image by Genna Yussman Greene/Absolute Studio

PAINTED LOVE

Matthew Tyldesley November 9, 2020

Inspiration can come from anywhere and ideas can pop randomly in my head at any given time. It was during shift doing hair where a former boss (Charles Robinson) discussed he was going to Sam’s Club to get salon cleaning supplies. I had asked him to get me some Libman cloth mop heads and he gladly obliged and he returned later that week with a three pack.

Behind the lens with Genna and on set with models, Rilley & Kimberly

I wanted to eventually do some wigs using them but they ended up staying in a closet in my hair room for almost four years. As with a lot or projects they don’t always happen immediately. Work schedules, travel, Prep time and everyone’s schedules play factors when creating photoshoots.

it was last summer that I had embarked on several creative photoshoots with Genna Yussman Greene of Absolute Studio in Louisville, Kentucky. During one of our lengthy creative phone conversation with Genna that we discussed doing a fun “colorful” photoshoot inspired by bright colors, bold textures, fantasy, graffiti art. I had been holding onto the pack of floor mops for years that I wanted to make wigs. Remembering this I couldn’t wait to tell Genna about my idea. She loved the idea and was in the process of designing a tie-dye gown for a female model. Suddenly our ideas had materialized and we started working on our designs for this project.

I spent a few weeks prepping the wigs into mops after work and on my off days. Cutting pieces from each mop unveiling fun, avant garde hairstyles. To color the wigs I used canned hair color spray in various bright colors. I overlapped the colors and made stencils from cardboard to shield over the wigs as I layered the different colors onto each piece. This was one of the few projects where I would be doing hair but would not need hairspray.

For this project we decided to book two models from out of state. We had in the past worked with Cincinnati, and Atlanta models, Kimberly Baur and Jacob Rilley. We booked hotel rooms for the models and they drove in the night before. Scheduling can sometimes be a challenge and I was not able to book any of my make up artist friends. Luckily I have experience doing make up and have watch several of my peers doing make up to know what I’m doing. This would be an opportunity to exercise my skills as both a make up artist and hairstylist.

Both models were a breeze to work with with high energy and good direction taking. Both had a career that included dance as well as several runway and hair show experience. I spent a total of three hours of prepping the models. I braided both Kimberly and Rilley’s hair up so the mops would become their hair and I could easily start working on their make up. I used various color palettes and creams using different make up brushes turning both models into colorful masterpieces.

I even had time to polish both model’s nail using various colors then all I had left to do was place their wigs on top their heads. Genna would then dress them and we used various locations at the studio. It was a very hot August day… bless both models for wearing the wigs in wardrobe in full make up. We spent a total of eight hours from start to finish. I alternated hairstyles twice as did Genna with wardrobe and she photographed them in studio and outside. We used colorful props such as marbled balloons, paint brushes and a mask.

The images turned out beautiful and was one of the last projects we got to work on before the covid shutdown. We submitted the collection during quarantine and it was published in a lovely spread in Volant Magazine in June 2020. We were so grateful for the publishing as everyone worked so hard on this project.

Genna and I miss doing photoshoots and we look forward to a time when things can return to normal. Covid has changed everything and that’s okay… as I believe down time is a way to create new ideas, to be re-inspired and to work on other projects. Above all it’s also about being happy and healthy and spending time with the ones you love. Thanks for reading and see you next time.

xoxoxo Matt

Credits

Photography/Wardrobe: Genna Yussman Greene @gennayussman

Hair/Make Up: Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Models:

Kimberly Baur @iamkimberlybaur

Rilley Jacob @rilleyjacob

8x5x11 jpgcp.jpg — image by Genna Yussman Greene/Absolute Studio

The making of “Painted Love”

INDIAN SUMMER

Matthew Tyldesley September 14, 2020

My dear friend, Genna always says about all our creative projects “Everything we do is a production”. She is correct. Having lots of experience after doing editorial work for decade I can say if you’re going to do a photoshoot, photograph enough content to tell a story and to create a collection. As was the case when Genna mentioned wanting to do a indian inspired photoshoot..

I knew Genna and I would have a lot of prep as far as location scouting and I would be responsible for helping to assemble a team. We both posted model calls on social media requesting models that would be interested in this concept.

