The Badgley Mischka fall 2011 collection was inspired by the films of the 1940s and '50s, such as All About Eve, Dark Victory and The Women, and the parties that went along with them. "It's less about the red carpet and more about the Vanity Fair afterparty," said lead hairstylist for Moroccanoil Peter Gray. "For the hair, I wanted to create done hair that expresses an unashamed modern glamour." And Gray, who specializes in "really going for it," did just that, with a complicated but beautiful look that literally sparkled on the runway. After drying hair with Moroccanoil Styling Cream, Gray created a clean diagonal side part. The left side was pulled into a low rope twist that ended at the back of the neck, while the right side was set into a "Catherine Deneuve in The Hunger"-inspired French roll that was tight to the head but slightly mussed up for a more modern texture. The two styles were joined in the back in a chignon. The look was set with both Luminous Hairspray and tons of Glimmer Shine. "The Moroccanoil products allow me to sculpt dressed hair that still feels nice," Gray said. To finish his glamorous updo, Gray attached a row of diamantes along the part with eyelash glue.
For the makeup, Tom Pecheux for M.A.C wanted to display the stength and confidence of women today while still infusing some classic beauty. He used a very metallic shadow on the lids and navy blue in the crease, finishing the eyes with black pencil on the inner rim, lots of mascara and a strong brow. The skin was smoothed out and the cheeks were slightly contoured, both with a matte finish to contrast the metallic eyes. On the lips, Pecheux used M.A.C One of a Kind, which is just slightly darker than a natural lip color. "The lips are definitely there, but they're not fighting with the eyes," he said.
Deborah Lippmann went for a "modern twist on Hollywood glam" for the nails. Nails were filed into an almond shape then given a coat of Ruby Red Slippers, a black shade with large red glitter. Then, a half moon of the shimmery gold and silver Believe was painted on at the base of the nail. While we were chatting, Lippman also showed me the bright yellow --but wearable--polish she used on Lady Gaga for her recent Grammys performance. "As Gaga was going into the coffin-like case that transported her to the awards ceremony, the last thing she said before the lid closed was, 'I love my yellow nails!'" Lippmann told me. "That was a pretty incredible moment." The color, Yellow Brick Road, will be available in April.
