Must See Video For CR Fashion Book Issue 3- Hair By Orlando Oita

Photography Max von Gumppenberg and Patrick Bienert
Film Jordan Backhus
Starring Lily Donaldson, Xiao Wen, Karolina Kurkova, Jessica Hart, Irina Shayk, Nadja Bender, Sasha Luss, Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Lindsey Wixson Lakshmi Menon, Soo Joo Park, Ashleigh Good, Candice Swanepoel, Stef Van Der Laan, and Anna Ewers
Makeup Aaron de Mey, Beauty Curator for Sephora
Hair Orlando Pita for Orlo Salon
Manicure Mar y Soul for Chanel Beauté
Prop stylist Philipp Haemmerle
Music “Peanut Butter” Alison Valentine

Posted by Unknown at 9:55 AM - 0 comments

Five Basic Tools I Must Have For Fashion Week

As Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week approaches, my colleagues and I start prepping our kits for the main events. Every year we are led by Orlando Pita to showcase what's hot for this season.

As the years pass, hairstyles change and hair products come and go. Sometimes we discover new styling products and tools that work better than last year's favorites. Sometimes we find our favorite product is discontinued.

Here are five basic products that are a "Must Have" for 2013. So from my personal styling kit to yours.. here we go!

1) The Alligator Clip or Dragon Clip - To work at the speed we need to, it's important to get the excess hair out of the way and have it stay there. The alligator clip, (also called the dragon clip) is super strong. It holds hair in place firmly, allowing you to work on wet or dry hair swiftly. When the pressure is on backstage, the last thing we need is hair falling out of a clip.

Tip: When working on hair that's fine, a smaller clip with less tension maybe a better option. Also when styling hair that's already blown out and you're working in the hairline, I recommend duckbill clips. The last thing we want to create are indentations on fine hair with a clip that has too much tension. Working smart is equally as important as working fast.

2) Wooden tooth brush - Don't worry, this is not a time to worry about dental hygiene. This is for hair. ;)

When we smooth dry hair for an ironed look or a chignon, those pesky fly always can ruin a perfect finish and show up in photos. Using a tail-comb or teasing brush for this could disturb the finish even more. This toothbrush has very soft bristles so it helps polish hard to reach areas. Because of its size, it gets to the fine or short flyways without disturbing the rest of the hair.

Tip: At the end of every fashion season I wash mine with a strong detergent (liquid dish-washing detergent) compared to my daily hair brush detergent. (shampoo then barbacide)

3) Bungee hair elastics - I remember many years ago being part of a video demo, styling a ponytail with a regular ponytail holder. It was a bad idea.

Bungee hair elastics, when used correctly gets close to the head, without leaving a bump at the base of the tail. It's the only thing I now use. They not only hold well and are easy on the hair, they come in a variety of colors.

Tip: Be careful where you buy them. There are different brands for sale but the quality is not good. I get my supply from Paris, from co-workers who travel for shows there. I'm sure their are good ones in the U.S...they are just hard to find.

4) Super mate clips - I think hairstylists and clients alike have all run into this problem, clip marks in the hair when styling. If you're doing finger waves, working on the hairline (on dry hair) or pushing bangs aside to put makeup on, these clips are your best friend.

During fashion week, if we happen to do the hair before the makeup, chances are the hair will get in the makeup artists' way. So these babies are a must backstage or at home.

5) Wig Brush - When I have hair that's so thick and tangled and has to be on stage in 30 minutes, this brush comes to the rescue! It's perfect for a head full of extensions that's enough hair for three people. And if you're that client who loves to ignore your hair till the last minute, enjoying the tangled, textured hive, then you've met your match!

Tip: Don't let the name deter you. However don't let this take the place of your daily detangling brush. The wig brush is primarily meant for the situations mentioned above.

Well that's all for now folks! Stay tuned for images from New York City Mercedes Benz Fashion Week!

Posted by Unknown at 10:51 AM - 3 comments

Calm Natural Skincare Helping Women At Homeless Shelters

As I continue my workshops for women and girls living in shelters, it becomes clearer that their is a huge demand for support to these ladies.

After doing several workshops with the women at Win around inner beauty and hair care, I started to receive requests to do some on skincare. I decided to reach out to several companies, but as I needed a high level of donations to meet the demand, finding a suitable match was not an easy task...that is until I met Jyl Bonaguro, founder of CALM Natural Skincare.

When I explained to my new friends at CALM Natural Skincare what I did with the families at the shelter, they instantly said yes. Within a week the samples arrived as promised.