Genna had been compiling textiles, fabrics and wardrobe and accessories but would need a stylist to oversea and configure the wardrobe for each model chosen. Genna contacted stylist, Fitz Fitzpatrick to be the wardrobe stylist that would be responsible for curating these looks. I contacted artist, Danielle Toller-Goldring to create the make up for each model. Genna would be behind the lens, me on hair and Cyndi Snow would be assisting us on set.

I created a vision board for both hair and make up to help inspire both Danielle and I. We booked three regional models from the state. We were happy to book three local regional models whom would become our muses. We love diversity with our collections and booked models, Dezaray Nicks, Dakota Bruton and Emily Marie .

Each modeled brought a different element to the production. Exuding both beauty and strength each model had a unique style and wardrobe selected through out the day. We arrived early on location to prep the models at Absolute Studio in Louisville, KY. Models arrived at different intervals. As models arrived Fitz started selecting wardrobe fittings prior to sending them to hair and make up. Make up and hair prep took up the three hours with the models rotating between Danielle, Fitz and me for hair. After hair and make up models were sent to wardrobe to dress.

Meanwhile Genna and Cyndi were readying her cameras and lens along with packing a travel kit for an on location shoots on the sides streets of Frankfort Avenue. Once the models were ready Genna and Fitz would take some or all of the models and transport them on location. The team would rotate back and fourth to the location for photographing then back to Absolute Studio to change. This would allow the models breaks to cool down and hydrate/snack as well as light hair changes and make up touch ups.

The day was very, long twelve hour day but we knew the results were worth everything we did. This team did a stellar job and everyone brought their talents and dedication to this project. For hair I did a variety of long hairstyles including braids and fishtails. On scalp braids (cornrows) andcustom extensions. I did a lot of blow drying and straightening for each models. I used custom wigs on model Dezaray and added embellishments to each of of the model’s hairstyles.

Several weeks had past after the photoshoot and Genna was selecting and editing images. It was then that we were plague by Covid-19. Everything was shut down and we were all home bound with no work or photoshoots in the near future. This time gave Genna ample to time to finish editing the images that she would send to me to submit for publication.

After a couple days I received an email from the editors of Imirage Magazine, who wanted to publish the images. “Indian Summer” was published in the May 2020 issue in a six page spread highlighting all of our hard work during quarantine. Thank you to Imirage magazine for the feature. Thank you to the entire team and to the models for bringing this vision to life. We were fortunate to see our work see the light of day. Everything happens for a reason and this was definitely meant to be.

Credits

Photography: Genna Yussman Greene/ Absolute Studio @gennayussman

Wardrobe Stylist: Fitz Fitzergerald @ritzy_fitzy

Make Up: Danielle Toller Goldring @tailoredbytoller

Hair: Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Assistant: Cyndi Snow @x2cgirl

Models:

Dezaray Nicks @dezaraynicks

Dakota Bruton @dakota_bruton

Emily Marie @xxemilymarie

The Making of Indian Summer

Alluring Seduction

Matthew Tyldesley November 19, 2019

2019 IBI FInalist “Best Short Cut/Style”

I noticed my husband was watching episodes of “Star Trek: The Net Generation” on Netflix. I sat through a couple episodes and was instantly reminded of my youth growing up watching this gem in the early 90’s. What also inspired my were the short hairstyles on the woman aboard the enterprise and the Klingon woman who had edgy fringed haircuts fashioned in the 1990’s.

So naturally inspiration for a photoshoot developed and I started conjuring ideas for a collection. Inspired by the show and hair master, Vidal Sassoon I started working on several custom wigs. I could work on them in my spare time (Before work and after) and I could book any model since cutting their own hair would not be an issue with them or their agencies.

I used Redken hair color in varying shades and levels of Reds, Coppers and Violet-reds in both permanent and demi permanent colors. A lot of time was spent cutting the wigs. I created various geometric shapes and textured the wigs for the models. Removing weight and refining angles with shears, texture shears and trimmers.

