Newlyweds' Brandon Liberati Dishes on His First New York Fashion Week with Hubby Craig Ramsay
The #Newlyweds beauty guru can't wait to share the most stylish time of the year with his spouse.
For a few weeks out of the year, the who's who of fashion, hair, and beauty take over the Big Apple for New York Fashion Week. So of course celebrity hairstylist and beauty expert Brandon Liberati, one-half of one of the couples featured on this season of Newlyweds: The First Year, would bring his fabulousness to one of the most stylish times of the year.
Brandon is, of course, no stranger to styling high-profile clients for high-profile events. He has provided his services to many NYFW events in the past, and some of the famous hair he currently styles includes celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis and Hollywood stars Jack Coleman and Jessica Meraz.
However, this February's NYFW will be the first one Brandon is attending with his new hubby Craig Ramsay, so it promises to be a whole new experience for the industry vet. The Daliy Dish caught up with Brandon during NYFW to talk about the craziness of the backstage of a fashion show, how Craig is helping him stay fit this Fashion Week, and the runway-ready hair secret you need to try.
What will you be doing during NYFW this month? What shows will you be attending? Who will you be styling?
Brandon Liberati: This year is a bit different for me than past years. I will actually be seeing the shows... I am, however, doing several of my celebrity clients' hair that will be attending the shows and parties!
How often have you worked at NYFW in the past?
I have worked it several times in the past and even when I'm not working IN it, I'm always involved with NYFW in some form. I contribute and write for several magazine/online publications about hair/beauty trends seen on the runways. This also keeps me on top of my game.
How does styling for NYFW compare to your usual hairstyling jobs?
Have you ever seen the pace and the amount of people that are collaborating to get a job done backstage? It seriously takes a village. My usual hairstyling gigs only take my individual expertise (and some kickass products)!
Is the backstage of a runway show as hectic and stressful as it seems?
YES. It's craaaazy, but in a beautifully stressful way... sort of like an episode of The Real Housewives.
What are some hair and beauty trends that you love right now, and why?
Right now with hair I'm loving textured fringe and slicked swept back hair (when it's done right) and '90s dark vampy lips.
What are some hair and beauty trends that you can't stand right now, and why?
I'm not feeling some of the contouring trends right now: the contour haircut and clown contouring makeup. I bet if you put them both together it would look like a total circus act... I'll have to try it.
What is a runway-ready hair secret that everyone should know?
I call it the "Poker Pin Up." When setting your hair (like the direction of your fringe) always use a playing card cut in half. Now lay it "flush" on the hair you are going to set. Clip the hair back with the card secured on top to avoid creasing or crimping from the clip. This will leave the hair smooth when you remove the clip. This is the perfect technique when you are styling one of my favorite hairstyles this season, the slicked sweep back, it will set your hair beautifully and smoothly behind your ears.
Does Craig ever join you at NYFW? If so, what is that like? Does he enjoy the experience? Why or why not?
Craig will be joining me this time. What is that like for him or for me?! I'm sure for him it's fun, like playing dress up. For me, having him there gives a different perspective, and it's also one more person I have to get dressed and ready (he would show up in gym clothes if left to his own devices).
Do you up your personal style game at all during NYFW? If so, what do you do?
Of course! But it's still MY personal style game. I always stay true to my expression, and I keep it updated with what is current. I'm not someone that has ever let someone dictate everything I do (as you all know from my childhood), fashion and beauty are no exceptions!
What's your favorite part of NYFW?
People watching... it's just as couture as the clothing, seriously.
What's your best NYFW memory?
I know this time will be my fave! Having my husband there with me (like I mentioned) for the first time, I will get to experience it through his childlike, wide and close-set eyes! Hahaha!
What are your secrets to staying fit and phab during the craziness that is NYFW?
Craig's #FitandPhab philosophy, "The world is your gym," leaves no excuses for slacking. He's taught me how and what to eat to maintain my energy and what I can do when I have five minutes to fit fitness in. He actually has a "Runway Work(it)out" program, so I'll "fit" right in!
Who is your hair/beauty/style icon, and why?
Carrie Bradshaw. Any girl that creates her own style and breaks the "rules" is my style icon (she even made frizzy hair f'n sexy). Sarah Jessica Parker made that character because she has so much swag. Without her, Carrie would lag, which is why I teach people to express, not to impress. Get creative, people!
This month's NYFW isn't the first time Craig and Brandon have jetted off to the Big Apple. Watch Brandon surprise Craig with a trip to New York from Newlyweds, below.
