I was in the midst of traveling when Louisville, Ky based designer, Tiffany Nelson (Holic Mode Design) asked me to style hair for her models for KMAC 2018 at the Kentucky Museum of Arts.

Katya takes the runway by storm. Image by Studio One Photo

I had worked on a few projects with Tiffany and it was only a year ago I had done hair for her last show.

Centria slays the runway. Image by Studio One Photo

I agreed after she sent me her conceptual sketches of both her designs along with inspiration images of the hair she wanted for both models, both of whom I had the luxury of working with in the past. Katya Estes and Centria Kapris both have amazing runway walks.

Katya and Centria during dress fitting

image by Tops Louisville Magazine

studio image by Tops Louisville Magazine

The talented make up artist, Matt Goodlett would be doing both models make up. Tiffany had two distinct looks for each model inspired by David Bowie and Game of Thrones. For Katya, Tiffany wanted a slicked back pompadour and for Centria, Long white hair with loose curls.

I arrived several hours before opening to the public for call time. Downtown Main street was shut down for the runway show as people were readying for the evening show when I checked in. I was then directed to the third floor of the elevator where I was greet by Tiffany and the team.

The placed was filled with teams preparing their models (all 47). Matt was in the midst of Katya's make up: a huge Bowie lightening bolt in grey and silver metallics and glitter inspired by "Aladdin Sane"

We made sure to add pairing nails to both models. Tiffany piece for Katya titled "Visionary" cream body suit with gold armor shoulder pieces with matching shin guards.

Tiffany creating finishing touches on Katya's outfit

Tiffany was really excited and was making final adjustments on her garments for the models. She even rocked a custom wig I had done for her.

For Katya's hair I used hair gel and lacquered down her sides while creating volume with her top length using a hair dryer. Afterwards I set the hair using a 2 inch march iron and set to cool. I then back combed the entire top section then smoothed the surfaces using a finishing brush and hair spray. Pinned into place. I added some glitter/gel and gold leaf to her sides and finished with gold bobbie pins of which were crossed on the back of her head.

We had a bout the two hours to ready our models before they were taken away for run through which took about two hours. Models returned for last touch up and hour and half before the show.

For Centria's hair I used a custom white frontal wig of which I set on rollers and used steam heat to set the hair. I did a center part with loose "lived in curls" as requested by Tiffany. Once fitted on Centria, Matt colored the hair line with blue make up. Using a small paint brush and gold glitter gel I covered her partline and blurred the gel outwards afterwards we used gold leaf and pressed that into the gel. Lastly, finishing the look with a crown.

Centria's multi-colored dress complete with train was titled "Soothsayer" of which she rocked the runway.

For Centria's make up matt created a "Ziggy Stardust" look using metallics, gold and blue tones. Pairing blue lips with a silver\gold moon temple.

Centria's multi-colored dress complete with train was titled "Soothsayer" of which she rocked the runway.

The show was a huge success and the models delivered on runway. I look forward to the next show with Tiffany.

Credits

Designer | Tiffany Nelson | @holicmodedesign

Make Up | Matt Goodlett | @mattgoodlettmakeup

MUA Assistant | Rebecca Renee Rhodes | @porcelain_kween

Hair | Matthew Tyldesley | @hairbymatt

Models | Centria Kapris | @centriakapris

Katya Estes | @katya_estes

KMAC Couture2018 | Kentucky Museum of Arts | @kmaccouture

KMAC COUTURE Runway show for Tiffany Nelson

I had really wanted to create a collection that would showcase my braiding skills. I remember I wanted simplicity for styling with a strong visual neck piece. I also wanted to work with models that possessed the texture of hair ideal for the collection I wanted to bring to life

This collection was 1 of 5 shoots executed in the winter of 2016 for NAHA 2017. Although it was not nominated, I submitted the collection for publication and was honored to have it grace the pages of American Salon Magazine.

In the past few years I worked with photographer, Clay Cook (whom I was nominated for a mens award in 2014). I had booked make up artist, Isidro Valencia and designer\stylist Genna Yussman Greene. Everyone was on board and loved the concept.

