San Francisco Fashion - BAY Fashion Magazine

The CODE to Fashion Forward Hair

As a blonde, finding a good hair colorist that will not leave you with scarecrow hair in both color and texture can be quite the challenge. I was in need of a quick root fix and asked a friend for a local hair salon that she would recommend. I had a photo shoot that weekend and needed to put my best foot forward, well in this case hair.

My girlfriend suggested CODE, a full-service boutique Aveda salon in SOMA. Her and I both happen to know Marianne Donovan, who basically runs the show there as head of their Reservations and Guest Relations. She suggested I contact Marianne to see if I could get in on quick notice. Between my identity with BayFashion, our former acquaintance and a cancellation I was able to get the perfect trifecta, last booking of the day with John Skinner their Master Colorist. It was meant to be.

I walked up a rustic wooden staircase into a large sunny loft composed of brick, tall ceilings, black leather furniture, large windows that looked out onto 4^th street in SOMA and Marianne greeting me with her warm smile. I had arrived at CODE salon. Soon enough I was whisked away by John, my hair magician for the evening.

After he introduced himself, John gave me the official salon tour. “To the right of me is what we call our stage”, he said while pointing to a large elevated open area where several stylist station were set. There is not one area or station where artists are assigned and all the stations are actually on wheels. This allows redesign and for new and experienced artists to engage and learn from each other; a true team environment. Next I was shown the waiting area where clients chatted and flipped through magazines on plush leather couches and chairs. Then I was directed toward the “coloring station”, where John creates his mastery, or as he put it, “where the magic happens”.  Followed by the wash station where rather than there be chairs connected to washbowls, there were long angled leather plank beds.  This detail makes the rinsing more of a spa like experience for the guest and in fact easier for stylist to wash their clients. Last stop was John’s current station where I was given lemon water and a stack of fashion zines, including Vogue Italia.

I explained to John exactly what I was looking for in terms of color, a cold blonde. I knew I was in good hands; he being the Master Colorist. He was trained by Toni & Guy, which is one of the best in the industry. He also had worked runways in NYC and LA Fashion Week for Aveda. I loved his fashion forward passion and how it influenced his work. He told me that he was inspired by haute couture and focuses on taking those sophisticated, beautiful and artistic looks and delivering them to his clients through his coloring techniques. 

Although I was at CODE for a couple hours the time flew by between John’s entertaining stories suggestion on where in SF to catch the best drag show (something I’ve always wanted to do), his complimentary shoulder massage while my hair sat in foils, learning about the building’s cool history (it used to be a photography studio) and his overall attentiveness and ability to create a wonderful experience. And that is exactly what is should be; an experience rather than a chore to get your hair done.

After all was said and done I walked out of CODE with PERFECT hair the first time, mind you, not the second or third, which is more typical as a new client. Their prices are not cheap but completely worth missing a mall trip or two. The salon is also not limited to hair services; they also offer face and body services. Involvement with the community is also important for them. They host artist spotlight nights where guests come to enjoy local painters, musicians, photographers, and other talent.

CODE is a salon that stands alone form the rest. There blurb says it best: “What’s most unique about a person isn’t always obvious. The extraordinary can be hidden from view. At CODE salon, we’re dedicated to revealing what’s special about you to the world. Join us at CODE, where beauty is self-defined”

Men’s Fashion - A Forever Beauty Trend

As female professional model, I was always more interested in Men's fashion wear and so the history behind it all it is really exiting. Personally I really appreciate a man who is sure about himself, and it really shows in the way he dresses. Nothing is more exiting and hot to see a confident man who is free of judgments and taboos.

The idea of a man being considered feminine because he cares for himself it is completely gone. Today's women really embrace the fact that men get his nails done, facial treatment, body and soul; and please don’t forget the Brazilian waxing...

“You can never be overdressed or overeducated.”

― Oscar Wilde

The roots of gentlemen's fashions of the Regency era of circa 1795-1825 traced back primarily to two sources. One was the equestrian clothing of English "country gentlemen" of the late 18th century and the other was the radical new designs which came out of the French Revolution.

Though most clothing of the era appears to be quite formal and conservative to us (and in fact one could argue that modern men's formal and business attire trace their roots to this era), in actuality there were some very abrupt departures from what had developed over the past century and a half during the Baroque and Georgian periods.

Breeches (which had been standard men's attire in one form or another for at least two centuries) were slowly abandoned in favor of pantaloons and trousers. Bright colors and gaudy accoutrements gave way to the new idea (propagated by persons such as fashion icon Beau Brummel) that a gentleman of taste ought to be subtle and subdued, leaving brilliancy in color and accessories for the most part to the ladies. With a few subcultural exceptions this philosophy has pretty much carried forward even to the present day.

Dating back to 2009-2010 Fashion Week producers in New York, London, Paris, Los Angeles, Singapore and Vancouver have pushed to provide a platform for a growing apparel segment - menswear - by creating a separate Fashion Week (weekend or day) for menswear fashion designers and brands - Men's Fashion Week. Vera Wang recently announced that they will be launching new menswear divisions.

Men's Fashion Week is held twice a year in major cities across the globe typically in January (Autumn/Winter) and June (Spring/Summer). The fashion industry event is held for fashion professionals and fashion occult. Designers and brands showcase upcoming collections to press, media, stylists, buyers, fashion trailblazers and, in some cases, the national public. In recent years, designers have tried making the esoteric experience available to the general public by broadcasting their runway shows via the World Wide Web.

Universal support for menswear designers is expected to result in Men's Fashion Week launches across the globe. London has announced a year ago that it would dedicate an entire weekend to menswear fashion designers. Superb!! Singapore dedicated a few days to men's shows. Los Angeles followed suite launching Men's Fashion Week LA last year. Additionally, Vancouver does Men's Fashion Week. New York has supported the developments in the menswear segment, and hoping that thy will announce a Fashion Week dedicated entirely to menswear fashion designers. Paris promotes their men's runway shows as a part of their regular Fashion Week schedule. Hey, San Francisco???

Anyway my whole point here is to dedicate these series to Men's wear and bring alive the best in every man. It doesn’t matter your color, creed, religion, heritage, sex preference, hair color, tall, short, red or blue. Men in general should always take care of their beauty and show their style in every day life. And with that, maybe we wont have much time to think about war, but inside and out beauty.

First Impression?: There are, of course, big fashion deal breakers guys (hopefully) know not to make. Showing up to a date in an “I’m with Stupid” t-shirt, for instance. Or walking into a business meeting wearing a Confederate flag biker jacket. But usually, it’s smaller things that can trip you up with a first impression. A sloppy, untucked shirt – pants that clearly haven’t been pressed – muddy, grass-stained shoes.

 How to get it right?: Do a full-mirror scan before you leave your house. Do you look put together? Is your hair combed? Your shoelaces tied? Does your belt match your shoes? A quick once-over will save you from little mistakes in a first impression.

Either way, we are watching in every corner of the city for all the styles and trends. This is all about you, Man, at this first of a series of 13 episodes of Men's fashion wear, trends and tendencies. Stay tuned, cant wait for the next!