Aveda x Yinan NYFW Presentation
Aveda’s digital cover for the show’s recap
I was invited to document Aveda’s backstage hair artistry for Yinan’s Fall/Winter 2026 presentation during New York Fashion Week. The assignment centered on capturing the intricate process behind what the team called “structural hair” — a series of architectural, sculptural hairstyles conceived by celebrity hairstylist Frank Rizzieri and executed by his team at Aveda Artists.
Working backstage at fashion week requires a particular approach to photography. Space is limited, lighting is often challenging, and the energy is frenetic as hair, makeup, and styling teams work against tight deadlines. My role was to document both the technical precision of the hair work and the collaborative atmosphere that defines these high-pressure moments. I focused on close-up details of the construction process — the tousling, the crimping, the shaping — as well as wider shots that captured the stylists at work and the models in various stages of preparation.
The “structural hair” concept aligned perfectly with Yinan’s design philosophy. As the designer explains, “The Archive to Touch is a ready-to-wear collection translating a lifelong fine-art practice, rooted in sculpture, material process, and memory, into garments that balance expressive form with everyday wearability.” Rizzieri’s approach mirrored this balance: he tousled and crimped hair to create an effect that softened precise shapes while maintaining natural movement. The resulting looks were elevated yet effortless, and completely wearable — a hair interpretation of Yinan’s own approach to translating sculptural forms into everyday garments.
The final looks were photographed just before the models walked, providing a complete visual narrative from initial preparation to finished presentation. This kind of editorial coverage offers brands and artists a behind-the-scenes perspective that extends beyond the runway images, giving audiences insight into the creative process and technical skill required to execute a cohesive fashion week presentation.
