New York Fashion Week: Backstage Hair Update. Badgley Mischka Fall/Winter 2013. Hair by Peter Gray for Moroccanoil. Inspiration: Fall 2013 was inspired by Hitchcock’s femme fatales – Kim Novak, Eva Marie Saint and Grace Kelly – the paradox of their cool surface and inner fire.

Badgley Mischka Fall/Winter 2013

Badgley Mischka Fall/Winter 2013

The Look

Peter Gray for Moroccanoil designed sophisticated multi-textured styles with a cool, modern edge for the Badgley Mischka Fall 2013 Collection. Masterfully executed, the dramatic looks were inspired by film star Kim Novak in the Hitchcock thriller “Vertigo” as well as a touch of Tippi Hedren in the film “The Birds.”

The style emphasized whimsical contrasting elements, with soft, swirling volume at the front of the head falling into a swirled chignon sitting atop a unique, playful reverse-braid that tightly followed the shape of the head. The unique effect was created by braiding hair from bottom to top instead of the usual top to bottom technique. Though superbly classic, the style has an edgy, modern sensibility with a sense of motion within structure.

How the Look Was Created

“I started with a touch of Moroccanoil Treatment to condition and add a lustrous depth to strands followed by new Moroccanoil Heat Styling Protection. I then worked through Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse from roots to ends for soft volume and hold. To create a soft, smooth styling foundation, I then blow-dried hair straight with a paddle brush.

“After making a horse shoe shaped section (from each temple to the crown) and pinning it on top, I started to design the reverse-braid. Tipping the models head forward, I braided from the nape of neck towards the crown, pulling in diagonal sections from the sides to the center of the head. As I continued, I brought in pivoting sections from side areas, taking care to keep the braid closely following the shape of the head. When I reached the crown, I fastened the 3 braided sections together into a pony tail.

“I then started to create the swirling effect on top of the head. I created a set, curling the hair from the front hairline and then back using a ¾” curling iron (for the first two sections) to create a pronounced wave. I progressed to a 1” iron for the remaining set sections, including the ponytail. Then, I misted the entire set lightly with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong.

“Next, I released the set, and combed it out starting at the crown, and allowed some loose pieces to fall free.

“I backcombed the top section lightly for a fluffy, feminine effect, concentrating on the wave through the front area.

“The remaining loose lengths of the hair were wrapped around a pin-tailed comb – with the tip inserted vertically into the top of the braid – to hold the chignon above the reverse-braid.

“Fine wisps of hair were then brushed loose to soften, free and modernize the look.

“To finish, we used a fork comb to break up the edges of the set, and gave the style a final misting of Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong to hold it in place.”