Credit Due

While watching the Golden Globes last month, I cheered when Nicole Richie was asked “who she was wearing” by Ryan Seacrest, and she referenced her hair and extensions, along with her gown, shoes and jewelry. Bravo, Nicole, bravo. Best speech of the night.

For years, salon industry advocates have voiced that hairdressers and other beauty professionals deserve more credit for supporting roles in both coasts’ major events. From the red-carpet review of the Academy Awards to trend-spotting on the runways of New York Fashion Week to the red-hot beauty promo blitz of Valentine’s Day, glamour analysis is everywhere in traditional and social media this month. Now’s the time to declare your influence in shaping trends and creating total looks.

After all, where would top celebrities and models be without the right hair design, make-up and nails to accent the fashion and jewelry they wear? Not on any of the “best dressed” lists.

We’ve designed this issue of MODERN, along with coverage on modernsalon.com, modernsalon.tv, Facebook and our daily e-letters, to help you translate glamour for your clients. For Golden Globes-inspired how-tos, see Celebrity Style on page 40. For ready-to-wear, red-carpet hair (or in this case, “blue carpet”), turn to page 86 for cover artist Heather Padgett’s take on creating modern, elegant texture.

You’ll also want to check out our special texture! supplement, which includes an update on a new “Texture on the Runway” event during New York Fashion Week.

With more celebrities wearing and being open about extensions, this add-on service has taken a starring role in salons. For ideas on how to learn about, grow or get creative with this category, see Advanced Academy Tour on page 60, Ask the Experts on page 64 and Hollywood Beauties on page 96.

Remember, as you and your clients enjoy all the red-carpet and runway reports this season, make your expertise an active part of the buzz. Gather and share your reviews and “get the look” ideas.

I’m not sure Nicole Richie was the first star to credit her hair design on the red carpet, but hopefully she won’t be the last.