A Little Inspiration from Marie........

By Lauren Gonzalez

As I was painting my nails in “Punchy Pink” by Essie and listening to The Strokes, it hit me. I was having a Marie Antoinette moment. Well, at least a moment I think she’d have if she were a modern day gal like myself. I envision a similar bring fluorescent pink shade on her nails - embodying a youthful girl and a outgoing rebel all in one brushstroke. This concept took life when Kirsten Dunst played Marie in the Sofia Coppola film. The entire movie was eye candy with opulence seeping through the screen and causing my jaw to drop. The plot was scandalous and really - making it even more scandalous. 

Can you tell this movie inspires me beyond belief? First of all, if you haven’t seen it - I urge you to borrow/rent/buy it NOW! Secondly, take a peek at some of things I think Marie might fawn over if she was living her fabulous life today...

The movie has many gorgeous scenes with Kirsten in the most elegant wardrobe. When she wears blue, however, she just looks like she can do no wrong. This pale blue complement her fair skin and light hair. 

While looking at some of the most recent New York Fashion Week runway looks, I thought to myself, “Marie would definitely wear that out today!” To go with her light features, I picked some fun frocks that play with volume and texture and would more more than suitable for royalty to party in, too. 

1. Burberry  2. Christian Dior  3. Burberry 

I was pleasantly surprised when I came across this gorgeous collaboration of Louis Vuitton and none other than Sofia Coppola herself! She’s one of those people you want to be friends with, she’s effortlessly cool and real. Not to mention she has great style and a true eye for beauty, both on screen and on the street. My Marie pick for the collection is the “Slim Lambskin Gold” clutch. 

I could definitely see Marie toting that clutch around and wearing this ban.dō headband. The detail and craftsmanship in these headbands as well as the sheer beauty makes them a must have for anyone! This headband is appropriately named, “Glam Halo” and if you admire Marie Antoinette's love for head pieces but are looking for something more wearable...here it is.

The name of the game is opulence. Opulence and over-the-top glamour and sparkling details that will send your head reeling. This fancy footwear does not disappoint in this category. The Bourne “Kirsten” satin pumps have a simple front that allows for the the jeweled heel and voluminous back to be the focal point. They are absolutely stunning. The red Poetic License pumps have a  classic Marie feel to them. The warm rich colors and jewel flower above the bow would have melted the Queen’s heart...and then she’d just ask for another pair to be made. Nonetheless, these shoes could stand on their own as fabulous pieces. 

Marie Antoinette had an edgy side to her. In the movie she knew how to throw an incredible party and also found herself in the midst of a romantic scandal. Kirsten looks stunning as Marie in this black dress with an eye mask and feather in her hair. 

I couldn’t find a more perfect modern version than this Chanel look. The colors are perfect, and the dress and coat combination are an up-to-date version of the voluminous and edgy outfit from the movie. The headpiece completes the looks, and Marie would’ve had it no other way!

Throwing colorful parties and entertaining was something I craved after I saw the movie.  These items make me want to host the most extravagant party, all while fanning myself and hiding my beaming smile!

1. Cristal D’Arques Longchamp champagne flutes  2. Jonathan Adler lacquer tray  3. Declaration Boutique Paper and Bamboo Fans

“Let them eat cake.” This picture says it all. The woman had style and attitude. She left an impression on history and hopefully these last items I picked out will leave quite the impression on you...I think they’re fabulous!

This Carolina Herrera detailed white dress is breathtaking. It’s what I call the “movie star meets Marie” look. 

No doubt, a queen wears pricey and more traditional gems than these, but these glimmering finds have a luxe romantic charm, don’t you think?

1. Declaration Boutique “Evergreen Diamant Carré” earrings  2. Kate Spade “Year of Color February” ring  3. Kate Spade “Crystal Kaleidoscope” necklace  4. Juicy Couture “Princess” cubic zirconia studs  5. Judith Jack “Relfections” Abalone Round Line bracelet 


And last but not least, dessert! 

Macaroons from New Orleans sweet shop, Sucre.

