I have a secret to tell you: I used to really like Oribe. After my last weekend in Vegas for their 2010 launch, I LOVE Oribe—I love the man, the myth, and especially the new products. Along with 5 others from the 2 salons, I spent two days completely absorbed in Oribe style, culture, and innovation.
As we sat in the dark waiting for the first demonstration to begin, we didn’t really know what to expect. Oribe has a known affinity for flamboyance and style, so there was palpable anticipation. Enter room-shaking drums and bass fit for a runway show, setting a fast-paced tempo that lasted throughout the entire weekend.
He did two cutting demonstrations the first day, peppered with styling demos and finished looks: there were “how-to” elements, theatrical styling, and seamless integration of the three new products that will debut later this month. These fill the few small holes in the Oribe line-up: a dry texturizer, ultra-holding hairspray, and a soft lacquer that mimics a brushable/moldable spray wax.
The second day was a hands-on based around our interpretations of the demos that Oribe did the day befor. He gave loose directions and he mainly focused on construction. Our inspiration: beautiful vulgarity. This intersection challenged traditional concepts of beauty and re-defined what is current and modern. Seeing how all of the stylists interpreted the directions and inspiration was interesting. The only products used were the new ones and body paint; there were some very unique looks and reinventions of the original look. (Please see Aubrey and Dane’s blog for some examples)
The weekend is an experience I will draw on for the rest of my career, which is why I have a new love in my life. I really hope that my secret is safe with you.
Remember when you were a kid and it was art time in class and the teacher would break out the tempera paint and brushes, or construction paper, scissors and glue and you’d all go to town? Well, I just had a weekend in Vegas doing basically that at a hands-on hair seminar with the extraordinarily talented Oribe. Instead of elementary school supplies, we got to work with wigs, hairnets, cutting capes that we got to turn into clothing, body paints and an arsenal of new hairsprays provided by Oribe.
The theme was “grotesque glamour” which was lead into by watching a clip of John Waters hilariously disturbing “Female Trouble.” Here, glamour is defined by going to the completely opposite extreme – where ugly is put on a pedestal. The point? To think outside the box and blow apart the traditional ways we do things. To go so far as asking ourselves, “Why the hell am I doing this?!” or “Says who?!” The result was to be found by going in with an open mind and having fun. Wasn’t that the whole point of doing anything anyway?
Taking a creative break was so healthy for us this weekend as well as yet another great bonding experience for us on personal levels (dinner at Sushi Smaba and many rounds of the Wheel of Fortune slot machines). I’m grateful for these opportunities and look forward to many more. Now, how do I get my money back from those damn slot machines!
(April 30, 2010 – 1:13 pm)
Do you sometimes feel as though holidays apply to some people but not to you?
While you may not be the mother of a two-legged creature, you might be the proud mother of a furry four-legged one. Why shouldn’t you be allowed to appreciate the accolades reserved for this precious day? Why shouldn’t you celebrate all that you do?
That is why we celebrate the Mom who loves her dog. Come get pampered at Studio DNA while you precious pooch gets the same at very popular Health Spot in West Hollywood. You will be shuttled from door to door and enjoy refreshments and a “Doggy Bag” of goodies!
Don’t hesitate! Call soon as space is limited!
Mommy and Me Make Over
(February 23, 2010 – 6:45 pm)
Dane Working on a Model
So, I just got back from my first NY Fashion week and overwhelmed with so many thoughts/emotions/ideas about this amazing experience from arriving at the amazing Empire Hotel to our narrow escape thru JFK and the impending snow storm. We had just enough time to shower after taking the red-eye and being whisked away to our first venue to begin preparations for our first event – the NCL Couture Design Fashion Show.
The inspiration for the hair for this show was Marie Antoinette with a modern twist. The goal was to have the hair big and wide which we achieved beautifully while addind a braided back for a twist. The result was striking and the feedback was fantastic. After the show, people came back stage to find out ‘who did the hair’ and that they had ‘not seen looks like that before’. In addition to the look, the makeup was stunningly executed by the talented staff of Polaris Cosmetics. We are truly blessed to have partnered with Polaris on the last few projects. They are extraordinarily professional and gifted and absolutely delightful to work with.
After the show, it was time to sleep since I had been up 36 hours at this point. Thank God for the beds at the Empire Hotel - they were hands down the best I’ve ever slept in. After a long nap, we convened in the lounge at the top of the hotel which obviously was a popular hot-spot with a chill atmosphere and dj. Next day was spent sleeping in late, heading for breakfast and enjoying a relaxed afternoon at the NY MOMA.
The next day, we headed down to Washington Square to prep models for the Korto Momolu Show(Project Runway, Season 7). There were 8 of us from Studio DNA plus 6 hairdressers from Mizu NY who helped us achieve the sleek look for the show. We were extremely happy about the hair we did for NCL, but even more ecstatic about how everything fell together for the Korto. It was such a pleasure working with her. She is truly gifted and unique. Her designs are gorgeous especially when you see them in person. The venue was packed with no standing room left.
After breaking down the show and packing up, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for an amazing dinner in the village at Sushi Samba (thanks again Danny and Aubrey). For me, the bonus that night was the snow falling as we rode to and from dinner.
It was bittersweet leaving the next morning. I enjoyed breakfast downstairs at the restaurant before packing. The snow was still falling with no real accumulation on the streets but as we passed Central Park, I snapped as many pictures as I could of the beautiful snow-covered trees and wondered how the trees would look when we return in the Fall for NY Fashion Week.
Thanks again Danny and Aubrey for this incredible experience. I am truly blessed to LOVE my work, my colleagues and the possibilities of what’s to come.
(January 20, 2010 – 1:01 am)
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