09 10, 2008 06:30 PM

Tress Out

FETISH

Whether the models are wearing bright wigs (a la yesterday’s Betsey Johnson show) or retro ’40s poofs (see Rachel Comey), hair is a big to-do. We went backstage with the Frederic Fekkai team to see how these coifs come to life.

You’ve seen the racer-back tanks from Sari Gueron, but lead stylist Fabrice Gili took the Speedo style one step further. We’ve always lusted after chiseled swimmers’ shoulders, but chlorine-soaked hair? Inspired by the Beijing Olympics, he emulated the slicked-back, post-pool look by glossing the top and pinning the front bits underneath. (Does this mean it’s okay to go that extra day without a wash?)

At this morning’s African-themed Brian Reyes show, stylist Elie Camoro complemented safari-like jackets and animal prints with textured, tousled knots meant to show off long necks. Camoro said that several of the models nearly got the style right themselves when they showed up to rehearsals with unwashed hair they’d hastily pulled into a bun. (See if you can tell the difference between the messy hair of models and backstage personnel.)