Wow what an a whirlwind of a day in New York City. It's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and I can't believe there are still six full days left!

(REMINDER! Be sure to "LIKE" MODERN on Facebook to get the scoop on hair and fashion backstage, on the runway, and on the streets! AND, check in at modernsalon.com/fashionweek for daily blogging by MODERN's Beauty and Fashion Director, the fabulous Maggie Mulhern, and moi...)

My day began bright and early with press check-in--the lines were crazy long but it definitely makes for some good people-watching time! You never know who or WHAT you'll see on the streets surrounding Lincoln Center. Below, a glamazon woman and a Nicki Minaj lookalike.

Then, it was off to my first show of the day--Nicholas K--in fact, it's the first official show of Fashion Week! Backstage, TIGI's Nick Irwin was the lead hair in charge of creating the boho-chic side knots paired with skull caps seen on the catwalk. See and read more about the look HERE.

Next, I attended the Richard Chai show and backstage where Frank Rizzieri and Kevin Ryan for Aveda were creating sleek, high-shine ponies for the female models, and slicked-back well-defined partings for the male models.

I got the fun opportunity to interview two of the male models about their NYFW experience--Learn how to create both beautiful looks AND check out the interview HERE.

The next show was Chadwick Bell who was presenting the Nirvana Collection, she "is on a crusade for clarity, stripping fown the artifice, and exposing a truer self."

Though I don't know exactly what that means, I can tell you I really enjoyed the show! Jerseys, white, and lace were common themes in the collection and the long necklaces with bow closures were themost memorable!

VIDEO: THE FINALE OF CHADWICK BELL. Warning: Weird music alert!

Then, it was off to interview Rodney Cutler backstage for Cutler/Redken at Tadashi Shoji. I got the opportunity to talk with Rodney about why so many hair designers elect to go with a simpler style at Fashion Week, versus showing off skills and going all out--guess what? His biggest motto is don't let your ego get in the way. "This is not a hair show," he says. "It's about the fashion. The hair has to work with the fashion, but it cannot overshadow it." ALSO, ever want to go backstage at Fashion Week to work with a team?  

Watch this quick clip for Rodney's advice:

The Thursday of Fashion Week is always so exciting because it's New York's Fashion's Night Out. Fashion’s Night Out was created in 2009 to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, boost the industry’s economy during the recession, and put the fun back in shopping! The program is a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York--we're talking major discounts at high-end and budget-friendly retailers, big pop-up tents in the streets, and, of course, major beauty industry fun!

Blow, New York's blow dry bar, was hosting a SUPER fun night for editors, beauty bloggers and VIPs to come get their hair blown out and learn more about the concept of blow-out only salons. Let me tell you, I was treated to the most amazing styling by my stylist, Doug! He made me feel like a new woman! Check out our interview to learn about Blow, why you need to perfect your blow dry skills, and how being a blow-dry exclusive stylist can be creative, fun and earn you big bucks!

And, to end the evening, I went to the Redken Exchange and Gallerie for their Fashion's Night Out Fun! It was such a fun evening with great music, desserts and complimentary styling (recreating looks from Fashion Week's runways!) for clients/shoppers who purchased $30 in products. And, on a hot, humid night in NYC, let me tell you, there were a lot of women excited about this opportunity! We love spending time with the Redken crew and we especially love when their salons are PACKED with guests! The Exchange was literally FULL of eager shoppers looking to refresh their styles. I got the chance to talk with one of my most favorite people, Samantha Smith, who explained how shoppers got the freebies -- and Redken's involvement with Fashion's Night Out!

Watch this quick video with Sam to learn about Redken at NYFW, Symposium, The Exchange, and how YOU can get more involved!

(REMINDER! Be sure to "LIKE" MODERN on Facebook to get the scoop on hair and fashion backstage, on the runway, and on the streets! AND, check in at modernsalon.com/fashionweek for daily blogging by MODERN's Beauty and Fashion Director, the fabulous Maggie Mulhern, and moi...)