The collection was photographed at Absolute Studio by Genna Yussman Greene. Genna also styled the collection in all black in varying textures and silhouettes She brought together several dress and blazers in leather, satin and matte textiles.. Isidro Valencia was responsible for the gorgeous make up. make up consisted of a smoky eye, soft lip hues and soft blush. He also did a little bit of contouring on each model and created dark, defined brows on each model for a high fashion finish.

The photoshoot lasted several hours on a hot summer day. Models were photographed separately and together with hair and make up prep taking upwards of two hours per model. I booked local talent, Katya Estes, Alexandra Hepfinger, Theresa Krosse and Alexis Fabish. I was able to cornrow on scalp all the model’s hair then I used Redken Hardware Gel 16 and spread thinly with a color brush around the models hairline to gather all tiny hair for control. Stocking caps were placed on top of the braids and the wigs were fitted on each model.

With refitting and the wigs having previously cut helped with timing. Now time was spent recutting fringes and refining angles. Cleaning up random hair and lightly irony each section for a clean, beveled finish. I really took my time to make sure each look supported and enhanced each of the model’s features. I am so grateful to this team for bringing the collection to life. Everyone was so passion about this entire project.

After the photoshoot was completed, Genna and I sorted through the images for our favorite image of each look on each model. We put the images together for submission and initially thought about competition then print of this one. After initial rejection I decided to submit the collection to Elegant Magazine. After less than a week after submitting I had heard back from the editor that they want to run with the collection in was published in a seven page spread in summer, June 2019 issue of Elegant Magazine.

With some encourage from Isidro, he urged me to enter some of my previous published work into the IBI 2019 awards. (International Beauty Industry Awards). So I decided right before the competition deadline to enter one of the images in the collection into the category for “Best Short Cut/Style”. Imagine to my surprise the image had made second place finalist for Best Short Cut/Style 2019. That was pretty awesome.

image by Genna Yussman Greene / Absolute Studio Finalist 2019 IBI awards “Best Short Cut/Style”

It amazing to see the legacy of a collection one puts so much heart and soul into. This collection started from simply watching a vintage, childhood program on Netflix that blossomed and morphed into it’s own with the love and support of the models and Isidro and Genna of Absolute Studio.

Credits

Models

Theresa Krosse | @theresa_krosse

Alexis Fabish | @alexisfabish

Katya Estes | @ekaterina_etes_katya

Alexandra Hepfinger | @alexandrahepfinger

Photography / Wardrobe | Genna Yussman Greene @gennayussman

Make Up | Isidro Valencia @valencia0612

Hair / Creative Director | Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Assistant | Love Yascone | @love_yascone

BTS making of “Alluring Seduction”

2019 IBI Awards WINNER Best Braid Hairstyle

ARCADIA BLOOMS

Matthew Tyldesley November 4, 2019

Amazing concepts come from everywhere and at any time. About two summers ago I had thought about doing a hairstyling collection with braids inspired by my backyard pond and floral garden. The concept was in the early stages of development and I had shared the idea with my friend Genna Yussman Greene. I had a general direction for where I wanted to go for hairstyling but had not finalized what I was thinking for wardrobe or make up. I had put together a vision board with paper fashions and bold eye make up. I would have Genna do both the styling and the photography and Isidro Valencia for make up.

2019 IBI Award Finalist Best Undo/Upstyle“Arcadia Blooms” — 2019 IBI Award Finalist Best Undo/Upstyle
“Arcadia Blooms”

I spent two days practicing on my mannequins. Spending alot of time on them meant having sore hands and fingers. Blow drying long hair, practicing sectioning, various braids and braiding techniques. I used hair pads and lots of hairstyling products. I used hot tools, clips and lots of hairspray on these days. I took photos with my camera phone and sent to both Genna and Isidro. Genna sent me camera pics back of the wardrobe she was putting together. I was able to visualize the model’s face when I created the looks which made the day of the photoshoot easier to adapt the style to the models.

