The long, short, curly, and colorful: Spring 2012 hair knows how to fake it!

The mane event: Lulu Johnson & Nicki Minaj join Betsey Johnson backstage at NYFW.

 “Fake it till you make it!”—perhaps not the chicest of clichés, but when it comes to trying out a new ‘do, we say go faux or just say no! That other old adage, “It’s just hair—it grows back!” is all well and good, until the salon chair spins around, and one is confronted with the aftermath of shear genius gone terribly wrong. While Spring/Summer 2012 runway hair trends ran the full gamut—from slick, sporty ponies to tousled, twisted tresses—the most head-turning trend from backstage was a big secret. In our final Beauty Break blog for S/S 2012, we’re focusing on spring hair with something to hide—four runway styles that fooled the eye.

FAUX BOBS

Arizona Muse's signature bob showcased on Tory Burch's spring runway.

While we adore top model Arizona Muse’s now famous bob haircut, not everyone can (or should) commit to a chin-length chop. Short and sweet styles were a designer favorite at the spring shows, but stylists made sure the runway look was only temporary. Backstage at Tory Burch in New York, Eugene Souleiman created faux bobs to complement Burch’s flirty, retro runway. Souleiman began with a deep side part, then pulled long locks into a pony at the nape of the neck, allowing hair to fall over the ears and create the illusion of a chin-length style. To further trick the eye, Souleiman gently pulled hairs out at the back of the pony, creating a “bob-like volume.” Photographers at the end of Burch’s catwalk had no idea the lopped locks were just ponies in disguise until models made their return trip down the runway!

A hair-raising faux bob at the Fendi Spring/Summer 2012 show.

The trend continued in Milan, where hairstylist Sam McKnight gave Fendi models stunted styles. “We’re doing a faux bob, teased back off the face, (with) lots of height,” McKnight told Videofashion. “She’s a mathematician who has a kind of mad edge,” McKnight explained his tress inspiration. The finished Fendi look was just as convincing as Burch’s bobs—from straight-on, you’d never know these short styles were long locks in disguise!

FAUX UNDERCUTS

“A quintessential English girl on a summer’s night out.” That’s how hair guru Peter Gray described the London-cool look he created for the Paul Smith Spring/Summer 2012 show. Gray’s team tousled tresses with Moroccan Oil styling cream to “give it some sheen and hold” and create a “nice loose and lazy texture.” But the sweet, English rose look also had a tough interior. To take any bulk out of the hair and create that weightless effect, models got what appeared to be undercuts, but what in reality were some very strategically placed cornrows! The lower half-to-third of the scalp was braided tightly, then hair was flipped back overtop to hide the tracks—simple as that! While it-Brit Alice Dellal may be committed to her signature buzz, we think this faux undercut is the perfect stealthy style to complement Sir Paul’s laidback, borrowed-from-the-BF spring vibe.

Undercover undercuts--covert cornrows backstage at Paul Smith.

FAUX BOMBSHELL CURLS

Betsey Johnson’s va-va-voom spring collection was all about accentuating one’s assets—if you’ve got it, flaunt it, and if you don’t, well, try some divine intervention. The same sexy attitude was channeled backstage at Lincoln Center, where tired tresses got extra body and bounce before hitting the catwalk. While London ladies received minimizing styles, Peter Gray gave Betsey’s bombshells maximizing hair makeovers with a supermodel-inspired tress trick! “You know that thing Jerry Hall used to do? She used to grab her hair and kind of fling it all the way around,” Gray explained his mane muse. Hall’s come-hither hair was recreated by pulling models’ strands into smooth side-ponytails at the base of the neck, then setting with hot rollers. Once hair was let loose, the style was left alone—instead of brushing into waves, the super-sized retro curls were allowed to have a life of their own. Extra volume piled on one shoulder creates the illusion of thicker, fuller locks with serious sex appeal. We’re sure super-sized hair fan, Nicki Minaj—who sat front-row at Betsey’s show—approved of the curl-power meets girl-power look.

