This past Sunday night brought me away from NFL Kickoffs to Milk Studios – brimming with the finest in NY fashion in an homage to a different kind of football.
In the Meatpacking District, where the scene is traditionally tight leather-hip with spiked Jeffrey Campbells and artfully tattered Céline tees, the clean-cut soccer-inspired Spring Summer 2014 collection from Carlos Campos surely stood out.
Campos displayed a simple presentation, showcasing prepster-chic menswear in a lineup on patches of grass. Male models sported classic and easy looks in a palette of navy, grey and white. Key pieces included solid blazers and cardigans, lightly patterned crewnecks, button-downs and polos resting comfortably over trousers, pressed shorts and the ubiquitous knee-high athletic sock.
To complement Campos’ designs, the grooming for the collection was equally crisp and clean.
I scored an EXCLUSIVE with lead hair stylist and Beauty Director for the show, Cesar Ramirez. You may know him as the man behind R&B singer Cassie’s traffic-stopping side buzz-cut or Ciara‘s rockin’ glam bob at the 2013 BET Awards. Cesar dished on the look, as well as what’s to come…
What was your inspiration for this show? How collaborative were you with Carlos in creating the look?
For this collection, Carlos was inspired by a love of soccer and the union between the player and the audience. Working off of that, the direction I took was to create a cohesive, uniform look connecting each model, like a team. I went with a sleek, gelled back hairstyle. Very South American/European, and very different from the more dry and matte hairstyles that designers usually want. I was inspired by the grace and sleekness players have when they’re in the middle of the game and I really wanted to capture that through the hair.
I can really see that translated in the collection. But what I also think is quite interesting is that the models still retain a sense of individuality.
I agree, I think it’s great, too. The casting was done well.
Take me through the process: how did you create this look?
The models we get usually come from other shows, so the first thing I do is wet the hair down and wash it out using Davines products. Once clean and while still damp, I take a fine-toothed comb and brush gel through the hair, starting from the back of the head, and then tightly parting the left side.
What was the key product for this hairstyle?
The N°11 Universal Instant Grip Glue by Davines. The gel gives a great shine and hold, and it works well with curly hair. I also made sure to set the hair with Glam Power Hair Spray for a stronger, high shine finish.
What’s one product you personally cannot live without?
I can’t leave the house without Chapstick. And lately, I’ve been really into wearing hats!
Really! What kind of hats?
Just all different hats, it doesn’t really matter which… it seems like they’re all back in style.
What are the new up-and-coming hairstyles for men and women?
The trend seems to be a role reversal; most women are getting really short haircuts, and men seem to be growing theirs longer.
What’s the first thing you plan on doing after wrapping NYFW? Relaxing?
No, actually! I have to go to San Francisco for more work and then I’ll be off to Paris for Paris Fashion Week…
To see more of Cesar’s runway and celebrity work, click HERE.
– Kate Pangilinan