hiTechMODA Shows @ NY Fashion Week SS2026
Photos Fred J.DeVito. Collage helenoppenheim.com
hiTechMODA showcased 39 designers from around the world at a two day New York Fashion Week event, which took place at the Edison Ballroom.
Founder and Executive Producer Pamela Privette’s mission with her award-winning production company is to provide a world-class platform for designers at all stages of their career, to democratize the runway and make it accessible to both visionary newcomers and globally established names.
The weekend lineup for Season 14 in New York represented multiple countries and cultures, and highlighted innovative couture, pageant wear, evening gowns, ready-to-wear collections. Spotlighted here, also Asian-fusion looks and comic-book inspirations on the younger set. The designers included Monerias by Marisol Miranda, Marjorie Kobayashi, Paaie, Tehzeeb, Ashes of Roses.
Paris, Milan, Tokyo and New York shows are scheduled in 2026. For more info, click hiTechMODA Registration is open for New York February 13 and 14, Milan is March 1, Paris is March 6, Tokyo is June 20 and New York September 11 and 12, 2026. The opportunities are there for all creatives to show their talents.
Top Row L-R: Monerias by Marisol Miranda … Marjorie Kobayashi … PaaieBottom Row: Tehzeeb … Ashes of Roses
Key Hair and Key Makeup: Adrian Ruilova
Photos: Fred J. DeVito
@hiTechmoda #hiTechMODA … #AdrianRuilova @tobaarten @edisonballroom #EdisonBallroom … @fredj.d #FredJDeVito@lawlormedia #LawlorMedia
CommentJohn Sahag Workshop Décor Then – and Now
Photos: Seijie Kakazaki. Collage by helenoppenheim.com
I had an experience a few days ago I wasn’t expecting. Went for an appointment with a NY Bone and Joint doctor at a different location I usually go to for this great Urgent Care.
When I arrived, I realized the offices were at John Sahag’s Workshop address, 425 Madison Avenue, where I worked for a few years being the legendary hairdresser’s Ambassadress, doing PR and more. The offices are on the second floor, exactly where the most unusual salon in the world had been for so many decades.
I went into shock. The former John Sahag Workshop looked, well, so very different. Only the terrazzo floor, outside, survived. The magnificent floor inside was replaced, the walls and all the amazement was gone. The space now looked like medical facility it is.
To see and read how the John Sahag Workshop décor was created at three times the estimated cost, by a man with an unusual vision like no other CLICK HERE for some of a 5 page article I wrote and produced for Hairdressers Journal in the UK. This has to be the most extraordinary décor story ever …
Photos: Seijie Kakazaki
CommentDogs Rescued @ NY Fashion Week Show
Collage helenoppenheim.com
Rachel Antonoff and Susan Alexandra’s New York Fashion Week Show for Spring 2026 presented a “Best in Show” dog and fashion event featuring human models walking the runway with adoptable dogs from the Animal Haven Rescue, showcasing the designers’ playful, dog-inspired pieces.
Rachel Antonoff’s collection featured flamboyant prints and motifs, such as postcard patchworks, stripes, and houndstooth.
Susan Alexandra’s accessories featured colorful, beaded accessories, heavily themed around dogs. Included were beaded leashes, collars, and dog-shaped bags.
The hair by Linh Nguyen for Cutler Salon was full and bouncy. The faces by Brianna Chin for Glamsquad had a ‘60s and ‘90s influence, with lips a wash of glossy colors, reds and berries.
The witty, whimsical, fun show for a good cause took place at St. Ann’s Warehouse in Brooklyn, with celebs including Christina Hendricks of “Mad Men” fame and Edie Falco of “The Sopranos” walking the runway with the cute adoptable dogs. Galadriel, a 7 year old rat terrier mix, won the top prize and was adopted after winning by his handler, Edie Falco.
To see more fashions, dog accessries, hair how-to, CLICK HERE for 26 photos.
Key Hair: Linh Nguyen for Cutler SalonProducts: Redken Dry Shampoo, Volume Mousse, Root Tease, Shine Flash, 11 Thermal Spray, 12 Brushable Hairspray
Key Makeup: Brianna Chin for Glamsquad
Products: Mac Cosmetics and RMCA
Nails: Kesang Gurung.
