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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