FAUX DYE JOB

We couldn’t wrap up our spring 2012 beauty report without mentioning the rainbow tress trend. Candy Land dye jobs were all the rage, but before you break out the Manic Panic, consider the tricky tresses Odile Gilbert created backstage at Thakoon. Playing off the rich hues in the New York designer’s East (India) meets West (American cowboys) collection, Gilbert used highly pigmented hair powders in blue, purple, pink, green, and terracotta to faux “dye” models twisted ‘dos. The matte-finish color is anything but flat—we adore this fearless, fresh take on hyper-color hair, and really love the no-commitment, one-day (or one-runway) transformation.

There you have it: for Spring/Summer 2012, we got lippy with 3D, trippy with flashy phalanges, celebratory with statement eyes, and faux-fab with deceptive ‘dos. We’ll have more Beauty Breaks for you from the Autumn/Winter 2012-13 shows—which kick off next week at NYFW! To stay up to date with all the behind-the-scenes and front row action, follow Videofashion on Twitter, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Beauty Break: Bright eyes—peepers with pizzazz are ready to ring in the new year!

Backstage at Fendi Spring/Summer 2012, Peter Phillips gave models' lids the Midas touch.

Not every beauty look from the spring 2012 runways was meant for Main Street, (Exhibit A: Wet Paint Hair; Exhibit B: Concrete Lips), but a few eye-catching beauty moments demand real world replication. Holiday soiree season is the perfect time to tap one of S/S 12’s flashier makeup trends—bright eyes with showy accents which scream “Party time!”  ‘Tis the season for ultra-glam makeup, so why not ring in 2012 with a glitzy gaze inspired by the new year’s festive runway looks?

Silver leaf makes a slick statement backstage in Milan.

Backstage at the Fendi Spring/Summer 2012 show in Milan, makeup artist Peter Phillips performed a little metallic magic, giving models’ lids an eye-opening coat of metal leaf; balancing the look with a subdued pink cheek and pale lip, the high-shine eyes complemented the metal details in Karl Lagerfeld’s spring collection. Molten lids are not for the meek, but if you’re a scene stealer seeking a super-showy look that demands the limelight, go for the gold (or the silver) this New Year’s Eve.

Not quite ready to compete with the Tin Man for Most Reflective Peepers? The look created by Charlotte Tilbury for Etro’s spring show is a more subtle approach to shine. Tilbury kept the face clean with a contoured cheek and chocolate mascara for dimension and definition, then dusted silvery MAC eye gloss all over lids for a “metallic, dreamy, water-like look.” The resulting liquid-shine in soft-focus is a tranquil alternative to Fendi’s flashy lids, but the look still retains that celebratory feel. Opt for these eyes if you want to transition from a family dinner to a friend’s fête without batting an eye.

Eye spy ... Daphne Groeneveld's festival girl glitter at DSquared2!

When we ran into Tilbury again backstage at the DSquared2 show, the beauty guru had cranked up the volume on the twinkling trend with a glam rock, David Bowie-inspired look. “Dean and Dan [Caten] are very inspired this season by Glastonbury—all the rock chicks and festival girls,” Tilbury told Videofashion. After prepping lids with gold cream shadow, Tilbury’s team added a dense layer of glitter, letting the dazzling dust fall below the eyes and onto the cheeks, “As if they’ve had [it] on all night,” Tilbury explained. The authentic rocker look was completed with heavy black eyeliner and mascara and balanced with a fresh, natural complexion for a nod of “wonderful innocence.” These eyes may have been motivated by the music scene, but we’re certain rockin’ around the Christmas tree is sufficient grounds to break out the glitter pots.

Pretty in pink: day-glo falsies from the Viktor & Rolf show are perfect for New Year's night.

