Behind The Scenes | NYFW: VPL SS13 Hair by Recine

Inspired by the recent Summer Olympics, VPL chose to focus on human kinesiology and musculature for the latest collection, entitled “Exertion”. Garments were made up of burnt orange, lilac, mint green mixed with steels, oysters and beiges, balancing bold and bright with neutrals. Down the runway, the long skirts and pants billowed freely, while being constrained at the waist by elastics. The collection explored a push-pull: movement of fabric contrasted with the constriction of elastics, simulating the muscular movement of athletes.

Bel artist Recine created a long fishtail braids on each of the models to mimic the spine as it draped down their backs. Held securely with hair nets for the run-through, as the show’s start approached Recine and his team of hairstylists adjusted the hair by placing a harness-like elastic headdress on each of the models’ heads. The elastic hairdresses were reminiscent athletic headgear- a chic reinterpretation of protective armor, which was seen in the clothing as well through sequined shoulders, sculpted jackets, and structured chest plates.

To create the look, Recine used a small amount of mousse on dry hair, then blow-dried it without a brush to allow the product to dry. He then added a spritz of a light Phyto hair spray before shaping the hair to make it more workable for styling. A fishtail braid was created off to one side, which he sprayed with a stronger hair spray to hold the look and give it a jewel-like finish. Finally, the elastic headdress was applied over the braid. Recine said, “I was very happy with the end result as it contained geometry but still retained a feminine charm,”