Backtage Beauty Spring 2011 at Carolina Herrera

The Carolina Herrera Collection:

For Spring 2011 colors, prints, and floral appliqués were taken from botanical plates collected in the 18th Century.  The cut and details of this collection were inspired by traditional clothes from Korea. The hat, customarily worn by men, and the wrapped belts complete the silhouette.

The Hair Look:

Orlando Pita created unique, intricate looks with bold graphic details inspired by Korean design. “I love this hairstyle,” said Orlando. “When Korean women dress, nothing is out of place and everything is beautifully thought out.  My hairstyle is precise and graphic, with no loose or separate pieces. Moroccanoil products give hair hold, smoothness and shine and everything is attached and held together only by custom-made Hair barrettes that match the exact color of the model’s hair. They’re strategically placed to make sure they completely hold every part of the look in place.”

How To Create the Looks:

Orlando first applied argan oil-infused Moroccanoil Light throughout dry hair to create a healthy looking frizz-free shine, and smooth, healthy-look ends.

Next, he applied Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream mid way from the back of hair to the ends, then blow dried the hair smooth and straight with a round brush.

Once finished, Orlando created a deep side part, pulled hair back, and sprayed it with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray.  He then combed the hair again with a wide tooth comb, sprayed with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray and pulled right side of hair diagonally over left, and pinned the hair above the nape of the neck with a creative cluster of custom made “Hair-Barrettes” that matched the color of model’s hair.  These were pinned either horizontally or vertically to create dramatic graphic patterns. The finished looks were sprayed once again with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray for added hold, and finished with a misting of Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray.

Orlando created two variations of the style, an updo as well as a longer pony-tailed effect.

For the longer look, Orlando combed the hair into a ponytail, sprayed once again with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray, and added additional horizontal hair-clips to accent the graphic effect. To create the dramatic chignon, Orlando took finished ponytails, looped them around, and pinned with diagonal, horizontal, and vertical hair-clips. He finished with Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray.

Moroccanoil products used to achieve the Carolina Herrera’s Spring 2011 collection’s runway hairstyles:

Moroccanoil® Light provides the same transformative benefits as the original Moroccanoil Treatment, but in a lighter consistency, specially formulated for fine and fair colored hair. (100ml / $40.80)

Moroccanoil® Hydrating Styling Cream This proprietary argan oil-infused formula gives beautifully hydrating and natural-looking hold while eliminating frizz, and adding definition and shine. (300ml / $31.80)

Moroccanoil® Luminous Hairspray is argan oil-infused for lasting, healthy and natural-looking hold with shine. (330ml / $21.00)

About Moroccanoil®

Since its debut over three years ago Moroccanoil®, the pioneer and originator of luxury argan-oil infused products has become a runaway hit among fashion and beauty insiders and has generated a cult following among editorial, fashion celebrity film and television stylists and their A-list celebrity clients. Moroccanoil®’s proprietary formulas are famed for their weightless quality and are rich in vitamins and natural elements that fortify and strengthen the hair and protect against environmental stressors.

Available in salons only, there are now twelve Moroccanoil products including the original Moroccanoil Treatment ($40.80), Moroccanoil Light ($40.80), Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream ($31.80)) Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream ($31.80), Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray ($25.80), Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask ($32.80), Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask ($40.80), Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo ($20.60), and Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner ($21.60), Moroccanoil Luminous Hair Spray ($21.00), Moroccanoil Curl Control Cream ($31.00) and Moroccanoil Dry-No-More Scalp Treatment ($45.00).

Moroccanoil® is sold exclusively in salons and spas. www.moroccanoil.com.

Backstage Beauty at Carolina Herrera Spring 2010 Collection

Photo Credit: © Peter Lueders for Moroccanoil® Hair Credit: Orlando Pita Using Moroccanoil®

Moroccanoil® Sponsors Orlando Pita during Mercedes - Benz Fashion Week New York backstage at the Carolina Herrera Spring 2010 Collection

During Fashion Week it is all about the glitz and the glam of the clothes and we have a tendency to forget about the beauty behind the scenes. But, this year, we just couldn't forget the backstage beauties and the product at Carolina Herrerea.

