Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Backstage at Alice + Olivia with MAC and Revolution in Cut

The Scene: The Fall 2010 show was held at uber-chic club Provacateur. The “backstage” area was actually just one of the venue’s multiple party spots; the cushy purple banquettes and long mahogany bar, usually fixtures in the room, just occupied much-needed space. The MAC artists, Revolution in Cut stylists, and everyone else made it work, maneuvering around each other in the tight quarters. Designer Stacey Bendet was channeling her inner child, prancing around the front of the room in a white halter, adorable black poufy skirt, black tights and sky-high hot pink wedges. She later had one of the MAC make-up artists slather her arms in body glitter. Performer Mickey Avalon was also on the scene, wearing a mini Mad Hatter-esque cap, a long brown braid (hello, wig!), and pieces from the collection. He fawned over the shoes for the show, danced around, and generally acted ridiculous.


Overheard Backstage: “I can’t believe people are EATING here.”

The Products: Makeup: MAC eyeshadow in Naked Lunch, MAC lipstick in Politely Pink, MAC Luminary mascara (coming soon!), MAC blush in Well Dressed, MAC Select SPF 15 foundation

Hair: Revolution in Cut Lift Me spray, Revolution in Cut Tousle Me spray

Get The Look: Makeup: Senior MAC artist Gregory Arlt had a very specific vision for the Alice + Olivia show; he wanted to create a “Parisian springtime look for the fall.” This “romantic, coquettish” look worked well with Bendet’s muted pinks and mauves. First, he created a clean, “metallic, not wet” dewy face with ample moisturizer and lightly-applied foundation. He then brushed Naked Lunch, an iridescent gold shadow, on the lids, and also dusted it lightly on cheeks and nose for added sheen. He applied Luminary mascara for long, flirty lashes, and skipped on eyeliner so as not to “see where things begin and end.” Then, Well Dressed blush was librerally brushed on the apples of the cheeks and up to the hairline, creating a romantic, noticeable glow. This look is fresh, young, and easy to duplicate.
Hair: Stylist Ric Pipino worked with a more “young, rock” sensibility, creating individual variations on a single, sexy look. He sprayed the hair with Tousle Me spray, working his fingers through the hair as he did so. Then, he curled the hair, spraying it with Lift Me spray as it was wrapped around the barrel of the iron. After he unwrapped each curled section, he shook it out while spraying with more Lift Me – the curls were loose and lush. After the whole head was curled, Pipino experimented with small braids (a la Lauren Conrad) and pulled some models’ looks into messy ponytails or off-centered buns. Once the hair is textured appropriately, says Pipino, the look is yours to customize.