England’s Northern Soul music scene– in particular the Dexys Midnight Runners album “Searching for the Young Soul Rebels”, and the Wigan Casino nightclub– were heavy influences on Karen Walker’s Fall 2011 collection, entitled “North”.
The hair carried the same heavy retro late 70’s influence, yet managed to stay fresh and modern. Lead stylist Rolando Beauchamp for Bumble and Bumble created the look inspired by the Dexys Midnight Runners song “Come on Eileen”.
Hair was slicked back on top. Gellac was used to used to create a wet, swept back look on the sides. Hair was defrizzed, and finished with Spray de Mode hairspray. The soft rockabilly look was topped off with knit black beanies worn by the models.
Rolando at work.
Spray de Mode and Gellac.
The finished look:
Angi Wingle for CND led the team of nail technicians, and created a “hazy and soft” matte black look for nails.
Blackjack, and opaque black polish, was used. Followed by Super Matte top coat to create a nail that looked more like fabric. To achieve the look (and extend the life of your nail color!) Angi recommends the following: Start by using CND’s Scrub Fresh to clean the nail’s surface. Coat nails with a thin layer of Stickey Base Coat, to help prevent chipping. Follow with Solar Oil to nourish nails. Complete the process by coating nails with two thin layers of Blackjack, and after drying, Super Matte top coat.
Angi believes that nails are “an accessory”, and that even in this harsh economic client all women can afford to get creative with their nails. “Nails are affordable for the working class woman”– I couldn’t agree more!
I’ll definitely be replicating this look for myself. Matte black is a nice contrast to the usual, super shiny shade.
The atmosphere backstage was relaxed, with models (many in Karen’s amazing sunglasses!) hamming it up for the cameras pre-show:
Despite the silly moments, Karen was there to make sure everything ran smoothly:
The collection itself was a combination of work wear, sportswear, and ladylike “Sunday Best” dresses, all looks women wore to dance all night at Wigan Casino.
Many Wigan clubgoers were employed as dock or mine workers during the week. A look that has been carried over into much of the outerwear in the collection.
Black vinyl accents made appearances throughout the collection, adding an interesting and unique contrast to the prints and outerwear.
Prints inspired by the English countryside keep even the more menswear inspired looks in the collection feminine.
Full skirts: ladylike, yet still comfortable enough to dance all night in.
My favorite (and apparently Style.com’s least favorite) look from the collection:
A closer look at the fabric, inspired by the casino’s souvenir patches, snapped backstage pre-show:
This look just exudes comfort.
Another dress I loved.
Overall, Karen’s f/w ’11 collection was one of my favorites of NYFW. I’ll now be spending all spring and summer lusting over many of the dresses and sunglasses, anxiously awaiting fall’s arrival.
Karen Walker, backstage post-show.
See the full photo set here.
®2011 Rachel Scroggins/The Greyest Ghost.
