Dispelling the notion that DC has “no fashion,” on October 18th fashion and art collided at the historic neighborhood of Chinatown to feature an incredible lineup of talent from nationally recognized DC-based designers and models. Our Nival Salon & Spa team, as official makeup and hair sponsor, fused art, style and talent so the models would walk the runway exuding beauty and professionalism.

Doors opened at 8pm and Master stylists Consuela Lopez and Richard DeSonier makeup artist Kelley Unthank and assistant Marleny Rodriguez styled the models’ hair and makeup with the noise of the dryers as the soundtrack of the show. Behind the scenes, nerves were high and beauty was the star of the night while the models were meticulously groomed and primped in the dressing rooms. The room was abuzz as the public was eager to partake in the social activities of the evening, which featured live painting by Maggie O’Neill, a live silk screening by Twice as Warm, a silent art auction, libations by Filibuster Bourbon and Tito’s Vodka, and gift certificates provided by Nival Salon & Spa. DJ Spencer Tracey and Jerome Baker III warmed up the crowd while fashionistas took their seats or enjoyed the spectacle from the upstairs balcony.

After a barrage of guest socializing, Walish Gooshe opened the show and Kolton, Accoutre and Commonwealth continued the evening with exquisite taste and discernment. The entertainment moved to fashion and beauty where the audience was inspired by a new sense of high fashion and were richly rewarded with stunning styles and dazzling designs as elegant girls and handsome male models graced the stage. The night ended up with a performance from the renowned dancer Geoffrey “Toyz Are Us” Chang and the international artist Tabi Bonney and the special mention to Nival’s team for the incredible makeup and hair of all the runway models.

Nival Salon & Spa took part in this cutting edge runway exhibition for a good cause. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit The KOLTON.J Commitment, part of The DC Fashion Foundation, a social impact initiative by KOLTON.J designed to empower underprivileged and marginalized women by providing new economic opportunities, job training and educational resources while serving as a means of art therapy through handicraft production. The winners of the Nival gift certificates will enjoy the same special treatment or feel as glamorous as runway models.

Don’t miss out on the amazing job carried out by our stylists!

We formally apologize and retract the previous statement, which erroneously mislead and misrepresent a connection to Nival Salon and Spa and Michelle Obama.  While our aesthetics director, JoElle Lyons, is the aesthetician to the first lady, services are not completed in-house nor has she ever received hair services at Nival Salon & Spa.

Our beloved Kalizya Hutchinson was featured in an article on Washingtonian.com, giving advice on “How to Tame 4 Common Types of Hair in the Awful Washington Humidity”. Her at-home remedy for greasy summer hair? apple cider vinegar!

Kalizya says a rinse of this stuff in the shower after a shampoo will balance pH levels to reduce oil buildup on your scalp. She also recommends sticking to natural styling products, and if you have some money to splurge, try Phytocedrat Sebo-Regulating Shampoo, Oily Scalp, available at Nival for $24.

Check out the full article, available now online at washingtonian.com and book your summer hair treatment with Kalizya, or any of our other amazing stylists here.

The summer season in DC means plenty of hot weather, and even hotter parties–both of which requires some serious detox and protection. And so we were ecstatic to see that Nival’s Party Relief Treatment was just featured in Capitol File Magazine’s “Beach Babe” Guide as one of the top services for summer skin care in the DC area. This special treatment highlights a relaxing 30 minute massage, followed by a 30 minute acupuncture session to help battle headaches and dehydration–not to mention the soothing peppermint aromatherapy to reawaken your sense.

Make your appointment for Nival’s Party Relief Treatment here or call us at (301) 951-4445, and check out the article available online and in print now. Cheers!

See below for JoElle’s tips, tricks, and recommended products to beat the heat!

CLEANSE

Make sure you have the right cleanser for the summer. Some try to use the same cleanser all year round when in fact, our skin changes with the seasons. If you tend to get more oily or less dry during summer months, opt for  gel based cleanser instead of cream base. It will help to keep the skin free of clogged pores and black heads and will cut down on oil production.

Recommendation: JoElle’s Citrus Clarifying Cleanser made with green tea, grapefruit essential oils and salicylic acid-this cleanser will keep you exfoliated and glowing through the summer months all while preventing breakouts.

PROTECT

Start loading up on the sunscreen now! By getting a head start on this summer ritual, the sunscreen can build up into your layers of skin, making the skin less likely to burn. Always remember to apply sunscreen first, before any additional moisturizers so it’s closest to the skin and can work more effectively. Also during the summer months, the skin tends to produce more oil, so you may want to opt for and gel based oil-free sunscreen.