Our studio (Absolute Studio) was freezing in December and I staggered the models through out the day. Each model took over two-three hours per styling along with an hour of makeup. The girls turn up the heat for Genna while she took photos but we were all freezing. Fortunately the entire shoot was worth it at a whopping ten hour day plus an additional 6 hour day for the second day.

award winning Image IBI 2019 award winner. image by Genna Yussman Greene / Absolute Studio

I could not have asked for a better set of talented models. I booked Theresa Krosse, Chelsey Malm and Dakota Bruton. I had decided last minute along with Genna to introduce a fourth hairstyle and with that we added an additional shoot day and another model, Lucy Duane. Each look was very technical and showcased intricate braiding and long hairstyling and finishing. The make up Isidro created was bold and clean and really showcased the beauty of each model’s bone structure.

IBI 2019 Finalist / image by Genna Yussman Greene / Absolute Studio

Chelsey’s hairstyle consisted of a braided hair veil that draped the side of her face and formed from on scalp braids. I set her hair with a curling iron with the remainder of her hair. Afterwards the hair was backcombed, brushed and styled into shape.

Theresa’s look is all about texture. I created a lot of on scalp braids and a large fish tail on top of her head. The ends of the braids after securing with micro bands I wrapped them around large hair pins and heat styled them with a hair iron. This technique in the beauty industry is referred to as “Rick Racking”. Afterwards the hair was brushed out and sprayed with hairspray.

A lot of hairdressing went into each look. Hair was set on each model first using Redken’s Gut 10. Hair was braided using Water Wax, Braid Aid and set with the Sam Villa texture iron, straightening iron and marcel iron in some combination on the four models. Hairsprays of choice were Fashion Works 12, Control Addict 28 and Triple Dry 32.

lucy’s hairstyle included on scalp braids that curved the rounds of the head. I created a textured high ponytail I then brought across the top toward the face. I took the ends of the braid and secured them on top the ponytail and pulled the hair between the braids. I created a single braided rose on her left side. I used Water Wax on the braids for control and lots of shine. I liked the contrast of the textured, matte ponytail with the sleekness of her braids.

For Dakota’s hairstyle. I did a lot of ponytail on the back and sides of her head. I backcombed a large section and secured with pins. I did several fishtail braids that I fanned out and wrapped over the backcombed section. The front of her hair did on scalp braids and I formed the ends of the braids into flowers. You can see below how I changed my design from the mannequin prep day below.

Isidro convinced me to enter the 2019 IBI awards (International Beauty Industry Awards) I entered three of the looks. I found out on October 1st one of the images won the award for “Best Braided Styles” and a second image was named a finalist for, “Best Undo Hairstyle”. I could not believe it and was beyond thankful. Our team worked so hard.

The entire collection was submitted for publication and published in a four page spread in Feroce Magazine in the July 2019 issue. The collection had a snippet featured in the June 2019 of Beauty Launchpad magazine.

Models:

Theresa Krosse @theresa_krosse

Lucy Duane (Heyman Talent Agency) @lucyduane

Dakota Bruton @dakotabruton.model

Chelsey Malm (Tribe Management) @chelsey.malm

Photography | Wardrobe: Genna Yussman Greene @gennayussman

Make Up: Isidro Valencia @valenciamakeup

Hair | Creative Direction: Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

official bts making of Arcadia Blooms

Midnight Noir

Matthew Tyldesley October 15, 2019

Since my days at beauty school, I have always enjoyed designing and coloring men’s hair. When it came to photoshoots I understood the vital role for not only woman but men to have exciting, beautiful hair that is relevant to the theme or concept. I always loved photoshoots that took the boundries of hair outside of just styling and actually cutting and coloring the model’s real hair.

Image by Genna Yussman Greene was named a finalist by the IBI 2019 Awards

I had an amazing vision for a men’s collection featuring an all white backdrop, white curtains and white mannequins. Some of the mannequins would be replaced with real male models but dressed in all black for extreme contrast. I shared my vision with photographer, Genna Yussman Greene of Absolute Studio and she loved the idea. She sent me online links to purchase the white curtains and white mannequin that was used for the collection.

For wardrobe I booked, Gunnar Deatherage and Isidro Valencia for Make up. I booked three local models that were open to idea of hair changes and liked my concept, David Farsetti, Jordan Estep and Connor Hessler.

