Backstage and upstairs at the Chelsea-located Marchesa Fall 2011 Collection show, things were calm, but still mobile in preparation for the start of the show. Lead hairstylist Renato Campora was intensely focusing on procuring the perfect coif on the mane of a skinny blonde model, but other leading hair stylist Marshall Lin (whom can also be found at the Frederic Fekkai Salon in Soho) was free to discuss the Spanish Flamenco Dancer’s Chignon-inspired hairdo. “There are two textures we are creating in the hair here – tight in the front, and messy in the back,” Lin offered.

Prepping the hair with Fekkai COIFF Bouffant Lifting & Texturizing Spray Gel the hair was then sectioned off and pinned using an old fashioned pin set, then iron pressed to create a dreadlock-like texture at the ends. Once the pins were taken out, the hair was back-combed to create even more texture and volume, pulled into a simple, low bun (dry shampoo was used to emphasize the dry texture look) and pushed back in to create a look of fullness and texture on the sides, the Fekkai Classic Brush and Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray (all Fekkai products available at Fekkai.com, Fekkai salons, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue) were also used during the styling, and after to finish off the look.

In the end, the front was flat and clean (like a dancer’s), but messy and voluminous in the back – combining two opposing textures in one hair-do that is both sleek and dramatic.

From makeup end,  make-up artist Talia Shobrook drew inspiration from a deconstructed yet still elegant look, as if the girl had just emerged from the attic. Utilizing the products from Le Métier De Beauté, Shobrook rubbed a combination of Peachy Keen, Innocence, and Fire Lily onto the top and sides of the eyelids to create a light but layered red eyeshadow and used Magic to change the powders into more of a cream, finishing the eyes off with Mulberry (a silver eye shadow) and coated the eyelashes with Anamorphic brown mascara.

Brow pencils were used to enhance the eyebrows, and the same Fire Lily red used on the eyes were literally rubbed into the lips, also used with Magic to give it a creamier effect.  Foundation mixed with moisturizer was used on the majority of the face to create a light fluidity to the canvas of the skin and Canvas (a nude color) was used under the eyes as a brightener. A dusty-pink rouge was used and brushed onto the cheekbones in a downward motion, lightly over-layed with a matte finishing powder, allowing for the blush to just creep through from underneath. To Shobrook, she imagines “a lady with style, a Marchesa fashion lady still clinging onto couture” as her main visual for the woman who is created via the artistry of this makeup design.

-Rose Lou

[Backstage image courtesy of Rose Lou]

How to react when someone says, “You’ve lost weight! You look great!” thus drawing a direct relationship between beauty and thinness [AlreadyPretty]

3 Easy Tips for Getting Perfect Eyebrows [CollegeFashion]

Coco Rocha’s Party Playlist [Glamour]

Two new palettes from NARS [BeautyBloggingJunkie]

If your clothes could talk…what would they say? [FashionPulseDaily]

Babies dressed like Lady Gaga! [TheFrisky]

Marchesa x Le Métier de Beauté Makeup Collection (First Look) [HotBeautyHealth]

Stiletto Jungle goes GWP-crazy for a new Marchesa-designed free gift filled with 16 luxe beauty items.
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KRISTOPHER DUKES is wanting, wearing, and hating puffer jackets for Sundance.
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SheFinds found the best ways to help Haiti through beauty and fashion–get something beautiful in return for helping out. What could be better?
Shopping and Info loves Angelina Jolie’s black boots by Stuart Weitzman.
Stylehive is loving lingerie-inspired looks for Spring!
The Beauty Stop explains how to get Emily Blunt’s Golden Globes hair.
Looking for that perfect weekend look? The Fashion Bomb found 50 one shoulder dresses under $50.
Escape to the beach with The Jet Set Girls as we explore the hottest warm weather destinations for 2010
Visit The Shoe Goddess for a chance to win Dekkori Footwear Accessories!

[Images via Style.com]

I ended up with a bad cold, so please forgive me for the dealy in fashion week recaps!

Richard Chai  (Womens):

Fur’s the word at Richard Chai this season, although he still knows how to make a mean print work in a variety of ways.

Mackage:

True to their heritage, Mackage stayed focused with absolutely incredible jackets — I would be glad to wear every single one of them – leather bombers, parkas, long wool cream overcoats- you name it!

Milly:

Milly designer Michelle Smith runs the lbd department for fall 2009 — seriously, and that’s a good thing.

Marchesa:

A true fantasy in eveningwear, 100% red carpet-worthy, and I’m sure to see a few of them tonight at the Oscars

3.1 Phillip Lim:

The ’60s inspiration was quite evident; the coats were quite exquisite.

Proenza Schouler:

These boys can do no wrong; McCollough and Hernandez sent out a bevy of coats, tweeds and dresses without forgoing their signature, accentuated modern bustier silhouette.

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