If eyes rivaling Times Square’s crystal countdown ball aren’t your style, but you still want to sport next season’s statement eyes fashionably early, Pat McGrath’s bright eyed girl at Viktor & Rolf is your makeup muse. Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren had dolls on the brain when designing their Spring/Summer 2012 collection, and the beauty team backstage in Paris played on the theme with dolled-up ‘dos and wide-eyed faces. McGrath gave models super-glossy “sugary” pouts, then adorned lids with shocking pink faux lashes, adding “acid pink wings” on the outer corners for an extra flick of fun. The fluttering fluorescent falsies were a hit with the living dolls who donned them. Model Dempsey Stewart fell in love with her ultra-fem eyes. “I wish I could keep these eyelashes, but I have to take them off for the next show!” she lamented to Videofashion. The Viktor & Rolf runway may be history, but Dempsey can channel her inner Clara again this December with a fresh pair of falsies, putting her on par with any dancing diva in the Land of the Dolls.

Will you put a twinkle in your eye this holiday season with any of these brilliant runway looks? Is there another S/S 12 beauty trend your ogling to accent your party ensemble? Let us know!

Happy holidays from Videofashion—we look forward to bringing you more insider fashion and beauty scoop in the new year!

Even Barbie would be jealous of Melissa Tammerijn's doll-like lashes from the Viktor & Rolf S/S 2012 show!

Beauty Break: get nailed. Statement-making manicures for Soho, Sin City, Egypt, and the Playboy Mansion!

CND manicures were the only accessory at Wes Gordon's spring presentation; Poppyfield tips have Soho spirit.

We’ve all heard the expression, “Let your fingers do the talking,” and according to the pros backstage at Fashion Week, your digits have a lot to say! In today’s Beauty Break, we’re showcasing the hottest hands from the Spring/Summer 2012 shows—our favorite manicures and nail inspirations direct from the experts.

With his youthful approach to uptown sophistication, 25-year-old Wes Gordon is one to watch at New York Fashion Week—as were the classy-gone-sassy nails at his spring presentation. According to CND Nails guru Jan Arnold, Gordon’s gal has gone south for spring—South of Houston Street, that is. “She’s got a Soho sophisticated side,” Arnold tells Videofashion. This season, long, lean, almond-shaped nails were coated in a “nearly neon, yellow-based red” called Poppyfield. The vivid poppy is known for its, shall we say, euphoric capabilities, and this aptly named lacquer shade had us similarly entranced. The cheerful hue was the perfect complement to Gordon’s optimistic spring collection—so much so that the vibrant tips were the models’ only accessory! “What other fashion accessory do you need?!” says Arnold.

Fortunately, what happens backstage doesn't stay backstage. Deborah Lippmann's manicure for Narciso Rodriguez--no hangover required.

If you prefer more toned-down digits, you’re still in luck—understated shades were also trending on the Spring/Summer 2012 runways. To offset the technicolor tresses created by Eugene Souleiman at Narciso Rodriguez, nail expert Deborah Lippmann gave models a matching mani-pedi in a cool, gray color from her eponymous lacquer line. Cheekily dubbed “Waking Up in Vegas,”the soft cement hue hints at an alternatively bad-girl back-story told the murky morning after a wild night in Sin City. “You know, when everything’s just a little bit not right, a little bit off?” Lippmann describes the color story, with a wink. All hangover notions aside, subtly subversive shades of gray are a mysterious, chicly understated nail statement for spring.

Nail board backstage at The Blonds--digits worthy of the centerfold.

As a record-breaking pop-star, Katy Perry may be known for “Waking Up in Vegas,” but she’s also known for breaking rules on the red carpet, where she’s donned The Blonds’s extravagant creations more than once. We’re pretty sure Mrs. Russell Brand will likewise sink her claws into the nail trend showcased at The Blonds’s spring show. Famous for their over-the-top themed collections, the design duo’s latest mood board was covered in … bunnies. We’re not talking Peter Cottontail—we’re talking Playboy! With super-sexy cuts, glittering textiles, and in-your-face glamour on the catwalk, naughty nails were a must. “This season is about texture,” CND’s Kristina Estabrooks told Videofashion backstage in New York. While S/S 2012 makeup artists were giving lips the 3D treatment, manicurists nailed down texture by flattening their visual inspirations. “One of my favorites is this sheer black nail that looks like stockings with a French seam,” says Estabrooks. Other dazzling digits displayed on The Blonds’s bombshells included slippery oil-slick nails and our personal favorite: tips embellished with pave crystals. If you’re headed to the Playboy Mansion for spring break—or just want to channel your inner Girl Next Door—nail the pinup look with fun textures and ultra-glam accents.

