Sensational Cynthia Rowley's Pop Up Book FairyTale Forest Runway Show

Cynthia Rowley's creative, carefree and clever shows never disappoint. To create the enchanted forest/fairytale chidlren's pop-up book look that complimented the Fall 2008 clothes in Rowley's collection, the hair and makeup had to be perfect. Luckily, Avon products created both the hair look and the fantasy makeup.


In order to get the enchanting, "big hair" look for this show, it's important to start with clean hair, using Avon Advanced Techniques Body Building Shampoo and Conditioner. Lead stylist Diego DiSilva and his team also used Avon Advanced Techniques volumizing mousse, and depending upon the texture and needs of each model's hair, they used Avon Advanced Techniques Super Straight Smoothing Balm (for high speed conditioning and smoothing), Straight & Sleek serum, Anti Frizz Capsules, Mirror Shine Spray (for some glow and shine) and some Avon Advanced Techniques Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray. After smoothing the hair, it was crimed with an iron, and then the underneath layers were teased quite a bit hair with a rat tail comb. The top, however, was flat and smooth, and the top layer of hair was smoothed over the ratted, crimped hair. The texture hair was light and airy, full and flowing. The look literally floated down the runway.

Makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury created the makeup look for Avon and Cynthia Rowley. The vision was a fairy playing in the snow, so to create a fresh look with flushed (stained) cheeks, three colors of Avon Be Blushed Cheek Colour--a creamy blush stick--was used. Polly mixed pink orange, and nude, and blended the colors very, very well. As if to multi-task, the same mixture was used on the lips (plus a bit of berry added to the center to give lips a bit of a stained quality as well). The eyes were treated to several coats of Avon Supershock Mascara in "Black" on the top lashes, but no mascara was applied on the bottom. Lids were treated simply, with a coat of Avon Glazewear Liquid Lip Colour in "Clear" applied for shine (lip gloss was also used at the Ports1961 show, but with a shiny plastic overlay that glittered on the catwalk). Of course, Glazewear is usually worn on the lips, and it's a perfectly lovely product for that purpose, too! The face was kept was very matte, with lots of creamy foundation. The overall look was fresh and youthful, a bit bright, but also a bit magical.

It's always hectic backstage at the beautiful, Gotham Hall, but Cynthia not only has to oversee everything that's going on with her staff, she also gives interviews. The first one she gave was to Patrick McMullen--and in this photos they're sharing a laugh. And, of course, it's important to pose with celebrities. It's amazing how cool, calm and collected the designers look on the outside...and I always wonder if they're feeling the same, on the inside.

It is challenging to take photographs in Gotham Hall during a runway show. But even from my vantage point I could see, in the show's first moments...a surprise! The front of the backdrop fell forward onto the stage as if it was the cover of a book, revealing a 3D "pop up" enchanted forest like a giant child's picture book come to life! Through this forest, the models walked...hair literally floating behind them in a gentle cloud. However whimsical the backdrop, the clothes were less "girly", and certainly more austere than her usual. There was some fur, some rich fabrics, some embroidery, and some cute applique that somewhat mirrored the fanciful runway backdrop, but everything was in somber tones of grey, black, deep gold, blue, and deep plum. And, although I saw plenty of micro minis earlier in the week, Rowley's characteristically body conscious and mini-sized skirts were nowhere to be seen. Rowley has said (and everyone knows) that when the economy is good, hemlines go up, but a longer length is the barometer of a down economy.

Here's Cynthia a few minutes after her show...obviously relieved and happy! Another fantastic season will be here soon, and Cynthia Rowley's clothes will delight women once again. She has a knack for knowing what women, especially young, stylish women, want and she makes it accessible. Who wouldn't want to be a Cynthia Rowley fan?