If you are missing the summer already, a look at last week’s New York Fashion Week may provide the dose of summer you are looking for.

The Spring Summer 2017 collection was showcased from September 7th, 2016 to September 15th, 2016. Designers, buyers, press, celebrities, and stylists gathered in New York’s Fashion District to take part on this event celebrating style, art, and culture. The looks ranged from avant-garde, to contemporary classics, to glam in these high energy shows.

I had the honor to work with top stylists from around the world creating the high-fashion hair that accompanied the designer’s looks. This season, I worked for Katty Xiomara, John Paul Ataker, Miguel Vieira, and Georgine. While not all of these looks may be NewYork FashionWeek Spring Summer 2017 September 19, 2016 chosen as your next pin on Pinterest, the technique that goes into them certainly trickles down into the salon.

Top knots, organic texture and braids were seen on many of the runways. Even the more polished looks had a very modern edge, shifting away from stiff styles that are far too contrived. If the movement wasn’t obvious as the models walked, the hair textures created movement within the design. Put away your flat iron, and take out your round brush, texture is continuing to dominate the beauty industry.

The teamwork, skill, and passion for this industry, draw me back every season. My fellow hair stylists and I are briefed on the inspiration for the look we will achieve. Some designers share their personal inspiration and stories that led to not only the clothing, but also the full concept, including hair and makeup.

We are ready to style our first model 3 hours before the show begins. Models arrive quickly and need to have their hair, makeup, rehearsal, and press photography complete, as well as changing into their first looks, within that time. A team of 10-12 hair stylists will work on up to 40 models per show. The models have to look identical in the end, though they arrive with various hair lengths and textures, that can create a challenge for even the most seasoned hair stylist.

When the models are lined up backstage, we evaluate their hair and work together to fix anything out of place. Afterwards, we change locations and become part of the audience. The 15 minutes that follow feel like a dream.

The music envelopes us as we anticipate the show, watching for our models emerge. As each model appears, the designers story for their collection unfolds, carefully arranged and choreographed. During the finale, all the models take one final walk and the audience erupts with cheers and clapping. The wave of emotion, pride, and relief is overwhelming. Our last step is to go backstage, where we will remove any hair pins, wigs, or hair pieces from the model’s hair. After a brief celebration, we pack up our kits and head to the location for our next show, to start the process again.

Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will never lead you astray. -Rumi

nicoleAbout the Author Nicole Dubravski is a passionate artist with over 10 years in the industry. A licensed cosmetology instructor and Regional Education Manager with Sexy Hair, she enjoys the opportunity to lead fellow stylists and help them achieve their dreams. In this role, she strives to mentor, inspire, and encourage. “I seek to find and develop the hidden strengths in them that they do not see in themselves,” says Nicole. In addition to her roles as an instructor and leader, Nicole was selected to be an International Educator. She was also chosen to take part in a mentorship program where she will be teaching at Sexy Hair’s Santa Monica Academy.

Taking risks and making the ordinary extraordinary is what Nicole has become known for among her loyal client base, who trust her to do their best work for them. Her ability to visualize possibilities for each client, formulate color, and create continuous plans for change have been keys to her success. Nicole also has a passion for charity work leading and participating in events benefiting suicide prevention, adults and children with cancer or chronic illness. In the salon, she offers free services to those experiencing illness or tragedy, working with clients through treatments, hair loss, new growth and health.

Nicole’s work has been seen on the runways of New York Fashion Week and television. She hopes to continue this momentum by doing more editorial in the future. In the long term, Nicole aspires to purchase a salon and leave a legacy of inspiration and activism with her accomplishments in the industry and humanitarian interests.