We joined AXE backstage at the Brett Johnson Spring 2017 New York Fashion Week: Men’s Presentation, produced and styled by June Ambrose.
The inspiration: The Arizona Desert. “I really wanted to tell the story through the materials. I went to school in Northern Arizona for my first year of college. I really wanted to extract the colors and textures of Sedona Mountains”, said Johnson. The message really came through with his bold color palette, ranging from olive green, soft to deep blues, and burnt orange. Textures were prevalent in the collection from suede, silkscreen printed suede, Japanese denim, silk jacquards, linens, and cotton knitwear. The line’s most notable look was a dusty rose double-breasted blazer and pant suit.
Models’ hair were groomed and styled curtsy of AXE. We got to talk with Lead Stylist John Ruidant about the looks. Check out our exclusive interview below.
On Inspiration
John Ruidant -Today’s inspiration for the guys was dry, desert, like they’ve been out in the Sun and wandering around and the desert. So with that, the look of the hair is a more dry feel, nothing wet or shiny. To achieve this look we use the AXE Soft Spray. We put that in the hair and then defused it just to help get the natural texture out. After that, we put in the AXE “Messy Look” Matte Gel on the ends of the hair after the hair was dry just to maintain a little bit of separation but not with too much product. As for the difference in lengths, there were a few guys with long hair and we did the same just letting their natural texture come through. And for one of the guys with longer hair that was looking too soft and hippie-ish, we decided to pull his hair back in a really messy bun chignon. For the guys with short hair, the sides were pulled back in a very messy deconstructed pompadour feel.
On Teaming up with AXE
J.R. -This is my third season with AXE for New York Men’s Fashion Week. Definitely the first season they were trying to introduce more products to more people. Many people think of AXE as just a body spray. Men’s Fashion Week has helped them expand from that yet still keep that fun, quirkiness to it but with more maturity and chicness.
On AXE hair product line
J.R. –AXE has a whole lot for hair. They have shampoos, they have conditioners, they have gels both matt and shiny, they have all different pomades for medium holds, firm holds, and in matt and shiny finishes.
On favorite hair trend AXE product
J.R. -My favorite hair train for man is definitely embracing your own natural texture and keeping the hair with the undone look. You can definitely use AXE products to help you achieve this look and my favorite AXE product for this is the “Natural Look” Soft Cream.