It took 40 hours for the Creative Nail Design team to create the sci-fi-inspired nails that were used at the Nicole Miller show. "We used self-adhesive nails so they're easy to put on," says CND's Candice Manacchio. "We put a set on Nicole [the designer], as well!" When asked if she was concerned that all that hard work would literally be walking out the door with the models, she smiled and said: "We're here to help take them off, but I'll be thrilled if the girls wear them out." And most of them did just that.
The nail look at Band of Outsiders was polished to look completely natural: base coat, top coat, and that's it. However, the manicures still had a nude tint thanks to Butter London Nail Foundation Flawless Base Coat. "It's like a BB cream for your nails," says Katie Hughes, Global Color Ambassador for Butter London, about the product, which strengthens and hides imperfections. "This week is so hard on the models' nails, and this is exactly what they need."
If a runway look is pretty or especially cool, you'll see models on the street after the show still wearing the hair and makeup. However, when a look is a little too wild or outlandish (think geisha makeup or crazy-exaggerated brows), the models will rush to take it off before they even leave the tents. And that's where everybody's favorite standby -- MAC Wipes -- come in. After just about every show, models reach for the nearest pack of wipes -- which MAC supplies in spades -- to take off or tone down their makeup.
The scene backstage at New York Fashion Week can be described in one word: chaos. Hair extensions are flying. Makeup is scattered everywhere. Editors and photographers trip over each other trying to get the perfect quote and prettiest picture.
And, it's there, beneath massive clouds of hairspray, that the coolest new beauty products mysteriously vanish. An eyeliner here, a lipstick there -- things go missing and don't make it back into the artists' kits.
Of course we're not accusing anyone of stealing. We've seen plenty of models ask if they can take home an amazing mascara or custom nail polish shade -- and most brands are happy to share. After all, if the models -- who are exhausted, jaded, and rarely paying attention -- are clamoring for an eyeliner, it's a safe bet you have a hit on your hands.
As we rounded up the products that models are swiping from backstage at New York Fashion Week this season, we found ourselves wanting them, too -- after all, they come with a very respectable seal of approval from top models like Karlie Kloss and Joan Smalls. Happily, some are available now, but we'll have to wait for spring for some of the others. Here's what the models were clamoring for backstage at the shows ...