Ancient accents made for a modern-day Liz Taylor tribute at Topshop Unique.

Finally, a manicure for the ultimate glamour girl: Elizabeth Taylor! For the latest Topshop Unique runway, creative director Karen Bonser looked to Liz’s Cleopatra for inspiration, and the Egyptian influence was seen backstage from the models’ gold leaf crowns to their hieroglyphic nails. Fortunately for us, the Egyptians’ simplified symbols are easy to replicate on your tips: start with bold basecoat colors—at Topshop, manicurists alternated teal, red, and metallic gold polish. Once dry, carefully adorn each nail with a white or gold shape. Let the second layer dry, then outline each shape in black lacquer with a polish pen. Topshop model Nimue Smit gives the look a thumbs-up. “It’s something different that people don’t expect,” says Nimue.  Also unanticipated: sporting a cryptic message—with a little research, you can really let your fingers talk!

What do you think of this season’s nail trends? Will you try any of these manicures? Let us know, and check back for more Beauty Breaks!

Beauty Break: 3D lip service

Backstage at Antonio Berardi S/S 2012, this model is ready for her close-up with high-octane lips by Val Garland.

 The third dimension is having a moment—from Hollywood blockbusters to magazine covers to fashion shows, 3D is on-trend and about to be on … your face! While cheekbone sculpting and adding depth with smoky eye shadows are perennial tricks of the trade, this season saw the 3D trend move to lips, which brings us to our first post in a series of Beauty Break updates!

Now: how to get your pout ready for its IMAX debut—or at least its spring awakening. Conditioning is essential over the blustery winter months—whatever your preferred moisture method, by all means, pucker up. Nobody wants to see flakes of skin in 3D (or any dimension, for that matter), so only a smooth smoocher will suffice!

Lips were in full-bloom backstage at Prabal Gurung's Spring/Summer 2012 show in New York.

Once your lips are supple and silky, it’s time to get dimensional. One of our favorite Spring/Summer 2012 beauty moments arrived compliments of Charlotte Tilbury and the beauty team backstage at Prabal Gurung. The New York designer’s spring runway was inspired by artist Nobuyoshi Araki’s “Sensual Flowers” series, and the lippy makeup was likewise in full-bloom. Tilbury got literal with the flowery look: “We’re creating this orchid-like effect on the lip,” she explained to Videofashion backstage at New York Fashion Week. Tilbury used a trio of hues in an ombre effect to create her orchid, starting at the center of the mouth with black pigment, moving outward with purple, and ending with magenta on the outermost edge of the lips. “Kind of like a flower coming out of the mouth,” Tilbury added. The finished look is definitely dimensional; while black lipstick can ordinarily be a bit, mhhh … morbid (no?), this look is more “Kiss me now!” than kiss of death. Watch Gurung’s models on Videofashion to witness the flower power in motion!

Hot rod--make that, hot RED--lips put the petal to the metal at Antonio Berardi.

3D kissers were also on the agenda across the pond. For Antonio Berardi’s spring show, makeup artist Val Garland aimed to give lips a “high-vinyl reflex.” Just like Tilbury’s orchid creations, Garland used three colors to produce her three-dimensional pouts (see how that works?). “We’re mixing a color called Sin with a coral pigment, so we’ve got a blue-based red with an orange powder,” the beauty guru told Videofashion backstage in London. After blending the hues, Garland topped it off with a slick of gloss, and voila! Garland compared her “smashing red” look to a “metallic car hood”—which could be the best analogy ever. While a freshly waxed roadster may not sound like ideal spring beauty inspiration, the final look is definitely va-va-vrooom! These 3D lips were a seriously sexy compliment to the ruby crystal-accented exits in Berardi’s spring show.

