When Jack and Joelle Ray of Raleigh's Samuel Cole Salon ( samuelcole.com) traveled to Paris this year to help style for the Armani Prive show during Paris Fashion Week, it was the realization of a dream. The husband-and-wife team was asked by star stylist Oribe Canales to join his team to create hair looks for the models walking the runway during the couture show.
"It's a big compliment when you're doing hair on pretty much the grandest runway stage," says Joelle Ray. "It's not only couture week in Paris, but it's also Armani; and helping Mr. Armani bring his vision to the runway was just absolutely incredible."
During their time fussing over models backstage, the Rays got a preview of the fashion, as well as the hairstyles, that will lead the trends for fall.
On the Paris runways, it was all about glamour and opulence. And according to the Rays, the same holds true for hair color - rich shades of champagne blond, chestnut brown and deep red.
"Blondes are really working the champagne - a good example is Reese Witherspoon," she says. "We're also seeing a little darker honey, like Sarah Jessica Parker, with the darker roots. With the light brunettes, like Jennifer Lopez, you've got a lot of caramel hues. Sandra Bullock has a great chestnut - with deeper browns, you need to keep the chestnut in and don't go too cool."
And for those of us who don't like spending a lot of money on frequent touch-ups, there's good news - roots are in.
"The major thing is the roots," Joelle says. "You're seeing the darker roots with lighter ends and soft highlights. You shouldn't look foiled at all."
As far as cuts are concerned, bangs are still big this fall.
"Definitely the full bang," she says. "It's soft and it's very feminine. Bangs are definitely getting more substantial, and even if you can't do bangs, some nice face-framing pieces will work."
Another big trend is movement - no more stiff, overstyled looks. For fall, it's all about natural-looking waves and curls.
"This fall, you're seeing lots of curls, and sort of straight-wavy looks," she says. "It's long, moveable and luxurious. Even if you're using a flat iron, you're straightening bigger sections so you don't get that stick-straight Marcia Brady look."
But bangs don't work for everyone. And we can't all carry off the same champagne blonde that works for Reese Witherspoon's coloring. So, Ray suggests women choose a classic style that fits their looks, and then work aspects of the trends into that style.
"Take a look at what's going on and kind of pick what works best for your features, hair type and hair color, and incorporate that trend into what works best for you."
It's anniversary time
Joint Venture Jewelry is celebrating its 12th anniversary this month with a sale. Thursday through Aug. 31, everything in the store, including repairs, restorations and special orders, will be 12 percent off.
Joint Venture Jewelry is at 2042 Renaissance Park Place, Cary. 678-0092, www.joint venturejewelry.com
Chance to design, help
Calling all local designers: ME-3, a local nonprofit group, is seeking designers - from students to professionals - for its annual Couture for a Cause fashion show, Nov. 5, in Raleigh. The event pairs designers with a nonprofit group, such as the Boys & Girls Club, to create two designs that embody that organization - an art-to-wear, and a ready-to-wear look. The designs will be judged, and the winner receives a cash prize: $250 for art-to-wear and $150 for ready-to-wear. For an application, visit www.me-3.org/ coutureforacause .
Hitting the big time
Three local companies recently stepped into the national spotlight with features in major magazines. Blo Salon, known for its blow-out specialization, and Salon 21, a trendy shop in the heart of Glenwood South, were named among the top 100 salons in the nation in the August issue of Elle magazine. Blo is at 8451 Brier Creek Parkway, Raleigh, 484-8600. Salon 21 is at 21 Glenwood Ave., Suite 101, Raleigh, 821-1516.
Blair Kessler, creator of the natural cosmetic and skincare line Pristine Beauty, was featured in the Aug. 9 issue of Woman's World. The story discusses how Kessler's battle with breast cancer led her to create a natural, chemical-free line of skincare products for women and men. For more information, visit www.ShopPris tineBeauty.com .
