Specialties: Educator and Creative Team Member, Haircutting and Color, Updos, Makeup, Fashion Show Stylist Studio(s): Beverly
Dane began his career in hair in 1987, when he was recruited to manage his friends' salon in Georgetown, Washington D.C. At Alan Wilder's Salon, he became inspired to learn hairdressing. In 1992, he started an official apprenticeship at Bogarts Salon in Georgetown under Fernando Sacaluga-Ferre. After 5 years, he decided it was time too make a big move west to Maui, HI and then to LA where he landed at Planet Salon working with Ginger Boyle. After being in San Diego ten years, he has come back to LA, where in addition to maintaining a clientele, he has done hair for TV and fashion shows as well as use his extensive skills to teach hair and makeup at Studio DNA.
OK, so I said I’d be writing soon but since I’m not a person who gravitates to the keyboard, its no surprise that it has taken so long for me to get back to blogging. Just ask my friends on Facebook. In fact, a whole season of Project Runway passed without additional commentary.
Now that it has ended, the comment I’d like to make now is, ”Thank God Seth-Aaron won!”
It was so refreshing to see such a forward-thinking, talented designer win with a collection that I’d go as far as saying rivals Christian’s from season 4.
One thing that puzzled me, though, this season, was the romancing of Emilio by the judges. Some of his work ranged from sleepy to very good, but come on, the washer/string bikini should have gotten him kicked off! However it did make for great TV, especially when Heidi dropped the hammer that he’d lost to Seth-Aaron.
Also, kudos to Mila for sticking it out and keeping her integrity and poise throughout the season. Overall, I liked the season for its talent and personalities (although not as dramatic as previous seasons). There was a seriousness which lead me to believe these artists are passionate about their industry and I respect that.
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!
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.
This is only my third season watching Project Runway. I’m glad they’re off to a good start. Back in NYC and raring to go, Tim and Heidi seem to be working with a more vibrant and talented cast than last season.
As far as the first two shows that have aired, the winning designs have been surprisingly good (though I would have chosen Mila’s or Amy’s design over Jay’s.) Sadly, the producers are up to their old bag of tricks by keeping a weaker (more controversial) designer while letting go of a designer who, from a viewer’s point of view, is clearly stronger. I don’t care for reality shows at all, but Heidi and Tim make this show work.
What particularly has me addicted to this show is the creativity of the participants and the challenges they run into week to week. Fortunately, I have a career that challenges me and pushes the limits, so its exciting for me to take a break and sit back and watch someone else challenged to create magic. It really contributes to my own process particularly since our industries are very connected.
I’m really looking forward to next week when the Oscar nominations are announced. Another of my biggest passions ignited – the Oscar race….
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. 