Product: Chillhouse Press on Nails and Sticker Art.
Shoes: Nomasei Paris x Montopoli and G.H.Bass
Florals: James Weir Florist and Bosland’s Flower Shop
Photos: Fred J. DeVito
Photos Helen’s Blog May 21 to Oct. 20, 2025
Full Credits on Website. Collage by helenoppenheim.com
Collage of photos, hair history, info and inspo on Helen’s Blog from May 21 to October 20, 2025. Full credits are on Website Like No Other – helenoppenheim.com
Top Row L-R : Man Ray “When Objects Dream” @ The Met Museum September 14 to February 1, 2026. Photos: © Man Ray Trust, Metropolitan Museum of Art … Chantilly Lace @ Miss Sohee Paris Couture Week. Hair: Shingo Shibata for Kevin Murphy. Photos: Marco Bahler … Brigitte Macron Hair Yes and No, with respect.
2nd Row: Wenny Han Debut Collection @ NY Fashion Week SS2026. Odete Da Silva Hair Team/Goldwell, Makeup: Cristina Cuellar, Instituto Cristina Cuellar. Photos: Helen Oppenheim … Anahita Khailian, Beauty With Disability, Passion for Fashion @ Pandina Bondar NY Fashion Week SS2026. Photos: Helen Oppenheim … Fashion Art @ Pandina Bondar’s NY Fashion Week Presentation SS2026. Hair: Peter Gray using Back of Bottle, Makeup: Deney Adam, Christian Mitchell/Mac Cosmetics. Photos: Helen Oppenheim.
3rd Row : Bobs on every model @ Malan Breton NY Fashion Week Show SS2026. Hair: Vivienne Mackinder, Wigs: Wigs.com, Makeup: Odilis Trinidad. Photos: Fred J. DeVito … The Golden Swan heads on PBS/Masterpiece Theatre. Czech TV Series (aka Zlata Labut) on Amazon Prime. Photos: Helen Oppenheim … Remembering John Sahag, 20 years (1952-2005) Hair: John Sahag. Makeup: Jun Funahashi, Fashions: Gaelyn & Cianfarani @ The IBS Fuse Show, 2003. Photos: Helen Oppenheim
To see more details, who did what, scroll down this blog two or three pages (click the red More More More bottom left to go to the next page. To see all Helen’s Blogs highlighting work archived on this website, CLICK HERE
CommentThe Golden Swan Heads Czech TV Series
Photos Helen Oppenheim. Collage helenoppenheim.com
A Czech historical drama, The Golden Swan is a PBS Masterpiece TV Series by Water Presents with two seasons currently on Amazon Prime.
Most of the action takes place in a luxury department store in Praque as the Nazis occupy the country. There’s danger, secrets, sibling rivalry, romance, forbidden love, blackmail. With a third season not available on Prime yet.
And there’s inspo with hair and heads of the era – 1939, early ‘40s. Many are wigs. There’s lots of rolls, some great headwraps, a lovely low on the nape chignon, some curly curls.
The actresses shown in this collage, with photos taken by me from the tv, are Kristyna Podzimkova (aka Krystyna Ryska), as Irena,. Simona Lewandowska as Alena. Kamila Trnkova as Marta. Barbara Bockova as Marketa. Marta Matova as Sophie. The lead actors are Marta Dancingerova as Bara and Adam Vacular as Petr, the man and woman seen in the ads here.
The story can be a bit wobbly at times, and one has to wonder how someone with tb, coughing up blood, can be allowed to put everyone at risk for so long, and no one is scared, but it is something different, interesting and addictive. Also known as Zlata Labut, the series is produced by Dramedy Productions and has English subtitles.
