As press and photographers circulate backstage, hairstylist Ammon Carver is hard at work, perfecting each model's look for the 2(x)ist Spring/Summer 2016 show. He goes through one model after another like an assembly line of grooming and styling.
"I think the spirit of it, they wanted to make sure it felt sophisticated but not overly fussy," Carver says, describing the approach for the runway models' looks.
SLIDESHOW | Backstage at the 2(X)IST Spring/Summer 2016 Show
Strutting down the catwalk, the brand's first female models sported what Carver calls a "sporty chic ponytail." It exudes the confidence of the inaugural 2(x)ist woman as she rocks both a sports bra and heels in a seamless look.
"The front of it is kind of sporty and easygoing and effortless like the brand, but then it's kind of classy and high-end towards the back," Carver says of the women's look. "So it's kind of like a little polished pony."
The men's look took a similar approach. While perpetuating the same all-American golden boy spirit that the brand is known for, Carver adds a slight tousle. Avoiding hard parts, he and his team gave the men a dressy groomed style and ran their fingers through to create a soft texture. Creative director of L'Anza Healing Haircare, Carver exclusively used L'Anza products, which he swears by.
"For a men's look, you're looking for something that has a little bit of control. I use what we call a cream gel, so it gives you the strength and control of a gel, but with touchability," Carver says. "The cream part makes it so it doesn't give you the crunch like most gels do. So I use that to get the guys' hair in place so we'll be able to mess it up afterwards. Apply it when your hair is dry though. If you apply it when your hair is dry, you wont have an issue."
"I wanted to create a space that marries both beauty and photography," he says. Carver recently opened the Ammon Carver Studio in New York, a salon and photo studio. An editorial stylist, his mission is to provide a luxurious experience for clients while breaking down the wall between stylists and models.
