BEAUTY IN THE WORLD OF FASHION

Seasons change… and so does fashion. New looks, new colour palette, new silhouettes are the order of the day in the fashion world.

As fashion mavericks plan and execute trends for the next season, the trickle-down effect is almost immediate in today’s social media age. What you see on the ramp is replicated on the streets faster than you can imagine. Hair and beauty trends follow suit, and before you finish scrolling your Insta feed, the season’s trends are everywhere around you. 

Fashion is transitional yet it redefines lifestyle and inspires creativity. Considering the important place that fashion holds in the creative lives of artists, Kanishka Ramchandani sums up the key global fashion influences on hair, make-up and nail trends in India, with views from industry experts across these disciplines.

FASHION INSPIRATION

This season’s fashion trends are a reality check. The theme for Spring/Summer ’24 is ‘summer.’ At the risk of sounding redundant, the summery theme is actually a nostalgic one as fashion maestros look back at summers long gone. As the world reckons with climate change and global warming, we look back at the carefree summers of the past and reminisce on the good ol’ days. Freshness of spring is introduced not with colours but with textures as mesh, lace and openwork plays a dominant role. Silhouettes are elongated and slashed shapes are the ‘it’ thing.

There is a definitive influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as it is used to make fashion into a tactile experience. Innovative use of fabric and unapologetic display of volume are the highlights of this year’s Spring/Summer season.

YESH KILLA

Education Director, Head Turners Salon

FAVOURITE CUTS

Disconnected long bob gives a charming and voluminous look to the hair. But what will complete the look is a root volume blow dry – out-curls on the top and in-curls on the ends.

FASHION COLOUR CONSULTATION

First thing to notice is your client’s lifestyle. Then comes the consultation. I inform my clients about the continuous care fashion colours require. Saying no to the clients for fashion shades is not a taboo. If communicated in the right way, it will keep my relationship with my clients healthy.

RED CARPET INSPIRATION

My recent inspiration is Emma Stone at the Golden Globe Awards. Her gold and copper hair with shoulderlength, minimal layers looked fabulous. What added to the charm was the slight outward hairstyle on the ends.

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING EDITORIAL STYLISTS

My suggestion to aspiring hairdressers is to forecast the upcoming hair trends – check out upcoming events in the calendar year and its trickle-down effect on the mass population.

VARUN ATTRI

Founder, Varun Attri Salon, VA Products and VA Academy

FAVOURITE CUTS

Currently, I’ve four favourite cuts:

1. Low maintenance chops: A cut with strong yet soft outlines and not overloaded with layers.

2. Fringe play: People are encouraged to get a fringe cut in due to the increase in online tutorials, which make them look easier to trim and maintain.

3. Neckline bob: Bobs that are jawline length and straight continue to dominate from last year, and have proved to be a popular look in salons.

4. Natural texture: Clients are reclaiming their true identities and we will be seeing a lot of clean, bold and sharp cuts.

FASHION COLOUR CONSULTATION 

We love helping our clients explore the exciting world of fashion colours! We start with a detailed conversation to understand your desired look, lifestyle, and any hair history with colour. We also discuss your comfort level with bold or subtle changes. Next, we do the strand test to ensure the chosen colour suits the client’s hair type and achieves the desired results. Then depending upon preference and choice, we explain different colour options to them.

STAYING UP-TO-DATE

Staying current with fashion trends is crucial for hairdressers! When a client comes to you, they expect you to know the latest styles and guide them. When you know the trends, it builds trust and shows you are on top of your game. It sparks creativity and broadens your appeal.

CATWALK INSPIRATION

Old school braids – nostalgic styles with a grownup twist. Some classic hairstyles from the past made a delightful comeback this season, reminding us of beloved schoolgirl styles that can be elevated to suit grownup tastes. Soft pigtail plaits showcased the enduring femininity of this style, while Dutch braids offered a combination of beauty and practicality, proving their versatility for both every day and special occasions. Heidi braids took on a whimsical twist, encircling the model’s ears for a playful take on this timeless trend.

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING EDITORIAL STYLIST

Dive deep into the fashion scene, go through magazines, follow stylists you admire and soak up the runway energy. Attend workshops or fashion weeks to connect with the community.

Next, practice to brush up on your technical skills. Build your portfolio, even if that means offering free or discounted services to photographers, aspiring models or students for shoots or events.

Be ready for long hours, early mornings and demanding environments - there is no short cut to success.

Lastly, network like crazy!

HAIR TRENDS FRESH OFF THE RAMP

Volume, volume, volume: We can’t get enough of volume this season. Curls and waves are having a field day, and so are extensions and layered cuts. Voluminising sprays and dry shampoos are in for this round.

Naturally you: Colours, textures and even cuts are getting personal. Everything about your hair screams ‘YOU.’ Natural colour palette that complements your base colour, skin tone and eye colour, enhanced texture and protective products are trending big time.

Love ’em short: This summer is all about experimenting with the lengths. Go as short as you dare and finish off your look with a bit of drama. Lobs (if you want to play it safe), short bobs and pixies are doing the rounds. We are hearting edgy pixies. And you?