CommentMalan Breton Bobs On Every Model NYFW SS2026
Photos Fred J. DeVito. Collage helenoppenheim.com
Bobs are back on the fashion runway. Vivienne Mackinder, who trained in London with Vidal Sassoon way back when, cut bob wigs, some asymmetric, inspired by the famous shapes of the ‘60s and ‘70s, – for every model at the Malan Breton NYFW Show for Spring 2026 held at the Léman Ballroom in New York City. A refreshing change from the same-looking long hair and ponytails seen everywhere for years, easy to handle as a style, the bob, which originated in the ’20s and was re-introduced in the ’60s, looked fresh again.
Both futuristic and deeply poetic, the show was presented in four Acts – The Heart, Time, Transformation and Legacy. And featured silks, brocades, master tailoring, a knock out tie, lapel jewelry for him and more. Opulent Gilded Age designs reimagining the excess and elegance of the era for a modern world and futuristic structures were stunning.
The show was held in support of charity, CaringKind (The Heart/Alzheimer’s Caregiving) and show sponsors included King Seiko (Time) Sohomuse and wigs.com.
To view the album with 22 photos archived on helenoppenheim.com CLICK HERE
Lead Hair: Vivienne Mackinder … Wigs: Wigs.com … Hair Products: Back of Bottle …
Lead Makeup: Odilis Trinidad, Odilis Lashes … Fashion Stylist: Montgomery Frazier
Photos: Fred J. DeVito
Beauty With Disability, Passion For Fashion – 2025
Beauty With Disability, Passion For Fashion – 2025
Anahita Khailian has a passion for fashion. And a disability The beauty, an Iranian/Canadian who lives in Toronto, has SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy.)
“One thing I want people to know about living with my neuromuscular disorder is that although it has limited me physically, it hasn’t limited my drive, style or impact.” All were evident as she sat in her wheelchair at the Padina Bondar New York Fashion Week Presentation for Spring/Summer 2025, held at the DTR Modern Gallery on West Broadway in Soho.
There she was wearing a gorgeous art dress by the designer, beautifully made up by herself, hair colored by herself, just a big slash of a subtle green color to match her dress. (She used Arctic Fox hair dye, originally Virgin Pink and once faded she added Phantom Green over it.)
The backward writing tattoo intrigued. “Make a change” is tattooed on my shoulder so that when I look in the mirror I can read it. From Michael Jackson’s song “Man in the Mirror” … if you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change.”
Recently she collaborated with a photographer for an art series, deeply personal through the lens of fashion identity and disability. It was around her passion for fashion and her disability using some of her bold high heel shoes” – (Stepintomyshoes.ca). “I love makeup and use my face as a canvas to be free and creative with makeup. Some of her unique creations can be seen on her Instagram page – @anahita.khlin. Anahita Khalilian. You are inspiration to all.
To see the Pandina Bondar Fashions with Peter Gray Hair, CLICK HERE
Photos: Helen Oppenheim
CommentWenny Han Debut Collection @ NYFW SS2026
Wenny Han Debut Collection @ NYFW SS2026
The debut collection at New York Fashion Week SS 2026 by rising star Wenny Han was wearable art, a welcome change from all those glam evening dresses dominating on social media. The Chinese-American showed reimagined classic garments, through a cubist lens for her and him, at a Global Fashion Collective (GFC) event held at The Glass House.
Unconventional tailoring, asymmetric silhouettes, layered organza, sheer fabrics, soft knits, cottons, bold material contrasts, the young designer’s fashions focused on the idea of identity as fragmented and evolving, the collection transforming everyday clothing into conceptual forms that shift with each angle.
The eye makeup on both sexes featured stunning beautiful brush effects, by Key Lead Cristina Cuellar, Instituto Cristina Cuellar. The hair by the Odete DaSilva Hair Team (Lead Trish Apostolides) for Goldwell US and Varis Pro Hair Tools, featured neat smooth buns with some interesting movements at the back. To see the album with more fashions, makeup and hair archived on the website, CLICK HERE
Hair: Odete Da Silva Hair Team, Lead Trish Apostolides … Products: Goldwell US, Bodifying Control Mousse, Dry Texture Spray, Strong Hairspray … Makeup Key Lead: Cristina Cuellar, Instituto Cristina Cuellar … Photos: Helen Oppenheim
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