This collection required two days; the first was was model prep. I scheduled all three models at different intervals. I focused more attention to the hair cutting using clippers, trimmers, shears and razors. To keep color simple, I chose to color each models hair dark. I used Redken’s Shades EQ glosses in different ratios of 01ab, 03n and 03v.

Jordan’s cut was the shortest. I clipper his hair, including his hairline. I also did lots of etching on his side using trimmers. I really liked the drama of his transformation. I went really dark with his color like David’s hair. To combat the course texture of Jordan’s hair. I used Hardware Gel 16 mixed with Argan 6 oil, high heat from the hairdryer and a Denman brush. Afterwards I used a small iron and Iron Shape 11 to further smooth his hair. Lastly I used Water Wax 03 to lightly mold his hair and to enhance overall shine.

For David, I wanted a heavy fringe with a heavy weight line to build shape. I liked the drama with the fringe I cut on him. Going darker really brought out his eye color and soften the yellow undertones in his skin. I used Redken’s Thickening Lotion 06 with a Denman brush and hair dryer to enhance shine and built some volume.

For Connor’s hair I chose a darkest brown for his hair color using the Shades EQ. I went really dramatic with gemometic lines on his sides with minimal texturizing on his crown. I used Redken’s Full Frame 07 with Denman brush and hairdryer. I used a little Rough Paste 12 to bring out some texture in his hair after blow drying.

Prep day lasted about seven hours. The following day was one of the coldest in December prior to shooting before Christmas. It was also the last photoshoot with Gunnar Deatherage before he relocated to Los Angeles as well as one of our first collections from Absolute Studio. We spent about 8 hours the entire day. Models took about two hours each to complete hairstyling, make up and wardrobe.

We completed two look on each mode that consisted of slightly different hairstyling and different wardrobe. Isidro created a sultry look with a smoky eye, contoured cheeks and faux facial piercings from Gunnar.

tools of the trade **I love Sam Villa Shears

Genna Photographed and edited this collection that was published in the Spring 2019 issue of Obscurae Magazine. In addition, one of the images was named a 2019 finalist by the International Beauty Industry Awards (IBI Awards).

celebrating wins with a copy of Obscurae Magazine

alternate look #2 on Connor, Finger wave profile

Credits:

Photography | Set | Genna Yussman Greene @gennayussman

Hair | Creative Direction | Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Wardrobe | Styling | Gunnar Deatherage @gunnardeatherage

Make Up | Isidro Valencia @valencia0612

Models:

David Farsetti (Heyman Talent Agency)

Connor Hessler

Jordan Estep

official making of Midnight Noir

on set with Genna, Micah and “Alice” (Olive)

Wonderland Holiday

Matthew Tyldesley September 10, 2019

I’ve always had an infinity for fantasy and childhood tales…one of the fables that always comes to mind is Lewis Carol’s “Alice In Wonderland” & “Through the Looking Glass”. The inspiration for this collection was fueled by my imagination to reimagined the classic fairytale.

I wanted to create more of an avant garde interpretation and chose only a few of the standout characters to develop for this collection. The obvious selections, Alice and the Queen of hearts and I chose to do the Mad Hatter.

hair prep, Alice’s headers and custom earrings

Of course I enlisted the help of Genna Yussman Greene at our studio, Absolute Studio. She would curate the wardrobe as well as doing photography and Micah Severo would be the make up artist for this collection.

Of course preparation for this took a very long time; several months and several purchases of hair extensions from Ebonyline and Doctored locks with various lengths but I got a great deal on 22 inch hair extensions.

The hair took 6 month to prepare as I had a full schedule of traveling for shows and taking care of my clientele behind the chair. I would have to order several lots of hair extenisons wait for them to arrive.

I had to color all the hair prior to using them. They had to dry and be styled and I made from three front lace wigs all hand sewn. Top hair pieces that would adorn each model and wanted to take it to another level by fabricating matching earrings made of hair that would be worn by each model.