Beachy blonde: We always love our warm tones but this season throw in the little cool in the mix. It’s time to walk to the other end of the spectrum and rediscover blonde, ash and platinum.

Structure this!: Waves for summers is a no-brainer. Amp up your usual fare with structured styling. Marcel waves, out-curls, et al. You get the drift?

Half ‘n’ half: Wash and wear half updos are all the rage. Prep the hair with medium hold sprays to keep the texture in place. Add a top knot. Let the rest of the length play free. Accessorise, if you like.

PS: You can do a half upstyle on short hair too!

MAKE-UP MANIA

Make-up lovers have a new personal shopper and stylist. Yes, you guessed it right, it’s AI.

AI is a game changer in make-up, and we will see much more of this in 2024. From selecting the right lipstick shade to getting the perfect foundation match, AI is soon going to be indispensable during make-up shopping.

Here are the key make-up trends to watch out for:

Hybrid high: Make-up with skincare – that’s the kinda love we are looking for in 2024. Foundations and concealers that also offer care for your skin are going to be huge this year.

Tints don’t tell: layering your skin with heavy foundation is soon going to be passe. With so much focus on hydrated glowing skin, all we will need in 2024 is the right skin tint to add that extra lustre and finish to our face.

Filter it down: Your Snapchat filter is real. Blurred lips create a gradient effect and give you a charming finish. Ditch the lip liner and use your fingertips to smooth away the edges of your lipstick after application.

Blush ‘n’ brush: The C-shaped blush application technique continues its run this season, too. It is the easiest way to create a dramatic look with a bit of blush. Gloss ’em over: Tinted gloss is your BFF this summer. Perfect way to keep your lippies hydrated without missing out on the fashion bus.

Coloured peepers: Colour is reserved for ‘your eyes only.’ With your lips and the rest of the face being nude, the eyes get to do all the colour talk. Eye-shadows (metallic or pop), eye liners (winged or geometric) and mascaras (voluminous or sky high) – all your eye make-up now comes in myriad colour options. What’s your pick?

ART FOR ART’S SAKE

KEERTI JOSHI, Curator and Nail Educator, KeertisNailBox

The Nail Academy gives a lowdown about trending nail art.

Metallic nail art: Chrome, metallic foils and metallic gel polish with sugar effect with transparent glitters as well as rose gold, silver, and copper shades.

Nail art with abstract and artsy designs: Freehand leaves and floral designs, these offer a unique and personalised touch to nail art. We make use of decal and stickers along with spider gels and geometric nail art.

Mix-and-match nail art: Using different colours on each nail for a playful look.

Negative space nail art: Leaving a part of the nail bare to create visually interesting designs. This trend allows for creative and minimalist designs that often incorporate geometric shapes or intricate patterns.

Ombre and gradient nail designs: Blend two or more colours seamlessly from light to dark or vice versa. This effect is achieved using sponge gradients, airbrushing techniques and ombre brush.

Nature-inspired nail art: floral motifs, botanical prints and animal/jungle patterns

Textured nail art: Sugar art, velvet art with embellishments like beads, sequins, studs, and textured polishes to add dimension to the nails.

CONSULTATION FOR FASHION CHOICES

Consultations for clients seeking fashionable nails involves understanding their preferences, lifestyle and desired look to create customised nail designs that reflect their style, livelihood, occupation, etc.

I ask about preferences and style and enquire about their favourite colours, patterns and design aesthetics. Encourage them to share any specific inspirations or ideas they have in mind for their nails.

STAYING UP-TO-DATE

Being up-to-date with fashion trends is most essential for nail artists to meet client expectations, offer trendy designs, differentiate themselves from others, find inspiration and maintain relevance in the industry. It’s a valuable skill that contributes to the success and growth of their nail art business.

CATWALK INSPIRATION

A recent catwalk look that inspired me was from India fashion Week in London. The collection featured a striking combination of bold and pastel colours and had intricate detailing of embellishments and sequences, creating a visually provoking aesthetics.

ADVICE TO ASPIRING ARTISTS

Nail artists looking at exploring editorial and backstage styling should build a strong and diverse portfolio showcasing their best nail art designs, techniques and creative concepts. Include high-quality photographs of your work that demonstrate versatility, attention to detail and ability to work with different styles and themes.

Stay updated with latest fashion trends, runway shows and editorial shoots to stay inspired and informed. Pay attention to the nail looks featured in fashion magazines, blogs and social media platforms to understand the current aesthetic preferences and styles.

Establish connections with fashion stylists, photographers, make-up artists and hairstylists by attending events in the beauty industry.

Practice and refine your skills in various nail art techniques, including hand-painting, embellishments, textures and nail extensions. Be prepared to adapt designs to suit different themes, concepts and editorial shoots.

Proactively seek out opportunities to gain experience and exposure in editorial and backstage styling. Offer your services for fashion shoots, runway shows, editorial spreads and backstage at fashion events to expand your portfolio and establish yourself in the industry.