It was another worldly beauty that took center stage in the Gian x Red fashion show. I felt strongly about Gian’s creations, but I was equally surprised at how good the hair and makeup turned out.

Three weeks before the show, Gian, the models and I met at Toni & Guy Salon at SM Aura to talk about the look.

Originally we had all kinds of metal clips and accessories, but when the models donned the clothes, it soon dawned on Nelson Cruz, creative director of Toni & Guy responsible for the hair, that instead of accessories, texture was required to complement the look. Nelson brilliantly had extensions brought out, crimped their hair, then braided it.

Every year braids get revisited on the runway, from sweet and demure to strong and sexy. Our favorite childhood ’do has proven to be wearable at any age.

We interviewed Nelson Cruz.

What look were you going for?

I collaborated with Noel Manapat and we drew inspiration from Native Americans. We wanted them to look like strong warriors and precolonial Filipinas. Knowing the aesthetic of Gian, which is strong, urban and yet polished we thought this would compliment it perfectly.

Why braids?

We played on lots of braids and knots to give the hair more texture. Also that’s why we also crimped it first, to make it current, deconstructed and not sterile.

Is there a way to wear it on the street?

Definitely. Catwalks are directional, but you may downplay it a little, and it will be applicable for everyday wear.

How do you add texture in a wearable way?

We have Toni & Guy products that will help, like our sea salt spray and even our dry shampoo that will help lift the roots to achieve texture.

Help us dispel some basic myths. Is it better to start with unwashed hair for texture or clean hair?

Clean hair is better to control with the right products, always. In fact unwashed hair can look untidy, that’s why dry shampoo is needed.

How do you add edge to a basic braid?

With the use of products. Also play with your braid and mix it with knots.

Because the hair was elaborate, senior stylist and makeup artist Junar Santos, also from Toni & Guy, opted for a clean look for both the men and women. Men’s faces were pale and dewy, with controlled shine, while the only makeup really visible on the female models was a touch of eyeliner on their lower lid.

As a team, they were able not only to complement Gian’s migration- and folk-inspired collection, but also follow fashion’s principle of choosing to highlight a feature by downplaying the rest—in this case, the clothes.