OLYMPUS FASHION WEEK -- Carmen Marc Valvo Runway Show for Spring, 2007 (backstage in hair and makeup) By Alison Blackman Dunham aka " Advice Sister Alison"
If you read the Advice Sister BLOG at: http://www.advicesisters.net/advicesistersblog/ you know I've posted some of my Olympus Fashion Week experiences during the events, but I have also put together my personal comments, comments from the hair and makeup professionals, my own personal photos (*plus interviews with the hair and makeup experts) in my own podcasts) for Advice Sisters® readers! This page is about the Carmen Marc Valvo Runway Show for Spring 2007 and including a detailed description of the products used on the models.
Backstage at the Carmen Marc Valvo show, I watched Redken 5th Avenue's hair designer Odile Gilbert give each model an elegant updo. When you are wearing something special, such as evening clothes from Carmen Marc Valvo your hair has to be very special, but updo's were seen all over the runways for day and evening styles for Spring, 2007. For this show Odile created updos that were how was completely controlled...no loose waves, no messy buns.
To get the look, the model's hair is first curled on large rollers, then stretched into a high ponytail (photo). Then is is twisted and pinned, quite artfully, into a complex chignon (see the "finished look" below. LOTS of Redken Hair Spray was used to keep every curl in place. I couldn't see all the bottles on the makeup table and Odile was using more than one type of hair spray, but I did see her using one of my favorites: Redken Quick Dry Instant Finish Hair Spray #18 (visit Advice Sisters What Works monthly beauty, cosmetics & fashion review column to get the skinny on all the latest Redken and other great products). For special occasions, an updo is an elegant and classic choice, even if yours is a much simpler version. The effect of the hair, makeup and clothes on the runway was visually stunning...reminiscent of regal Grace Kelly..with a hint of Kim Novak (see my runway photo, below). The girls really looked, genuinely, like princesses. When I asked Odile if this was a look a woman could do at home, she said: "I'm always asked this question by journalists....you always need a hair stylist." And, she added: "You always should put your hair up in the Spring." Well, said, indeed!
I also talked to the charming Tom Pecheux for the MAC Pro Team doing makeup. The concept melded a variety of styles: some Audrey Hepburn (channeled a lot on the runways), some 80's, and even a hint of the 50's. Eye brows were darkened quite a bit, and with a definite arch. The look was dramatic and elegant, not "campy." If you want to try deep, arched brows, don't try to do it yourself. Go to a professional if you want a dignified result! A smoky and fairly deep mauve eye shadow (new for M.A.C. Cosmetics for Spring 2007 and not yet named) was given additional, evening allure with M.A.C. silver glitter. It is designed to reflect pearl and under the bright and artificial lights it was quite glittery--perfect for the types of special occasion clothes that Carmen Marc Valvo features. M.A.C. foundation was applied with a foundation brush, and each model had a formula that worked with her skin (I noticed several different types of MAC products from liquid to powder). I watched Tom blend some shimmer with a light foundation for a dewy look on a model or two. The effect was semi-matte, not too dewy and not too harshly dry-matte (and very pretty, so keep it in mind for the coming months). Lips were colored with a substantial (not totally sheer), pearly and fairly shiny pink gloss (sorry, but you'll have to wait for this one until Spring 2007). By the way, Dashing Diva did the nails, and while I don't have a photo to share with you, fingernails were polished with sheer light pink or peach, but toes were dressed in a Dashing Diva Pink called "Prima Donna Pink" that is available, now.
The finished product for hair and makeup on a lovely model:
My seat wasn't really close enough to get a very close look at the clothes, but I did get a nice shot of Carmen March Valvo backstage in front of some of his own designs. He looks so calm!
Everyone knows that this designer is beloved by celebrities and fashionistas for his classy and timeless evening wear, and Spring is going to be a smash hit. My favorite look was a long, strapless evening gown in black and cream, with a flurry of controlled pleats at the top, and a dainty, black ribbon "belt" with a demure bow, at the empire waist. I also liked a black lurex halter top paired with a magnolia silk dupioni wide leg trousers, making an an elegant look that any woman could pull off, beautifully. The clothes, a lot of them in classic black, white, or a combination of both, were mostly for evening, but there were a few swimsuits (a clever and exciting departure un a collection known primarily for black tie gowns). I loved a gold wrap-front maillot with a plunging V in the front, dipping even lower in the back. Carmen Marc Valvo swimwear is almost evening wear for the beach!
*all photos by Alison Blackman Dunham
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