Leonard Simpson's 10 Best Dressed Awards Benefiting Miriacle Babies

On Nov. 21st I had the opportunity to lead a team for hair and makeup backstage for a fashion show at Leonard Simpson's Best Dressed Awards. The gala celebrates philanthropists who help our community. This marks Leonard Simpson's 6th year honoring these men and women for their kindness and choosing one organization to benefit from the gala. This year money was raised for Miracle Babies," a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide support and financial assistance to families with critically ill newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; and to enhance the well-being of women, children and their families through education, prevention and medical care."

 

 2013 Best Dressed Winners

Ladies Anahi Arata Doreen Schonbrun Jacqueline Foster Jeanne Larson Kristi Pieper Maggie Watkins Marjan Daneshmand May Zawaideh Rosanne Indermill Yolanda Walter-Meade

Men A.G. Spanos David Patrone Kambiz Agahnia Manoj Motwani, MD Michael Farah Ray W. Grimm Jr. Scott Muske Sean Caddell Steven Cox Tom Karlo

Fashion Show notes.

 One of my favorite designers of the evening Puey Quinones used materials like feathers, burlap, tulle, heavy and light fabrics. I watched as he pinned clothes just so on models or yanked out a feather, loop, or string that wasn't sitting as he wished. I was watching a true artist in his element.

I loved the details in this show. There were furs, feathers, crowns, dogs, lanterns, armor made of sunglasses...I'm not even sure what else I missed.

Debb Sloan Fairie Dress Collection with hand painted fabrics from Marjorie Pezzoli

Designer Gregorio Sanchez

I loved his heavy fabrics and rich colors. This was my favorite hair to be a part of. My team joined with Gregorio's stylist. His hair team and models almost all spoke Spanish. We could talk in English, but it was easier to communicate on the hair through visual communication. Talking in the language of hair. My team set the hair and began the pinning process while Gregorio's master stylist used his artistic eye to create the finished style. This is my favorite way to do hair for a show in an assembly line fashion setting/prep work, initial pinning, and then a finisher. This gives a very consistent look and is more team oriented. In my future shows I plan to use this method.

My Team

Connie Marie Novello

Kira Pinski

Kat Black

Andrea Waddell

Cheriene Galley

These girls are rock stars! Plan to see them by my side at fashion shows and weddings styling/makeup for the beautiful women of San Diego.

On the Edge

Some of my latest work with photographer Bang Truong

 

Photography: Bang Truong
Stylist: Julia Chung
Mua: Julie Taing
Hair : Kira Pinski
Model: Anastassija Mak @ Wilhelmina LA

Beau Monde College of Hair Design Open House

My favorite Portland Cosmetology School is holding an open house. This would be a great opportunity for stylists to scout potential team members or for future stylists to explore their options.





Why do I love Beau Monde?




It started when I met instructor Linda Corde-Ashley backstage at the Crystal Ballroom run through for Fade to Light fashion show. Her energy is kind and open always. Linda worked in Switzerland for years before returning to the US to raise her children near her family. With worlds of experience Linda brings one of a kind eduction.  She introduces her students into the fashion community to get real world experience networking with salons, models, designers...I have seen her teams more often than any other school. Her creative vision, flexibility, and organization has made it a pleasure working with Linda and her team. 





Besides top notch instructors and involvement in the fashion network, Beau Monde uses high end professional haircolor. I have used Wella beginning in my apprenticeship in 2007, and have continued to use it in the 3 salons I've worked in. Wella is also the number one color choice of Bumble and Bumble, a product line known for styling some of the best runway shows in NYC. This color choice of Beau Monde will put their students at an advantage throughout their careers starting them with this selection. I have clients who find me specifically online because I use Wella Color through the website salon locator. The results are long lasting, gentle, and natural tones. 

Not only does Beau Monde use Wella. They use Koleston Perfect permanent line and Color Touch Demipermanent line. These can only be purchased by professionals. Sally's and other public beauty supply stores carry Color Charm and other Wella lines which are good, but the tones and ingredients are slightly different. I am impressed that Beau Monde sets their students apart with this high quality color line.



Beau Monde won Wella Cosmetology School of the year in 2013.


Come checkout Beau Monde's biannual Open House on November 14th starting at 10am.

Student Fashion Show after Open House... I've been a judge at one of these shows..It's a lot of fun..  Students compete for the top prize. 

Educating hairstylists Since 1960. Portland's longest running Cosmetology School.

 Beau Monde College of Hair Design downtown 12th and Jefferson SW -hourly based education

Beau Monde Academy of Cosmetology Lloyd Center Mall - competency based education


hairstylist Kira Pinski  f   

HOT HEADS EXTENSIONS

 

Okay...get excited!! I just went to my first extensions class in California at Elle Salon in La Jolla. Hair is a valuable accessory that has to look good!!

Over the past 8 years I have used clip in/removable extensions for brides, salon clients, and photo shoots. I have gone to the hair store with brides to hand select their extensions. I have cut, colored, styled many over the years. Any celebrity I've done who tours or many NYC clients have come to me with typically the SoCap bead extensions with many tiny pieces filling their manes.

Now in California, I have a clientele that demands extension work. I couldn't be more thrilled!

HOT HEADS began 34 years ago as a company that specialized in wigs and hair pieces. Permanent extensions became available 15-20 years ago, Hot Heads created their own custom blend that has been evolving with the market for 11 years.

WHAT MAKES HOT HEADS SPECIAL?

