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After years of schlepping through busy midtown to Bryant Park, yesterday I was unbelievably able to stroll one block from my Upper West Side apartment to arrive at one of the world’s preeminent fashion events. On Thursday morning the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Tents were buzzing at their new location in Lincoln Center. I was backstage bright and early to check out the new upcoming hair, make-up and nails trends for Spring/Summer 2011 (coincidently coinciding with the first autumn-like day of September). |
Models were fresh-faced and awake for their 6am call for the opening show at 9am, Nicholas K. Makeup, by Lyne Desnoyers for M.A.C., was a lighter take on previous seasons’ smoky eye, with a subtle gray shadow smudged around the entire eye. Missing was the heavy black liner from pervious seasons. Nails by Dashing Diva were seen in a light robin’s egg blue or a gorgeous eggplant called “Astor Place“, which I was lucky enough to snag a sample bottle of for myself. I LOVED the beautiful side-swept herringbone braids, done by Rodney Cutler for Cutler, which managed to look both sophisticated and casually undone at the same time. The collection was a cool kid’s version of military, slouchy chic complete with leather bomber jackets, aviator glasses, fedoras and unlaced combat boots.
I behaved myself and did not sneak a peek backstage at The Project Runway presentation because don’t want any spoilers as I continue to be surprised each week by Heidi, Tim, Michael and Nina! The main area inside the tents was an oasis of uber-fabulous fashionistas and swag stands galore. While hovering over the Maybelline stand, grabbing as many items as I could scoop up before being cut off, I discovered the most amazing mascara. It’s called “The Falsies” and it’s by Maybelline and I can’t believe how quickly and easily it lengthens and curls my lashes. I will definitely be buying more of this on my next trip to the drugstore (or maybe I’ll just try to grab more sample bottle tomorrow). I grabbed a complimentary Starbucks Frappaccino, a must needed early morning boost, and headed to my next show.
Backstage at Ruffian, James Kaliardo for M.A.C. created a look that he called “Woman Voyager”. Mr. Kaliardo explained that he was looking to capture the image of a woman who represented the look of her country in a completely different country, such as Laura Hutton traveling to Africa in the 1970s. Bronzer was used to give model’s a radiant glow, while a strong gold powder was used to give highlights to the cheeks and eyelids. Hair, done by Neil Moodie for Bumble & Bumble, was gelled for texture and pulled back into a low bun, lying on the nape of the neck. Not too perfect but still giving the appearance of being put together. The nails by Amanda Fontanarrossa of Creative Nail were a flashback to the 1940s. Long artificial nails were painted a nude custom blend shade of Putty and Washed-Down White (this shade was also done on the toes), while the tips and half-moons were painted black. The ring finger nail bore a Ruffian logo. The ladylike clothing consisted of impeccably cut trousers, wrap skirts, blouses and jackets in olive and white cotton canvas and silks. Très fabulous!
Okay, more coverage to come. Us lucky ladies at BN will be covering shows throughout the week at both the Lincoln Center tents and heading downtown to Milk Studios. Stay tuned for the latest show updates and trend reports.
