Meticulously Lax

The presentation for GAP's Spring/Summer '09 line was near perfect. The models were standing on the platform like Greek statues while make-up artist put in the final touches. This call-time experience was a little more lax compared to Abaete, however it was just as meticulous- making sure the lighting was at a 45 degree angle on each model to focus on the garments, and the models hands and feet where choreographed appropriately to coincide with the concept of the presentation--"young, relaxed, and care-free".

Lead Designer of GAP and once contributing designer for Target's Go International line, Patrick Robinson, has outdone himself for the Spring/Summer '09 line for GAP. The line is full of crisp white linen jackets, dresses and pants, accented with brightly colored tops, hats, bags, platform and boat shoes. Women's bathing suits are compiled of bright color-blocks of green, purple, yellow and pink. Come Spring season at GAP you will be "springing" full bloom!!

The Look:

• Relaxed, "Lake House" look
• Long, cuffed chinos
• Boat hats and shoes
• Strappy Platform Shoes
• Hobo Bags
• Bright color-block bathing suits
• Flowing dresses

Abaete: The Look

Make-up:
Make-up artist Nancy Morena of Stila told me how to re-create the look of the Abaeté:

1. Clean illuminating skin, that gives off a “just out of the shower” look achieved by using Illuminating Liquid Foundation by Stila Cosmetics.

2. A real sophisticated , smoldering eye using Smoking Eye Pallet by Stila

3. Muted, natural lips






Hair:

Lead Stylist of Redken, David Cruz, wanted to achieve a clean, sleek look by pulling the hair back into a low, tight bun, and running through the hair with fingers using a little electric wax 11 shine fused texturizer by Redken.





Fashion:
There were lots of pale yellows, blues and bright pinks on the runway with a few all black ensembles peppered in. The look was very fun, flirty, and rocker chic. Most garments had geometric prints and shapes and according to Abaeté, leggings are still in!

Fashion: Chaos

My experience of the first show of the week was so fantastical! Walking to the Salon I run into Season One winner of Project Runway, Jay McCarroll!! Of course, I had to take a picture with him! I told him I loved his shades and he said I was too cute with my pearls! lol



The Call Time for Abaeté was such beautiful chaos! The make-up and hair room was a world-wind of people. Make-up artists to my left, hair stylists to my right, the design team all in black coordinating the outfits to the front, models chatting, while getting their hair and make-up done, video camera operators and journalists in every direction--I could hardly move!! Being back stage, interviewing hair stylists and make-up artist was a blast. It took about two hours to prepare for the show. Hair and make-up in the back, lighting and music, chair configuration, etc. in the front; it was a great experience, and I can’t believe I have a whole week of this!

In a Fashion Week State of Mind

So here it is! The week of the first day of Fashion Week and I’m on the edge of my seat, my bed, the stairs…everything! I’m mentally preparing for probably one of the best weeks of my life. I received my schedule, travel and hotel arrangements. I was extremely happy to find out that I’ll be staying at The Muse Hotel. It’s extremely posh and modern, with crisp white walls and linens contrasts by mahogany furnishings and floors. I was also excited because I found out P. Diddy’s protégé Day 26 were staying there during the taping of Making the Band 4, so I know this place is something spectacular.

I attempted to go shopping the weeks following receiving my schedule, trying to figure out what is Fashion Week appropriate; but I was warned that I would be on my feet a lot, so I guess wearing my typical 4 1/2 inch heels is NOT an option. Ultimately I decided to coordinate my outfits with the shows I will attending—accompanied by flats of course. For example, Twinkle is more whimsical, and vibrant, with chunky knits, sweaters, scarves, caps, even tuxedo jackets. However, it is extremely feminine and delicate. Betsy Johnson is fun, colorful, flirty and edgy but still in her own way, sophisticated. So I’m loading my bag with scarves, a tulle skirt, green stockings, and a black blazer! There are more shows I need to coordinate with: GAP, Peter Som, Abaeté, Tuleh, Tory Burch, Carmen Marc Valvo and many more. I am just too excited for this, and I can’t wait for this week to start!