55 Secret Street

Zippers, Brows & Color-Blocked Nails: Cushnie et Ochs Fall 2012

 

MAC's eyebrow pencil in Fling was used to fill in the thick, Brooke Shields-inspired brows and eye kohl (pencil) in Teddy was smudged over the eyelid for a sleek, smoky finish.

Color-block inspired nails by Pattie Yankie for Dashing Diva. 

Pattie Yankee's nails for Dashing Diva were almost "zipper metallic" at Cushnie et Ochs before a last minute switch in the collection that inspired a color-blocked palette in a pale nude (Chelsea In The Buff) and Navy (NYPD Blue). Considering that the collection, with its precise draping and strategically placed silver zippers,  was inspired Pedro Almodóvar's lurid tale of a mad plastic surgeon, The Skin I Live In, the subtlety on the nails worked. 

 

 

Zimbabwean model Nyasha Matonhodze being interviewed backstage before walking the runway at Milk Studios for Cushnie et Ochs (below).

 

*All photos by Nichelle Gainer except the final photo (Alessandro Garafalo/GoRunway.com via New York magazine.)

 

DEGEN Fall 2012

Lindsay Degen's first ready-to-wear collection, entitled "Ask Tell," was a repeal of the term "Don't Ask Don't Tell," Degen set out to create a collection that referenced "military themes." As a salute to the importance of the individual, Degen collaborated with a collection of other creative minds, a photographer, a stylist, a shoemaker, and a crochet milliner. Degen wanted each person involved in the collection to bring their own individuality.

The inspiration: a naval ship or the "dazzle ship." Degen mimicked the patterns on the ships using complex knit structures.

I loved the capes and sweaters

These cropped tweed pants were my favorite in the collection.

Degen displayed many items that were not neccessarliy wearable (unless you're Prince) but interesting knit and detail none this less.

 
More of the crochet that was used throuout the collection.

A taste of Vintage Black Glamour at b. michael AMERICA Fall 2012

b. michael during his finale with model Maya Samuelsson, wife of famed chef Marcus Samuelsson.

b. michael's Fall 2012 show was presented in Harlem at the Museum of the City of New York as a salute to Figure Skating in Harlem.  The show also turned into a tribute of sorts to the late icon Whitney Houston, who wore gowns designed by b. michael in the forthcoming "Sparkle" remake. . 

The show was a complete Vintage Black Glamour bonanza for me. I  was seated next to legendary model Alva Chinn and I had the honor of finally meeting legendary actress Cicely Tyson!  She was seated between Phylicia Rashad and Valerie Simpson during the show, taking a break from runway duties this season.  Brow King Damone Roberts introduced me to the legend by reminding her that he had showed her a clip from one of her early film appearances (Harry Belafonte's "Odds Against Tomorrow") on Vintage Black Glamour! Totally made my night. 

 

Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2012: Backstage Beauty

Model Joan Smalls shows her finished look

Backstage at Tommy Hilfiger was probably one of the most  exciting backstage experiences for me this season. Not only was the show held at The Park Avenue Armory but I was super excited to see the runway (if only if I was just walking past it) which mirrored an outdoor moon lit forest.

The country feel that was shown in the Tommy Hilfiger collection showed true in the makeup looks created by MAC key make up artist Diane Kendall and the MAC team. It was very busy backstage as hair, makeup and nails worked on models in the show.

Jourdan Dunn gets hair and make up during crunch time.

MAC's Studio Moisture Cream was used to hydrate and rejuvenate skin while   Studio Finish Concealer, SPF 15was applied to when needed to even skin tone.

You can see how busy and live it was backstage.

Clear Brow Set and Lip conditioner SPF 15 was blended though the brows to groom and define the eyes and on the lips to keep them hydrated with a natural healthy shine. Lashes were keep completely bare.

To give a flushed look,  Cremeblend Blush in Ladyblush was blended over the center of cheeks with fingertips.  Studio Careblend Pressed Powder  was swept through the T-zone with a #116Blush Brush to set and polish skin.

Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2012 final look.