Recommendation: JoElle’s SPF 30 Ultra Sheer Moisturizer–it gives the skin a matte finished look for those who want to ditch the makeup during the summer.

EXFOLIATE

Summer is when we like to bare our skin and show off our beautiful tans and hot summer dresses. Make sure you are exfoliating your whole body 2-3times a week with a body scrub. If you continue to do this, your skin won’t just be glowing all summer but all year round as well.

HYDRATE

Sunshine, heat, humidity, and chlorine can do a number on summer skin and higher temperatures can also lead to rashes and breakouts. Although you skin may not seem dry during the summer, don’t skip the moisturizer. Instead, switch to a lighter, gel based or water based moisturizer like JoElle’s Skin Clarifying Hydra-Creme. Keeping the skin hydrated all year round will help prevent breakouts and help all your products work more effectively.

Recommendation: JoElle’s Revitalizing Botanical Mist-this can be used on the face and body throughout the day to give the skin an uplifting and refreshing effect.

DIET

Watch what you eat! Be sure to drink plenty of water during the summer months You lose alot of H2O during the summer so be sure to stay replenished. Real hydration comes from within. Also, be sure to add plenty of antioxidants to your diet like fruits, vegetables, and superfoods, like acai berries and pomegranate. Antioxidants help to fight free radicals and free radical damage can lead to cancer.

MANAGE STRESS

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts as well as other skin problems. It’s essential to encourage healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind. Summer marks a great time for early morning walks outside, or to try some yoga or meditation classes, and most of all get some rest. Make sure you are getting your zzz’s  in the summer–the results may turn out to be more than you expect.

About JoElle Lyons

Widely referred to as The Skin Clarifying Queen by Essence Magazine, this First Aesthetician to the First Lady is a results-oriented SkinCare Specialist with comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of the skincare industry.   Over the years, she has achieved status for her unique approach to common skin issues and conditions. JoElle, specializes in Customized Clinical Facials, Men’s SkinCare, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion, Hair Removal, Prescriptive Therapy and a wide range of Laser Treatments.

<Master Stylist, Consuella and assistant styling our model, Asia>

<Senior Stylist, Amir styling our model, Christopher>

<Master Stylist, Neven and assistant Nakeya styling Model Amra>

<The converted wardrobe room, with styling provided by Stara Pezeshkian>

<Nour Kazoun of MadeUpArt and her assistant beautifying models Amra and Julia>

<Makeup Artist Nour Kazoun prepping model Sasha>

<Master Colorist Ian and Master Stylist Neven, prep models Amra and Theon on-site at Francis Scott Key Park>

For this project, we were inspired by organic versus urban themes–you can see our visual board on pinterest. You’ll find our final product in our ads in Capitol File, DC Modern Luxury, the Georgetowner, and more as well as in our materials in the Nival throughout the year. Until then, check out the behind-the-scenes footage

<Model Julia, being shot on a Georgetown bridge>

<Photographer Joelle shooting model Sasha on the streets of Georgetown>

<Model Christopher being shot on the steps of Francis Scott Key Park>

<Model Asia being touched up by Senior Stylist Jason>

<Our lovely models waiting for the next shot>

<Organic team Asia, Amra, Theon, and Rachel Nicole>

<Urban team Tiara, Zoe, Sasha, Christopher, and Julia>

<Senior Stylist Kalizya touching up her model Rachel Nicole>

<Models Rachel Nicole, Theon, and Amra posing on the streets of Georgetown>

a big thanks to everyone who helped make this photoshoot a huge success! Here’s to many more fun projects to come.

About Staraglam

Staraglam was founded by stylist Stara Pezeshkian, who was born into a world of fashion and design. Since its establishment, Stara and staraglam have worked for the likes of the Georgetowner, Ms Sinergy, and Miss Sweden, with experience in spearheading styling for photoshoots, runway shows and print marketing projects.

About Madeupart

Madeupart is powered by Nour Kazoun, who has years of experience in the makeup industry. From bridal shows, to runways and photoshoots, to Fashion Week, Nour’s flexibility has made her one of the best talents in the DC area.

About Joelle Phillips

Joelle is a photographer servicing to the DMV and Philadelphia areas, where she is originally from. Starting as a portrait photographer, Joelle has expanded into the fashion editoral and commercial industry with a diverse clientele.

Written by Hannah Kwagh

Hosted by JIMMY CHOO, Nival Spa & Salon, and Shoot for Change, this April 25th event will serve as the 4th “District of Fashion” event. Proceeds will benefit the Shoot for Change Scholarship at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS