your Beauty Our duty

Sebastian Professional invited What’s Next Awards grand prizer winner, Irina Bilka, to Fall ’11 New York Fashion Week where she tore it up backstage with her finely honed sense of style and razor sharp ability to execute. Bilka, of Clearwater, Florida’s Salon Lofts, crafted fearless hair fashion backstage at Alice + Olivia Fall ’11 fashion show where playful chignons took center stage. A novice to New York, but a veteran to the runway, Bilka was in her element!

Here’s what she had to say about her favorite products, her experience at fashion week, and what she hopes to accomplish with her style savvy ways.

Q: What are your favorite hairstyling products?

Bilka: I love Re-Shaper because its hold is so flexible you can re-do any style over and over again to achieve the desired outcome. I also make sure to keep Shaper Fierce on hand because of its maximum hold. And for a finishing touch with added sheen, I love Trilliant!

Q: What was your favorite part of working at Fashion Week?

Bilka: Hanging out with the Sebastian Professional Design Team was an incredible experience! Such a talented, fun group. And styling next to Thomas Dunkin, Lead Stylist Design Team Member, was absolutely amazing!

Q: What is your ultimate career goal?

Bilka: I hope to be a freelance international editorial stylist working with major high fashion magazines. And I want to open my own salon!