I can't tell you how appreciative the women at the shelter were to receive the gifts. Everyone was given a cleanser, a moisturizer and a mask. During the workshop, we decided to bust open some of the products and give ourselves facials. :)

The first thing I noticed was the natural, clean smell...I mean it even looked edible. Sold in either powder or liquid form, they gently clean and moisturize skin. Their products are packed with over 60 natural ingredients, helping skin maintain its natural integrity and shine. Another great thing about CALM Natural Skincare is their love for the environment. The entire line offers refills to avoid increasing plastic waste on the planet and the packaging is "space friendly." Gone are the days of a few products taking all the room on your counter top or cabinet.

I can't thank the people enough at Calm Natural Skincare for the wonderful gifts they gave to these women, showing them that complete strangers do care.

For those who want more info, here is a video on the birth on Calm Natural Skincare and their line of products. And please, please, please if you become a fan, like their facebook page.

Posted by Unknown at 8:35 AM - 0 comments

Help For Beauty School Students at JP McCaskey High School In Pennsylvania.

I want to share with you all an amazing  experience I had with a class of students at a beauty school program at JP McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Their teacher, Andrea Fitzgerald contacted me asking if I could direct her to someone that could help with supplies like hair brushes, blow dryers, curling irons, etc. so the students could get the proper training. She further expressed interest in more education for the students, but did not have the budget. 

Having attended a similar program (West Valley Occupational Center) in Los Angeles for my beauty school education, I related to the challenges they faced.  The first step was to get supplies donated. Having never done anything like this before I knew it would be a challenge, one that I was happy to take on.

The first company that came to mind was T3 Micro.

You see, T3 has been a regular sponsor for some of our favorite shows during Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week.

I love their products so it was a natural choice for me. I explained to these wonderful people at T3 the situation at the school and my willingness to help. I also told them that I would personally take the products to Pennsylvania, they were game!

Last week I traveled 3 hours  to Lancaster  with the donated equipment.

Here's a video which further explains my initial interaction with the Mrs Andrea Fitzgerald and our plans. 

Once at the school I saw the excitement in the kids faces. The workshop started  with an introduction of myself and my journey through the beauty industry. We discussed the the important things to do while in school that will help them after graduating. The simple things like constantly practicing on their mannequins hairstyles they see in magazines, or cutting the hair for family members and friends as soon as they can.  We talked about the importance of not losing your individual creativity. Beauty school training can be a standardized and rigid training process with so many "do's and dont's" being taught as guidelines to create a cut.

Here are images with the excited students with their new tools. They were beyond ecstatic!!!

 I followed this by doing a haircut and style using T3- Microfiber tools.

 I closed out my visit with a surprise bonus from Orlando Pita, who graciously donated gift baskets to the top two students, Michelle Gonzales & Nghia Nguyen with the best attendance. 

The students wanted to say a big thank you to T3 ...here they are!!

Already I've received feedback from Ms. Fitzgerald saying, "The kids are super excited and anxious for my return!"

Well since my visit I'm even more committed to helping those in need. For those who are interested in seeing how they can help out, please contact me.

I want to once again thank Ms. Fitzgerald for contacting me and having faith to ask for help. And a big thank you to T3 for their incredible donation to the school program. And lastly a special thanks to Orlando Pita for his gifts to the two students who had the best attendance.

Posted by Unknown at 8:42 AM - 1 comments

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!!

Posted by Unknown at 7:04 AM - 0 comments

My Recent Work

Posted by Unknown at 9:27 AM - 0 comments

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.

 

Posted by Unknown at 10:05 AM - 0 comments

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.

Posted by Unknown at 8:20 PM - 0 comments

Alyssa Edwards : Drop Dead Gorgeous - Music Video

After not feeling inspired to blog for a month, I saw this video and I gagged!!!!!! Alyssa Edwards, thank you for a funny, fierce and tasty video baby!

Posted by Unknown at 5:52 AM - 0 comments

Daenery From Game Of Thrones And Her Hair

With the surge of big budget TV shows captivating larger and larger audiences, I had no choice but to give in to curiosity and check a few of them out. I kept hearing about one show in particular, Games Of Thrones....and within five minutes of the first episode, I was hooked. Not only is there scandal, sex and sweet drama, but the costumes and hair are definitely worth checking out.

I've grown to love one character in particular, Daenery. She is a beautiful blond princess who, as a young beauty, was taken advantage of, but manages to rise from the fire (literally) to become a strong, brave leader. With long blond, textured hair, her look also really adds to make her character one of the most interesting on TV today. Her hair actually reminds me of a look from one of my favorite music videos, Bedtime Stories by Madonna, (hair done by Orlando Pita.) Here are images from both beauties...see the similarities. 

The show's stylist is Kevin Alexander and he's in charge of all the hair styles for each character. Great job Kevin!