PATENTED SURGICAL GRADE ADHESIVE TAPE- HOT HEADS lye flat not bumpy, flow naturally, not in separate clumps, tape is gentle on the hair, easy to remove for less damage than traditional extensions, faster/painless placement and removal process..
QUALITY HUMAN REMY HAIR WITH CUTICLE(outer most layer of the hair strand)ALL GOING IN THE SAME DIRECTION.
The collection process very regulated from India and Mongolia processed in the USA. Unlike other brands hair is not shaved off collected in piles off the floor, then raked over nails removing the cuticle. It is not put through acid baths to take off the cuticle then dipped in silicone to make it smooth again. When the cuticle of each hair strand is going in different directions more matting occurs leaving hair tangled, fuzzy, and dull. The hair does not last as long because it is difficult to take care of.
HOT HEADS LASTS 8-10 WEEKS, THE HAIR CAN BE REAPPLIED 3-4 TIMES ON AVERAGE POSSIBLY 5-6 WHEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF.

Can my HOT HEADS be colored? YES!
Can you match my color? YES!!!
Can I have ombre extensions? YES!
Can we change the HOT HEADS color when I reuse them if I want to change my hair color? MOST LIKELY YES!!
Can I get Brazillian Blowouts or straightening treatments on my extensions? YES!
Can I go in the pool or ocean? YES!!
Can I pull my hair up in a ponytail or upstyle? YES!
Can I let it air dry? YES! HOT HEADS HAVE A SLIGHT BODY WAVE
Can I use blow dryers and hot tools? YES! It will not melt like synthetic or blended hair.
Can I use dry shampoo? YES!!

Products without oil, silicone, alcohol, ethanol are best. Why? These ingredients can break down the extension glue. Your extensions come with a HOT HEADS shampoo/conditioner. You can still use your styling products focusing on the ends being mindful to keep product off of the extension tabs. This usually is not a problem at all because extensions are placed lower. Even volume products at the crown do not touch extension tabs. They are durable and with proper care last 8-10 weeks.




Come in for a consultation and choose between 19 human air colors 10-12 inches, 14-16 inches, 18-20 inches.


hairstylist kirapinski f   

Fashion Week San Diego FWSD

photography JONATHAN SEVILLA

Fashion Week San Diego was a huge success. In it's 3rd year it has attracted a wide variety of designers and talent backstage.  If you love fashion this is the place to be in San Diego.
The designers brought inspiration from San Fransisco, LA, New York, Buenos Aires, Mexico,  the Mid West, the East Coast, and the Pacific North West. The diversity in the Spring/Summer collections guaranteed something for everyone.

Favorites

I loved the color and the lines in this suit. The design was shorts, but the cropped image lets the imagination flow... shorts, pants, skirt. The bright color of the suit and the dark almost paint/floral impression contrast nicely. The color placement gives the models slight curves a hint of shape.




i.l.l.aphotography.com


MarAlanzo has an artists vision when approaching his designs. He uses imported silks and one of a kind fabrics to really customize his pieces for the women he dresses. I spoke with his business partner Alejandro about style and elegance. How women in Paris and Buenos Aires have an elegance, sophistication, sexiness...They dress for their shape, sometimes understated, but always gorgeous. He wants to give women this experience this untouchabe yet available beauty.  The experience begins with a dream...MarAlanzo becomes your guide with his expert eye in the design process of creating a garments with you in mind... selecting fabrics, colors, draping, fit... A woman knows what she wants and MarAlanzo has an eye to make that vision a reality.






i.l.l.aphotography.com


MarAlanzo creating dresses for weddings, events, and everyday glamour

What's Spring Summer without SWIM SUITS

 

Dos Caras Swim Suit designers

THE SHOW STOPPER Andre Sariano

 

i.l.l.aphotography.com

 

I loved being a part of the backstage hair team at FWSD. It was a great opportunity to learn from my peers, experience new products, and meet talented leaders in the hair industry.

Hair and Makeup Leads includes:

Joseph Anthony
Jeffery Floyd
Karla Lopez-Martinez of Gila Rut
Kristina-Monique Cortez of Bellus Academy
Joanna Quinn of Style Squad San Diego
Latera Pugh of Bellus Academy
James Overstreet
Sonia Tabor of Bellus Academy
Llewelyn Labio of Style Squad San Diego
William Williams



 photography JONATHAN SEVILLA

Leaders brought their own teams. For hair, the Bellus Academy used 3 tables of about 7 students each, and salons brought at least 4 experienced stylists. There were easily over 15 stylists at FWSD who were at the top of their game.  Bellus Academy brought talented students, up and coming artists. Everyone wanted to be there. It was difficult for me to find a position backstage as the show approached, but Joseph Anthony created space. I am forever thankful.

 


photography JONATHAN SEVILLA

I was excited to be a part of a new market. With years of backstage experience in Portland including 7 years on Portland Fashion Week 2 years as lead stylist as well as working on and leading top Portland shows, San Diego had plenty to offer.



words from the FWSD Hair/Makeup leads

FWSD took the time to put this video together to create a connection with the hair/makeup sponsors.

I learned:
setting up table mirrors
volumizing braids with powder to add a dry, full texture
shoe sponsors provide shoes in each size for fast, consistency
adding hair filler to a roll for shape and fullness
a new technique to wrap beach waves on a curling iron
tree braid

Watching my peers helps me mix up habits at the salon that I might have forgotten or didn't know. It's  important to stay fresh. When I assisted Joseph Anthony or when stylists assisted me handing bobby pins or rubber bands I remembered from my apprenticeship that there is an art to handing a pin. The assistants hand takes up as little space as possible. Holding the pin with the tips of your fingers in the same position either teeth up or down every time. Placing it just where the lead stylist would reach without having to extend or search for it. With a rubber band placing 1 in your hand leaving the palm open.  Fashion shows work well with teammates.

My Team lead by Joseph Anthony













Allison Andrews, FWSD show producer




Thank you for making it all possible.


Hairstylist Kira Pinski FB