My friend and designer/stylist, Genna Yussman Greene is always full of ideas. She came into posession of a dressed that reminded her of paper dolls. She showed it to me and suggested I do paper pieces. My passions as both a hairstylist and artist ignited with the end result of three distinct paper wigs.

***Bangstyle exclusive collection

Genna directing model Briana on set with “Paula” the paper poodle

group photo!!! The team at Absolute Studio MGT with our “Paper” dolls

Below are the complete wigs. I spent several hours crafting them. I used cardboard to create the foundation and a glue gun to easily adhere the paper. I would cut several pieces in various sizes of the same shapes to create visual dimension. I would curl longer pieces around pencils to create curls. I chose to go with the color blue for all three.

my finished “paper'‘ blue hair collection

We photographed and prepped models at our newly rented larger space, “Absolute Studio MGT”. We originally booked only one model for this project, Briana Velazquez who who would be relocating to LA. On the day of the shoot model, Jasmine Graham stopped by the studio to say hello and we convinced her to get in front of the camera as we all had plenty of extra items on hand we quickly readied her for camera.

Final Image by Tony Welsher/Genna Yussman

Photographer, Tony Welsher did a wonderful job capturing the models on camera. He and Genna chose the yellow backdrop and creating the appropriate lighting to give the shoot that cartoon-like feel.

I am so happy to be working with this team and we have some amazing work on the way. So grateful to Bangstyle who wanted to feature this collection.

behind the lens with Tony and model, Jasmine

I was also challenged with doing make up on set….My first love of course is hair but I started out in the salon doing a lot of prom and wedding make up. I always say, “learn the basics.” The hairpiece below that Briana is wearing was made of adhering several sheets of paper together and cutting thin sections parallel together and i snipped into the fringe to see her eyes once she was wearing it.

The below wig “Glamour Girl” on Jasmine was created with thin strips of paper I coiled around pencil and glued to cloud cut pieces of blue construction paper for a voluminous, campy-feel. Transporting the wigs was fun too….I had to carefully strap them into my car to avoid them getting smashed, torn or bent.

I love working with many different artists but working with the same allows for growth, contuniity and inspiration.

How I transported these wigs in my car so they wouldn’t get damaged

stay tuned to see what the artists of Absolute Studio MGT have in store.

double time: sharing the scene with Jasmine and Briana

CREDITS

Models | Briana Velasquez @valazqueztb

Jasmine Graham @jas_nicole22

Wardrobe/Retouch | Genna Yussman Greene @gennayussman

Photography | Tony Welscher @dawstudio

Hair/Make Up | Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

The next day continued with an intimate sit down with social media influencer and fashion hair color specialist, Rebecca Taylor. We met at here studio with a live model she would later demo her signature color application there. She was so honest and candid about her humble beginnings in Florida and later moving to Los Angeles.

NBT winners with hair colorist, Rebecca Taylor and model, Darija

Rebecca told us how she was recently employed by Redken to help develop and help enhance their new fashion hair color, "City Beats" She did a pastel color application on model, Darija. She even encouraged us to get our hands dirty too.

Rebecca demoing here color application skills

Darija with the end result, pretty pastel hair color

Afterwards we all loaded in UBER and headed to the Ace Hotel for Artists Journey Experience. the whole time we were told we were in for surprise and sure enough we were. As we exited the elevator we were welcomed by Redken corporate, wine and horderves.

Redken had prepared a special dinner for us but first we would have a class with master artist, Jennifer Bonneteau. She did an amazing painting class with us and showed us many techniques.

I had not painted in a while this really brought back memories. It was really tranquil to be able to sit and just paint. I am so grateful to Redken and Jennifer for this amazing experience.

You can really tell each and everyone one of these hairstylists are true artists. I was amazing to see everyone's end results.

Jennifer is an amazing person and talented artist. During dinner all of the artists talked about challenges, struggles and success on the competition and their work ethics.

Redken NBT winners for Artist Experience

The ride is not over this was just the beginning. Thank goodness my memories is good and that I took lots of photos. Get ready for my next entry.....