There are so many aspects that go into creating the perfect runway show. The designers literally bring their creations to life as they send models down the runway in carefully constructed looks. I don’t know if any of you have been backstage at a fashion week runway show but let me tell you, its chaos. Hairstylist Cindy Earl Covic recently had the opportunity to go to Toronto Fashion Week to style for the shows. Channeling her love of art into the craft of hairstyling is something she has been doing for years and has definitely mastered. Always growing and evolving in her field, Cindy is making her mark in the Canadian style scene. I recently got the chance to talk to her about her experience at fashion week, the shows she styled for and the runway’s hottest hair trends. For more on Cindy, visit her website.

Layan Barakat: What initially drew you to the art of hair styling? 

Cindy Earl Covic: It was actually my uncle who was a salon owner and hairstylist in South Africa; unbeknownst to the both of us he planted the seed when I was 16 years old. My passion was always art and after graduating with an art background I eventually found art though hair and it was something that grew to become my life.

LB: When did you get your official start as a hair stylist? 

CEC: In 2003 I started as an apprentice and a year and a half later I became a full-time stylist.

LB: You recently had the chance to work backstage at Toronto Fashion Week, what was that like? 

CEC: It was incredible, Redken stylists from all over Ontario came together to create the designers vision. The days would usually go from 11am – 9 pm. Its was a real rush, we worked two stylists to a model and for the models who had a quick change (they were in more than one runway show) a few of us had to work three stylists to a model along with a make-up artist and nail technician. It was definitely crazy at times but so inspiring.

LB: What shows did you style for, and did you have a favourite? 

CEC: I styled for Beaufille, Pink Tartan, David Dixon, Tatsuaki, Laura Siegel, Travis Taddeo, JNBY, Mercedes-Benz, Melissa Nepton and Sid Neigum to name a few out of 31 designers. Other designers included Paria Shirvani & Axel K, Christopher Bates, Klaxon Howl, Triarchy, Matthew Gallagher, Mackage, Joe Fresh, Narces, Whitney Linen, Target, Soia & Kyo, Caitlin Power, Rudsak, Hilary MacMillan, Lacerda, Thomas Balint, Cara Cheung, Stephan Caras, Bustle, Mikael D. There wasn’t a style better than the other they were all so creative and fun to do. And while I didn’t have a favorite, I would have to say the hair for Melissa Nepton stands out.  We created a high angled half up ponytail with clean defined lines, braided the pony and used electrical tape and a strip of leather to wrap around the hair. It’s not often you get to create outside of the norm.

LB: Did you notice any recurring hair trends on the runway that we can transition into every day looks? 

CEC: Braids and undone loose ponytails are always re-circulating to trend and are definitely wearable in every day life. Don’t be afraid of dual textures such as straight and wavy, braids and curls, sleek and frizz. They are easy to achieve and make for very fashion forward and wearable looks.

LB: What advice would you have for readers with similar career goals? 

CEC: Be passionate and driven, hard work always pays off and never be scared to step out of the box. Creativity wasn’t born on being boring or safe.

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