I am a member of Framesi’s Italian Style, comprised of 24 top educators who teach and do platform work representing Framesi USA. We teach the latest in fashion, cuts, colors and texturization. Two times a year we are flown to a central destination by Framesi to learn the collections from which we will teach in all our classes and shows.

I just returned from my training in Chicago and am armed with a whole new collection of shapes for men and women as forecast by the Italian Hair designers for the fall/winter season 2008/2009. As with every season, Italian Style Framesi gives the trainers in the USA 2 collections designed by 2 separate design teams. One collection is called Italian Style; the other is Energy. This season they are called “Stay and Feel” and “Touch and Go”. Each of these represents shapes adaptable for all ages of women and men.

Stay and Feel Hairstyles evoke a feeling of well-being, harmony, and consistency. On the basis of these concepts, Italian Style Framesi has created a collection featuring soft, delicate, airy lines to be achieved on impeccably groomed, healthy, glossy hair that has been carefully treated. The choice of colors in the hair reflects the Stay and Feel philosophy: warm, luminous shades ranging from platinum blond to vibrant red producing sweetly seductive looks that mirror the spirit of girls and guys who are able to “feel” beauty and enjoy it to the max.

Touch and Go Hairstyles are lively, transformable, and rich in unusual touches, especially in terms of coloring techniques. This is how Italian Style Energy sees the fall/winter 2008/2009 collections, giving concrete form to a trend whose only certainty is its ephemeral nature. The cuts play on the contrast between geometric profiles and wispy strands underlining the fleeting confines between two opposing worlds. The hair colors are vibrant; contrasts are well defined within sectors chosen in order to highlight, strengthen and personalize.

These collections represent their interpretations, which follow the forecasts as seen from the runways during fashion week. This coming fall, the trends in fashion present a feeling and look of elegant sensuality.

Our current notions about what constitutes sensual dressing have changed. Gone are the belly-baring, body-hugging, show-everything outfits adored by today's pop princesses. New soft, fluid shapes, often in veiled translucent layers reigned on this season's runways, proving just how sexy the power of suggestion can be. Welcome to the new "joy of sex."

Bold color is back, as well as strong prints that exploded in dramatic mixes, giving a modern edge to the new silhouettes. Waistline emphasis continues strongly and the new interest is in the shoulder line. Mini and maxi lengths lived equally on the catwalks and both look right. Accessories added fantasy for the finishing touches. Watch for lots of accessories to appear in the department stores.

Designers are obsessed with color this season. From barely there shades to shocks of brights, even for nights, color looks right! Color blocks continue, often with new textures. Fashionistas note: She's a rainbow this season and color is everywhere. Even in the hair. Bold or hidden pure pigmented highlights (Blue/red/pink/violet) are seen extensively in these collections.

As you know, fashion and hair are very much related to each other. So, to bullet point the changes for the coming season, they are:

Back to Strong Geometrics and More Mod Styles 
As a part of the shorter styles theme, bobs have been returning as favorite choices, especially bobs that feature bangs as a part of the style. Whether they’re “A-line angled” or “straight across” the bob looks good on many different facial types, are easy to style and a professional, but sassy look. The style for bangs remains versatile, whether soft curving bangs that frame the face or sloped bangs that give the classic bob a more modern look. The bangs design should suit both your face and your personality.
    
 And with the bob, we aren’t just talking about the sleek, and smooth styles either. You don’t have to stick with a mod look, or flatten out your curls to be in style. Is your hair straight, but you want to add some pizzazz to your bob? Throw in some curl and be the life of the party. Your bob can be wavy with a beveled edge to keep the slimming silhouette, or flouncing and full of curl to broaden a narrow face. Expect to see more of these styles in the coming year.

Straight Hair Gives Way to Curls
Speaking of curls, expect to see lots more curly styles in the coming year. The obsession with the flat-ironed and sleek, straight looks of the “Friends” era is passing, making way for a riot of fun and frivolous curls. Look for long wavy tresses, soft romantic cascades, and even tight spiral styles. Curls are back, and better than ever.

The Focus is on the Individual
Some new styling techniques are emerging that focus on creating individualized looks for the client. These techniques forego the “cookie cutter” styles in favor of more tailored looks that are designed to suit each individual. Stylists are being encouraged to invent new techniques for texturing and adding wave and curl that will give their clients a unique look. Expect to see whorls and waves that fit and flatter an individual, as well as custom-created texturing in everything from funky styles to soft and romantic looks. 

There are exceptions to the “rule” for upcoming trends. One of them concerns the trend toward shorter, curlier styles. Instead of aiming for fancy up-styles on those special occasions, the top designers are encouraging a more low-key approach to elegance. Where the daily-wear style may feature curls and frivolity, dressier looks call for a smooth simple chignon style or knot at the nape of the neck. So, remember, as you shorten those tresses, to leave enough to pull back.

Finally, designers predict that hair accessories will make a comeback in upcoming looks. One particular accessory to look for is the headband. Headbands will be seen in combination with shorter bob styles to hold back the hair for comfort or a tidy, professional look, and to add a little glitz to the style for special occasions. Barrettes and combs are also expected to make a splash to add some versatility and extra sparkle to evening styles.

Your favorite products will still be needed as healthy manageable hair and lots of shine and body are always in style, but look for some new products to keep curls under control as well as new colors for every taste – tame to wild. We at Marc Edward and Company use and recommend only the finest products for you hair and Framesi makes them. Come and see us!

Marc Edward is the owner of Marc Edward & Company in Asheville.  To learn more about Marc and the salon, visit www.marcedwardandcompany.com.