Orlando Pita Argan Oil Box Set

I am so happy to see Orlando, my friend and mentor, recently launch a box set of shampoo, conditioner and argan oil treatment, all under the Orlando Pita brand. 

Containing just trace amounts of sulfates, the entire line is packed with healthy botanicals such as avocado oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil and chamomile extract. The Argan Oil Gloss Shampoo (13 fl oz.) leaves hair feeling nourished and clean. More than just a conditioner, the Argan Oil Conditioning Treatment is powerful enough to leave even the driest hair feeling great. The Argan Rejuvenating Hair Treatment Oil treatment is to die for as a little goes a long way.

 

You can find the box set at Costco for only $16.99! 

I was sitting with Orlando in the salon talking about the product line and the results, he mentioned that in all the images used to promote the products, no extensions were used (now that's on heard of in for product ad campaigns)..

Let's face it, it's unheard of to get a box set of hair products with this quality...at this price. For more on the release of more products under the Orlando Pita Brand, take a look at his Facebook fan page as well as Hatch beauty.

I have mine, do you have yours!!

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My Recent Work

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Introducing Upcoming Fashion Designer Linda Abdalla

Recently I was approached by a young student at Parsons who was busy creating a fashion collection for her senior thesis. She explained that long-term, she was trying to launch her own line, but she'd also be very happy to work for a company that she believed in....and that she needed someone to help do hair for her project. I loved her passion and energy and found her incredibly inspirational, so I agreed to assist her during the shoot. Having loved the grunge inspired hair from Saint Laurent at Paris fashion week by Orlando Pita  , we decided grunge hair would perfect for her shoot.

Here's her story. 

First thank you for agreeing to do this. How long have you been attending Parsons?

 I have been attending Parsons for 4 years (7 months of those years spent abroad) 

Who or What inspired you to get into fashion?

I’ve always been interested in the arts when I was younger (drawing, painting, graphic design, photography) so attending an art & design school was inevitable. I also moved around a lot during my childhood and coming from my inherited (Sudanese) culture where there are regulations (or judgment) & connotations placed on what women vs men should wear, mixed with my western culture (being raised mostly in the US), their clash in values & identity or globalization in general is exciting to me and pushing those boundaries/limitations. 

Who are your favorite designers?

Alaïa, Yohji, Haider & Dries

What was the inspiration behind your collection?

Boxing (the sport) referencing the uniforms & environment of the boxers through a juxtaposition of fabrics & techniques using menswear patterns as a base 

Where is your favorite place to buy fabric?

In NYC: B&J, Libra Leather

Where in fashion do you see yourself in 5 years? 

Hopefully working for a company that I truly believe in whether it be in the US or abroad.
 
What would you say to any young person who is thinking about getting into fashion? 

Intern, Intern! Travel if you can, start sewing right away (whether it be taking already made garments apart and putting it back together) because knowledge of construction is important. Be humble, patient & curious.

 

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Do Not Be Bullied In To Looking Like Someone You're Not (My Message To Teenaged Girls Living In Homeless Shelters.)

After completing my second workshop with teenaged girls on individuality, beauty and bullying, I felt extremely moved to share my experience.

Please keep in mind that these teenage girls all live in a homeless shelter, for now...

The first question I asked the room was have you ever been bullied? We all raised our hands. The second question was have you ever bullied someone? We all raised our hands...

When asked to describe what it felt like to be bullied, the girls provided answers that were very similar. Some felt sad, their feelings were hurt or angry.  Overall they agreed that it made them feel horrible as often wondered,...why me.

The group opened up as to some reasons they were bullied, be it their hair was too kinky, their weight or their living situation.

I explained my personal experiences being bullied because I was poor, gay or too fair. I further explained how 25 years later I've come to realize that these were the things that make me unique. The things that make Antonio special.

I reminded them that each one of them are different to each other and that uniqueness should be celebrated... from your body size, to your hair to even your teeth (just to name a few.)

We made a promise to be more aware of our actions when it comes to our opinions and to be sensitive to the feelings of others.

I then asked who were their female heros, women that they admired, that they wanted to be like. All the girls praised the women in their lives, mothers, grandmothers etc. One girl in particular replied, "I want to be like my mother, because she stood up for me and loves me. She taught me no matter how difficult things may seem, you deserve to respected."

I end by saying, any challenges I may have faced in my past with the women in my childhood were washed away by the energy and love from these beautiful young girls.

Thank you to all my friends that donated copies of the book The Giver by Lois Lowry, which each girl received a copy of.

 And for all the wonderful cosmetics and hair accessories that were also donated.

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