Hi I’m Stella from Alison Jameson Consultants, the PR for the Leo Bancroft brand and each week I’m going to write a blog about all things hair, fashion and what the lovely team at the Leo Bancroft salon is up to.
It seems as though our summer has not even started, and yet here we are poised to jump on all that Autumn/Winter 2011 has to offer us.
It’s hardly surprising, considering the terrible weather that we’ve been suffering recently, that our attention is turning to upcoming winter trends. So as we wear away the last of the florals and bright colours, make way for gothics, pearls and fur (faux AND real).
And just as sure as we can rely on the appearance of a few ‘snow-days’ we can rest steady in the knowledge that glamour will be the words on all our lips, as Bottega Veneta, Isabel Marant and Frade all demonstrated in their recent shows. And this filters across to hair and beauty; big blow-drys, volume and height will be everywhere this season so invest in good styling products like Cloud 9 TheO and a round ceramic brush now and get practicing.
The high street has also been starting to filter through some of the most popular looks for the coming season, with Topshop almost making us wish the weather would drop just a couple of more degrees in order for us to justify buying one of their gorgeous ‘new-in’ coats. We say ALMOST, because after all it is still July, and the welcoming taste of a cocktail by the beach is beckoning…
And it doesn’t help when Chanel releases it’s quirky and cute AW’11 campaign advertisements, shot by the genius that is Karl Lagerfield himself. It has us craving more!
But until we reach those freezing temperatures that have us reaching for our Hunters, we better make sure to catch the few rays of sunshine that we have been treated with! After all, we will need a hint of a bronzed glow to make those winter clothes look fabulous…
Stella x
July 21, 2011 at 9:34 am
The Press get up close and personal with our creative director Steve.
What was your most memorable show?
My first show, working backstage at Pringle. I was so nervous; backstage at Fashion Week takes hairdressing to another level and is the most exciting week of my year!
What have been your fashion highlights?
Meeting and assisting some of the best session hairdressers in the world, and working with beautiful models and amazing designers like Jil Sander, Betty Jackson, Basso and Brooke and Burberry have all left me with some amazing memories
What’s your ultimate way to unwind after Fashion Week?
A nice pint down the pub with Leo (Bancroft) usually does the trick; we travel and work together a lot and are very close. I also like to pop back home to see my mum and dad.
Who is your mentor and why?
Leo Bancroft. Since I joined Leo’s team he has encouraged me to push myself, to find who I am as a hairdresser and to make a name for myself. He has supported me whole-heartedly, even though session styling has meant a lot of my time is spent out of the salon. Thanks to his trust and guidance, I have been able to work at LFW alongside some of hairdressing’s greatest talents. I admire what he has achieved and he inspires me for the future.
What are your words of wisdom to aspiring session stylists?
It’s a tough job, but if you really want it, then go for it! You must be good at dressing and controlling all hair types, have a wide range of skills, from prepping and dressing hair-ups, wig work, extensions and product knowledge and it is vital to be able to work well under pressure. The money only comes when you are at the top, so my advice is to find a balance between creative and salon work so that you have a stable income.
What’s hot for S/S11?
Short hair is going to be massive this season and it’s a powerful style statement to make. The textured boyish crop suits those with petite, oval face shapes and is an easy look to style. Blast your hair dry, then use a little Shu Uemura Art of Hair Cotton Uzu to add a dishevelled, weightless movement – and wear with lots of attitude. If you don’t feel quite daring enough to opt for the crop, the Seventies candyfloss wave is also hot this season. Voluminous waves that flatter the face and add glamour to any outfit were all over the Marc by Marc Jacobs show; wear this look with a centre parting and use plenty of Shu Uemura Essence Absolue before styling to ensure hair is voluminous, but not frizzy. On the catwalk, damp hair was tightly wrapped around an open Kirby grip in a ‘rick-rack’ technique and then blasted with a hairdryer to set the wave before being brushed out.
Favourite show from the S/S 11 season?
Paul Smith. The menswear collection is so directional and had a real rock vintage edge that I love. The colours were still dark and edgy even though it is a spring collection, and had a real Seventies look.
May 24, 2011 at 5:03 pm
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