Flashing Lights
Flash bulbs popped for Odile’s electric hair colors backstage at Thakoon, The Plaza Hotel Spring 2012 Collection.
Anatomy of a Set
One of our favorite aspects of creating a show is the set design. Staging, along with lighting and music, is one of the key elements of a show. It sets the tone for the show and helps to create an added visual representation of the designer’s mood and concept. The sets can range from elegant to industrial, from a multi mirrored wall to bare neon tube lights configured throughout a space to an architectural sculpture of wooden beams, all depending on what the designer is trying to convey that season. We love to immerse ourselves in the research of obscure finishing techniques or unconventional building materials. Here is a look into the process of creating a successful set from inspiration to runway…
J. Mendel Spring 2012 set:
Inspiration photos are collected and used as a starting point for the design. As with all creative processes the set design may undergo a few versions before the process is complete. Renderings and sketches are used as reference as decisions are made.
Then we work closely with the staging company to bring this concept to fruition. Ideally the result will be a perfect expression of the designer’s vision and compliment to the collection.
-SP
Backstage Look:
Each show we do comes together in it’s own unique way. Some are full of passion and drama, others are more easy going and organic, then you have a few that are completely indescribable. We wanted to share a few moments of what’s happening before the doors are open and the music starts. This will be the first of many.
BACKSTAGE LOOK #1: CREATURES OF THE WIND FALL 2012
At The Desmond Tutu center for Creatures of The Wind we transformed the refectory of the old seminary into a dark fantastical garden with music by Hisham Bharoocha.
Models wait in line for rehearsal in the ethereal light of the seminary.
Close up on the impossibly intricate braids created by Odile Gilbert to hold the hair pieces by Stephen Eichorn.
The empty refectory during load-in, w/tape marks to indicate the coveted photographer positions.
-JB
You’re So Fresh
To celebrate the impending spring season here are a few of our favorite “fresh face” hair and make-up looks from our Spring 2012 shows…
Proenza Schouler Spring 2012 Hair & Make-up Test
Milly Spring 2012 Hair & Make-up Test
Thakoon Spring 2012 backstage at show
Araks Spring 2012 backstage at show
-SP
April Showers/May Flowers
Although we are already making plans for the next round of spring shows (2013!!) we don’t want to miss spring 2012, which has officially arrived. Here are just a couple bright spots from our spring 2012 collections. Enjoy!
PS: We know we have been neglecting our duties here… But we are back in the game, so get ready for more updates to come shortly.
Into the Woods
To make sure our sets and backdrops are flawless, we test samples of every combination of technique and material. Sometimes, many rounds of examples are needed to achieve the perfect effect.
At the Fall 2011 show, Milly’s background was a towering photographic print of a road extending the runway through a cathedral of trees into an Arcadian distance. The print needed to be so clear and crisp that the audience might imagine branches swaying in the wind and sunlight filtering through the leaves onto the gravel lane; so idyllic that models would walk right off the runway into the scene.
Sometime in the countless hours of hard work preparing for the February shows, we dreamed of disappearing this way. What better way to test the latest sample than imagining ourselves in a peaceful forest. Did we fool you?
-EM
Makeup Breakdown- Thakoon Fall 2011
Thakoon’s Fall 2011 show at the Plaza Hotel Ballroom showed a comprehensive vision in every detail. To compliment the inventive, colorful clothes, the hair and makeup looks had to be equally fun and exciting. Mission accomplished. The bright sunset eyelids by Diane Kendal and elaborate hair woven with vibrant flashes of ripped apart knitted hats by Odile Gilbert fascinated fashion fans and critics alike. A few days before the show, the artists met with the Thakoon team to try out the look.
360° TEST
-EM
The Wave
To each their own. Evidence of designers’ unique styles doesn’t end when the final model exits the runway. Whether its a tip of the hat, a bow, or the slightest wave, their personalities shine through. Some even bring special guests.
Farewell, New York Fashion Week! Until September.
Monique Lhuillier, MONIQUE LHUILLIER
Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, PROENZA SCHOULER
Thakoon Panichgul, THAKOON
Isaac Mizrahi, ISAAC MIZRAHI
Michelle Smith, MILLY
Adam Lippes, ADAM
Pierre Morisset, G-STAR RAW
-EM
