Hair Styles FASHION: Gemma Kahng NYFW Spring/Summer 2013

Finding inspiration in nature and the simplicity of Amish women, the Gemma Kahng Spring/Summer 2013 collection exuded femininity from exquisite floral and butterfly appliqués to sexy, strategic cutouts. “I wanted the girls to look like they had just stepped off a farm,” said designer Gemma Kahng. “We were going for a free-spirited look. Not fancy or stuffy.” Essential to the simple, yet beautifully crafted collection were the sleek, sculpted, braided hair looks designed by celebrity hairstylist Nelson Vercher of Rita Hazan Salon and Agent Oliver. Created to complement the country-inspired designs, all looks were styled exclusively with styling products from René Furterer. Working closely with Gemma to come up with the concept for the hair Nelson says, “The original idea was spun from Amish women. We took the notion of this Amish woman who was strong and rebellious. This is an Amish woman with an edge.”

What delivered that edge? A black headdresses reminiscent of the traditional bonnets worn by Amish women, but with a twist—there was no backing to the headdresses created a dramatic frame for the braided hair. To create the show-stopping style with a high gloss finish, Nelson says, “I wanted to stay within the braiding world while pushing it forward and doing it big.” With hair and clothes coming together to bring together the overall aesthetic, the Gemma Kahng presentation brought a refreshing sense of nature indoors. “Hair is so important to the look,” said Gemma Kahng. “The look starts with the hair and ends with the shoes.”