One of the reasons we continue to work in New York at Cutler Salon, aside from working with great people and drawing inspiration, is to take advantage of opportunity’s that stimulate our artistic sense and challenge us to stay one step ahead. One of the fruits of this relationship is the open invitation to participate backstage at the famed bi-annual Fashion Week shows.
On Sunday I worked along a team of hairdressers from Cutler, lead by Heather Packer, on the Yoana Baraschi show at Lincoln Center. While it is a cliche, organized chaos would be the best way to describe the happenings before the show. Models, hairdressers, makeup artists, press, photographers, designers and miscellaneous support staff make the entire experience feel like being in a vacuum.
The hair, while relatively simple, was elegant and clean. An on off center parted, tight ponytail, with a front section left out. We set the front section and put a slight wave in, then pulled back and pinned it to the base of the ponytail. We then pulled the ponytail straight out and twisted the hair until it wrapped around itself; like twisting a rope until it knotted up, then pinned it back at the base. Not an over the top look, but the whole challenge is not only to be able to complete the look, but to think up the design to begin with.
The shows are based on a collaborative effort of the designer, hairdresser, and makeup artist. They will meet prior to the show to do a “test,” develop an interpretation on a model, and come up with the look that completes the collection. Once backstage the concept is translated to the rest of the team and from there it’s a race against time to finish the models before the start of the show.
Only made it to one show this season (the clothes showcased are two seasons ahead); it’s certainly a challenge to balance life and logistics, but I had a great time and am looking forward to the fall!
For more information on Yoana Baraschi’s collections check out: www.yoanabaraschi.com
-Carlos