Designer Stacey Bendet for Alice + Olivia channeled the late-1950s as inspiration for her new spring 2013 collection that centered around “uplifting American optimism.” She wanted the collection to “epitomize the classic feminism of the mid-century American dream—bold, sexy and smart” and she achieved this vision through full skirt silhouettes, corsets and bustiers, stylishly cropped pants and the perfect party dresses with shades of coral, peach, sky blue and pink with strong combinations of black and white all with the signature Alice + Olivia flair.
To make sure this vision transferred to the hairstyle, Lead Stylist Benjamin Mohapi of L’Oréal Professionnel was given the challenge and he executed it flawlessly. He styled each of the models’ hair into a low, volumized ponytail with a middle or off-center part, to capture a mod 1950s look.
He first got the hair damp, applied Mythic Oil Milk Oil and Lift Extrême to the center or off-center part and all around the hairline. He blew out the hair with a flat brush, made a low pony and secured the hair with a clear elastic. Next, using a curling iron he curled the ponytail, divided it into three sections and teased spraying Fresh Dust Dry Shampoo and Infinium 3 Hairspray to hold the texture and volume. Finally, he gently combed through the hair to return it to a smooth shape and into a nice curl then went over it with Homme Styling Mat, a sculpting pomade, to create a matte finish and then sprayed more Infinium 3 to hold the look.
Makeup Artist Sarah Lucero for Stila Cosmetics continued with the posh ‘50s theme and created a face with a dewy complexion with a hint of color, a neutral yet glossy lip, complete with an ultra feminine and glam eye. Cheeks were rosy with hints of peach and lips were shiny and nude, meanwhile the focus and attention grabber were all in the eyes.
Lucero used the In The Know eye shadow palette and then used Intense Black Stay All Day Liner on each model while she interchanged between two other colors, Snow, a pure white, and Periwinke, a vibrant light blue. She first applied false lashes, then a thick coat of mascara. Next, she swiped on the black liquid liner pen, creating a winged shape that definitely pays homage to the late-1950s and early-1960s. To update the look and give it that Alice + Olivia flair, Lucero took either Snow White or Periwinkle and swiped another line of eyeliner just above the black liner to create a striped/stacked effect, which she calls the “pastel pop.” —Aja Edwards
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