Herione Chic

What sets Leslie Correa buzzing this season is pop culture. Ever since he saw the film, Aeon Flux, he's been interpreting the comic-strip-based lead character played by Charlize Theron in his strong colors and cuts.

"Aeon Flux is a leather-clad mercenary double-agent who's all about assignation, seduction, domination and modeling," he says. I keep putting her in my work."

Correa illustrates his methods on his makeover for our cover model Marguerita. Young, sweet but with a fascination for self-expression, she proved perfect for the role Correa wanted her to play.

Marquerita's hair is a natural Level 6 that had been lifted to an ugly orange Level 8 due to a late-night homecolor session. Her style is heavily layered through the exterior, exposing her jaw for an effect that's girlish without being pretty.

Correa starts by decolorizing to clear the canvas, then introduces blonde and two copper shades for excitement and dimension. A more solid, Sassoon-inspired cut creates a strong and strongly fashionable look fit for a superheroine-or a modern young woman.