The Inspiration.

The Carolina Herrera Spring 2010 collection was inspired by intricate forms woven in Japanese baskets. The texture of the fabrics and prints was taken from patterns found in the details of these baskets. Colors including amber, rose and caramel were drawn from the waning light cast at the end of a summer’s day, with the luminous quality of this light reflected in the fabrics and embroidery used for evening.

The Hair.

Orlando Pita, using Moroccanoil®, created beautiful, fine-textured low twisted chignons with touches of delicate long strings of intricate seed-beads swept throughout strands of the hair. The looks, created with Moroccanoil® Hydrating Styling Cream, highlighted smooth elegance with a natural ease, texture and flow.

“We used argan-oil infused Moroccanoil® Hydrating Styling Cream to prime the hair and give it a natural-looking, frizz-free texture with a soft hold,” noted Pita. “The beads were designed to blend subtly through the hair; appearing almost as if they’re embedded in the strands themselves.”

Pita plays with texture and keeps the look relaxed and piece-y, without stiffness or tight structure (Tip: Rather than using a brush to blow-dry strands, Pita mussed hair with his fingers as he blow-dried to enhance the tresses’ natural separation and create further definition.)

Style Steps.

First prep the hair for blow-drying using argan-oil infused Moroccanoil® Hydrating Styling Cream to give silky shine and soft hold while eliminating unwanted frizz.

While blow-drying each section, lightly mist new argan-oil infused Moroccanoil® Luminous Hair Spray (available in December, 2009) over hair to lend increased holding power. (Tip: Another coat of Moroccanoil® Luminous Hair Spray “lends even more texture and helps provide grip when pinning the chignon into place,” said Pita.) The argan-oil infused hair spray, previewed at Fashion Week, will be available in December, 2009. It holds a style while maintaining hair’s healthy condition.

Sectioning off the very front of the hair from ear to ear, place the beaded headband on the part and pull the front section back over the band, interweaving its beaded strands with the natural hair.

Gently twist the hair and beads back into a knot, and twist under. Finish with a light misting of Moroccanoil® Luminous Hair Spray for healthy-looking and lasting hold.


The Products.

Moroccanoil® Hydrating Styling Cream is an argan-oil infused leave in styling cream formulated to eliminate frizz, condition and hydrate, while adding definition and brilliant shine to all hair types. It provides soft hold and creates an ideal texture for styling. (MSRP: $30.00 / 10.2 fl oz)

New Moroccanoil® Luminous Hair Spray is being previewed backstage during Spring 2010 Fashion Week and will available in December 2009. It contains Moroccanoil®’s renowned proprietary argan oil infused formula and fragrance, provides natural looking hold, brushable memory, and enhances the condition of hair.

Since its debut nearly two and a half years ago Moroccanoil®, the pioneer and originator of luxury argan-oil infused products has become a runaway hit among fashion and beauty insiders and has generated a cult following among editorial, fashion celebrity film and television stylists and their A-list celebrity clients. Moroccanoil®’s proprietary formulas are famed for their weightless quality and are rich in vitamins and natural elements that fortify and strengthen the hair and protect against environmental stressors.

Available in salons only, there are now eight Moroccanoil® products including the original Moroccanoil® Treatment ($39), Moroccanoil® Hydrating Styling Cream ($30)) Moroccanoil® Intense Curl Cream ($30), Moroccanoil® Glimmer Shine Spray ($24), Moroccanoil® Intense Hydrating Mask ($31), Moroccanoil® Restorative Hair Mask ($39), Moroccanoil® Moisture Repair Shampoo ($18.80), and Moroccanoil® Moisture Repair Conditioner ($19.80). The new Moroccanoil® Luminous Hair Spray will be released in December 2009.

Moroccanoil® is sold exclusively in salons. To find your nearest salon, go to www.moroccanoil.com.