Tech-Art Fashion: Juan Carlos Obando Spring 2013

When we think of fashion week in NYC we have been conditioned to expect to see models gracing the runways in the newest collections by the designers, one after the other. This year I had the opportunity to lead Juan Carlos Obando’s RTW Spring 2013 collection. JC took a different approach in showcasing his collection. He was successful at merging Technology, Art & fashion and I must say it was a very innovative way to present the collection.First and foremost he chose the Park Avenue Armory, which if you have never had the opportunity to visit, I would recommend the next time you are in New York City to stop by and see this exquisite building.It has so much character and has a 55,000 square ft. performance hall reminiscent of 19^th century European train stations along with an array of period rooms. Victoria’s Secret Runway shows have been held in the performance hall a number of times. It was the perfect choice for JC’s Spring Collection.
















Here was the twist, JC choose to shoot his spring collection the day before the presentation. He chose model Heidi Mount, one dress at a time she walked the runway as the photographers captured the perfect image. As we spent the whole day shooting the clothes, L.A- based Freelance art director Sebastian Paul was creating the presentation for the next day. JC showed his collection on mannequins that were fixed with papier-mâché animal heads. 


I decided to return the next day to attend the presentation. When I arrived at the Park Street Armory, I was greeted and given an Ipad that was pre-loaded with the shots from the previous day of model Heidi Mount on the runway. As I walked through the gallery of abstract animals wearing the collection I was able to see the dress on the model on the Ipad. The collection feel was Chic savage. Bias-cut gowns with twist bodices and necklines in abstract flora and fauna prints, some covered in as many as 32,000 tiny Swarovski crystals. (And some with sleeves, which women are always complaining they cannot find in evening, wear.) Jackets and vests with deflated peplums. Blousy tops dusted in crystals (which never seemed to weigh down the collection. A very unique way of combining technology, art and fashion. Hence my new term Tech-art Fashion.
 Well done to JC, he definitely made an impression and has stepped out of the traditional humdrum of fashion week. I am looking forward to working with this designer again in February and anticipation how he will show his next collection.  The former graphic designer has combined his past life and his passion for art and design to create a collection that truly speaks to his brand. Remember that a brand is the commercial representation of you and your work in the marketplace. Does your brand make a statement? And if so what is it saying? How will you combine your inspiration and your work together to create your unique signature? 


Chiala Marvici xo

Hair Color Trends to follow !

Every season brings the opportunity to reinvent your look and your clients look. Statistics show that 70% of woman that come into the salon ,  want to change their hair color…. To me that is an open door to transform and reinvent. As with many trends some have staying power and some take on new characters as they move through the ever changing world of fashion.

Here is a few examples of color direction predictions – Depending on the reporting agencies these predictions will vary slightly but will be pretty close overall. If you research you will find most is dictated by the clothing & designers direction as well as cost of fabrics and consumer trend in spending… so if you follow the runways …. Hair will always follow suit and compliment the seasons…. Fabrics , textures and colors… use the trickle down effect to work these ideas into the direction of the hair you do in the salon.

Predictions and direction in fashion is 6months - 1 ½ years ahead of the average consumer.. If you follow closely you can pretty much know what is going to be the next thing in 6 months – year.

Trend Watch: refined ombre, balayage , blended hues and overall darker ,deeper browns.

Ombre

Ombre has been a very strong trend in hair color and will probably continue very strong but will take on a different type of Character than its free spirited feel… Ombre will become more refined going into fall and winter because the texture it creates in the hair will now be found in the clothing and fabrics of the next season… therefore a more refined and blended look will be the balance for ombre this season..

 Balayage

Balayage has been around since the 70’s if not longer and I don’t see it going away.. The word in French means “the act of sweeping” and that is precisely how the color is applied it is swept onto the surface … unlike Ombre which is saturated through the entire strand… because balayage is swept onto the surface of the hair it creates a lot of movement of light the lows are just as important as the high’s … it is important to know the different results of Ombre vs. Balayage. 

Blended Hues 

Notice in this prediction that the hues are still brights like pinks & purples but the bright hues are moving from pastels to a heavier , richer saturation.. As we saw over the past years the trend of pastel hair color we will very soon if not now see the shift into heavier saturation of these tones as we move into fall and winter. 

When this trend started it was placed in the hair pretty raw and without much attention to placement, a splash here or a strand there. As it becomes more commercial we see a more on purpose placement a more solid and blended finish.. as seen in a number of fashion stories including Prada, in The September Issue of VOUGE - Special Anniversary issue 120 Years Of Style. 

PRADA

Dark,Dark & Darker 

But the strongest and most fashion forward trend we will see in fall and winter will be the power of the brunette … history has shown us this many times before.. Top models on the Runway are sporting the dark Illusion feel.. And making major changes with their hair.. Dark , Dark and Darker! 

