Fall Fashion Week 2011: Trend Talk With Celebrity Stylist Allen Ruiz

Allen Ruiz

Allen Ruiz

We were lucky enough to catch up with salon owner and 2007 North American Hairdresser of The Year, Allen Ruiz, in between shows during NYC Fashion Week.

Allen, who splits his time between Austin and New York City, has some exciting things on the horizon. He was just recently appointed Aveda’s new Style Director for North America, a role in which he will be responsible for producing education curriculum and creating the hair for both ad campaigns and backstage at Fashion Week. Ruiz also just received word that he’s one of five finalists for the prestigious International Artist of The Year honor from the Canadian Mirror Awards.

Despite everything going on, Allen found the time to create the hair for five major Aveda-sponsored Fashion Week shows including John Patrick Organic, Christian Siriano of Project Runway fame, Jason Wu, Sophie Théallet and Allen’s personal fave, Rodarte.

Allen shares some of the trends coming out of this season’s shows, as well as how to easily achieve two of the more “wearable” designer hair looks he created backstage at the Rodarte and Sophie Théallet shows.

Allen’s Top 3 Fall 2011 Fashion Week Trends

1. Strong Dramatic Parts: “Whether on the side, or straight down the center, parts are not subtle or soft this season, instead they’re strong, dramatic and they command attention.”

2. Contrast in Texture: “Smooth and shiny at the crown and textured everywhere else. Texture has evolved from the previous seasons—it’s a lot looser, softer texture and curl than in seasons past.”

3. Accessories: “Scarves, berets, ribbons and everything else in between are great hair adornments, temporarily altering the appearance of your head shape and even hair color.”