Lots of money was spent on hair and materials. I fabricated a metal base for the Queen of hearts. I would take large sheets of red hair and cut and roll them into roses. I mixed variations of red hues to layer and to show off the texture of the hair.

it’s all in the details…it’s all about the hair

Rachel’s I mean, “Mad Hattresses” big close up

I decided I wanted to book a female model of the Mad hatter/ Mad Hattress. For her hair I created a long black front lace wig of which I colored large panels of violet and blue. I again fabricated hair “Mats” by using Redken’s Control Addict 28 and an iron to fuse the hair together. Afterwards hair was cut into squares on which I made a patchwork hat using a active mesh base. Very lightweight but strong enough to support the shape of her hat. I also rolled hair like I had done on the Queens hair and layered them around the rim of the hat.

For Alice I created a blonde wig with bright yellow panels and a created this huge flower-like piece that was made from custom yellow mat hair. Folding and glueing the piece like an accordian. I played around with the yellow pigment to get variations in tonality.

The earrings were a lot of fun, tedious and required a lot of time and patients. I twist wrapped kanekalon hair around florist wire using a hot glue gun. After the pieces were done I shaped them and hand sewn them together to become pairs of earrings for each model to wear.

I’m obsessed with the wardrobe Genna put together. Dark hues with bright tones and brooches, textiles and safety pins were added to each model. She made sure to layer texture and distinction of each character quite obvious.

It’s all in the details. Discussing make up with Micah

We photographed each model on dark, velvet backdrops with props for a darker vibe. Cincinnati, make up artist Micah did beautiful, clean makeup. I love the bee stung lips he did on the queen of hearts.

For model selection I booked Olive Flick of Heyman Talent Agency to play Alice, Margarita Karizskaja to play the queen of hearts and Rachel Madison to portray the Mad Hattress.

The shoot took all day of ten hours and very cold as we were working in the month of December. Everyone did a fabulous job of transforming all the models into the characters.

All about the make up with Rachel and Micah

We were honored to have this collection in six page spread in the limited edition, hard copy holiday collection in Faddy Magazine in Italy. When I received my copy in the mail I had cried…I hadn’t seen our work in that format. After all the work, time and money this collection required it was all worth it seeing it in print. I am so grateful to this team.

Credits

Models:

Olive Flick (Heyman Talent Agency) @oliveflick

Margarita Karizskaja @margarita_karizskaja

Rachel Madison @officialrachelmadison

Hair / Creative Direction / Earrings | Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Photography / Wardrobe / Set | Genna Yussman Greene @gennayussman

Make Up | Micah Severo @micahsevero

Assistant | Tony Welscher

Official making of video for “Wonderland Holiday”

Shock Menagerie

Matthew Tyldesley August 22, 2019

Last summer, I was asked by make up artist Rebecca Rhodes to create a wig that would adorn her model for a make up competition of which she was entering. I willingly agreed to create a black and yellow avant grade wig for her to use during her live competition.

She was thrilled with the piece I had created and I delivered it to her at the Galt House downtown louisville for the live competition, “Battle of the Brushes”. I had mentioned to her possibly do a collabo with lots of color and several models.

The next day I found out she had won second place at “Battle of the Brushes” with her amazing makeup on her model, Katya. I quickly messaged her to congratulate her on her win and again suggested we do a collection and she agreed.

At “Battle of the Brushes” with model, Katya and Make up artist, Rebecca

I had contacted my team at Absolute Studio, Genna Yussman Greene and one his last collections, Tony Welscher to be part of this exciting collaboration.

of course, a shoot takes planning so I needed a few weeks to fabricate the details and map out the plans. I do a lot of bookings but this time I left that job to Rebecca. With she booked Katie Leigh Tarr, Lucy Duane and Rebecca Bien and modeled herself as the fourth model.

For the hair I wanted bold contrast, Primary colors and black. I would again use the black and yellow wig from the competition as one of the pieces. I got to really play and experiment; my materials for this included Kanekalon hair, yarn, rubber covered wiring and wig mesh. I loved layering the textures and used cut wig mesh that I woven hair extensions through. The hair became quite pliable and would be easy to form on the models.

Another wig had me sewing wig mesh into a tubular shape of which I later stuff with red and blue kanekalon hair. Repeating the same technique with the crochet hook for the bulk of the surface.

Genna provided black tops and a really cool futuristic shoulder piece along with matching armor bands that we rotated on each of the models.