At Jason Wu, matte was far from flat. Diane Kendal added depth with powder pigment.

If you’re not quite ready for Tilbury’s orchid lips or Garland’s full-throttle shellac, perhaps the slightly subtler beauty look at Jason Wu’s S/S 2012 show is your 3D lip style. Back in New York, makeup artist Diane Kendal bucked the tri-color trend and used just two products—scarlet lipstick topped off with neon orange powder—to create the soft-focus crimson kissers. The matte finish doesn’t mean loss of volume—just watch the way those pouts pop on Wu’s pop-art inspired runway! The dressed-up red lips were the perfect match for Wu’s sporty-couture collection.

There you have it—three powerful pouts taken into the third dimension for spring. By playing with pigment and layering hues, you can create lips that jump off the face and trick the eye—without wearing those weird glasses!

Do you have a favorite lip look from the Spring/Summer 2012 shows? Would you try any of these looks? Tell us what you think, stay tuned to our Videofashion YouTube channel for new S/S 2012 videos, and keep checking our Twitter and blog for more Beauty Breaks!

3D goes pop on Jason Wu's spring runway.

She’s still the cat’s meow: Hello Kitty gets Pretty in the City at Sephora!

What’s new, pussycat? Hello Kitty Beauty at Sephora, that’s what! Every girl’s favorite cartoon kitten is all grown-up, and digging her well-manicured claws into the ultimate pretty emporium.  Miss HK offers beauty loot for fans of all ages and all budgets—from cute nail stickers ($5) to lip gloss ($16) to a Swarovski crystal-covered makeup brush case in her own image (limited edition–$495)! To celebrate the new collection, Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi made a very special appearance Wednesday at Sephora’s SoHo, New York, outpost; Ms. Yamaguchi’s adoring fans came out in droves to meet the designer and her fantastic feline sidekick!

Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi (center) with her charming entourage at Sephora

“Hello Kitty has grown up with her fans,” Ms. Yamaguchi told Videofashion through her Japanese translator. “This year is Hello Kitty’s 37^th anniversary, so a lot of her fans have loved Hello Kitty since they were little girls, and their love for her hasn’t changed.” Like many of the HK-loving girls wrapped around the bustling store, the petite designer sported playful pigtails and vivid makeup—including Hello Kitty Beauty on her lids! “I’m wearing the eyeshadow today,” she revealed (Charmmy Shadow Stick, $16). Her favorite product? “The Solid Perfume Necklace is really fun!” said Ms. Yamaguchi. ($39)

With kitty mobiles parked outside on Broadway, a DJ spinning inside, and an entourage of Hello Kitty-clad gals passing out snacks, there was plenty of feline festivity to go around. Sephora’s glam squad treated guests to complimentary Hello Kitty Beauty looks, while Ms. Yamaguchi and the chicest whiskers in the beauty biz—Hello Kitty herself—took photos with fans.

Among those HK devotees: Andrea Vargas of Brooklyn. “I’ve been a fan since I was a kid,” said Ms. Vargas, 22. “My mom even dressed me in Hello Kitty as a baby!” Cynthia Buchan, also of Brooklyn, was sporting a pair of Hello Kitty earrings, just one item from her extensive collection. “I started collecting Hello Kitty back in 1999. My room is a shrine!” she shared. The twenty-one-year-old adores the HK Beauty Liquid Nail Art ($10), and plans to continue building her shrine. “It reminds me of being a kid!” she added.

A Sephora makeup artist gives a gorgeous Hello Kitty Beauty makeover--meeeeooowww!

HK may not have a mouth (a rep for Kitty tells me her client “speaks from the heart”—aww!), but she does know a  thing or two about lip gloss! VF loves the Say Hello Palettes ($35 each), which feature four lip glosses and four eye shades in one—purrrrfect for the girl on the go.

If you want to get your paws on Hello Kitty Beauty, check out the collection online, or head to your local Sephora.

Hello Kitty Say Hello Palette--a VF fave--exclusively at Sephora