For booking the models, I had couple in mind that I had recently worked with on other shoots. I was so happy when they all agreed and were available on the day I had set up with the team.

selfie with model, Myah Danielle Winbush

Practice was imperative and I chose mannequins that had hair similar to the models I had booked. I spent a few weeks practicing different looks on them. I would at some point finish the look somewhat satisfied and wood return the following day to see if I was still feeling the hairstyle. If I didn't speak to me, I would redo the stylet. If it did then I sought to enhance the overall look.

I practiced the styles for several hours over a couple of weeks on Pivot Point Mannequins. I would send text images of my mannequins to Clay and Isidro so they would have an idea of where I was taking the hair.

photo of my mannequin image by Derek Hibben — photo of my mannequin
image by Derek Hibben

The Day of the shoot was on a Sunday at Clay's studio. I made sure to have lots of food and drink on set for the models. The shoot lasted for a total of 7 hours with at least 2 hours prep for each model. Wardrobe was easy as all models would be adorned with the large necklace. I remember being exhausted with tired hands after the shoot but I was happy because I knew we had made something amazing.

I tend to always overpack for photoshoots so I had plenty of hair extensions, irons and products at hand. The fun part is always creating the mess but not so much the clean up.

Tag team with my bestie and make up artist Isidro

I invited Derek Hibben on set to take bts images and he did an fantastic job. The looks were inspired by Asian and African hairstyles and from my own imagination.

Having a team is so crucial, I love working with Isidro he is able to balance the hair with the appropriate make up. Genna always have amazing ideas and always has really unique fashions and accessories. Working with Clay is always a pleasure, he has a great eye for balance and brings his creative touch to every project.

On model Centria I flat-straighten her long hair using Redken's Iron Shape 11. I deftly cornrowed her hair with Braid Aid 03 on scalp then transition the braids off scalp. I secured a high bun on top with elastic cord and adorned it with some of the smaller braids securing each layer with Fashion Works 12. I finished the look with Control Addict 28 and lots of Shine Flash 02.

model Centria Kaprisfinal Image Clay Cook — model Centria Kapris
final Image Clay Cook

Centria image by Derek Hibben — Centria
image by Derek Hibben

On model, Tyrah I diffused her natural texture and used clips and the heat of the hair dry to create and sustain the separation (space) in her rounded hairstyle. I then applied Hardward Gel 16 styling gel to create the braided veil. I did tiny brides around her hairline then forged them together at certain points with black rubber bands. I finished the look with Control Addict 28 and Shine Flash 02.

model Tyrah Burtonfinal image Clay Cook — model Tyrah Burton
final image Clay Cook

Profile shot of Tyrah and the "braided veil"

For model, Myah I did a directional blow dry the cornrowed her hair with Braid Aid 02. I added several wefted hair extensions that were micro crimped using the Sam Villa Texur Iron and formed into a disheveled, textured bun. I used Fashion Works 12 to separate the style and finished with Control Addict 28 and Shine Flash 02.

model Myah Danielle Winbushfinal image Clay Cook — model Myah Danielle Winbush
final image Clay Cook

For make up I gave Isidro free range. I had sent him only a couple inspirational images. I only request a strong lip of which we choose a bright tangerine for contrast. He created a beautiful arched brow and soft smoky eye. Post shoot Clay asked if I would be open to Black and White and I agreed as it would give a strong effect.

NAHA make up artist, Isidro paints model, Myah

Model Tyrah with close up of make up and braided hair veil

I submitted the images to Amy Dodds of American Salon Magazine. She loved the images and asked for them exclusively for print in the August 2017 issue. I was thrilled as was the entire team. Seeing our work in print is an amazing experience I am so thankful to Amy and the team.

Credits

Hair | Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Photography | Clay Cook @claycookphoto www.claycookphoto.com

Make up | Isidro Valencia @valencia0612

Styling | Genna Yussmane Greene @gennayussman

Assistants | Hunter Zieske @hunterzieske

| Louis Tinsley @louistinsley

Retouch | Jordan Hartley @jordanhartleyretouch

Models | Centria Kapris @cen_tria

| Tyrah Burton (Heyman Talent Agency) @tyrah_burton

| Myah Danielle Winbush @myahdanielle

I am so grateful for everyone involved in this project.

Below is the bts making of video of "Twisted Roots"

Twisted Roots Behind the scenes video