I decided for one of the pieces I would take a mesh wig cap and overstuff it with the orange and yellow kanekalon hair and secure the end. Afterwards I took a small crochet hook and pulled hair out at various lengths for the frothy surface texture. I made several that I could build around hair forms on top of a secured scalp braided wig wrap on one of the models.

Rebecca did amazing cohesive face and body make up on each of the models. The entire process took over eight hours at Absolute Studio. Tony photographed each model on a solid black drop and Genna retouched the images for release.

Our collection was beautifully released in a five page spread in Beau NU magazine January 2019 issue.

Credits

Models:

Lucy Duane (Heyman Talent Agency) @lucyduane

Katie Leigh Tarr (Heyman Talent Agency) @kt_tarr

Rebecca Bien

Rebecca Renne Rhodes

Make Up: Rebecca Renee Rhodes @porcelain_kween

Hair : Matthew Tyldesley @hairbymatt

Wardrobe/Retouch: Genna Yussman Greene @gennayussman

Photography: Tony Welscher for Absolute Studio

BTS making of “Shock Menagerie”

it takes village…readying the lovely Abbie for the camera

Monarchs of Venus

Matthew Tyldesley April 1, 2019

I am a busy body and always have been. As far as I can remember I can never sit still and to this day I like to sit up at night after working at the salon and create and practice on mannequins and custom wig pieces. I can get inspiration from anywhere and I had stumbled across some really pretty shades of teal in synthetic hair from my local hair shop.

I had started to create some braids using the hair and I loved how the ends turned out but had put that aside to create a similar piece for another collection. This sometimes happens as an artist. I knew I wanted to return to this collection but had worked on some other pieces for two other shoots. It had also been a while since i had worked with Isidro Valencia so I knew I wanted him to be in charge of the make up to go with each piece I decided to create.

This look for Abbie was done by using straight kanakalon hair which I meticulously braided. Afterwards the braids were formed into shape and sewn into a headdress.

It took me several weeks with work and travel as priority as I would work in my freetime, in the evenings and on the weekends. I took snapshots with my phone and sent to Isidro to inspire his make up creativity. We would feature this collection in my art studio I shared with Genna Yussman Greene (wardrobe stylist and photo retoucher) at Absolute Studio in Louisville, Ky and Tony Welsher would photograph the collection.

forming the hair to the headdress using Redken’s Control Addict 28 and heavy heat from hairdryer

The “Pink Lady” hairstyles is very whimsical, Dr. Seuss like feel with a braided veil to cover Dezaray’s face for a dramatic effect. Konakalon Hair was cut into small pieces and fused to a active mesh covered with plaster strips custom head piece. I used matching colored thread instead of elastics to create the braided net veil.

I wanted this collection to showcase braids and feature lots of texture. I created various braids and created form with unusual shapes and hair forms using plaster strips, light weight active mesh. Custom wigs and hair . I kept the shades various hues of “cool” tones and “pastels”.

Photo Sep 17, 2 06 20 PM.jpg — Dezaray on set

Everything turned out to have a “Space Goddess” feel. I used beads and various hair setting techniques in advanced to set and prep the hair pieces for the day of the shoot. I did have to give my hands a break as the preparation of this took several weeks and several hours of braiding.

I took Custom wigs and stacked them using hair forms to create this look on Tracy. I did a lot of prep work on the wigs such as the twisting and ric-racking technique for texture along with stringing the ends with beads.

This look on Dominique which I later referred to as “The Jaguar” started first from forming light weight wire into a headdress. I used plasters of Paris strips to cover the wire then after drying, painted in acrylic the base to match the shades of hair I was using. It was then covered with the braids and matching konakalon hair.

molding the headdress with plaster strips and wire

I found this color at my local hair shop and fell in love with the color effect. I had to braid quite a few of theses

Soft lighting was used to enhance the hair and make up but not to overpower. The same cool tones were used in opposing position with gels in diffused tones. Genna provided simple black bandeau tops as to create the perfect canvas to showcase the hair and make up.

The bast of this was done with active meche and paper mache

For make up isidro decided on two themes: two models were done in avant grade style of make up inspired by his favorite painter, Jackson Pollack. Then the other two models were done is sultry, glamorous make up.