Model: Heidi Mount

Model: Jessica Stam

Model: Kasia Struss

Powerful transformations is what this season brings. With an open door to change and have more expression with your look, I feel this season wont just be about Color Trends to Follow , but more like Color trends that make a Statement !! 

Chiala Marvici xo 

Creating Your Fall Hair Plan!

Create a Fall Hair Plan: 
Three key characteristics to keep in mind when creating your fall/ winter hair plan are color, shape and texture.  The most important part of creating your look is that it fits your personality and looks natural.  Here are a few trends we will see happening in hair for fall/Winter 2011-2012.

Color: Three hair color trends we will see this fall. With all the Ombre color that has been going around the past season it is time to bring some balance back into our hair color, and remember to condition your hair. Add depth back into the hair without loosing variation of tones by using the multi-lightened tones of the summer to keep it looking natural.

Cool browns like walnut and chocolate with high shine and luminescence.



 

Natural Muted Reds 









Blended golden and warm blondes like honey and strawberry blondes.




  

Shape: We will see the lengths moving from the breast to the collarbone this fall as the necklines in clothing move upward.  Bangs made a strong comeback in 2011. The same goes for Fall/Winter 2011-2012 season. Adding fringe adds personality and as the skin lightens in the upcoming season the focus becomes centered on the cheeks, eyes and lips.  With fabrics becoming more muted, the eyes, lips and cheeks are a great area to focus on where we can play with the intensity of color.


 


Texture: In the fall we tend to see more of a variety of textures within the fabrics that are used for clothing. This is a great time to explore different texture in your own hair as well. Just don’t over do it with forced textures like crimping irons ect. I am talking about natural textures.  What would happen if you just let your hair dry naturally? Natural texture can create personality. Embrace the natural textures and characteristics of your hair. Try this as an alternative to sleek and smooth.

Before you visit your stylist, take a glance through some magazines and tear out things you like and don’t like. Bring your ideas to your next appointment and discuss them with your stylist to be sure you achieve the look that fits your personality.

Chiala xo

Planning a fashion Session in 7 steps!

Planning Ahead!

Over the years I have spent a lot of time with hair stylist from around the world. One thing they have commonly expressed to me is that they feel out of touch with fashion, for one reason or another i.e.: small town, they are looking for ways to stay updated and inspire change in their work. They are looking for resources but don't know where to start. Is this you?
I would like to share with you some ideas on this subject that are sure to get those mind sparks going! Ideally we want to start talking about and producing the trends before they hit the magazines, which is a short window of time. Whether you are a hair stylist, salon owner, make up artist, freelancer or just simply interested in the process, there is something for everyone. As a previous salon owner I truly found the value in taking time out for this!

This is geared towards Hair salons; however you can take the general concept and make it work for your interest.
How to Plan Fashion Session:

1. Runway collections are shown twice a year spring/summer and fall/winter. Most forecasting will follow the same pattern. You will want to schedule your fashion sessions along the same pattern and twice a year, spring/summer and fall/winter.

2. Gather all your research up to two months in advance. Meet with a few key people to decide what trends and looks you will push forward in your salon. Plan what products, tools ect. That will support the looks for the next season; this will help you when placing orders for your salon.

3. Create a list of talking points, tag lines and buzz words you can share with your stylist, so they can get clients excited about what is to come.

4. Plan a few key looks you will use as signature looks for that season. Plan to have one or two people demonstrate the looks at your fashion session. Be sure to showcase any tools or products that will be used to create the looks. These will also be the tools that clients will need to purchase to re-create the looks at home.

5. You may also want to plan on having some models pre-done to show the looks, including clothing, make-up and hair direction. This is a nice touch and gets the stylist really excited when the can see the full picture.

6. Create storyboards and visuals to show direction.

7. Here are some of my favorite resources for research:

• http://www.pantone.com/ -Runway color report, these reports are put out by designers, giving their color direction inspirations for their collections. This report runs twice a year fall/winter and spring/summer.

• http://www.style.com/ – One of my favorites for fashion and beauty. Great information on what is shown on the runways from around the world, and what is trending now. This sight also offers an amazing archive of historical fashion. Every designer you can think of is on this sight.

• http://www.infomat.com/ –This sight is a great resource for global trends and provides information and forecasting in so many areas like; technology, fashion, street wear, ready to wear, runway and most important consumer spending forecasts, which is important to know so that you can adjust your environment to suite the changes in what consumers expect.

• http://www.stylesight.com/ – This sight is awesome for building storyboards and researching advertising campaigns, however it will cost you. I often use this sight for creative direction on photo shoots and or building a concept. This sight is well worth the investment.

Remember trends and fashion directions take time to filter down, so doing your research well in advance will keep you one step ahead and can put you to the front of the line as a resource for what is happening in fashion. It doesn’t matter where you live, you can use these resources to create versions of the trends and fashion directions and make them work for the people right in your own neighborhood!

Happy trending!

Chiala Marvici