himself at his show room (see post).  Unbelievable.  And I'll tell you, no one knows 'rich girl hair' like him.  Here's my experience this year, through photos.

Some of the models hair was colored prior to the show with John Frieda's Precision Foam Hair Color to pump up or down their color for added shine.  "Rich girl hair is all about texture, solid color shine," remarked Harry Josh, John Frieda colorist.  "It creates an expensive look."

Inspired by lounge singer, Lena Horne, the look represented a strong, yet delicate socialite.

Top models walked in the show including Coco Rocha, Naomi Campbell and Karolina Kurkova.

Essie used shades ranging in depth to match all of the models skin tones to elongate the hands. Shades used: Glamour Purse, Brooch the Subject, A Crewed Interest and Not Just A Pretty Face.

"Because we're working with various skintones, we wanted to do something equally flattering to everyone, so we went with a strong lash look by using two pairs of lashes intergrated on each girl," commented Kabuki, the lead makeup artist from MAC cosmetics."

Celeb Manicurist, Deborah Lippmann Talks Nail Trends & Working with Top Designers

Nails have been the icing on the cake backstage during the past few seasons of NY Fashion Week.  Anxious to see what I was going to see backstage this season, I chatted with Deborah Lippmann, who is in charge of creating the nail look for countless shows this season including Kate Spade, Cynthia Rowley and Honor to name a few.  We discuss upcoming nail trends, the creative process of working with designers and her most memorable NYFW moment.

What do you predict will be some of the biggest nail trends for nails the Spring/Summer 2013 season?

White. We will definitely  see dark white, and opaque, full-coverage glossy white.I also think that we will see a stiletto nail shape, or a softer version of the shape which is almond-shaped.  There will be versions varying from almond to stiletto, but I think that is going to be the shape of the season.

How will nail art play a part?

I think nail art is still big, and it’s such a fun way to express yourself.  We haven’t seen the end of it.

You're working with some fantastic designers including Kate Spade and Cynthia Rowley.  What's the creative process like when preparing for a show?

It starts with a flurry of emails that begin weeks in advance. Then, I often receive inspiration boards from the designer, but it differs with every designer.  Sometimes I see inspiration boards, or sometimes I see clothing weeks in advance.  There are also times when I don’t see anything until the hair and makeup test 24 hours before the show.

It’s a creative process starting with the designer's vision, which is then interpreted by the styling team, and the beauty team which includes hair, makeup and nails.

Did you create any special colors specifically for this season?

We did actually.  We created a mint green shade for Kate Spade.  It's going to be part of the nail look, but the shade probably won't become part of the collection.  Also, in order to achieve the look that Cynthia Rowley envisioned, we layered two colors from my existing line to create the right look for the show.

What's your most memorable NYFW moment?

Narciso Rodriguez Spring/Summer 2012.  It's a really memorable moment for me.  I have worked with Narciso for many, many seasons, and we did several variations of a nude nail. Its a very minimalist look, and we always went for a very naked-feeling nail look.  Twenty four hours before the show I got a call about how they wanted a certain shade of grey for the nails, and I thought it was somehow an April Fool's joke.  I was excited, but surprised.

I created the shade, and once we got it approved with Narciso we had to create ten bottles for my team to use backstage.  When we got to the show, all of the models were asking what the color was because they loved it. We realized then that we had to put the shade in the line, and Narciso named it Stormy Weather.

To collaborate with Narciso on a strong color was so unexpected, and it was a great moment.  That's one of the great things about how that creative process happens, and how so much can happen at the last minute that ends up being incredible.

What do you think you owe your success during NYFW to?

People ask how you get to be really successful as a manicurist and get to the next level, and you have to always be willing to work and embrace whatever comes your way. Take the job that starts at 4AM, and then the one that starts 8PM that night.  You have to be willing to be there and be a part of it because things happen in the moment.

Of Course, Amber and I Had Something to Say... This Time for RealBeauty.com

During NYFW, Amber Katz of BeautyBloggingJunkie and I filmed a video for RealBeauty commenting on some of the street style trends we caught outside of Lincoln Center.  You know, blunt bangs, faux fur and colored jeans, we had something to say about it all!  Check it out.

Sh*t Fashion Girls Say – At NY Fashion Week

"My sched is cray, cray!"  This video is again, hysterical.  Welcome to "Sh*t Fashion Girls Say – at New York Fashion Week."  It's #chic2thenextlev!  Enjoy!

NYFW Beauty Trend: Matching Lips & Tips

This season one of the biggest trends I've spotted backstage is matching nails and lips, which means it's going to be super hot for fall.  Backstage at Zac Posen where models wore striking, yet classic red lips and nails, I had the chance to catch up with my friend and MAC Makeup Artist,Kerri Blair to chat about the look. "The lip and tip is definitely one of the hottest trends this fashion week so far," commented Blair.

The true red created for the lip at Zac Posen is Cherry Red Lip Pencil and a red lip mix gloss.  To match the lip, the closest nail polish MAC had is a new shade called Flaming Rose, which will be out in the Fall.

"Classic red lips and nails are just as important as a black dress," commented Blair.  "The color looks good on any skin type because it's neutral with a little warmth and a little coolness mixed together."

Coming soon from MAC, (and I can't wait for this) will be matching sets of lipsticks and polishes that further encourage the trend and take the guesswork out.

Seeing Spots at Kate Spade’s French-Inspired Collection

Kate Spade’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection had lots of bright colors and Parisian inspired prints. I thought the polka dot nails the models sported were by far the cutest accessory.  Manicurist, Deborah Lippmann was responsible for the models polka dotted nails (very Kate Spade) and was decked out in her own nail design confirming that nail art is here to stay. "She said that the polka dots are an ageless trend, and such an easy way to infuse some fun into your nails," Lippmann commented.  She first played with a lot of color combinations and then chose to go with a more simple color scheme of peach and black. The base coat was done in Fade To Black and the polka dots were applied in an opaque peach hue called I’m Not Innocent—the pretty combination was unexpected, yet totally Kate!

The makeup, done by Jouer cosmetics, was kept very natural with the focus on an attainable smoky eye. The look is definitely not too harsh to wear for the minimalist makeup girl, and is just the right amount of edge.

In keeping with the French vibe of the collection, each girl wore a bold fringe across her forehead that completely covered the brow area. Most of the fringe extensions were pre-cut, tailored for each model, and triangle shaped. The rest of the hair was kept really sleek and shiny to contrast the strong graphic patterns and color blocking on the clothes.