Well as we all know, fashion and hair trends tend to repeat themselves and will continue to, with highly talented people leaving their individual mark.

Amen to great hair!

The show's hairstylist is Kevin Alexander and he's in charge of all the wigs for each character. Great job Kevin!

Well as we all know, fashion and hair trends tend to repeat themselves and will continue to, with highly talented people leaving their individual mark.

Amen to great hair!

And if you were not born when this master piece was created, this is for you!

Posted by Unknown at 5:59 PM - 0 comments

Kate Moss For French Vogue- Hair By My Boss Orlando Pita

I had the pleasure of sitting with Orlando Pita in the salon today and talked about this shoot. Here it is guy's, hair by the always inspirational Orlando Pita.

Photographed by Mario Testino
Stylist- Sarajane Hoare
Makeup- Tom Pecheux

Posted by Unknown at 7:42 PM - 0 comments

Helping Displaced Families

Once again I was given the opportunity to spend two hours with single mothers at the Shelter for displaced families.

The focus of this workshop was to identify the negative things that were said to us as kids, our most formative years. Be it from parents, extended family or society in general, these words tend to leave lasting emotional scars.

I started off with my own experience where, at age 6, I was constantly teased for being gay. I remember one aunt in particular, who always made me feel ashamed. I talked about how it took me years before I was able to respect myself as a gay man.

This opened a flood gate of emotions from the group, as they recalled all the negative things that stuck with them as both children and as adults today. At the end we all agreed that saying to a child "I love you" goes a long way, and as adults we deserve to be treated with respect.

Then I introduced my guest, Kimora Link, a personal trainer who loves people, period. Mr. Link operates a fun and effective bootcamp in Harlem that I attend.

He answered questions from the ladies and encouraged them to love themselves as they are. Mr. Link expressed that his job is to help women be a better and healthier version of themselves. "We are not all meant to be thin, but we all benefit from being healthy," summed up his message.

What attracted me to Kimora is his "Project Link Kids 2 Fitness," with its motto, "Lead and they will follow, give our children a jumpstart on a path to life!"

Mr. Link firmly believes that what a parent does, sets the stage for how their kids will behave. He encourages families to workout together with special classes which cater to those needs. At the end of the workshop, Mr. Link and I presented each woman with a t-shirt emblazoned with the statement, "I Believe In Me." We had so much fun!!

Thanks to my friend, Lori Lynch and friends for providing donations and making the gifts and t-shirts possible.

Stay tuned for the next workshop which is my first one for single fathers living in homeless shelters.

Posted by Unknown at 7:24 PM - 0 comments

Kerastase Chroma Cristal

With so many hair product companies claiming to give your hair intense shine, I thought I should share my favorite. Reflection Chroma Cristal is by far one of the best hair styling sprays I have used in a very long time.

This light weight hair spray is what it promises. It's not heavy or greasy or full of silicone. Plus it smells great without the strong alcohol smell.

Application-  Rather than doing an overall application with Relaxation Chroma Crystal and then blowdrying, I like to apply the product to the hair, section by section (as I dry). This allows me to apply the product evenly without overusing it.

It's amazing for color treated and dry hair and can be used together with a hair dryer. So for the ladies with extensions, this is a great "pick-me-up" for your hair, taking away any dullness.

Here we have it, a hair styling spray for all hair types.

Posted by Unknown at 10:58 AM - 0 comments

Volunteering For Kids

One of the great things about teenage girls is their love of anything to do with hair and makeup. I recently experienced this excitement at a homeless shelter in our very own Brooklyn.

As I walked into the room, many of the young ladies greeted me with big smiles. We jumped right in to why I was there, discussing the pressures and frustrations they face to look a certain way. How daily the press and media backed by advertising, preaches their idea of whats beautiful . We then explored how each of them defined beauty and why. 

We also discussed the importance of individuality and ways to express it while understanding its importance.

In a world where women are encouraged to look like someone else, it is important to show these young ladies the importance of looking like themselves...with an added sparkle.

I showed them realistic practices on how they can look after their hair and skin along with the tools they can use. And we discussed the false advertising that the beauty industry sometimes promote. Afterwards I presented each girl with a gift bag of amazing hair products and tools. They loved it!!

A special thanks to Orlando Pita and Mr. Casson for their very generous gifts and to Melissa of Sweet Elite Cakes in Brooklyn. I called Melissa without and asked if she could donate cupcakes for the workshop and she responded right away with a gracious yes! Needless to sat, they were divine!

I look forward to the following workshop with the girls on March 25th. If anyone would like to know more about what I do please feel free to contact me. These smart beautiful girls deserve our support.

Love to all!

Posted by Unknown at 7:36 AM - 0 comments