Enlightenment
FEEL THE GLOW OF WISDOM AS THE GHD DIRECTIVE SHARE THEIR VAST EXPERIENCE.
The experts of the experts, the Directive is ghd's cherry-picked team of creative professionals who are at the top of their game. Developing the latest looks for international fashion weeks, these ghd high stylers work in collaboration with the top photographers, make-up artists and art directors across the globe and are the authority on the current cut and the coolest curl. Get with the ghd Directive and find out what they are up to and how you should be working your hair.
20 JUNE 2008
NEW YORK FASHION WEEK - WILLOW A/W 2008
HAIR STYLIST: Renya Xydis
SHOW: WILLOW Fall 2008
VENUE: The Salon, Bryant Park, NY
DATE & TIME (NY): Friday, 8th February 2008
The closing day of NYFW saw Kit Willow-Podgornik - the local girl behind couture label WILLOW, whose celebrity devotees include Nicole Ritchie, Cameron Diaz and Jessica Simpson - turn heads when her Autumn 2008 collection premiered at New York Fashion Week.
ghd teamed with Sydney style guru, Renya Xydis, who took inspiration from the collection to create the WILLOW look for Fall 2008.
"WILLOW's collection was very clean and simple. It's a classic ponytail to keep in line with the elegant lines of the clothes, but there was texture added to relax it a little," explains Xydis.
"Rather than pulling the hair back into a normal ponytail, sections are created which are then twisted to give some depth and difference. This is a big theme this season; the up-do with some organised chaos involved.
"Using the ghd thermodynamics styling products thermal protector, uplift spray and texture lotion, we were able to give the simple illusion of height through subtle texture. It's definitely a look any girl in the audience can recreate."
The daring and edgy collection, which featured lace-up boots and an eclectic mix of 40's and futuristic elements - including a standout wool felt dress onto which were applied broken pieces of mirror - was the fifth appearance by WILLOW at the prestigious event.
5 minutes with... WILLOW designer, Kit Willow-Podgornik.
Kit talks exclusively with ghd Enlightenment about her latest collection.
What colours are prominent in the coming Autumn/Winter season?
White, violet, dusty flame (dirty red).
What cuts and fabrics have you used in your Autumn/Winter collection?
My exploration with fabric and draping is still very evident although this season I have moved into a more tailored approach, encompassing elements of my signature corsetry. I have used black wool crepes and earth coloured satins. I have also used a laser-cut technique to create a snowflake effect on skirts and dresses, which alludes to the coldness of ice - the theme of this collection.
Is there a story or character behind this range?
My new collection, ICE, takes on a literal transformation of my Spring Summer H20 range. The designs have altered in structure and style, much like the freezing of water.
Are there any personalities or celebrities that you see as style setters?
French model Clèmence Poèsy - she is like a youthful French fairy.
Is there anything particularly different about this collection?
I have used draped wool crepe which has been a new experiment for me.
Filed under: Fashion on 20 JUNE 2008
27 MAY 2008
ghd UK EXPERT TOUR
Styling direction and fashion tour 2008
As the tour tripped its way across the UK for this year's Expert Tour, backstage at the event, the ghd Directive shared their styling tips.
What is the Summer Wave?
The Summer Wave is a technique that's been around for a while at ghd. The forties look this season is popular and this is about how to update it. The Summer Wave takes it a little tighter for a glamorous finish and we combine that with a classic curl created with a mini styler. This creates quite a forties feel at the front. It's a little bit Dita Von Teese, but a bit looser and with more movement.
What products do you use?
I'll be using creation spray on the front section where I'm using the mini styler for a good hold. Through the back I've prepped it using miracle mist and then some uplift spray on the roots and polishing serum on the ends.
What's been the highlight of the tour?
Having to get up at 4am to get to Manchester! And creating a new hairstyle for myself tomorrow. It's going to be a surprise. I'm looking forward to getting on stage and talking to people. I love it.
William Ackerley, UK Directive
Which is your favourite look from the show?
The Dark collection is more suited to me. I like the feeling and the texture. It is not something you would probably do on a day-to-day basis – this is more related to fashion and the look on the catwalk, but you can dilute it for a client in a salon situation. This is my fifth year of the tour. I'm one of the oldies! I think it's great because you can express yourself freely, whereas in a salon you're quite limited to what you can actually do. It's great working in a team and it's great working with lots of people in the Directive. For me the whole thing is very inspirational.
Anthony Grant, UK Directive
Filed under: Fashion on 27 MAY 2008
WEBSITE