Backstage culture is hectic and infatuating. Charles Youssef was my first backstage experience (that I was specifically covering) of the season, and I’ve almost forgotten how tight things can get. After meeting with a few of my fellow NYC fashion bloggers who were already there snapping away, I set out to document the experience. Everything goes straight to “work mode” as soon as my camera is out.<\/p>\n
Unlike last season, I left the notepad at home and decided to document things as they happen with video and voice recording. I do love to use my notebook, but not when I’m doing photography simultaneously. Plus, with the freezing weather and the enormous amount of layers, I tried to minimize how much I’m carrying around.<\/p>\n
As far as the look, the season brought a lot of architecturally Zen pieces at Youssef. To play off of the Japanese vibes, Aveda Global Creative Director, Antoinette Beenders, created what’s called a “Zen pony.” I overheard her mention a geisha, but ultimately the look is all about serenity and flow juxtaposed against the fragility of precise angles.<\/p>\n
Step 1: Prep hair with Aveda Thickening Tonic<\/a> and blow dry to a smooth, full base.<\/p>\n Step 2: Apply a generous amount of Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil<\/a> into the palms and apply throughout hair to add texture and shine.<\/p>\n Step 3: Flip head over and loosely gather hair away from the nape of the neck and upwards.<\/p>\n Step 4: With hair gathered, use an elastic to secure ponytail 3″ from the base of the head. Flip head back and let ponytail fall naturally.<\/p>\n Step 5: Take a section of hair near the elastic and wrap around elastic to hide it. Secure the end of hair with a bobby pin. Set the look with Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nThe Products:<\/h6>\n