Headmasters - Sacha Quarles

Twenty-four hours in the life of the Obliphica Professional artistic director

4 a.m. The alarm goes off; it’s the first day of IBS New York 2014 and my first big show as artistic director for Obliphica Professional. 4:15 a.m. I love a well-fitted suit but no tie for a hair show (sorry, Justin Timberlake). Then it’s off to Starbucks—venti latte with light foam, please! 5 a.m. I get picked up at the hotel. I’m a firm believer in being 10 minutes early. 5:30 a.m. I arrive at the Jacob Javits Center for a quick team meeting before our 12 gorgeous models arrive. Our goal is to bring the genius of our 2014 campaign to life onstage, to inspire the tens of thousands of attendees with wearable, sellable glamour. 6 a.m. The first five models arrive. Our amazing session artists—Edwin Fontanez and Joshua Barrett—start creating an elegant updo and Victoria’s Secret-style glamour on the first two girls. Meanwhile, Rod Novoa, our wardrobe stylist, chooses glamorous gowns and accessories. 7 a.m. The next five models arrive and I assign the girls to their prep areas. With almost 20 people working in the model room, it’s surprisingly quiet except for the roar of the blow-dryers. 7:30 a.m. Breakfast arrives and the silence breaks. I grab an omelet with cheddar cheese and mushrooms—need that protein! 9 a.m. With the girls half ready, we parade them down to the show floor to break down how they will walk the runway; it must be flawlessly choreographed. 10 a.m. Joe Santy and I take the stage as masters of ceremonies. Joe shares the story behind the products’ key ingredient, seaberry, and retailing tips. Then I interview Edwin and Joshua about the beautiful hair they’ve created. 11 a.m. Our first show is a smashing success. We walk the girls to the model room to regroup, refresh and retouch for the noon show. 11:30 a.m. The press stops by to snap some quick pics and grab quotes between shows. 1 p.m. It’s photo time with renowned beauty photographer Roberto Ligresti. The girls pose for some serious looks, and then we all let our hair down and ham it up for the lens. 1:30 p.m. I take five minutes to close my eyes behind a wardrobe rack while the team preps the models for the next show. A little meditation never hurts. 5 p.m. It’s the fourth and final show of the day. 6 p.m. It’s a wrap! Every member of the Obliphica Professional team takes great pride in the magnificence we create. 8 p.m. The Obliphica Professional team and I head to my favorite New York City restaurant, Quality Meats, to reward ourselves for a job well done. I must recommend the bone-in filet and corn crème brûlée, and wine by Lewis Cellars! Midnight: I’m exhausted, but exhilarated. Time to rest before we do it all again—can’t wait for tomorrow! ✂ As told to Kristen Heinzinger

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF OBLIPHICA PROFESSIONAL