BETSEY JOHNSON SPRING 2013: BACKSTAGE NAILS/imPRESS, HAIR, MAKEUP

ESPACE, West 42nd Street, NYC

Words/Images Judith Ecochard

Betsey Johnson's Spring 2013 Collection was a filled to the rafters celebration---a milestone Happy Birthday (70th) for the designer in a fun filled runway show....that had it all...including a blonde tressed daughter popping out of a cake, great tunes motivating attendees to bop right along...a cute little pig (?) that probably had stage fright...and terrific ensembles that are the hallmark of Betsey's world... including vintage (very collectable) clothes that are still oh yes au courant...and the new affordable apparel too---!

Backstage, prior to the show-was jammed packed too...and we got there on the early side.

The buzzy setting, adorned with hand-drawn inspirational posters xoxo-ed by the designer...reminded us of the old school pep rallies in the gym of the high school we never went to but have seen in the movies.

And Betsey Johnson...is always the cheerleader ... her famous cartwheel/split that ends her shows...takes talent and flexibility.

Our first chit chat was with Gina Edwards, lead manicurist ....

Gina Edwards-lead manicurist for imPRESS Press On Manicures by Broadway Nails

Ms. Edwards was all smiles backstage-and why not, the nails looked fab, kinda a retro look- that reminded us of Dorothy's red ruby slippers in the classic Wizard of Oz (and matched the lipstick)...and the tone really popped on all skin colors.

BUT we know how sleep deprived she---and her assistant-both were..."I did 300 of these nails (filing them)-getting them consistent...matching up...till 3am."

Meaning= shaping the medium length imPRESS nails to a VERY flattering oval shape...before painting the nails-when they were on the models...with the glittery Ruby Kiss nail polish.

Ruby Kiss -very limited distribution

medium length nails-can be shaped oval after application...easier, imo

Hang Ten---

the imPRESS team

model's dinner -à la Betsey...candy

Nails were painted with a high shine-via Ruby Kiss

the size has to be perfect....

toe nails got Ruby Kiss painted on also

HAIR-by AVEDA

Control Force hairspray-medium hold

Jon Reyman for Aveda...had the locks crimped for a "crazy fun"look---like Betsey personified ...achieved with copious amounts of Controlforce hairspray...and a crimping iron---labor intensive!!!!! on hair that was straightened out to begin with.

Jon Reyman-Artistic Director for AVEDA

Crimped and sprayed

adorable-great hair before...

can really see the shape of nails...

This 'do took a long time...

Reyman suggested that for off the runway reality---a gal might want to gather up crimped hair in a side bun...and...always use "great products and great tools for great hair."

this model looks bemused...

Makeup-GATO for MAYBELLINE

Gato carefully applies #635 Very Cherry Lipstick

(tip sheet via our inbox)

typical makeup tool box

The exaggerated eyebrow---angle a pencil ....then extended beyond with a bold slash of black

cat's eye first dabbed on...then filled in with eyeliner for DRAMA

eyebrow-extended

FUN!!!!!

Al the looks -including accessories-carefully photographed on the respective model....

even these pics sport a lot of 'rude....

a baby mr potato head accessory

more organized than our closet---footwear heights included pumped up kicks in glittery metallics and strappy high heel pumps, gladiator sandals, peep toes and of course, swim flippers in neon PINK.

tulle, tulle tulle---and lace

cream petticoat

every look had a moniker...

guests served pink mini-cupcakes Baked By Melissa...

in Betsey Johnson

The pre-show festivities included a lesson on how to vamp it up---with the DJ looking on...

sugar and sparkling wine from Martini& Rossi

Cyndi Lauper...sang her hits...including of course, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"...here she is -rehearsing with her band...and BTW we love her ALSO because she is a major NY Rangers' fan and we've seen her at a bunch of games...last season.