Designer Kavenchy on Top Looks for Spring

Niteside caught up with stylist Sam Kavenchy during his dress rehearsal for his annual spring look runway show. The question he might not have seen coming: What do you think about teen pop star Justin Bieber's 'do?

We're glad to hear that Kavenchy (pictured, above) approves of Bieber's hair, because according to Life & Style, the Bieb's 'do costs upwards of $750 per cut... every two weeks. 

Compare that to John Edwards' notorious $1,250 haircut, though, and it’s a bargain -- although in all fairness to Edwards, that $1,250 included airfare. 

"I think for his age and as an artist, his haircut fits him," he said. "It's stylish, texturized and representative of his generation."

"The one thing I always tell men, though, is don't be a slave to fashion," Kavenchy said. "Do what you like and what makes you feel confident. It's difficult in the D.C. area for men to express themselves because of the atmosphere."

A European-trained modern stylist, Kavenchy began his career as an artist. 

“I was originally a painter, and as an artist I was looking for a greater challenge," he said, "so I decided to take my art and use it in a different way. I switched to a different canvas and focused on hair as my new medium.”

Among the contemporary stylists he most admires is Frederik Fekkai, “because he has been the most innovative and cutting edge stylist for over 20 years now.” 

That may not last long though since Kavenchy said his ultimate goal in life is to be the most famous stylist in the world.  “I am new,” he said, “ part of the new generation of stylists.”

We asked him to give us a rundown on the hottest hair trends for spring. “In terms of colors, I think highlights are out.  Solid rich color, sticking to one hue is in, with an emphasis on red or sun-kissed tones. As far as cuts, short hair is in. Short hair has more texture. Women want to show off the detail that has gone into preparing their hairstyle. With long hair, no one can really differentiate between a quality and luxury cut. It all looks the same. The ponytail is not a style, it's a sign of laziness and bland personality.” 

As for makeup, he explains that it's going the way of nature, with green and yellow hues. “The focus will be around the eyes, really making the eyes pop with a nude lip so as not to distract.”

Kavenchy and his team were recently selected to provide hair and makeup styling for Cedric Gervais' latest music video, "Love is the Answer," featuring Grammy Award-winning artist Mya. The video was shot in the District by MTV VMA-winning production house 8112 Studios.

We asked him if he could style any celebrity, who would he choose. "If I could style any celebrity it would be Hilary Clinton and Jay Leno."

What, not Lady Gaga?

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