How did you get into the session world and what attracted you to it? I think the main thing that caught my interest in session stylist and fashion hair was seeing images as an outsider looking in; since I was young I’ve always been inspired and directed by seasonal fashion, and how brands reinvent themselves. Then when I began training and learning hairdressing, I was more aware of hair in these shows/collections. A big thing for me was because I was training in traditional haircutting at the time, seeing some of the experimental and more out there looks baffled me. I had no clue how they were done. And that feeling of “how did they do that?” Stayed for a long time -even now. The idea of not knowing how things were made excited me, I wanted to feel a part of it, and I wanted to learn how to do this style of work. For me, it provoked emotions, and if I felt that way I’m sure others did too, and I wanted to create that.
How different is it to working in the salon? I think when it comes to working in a salon, or even just working in hair (be that education, hair award work etc) the main service your selling and the consumer product is based on HAIR (funnily enough). The thing with fashion and session is unless the job/shoot is beauty focused, it’s not about us, it’s not focused on hair. Primarily the shoot is focused on fashion, mood, story or sales. And for a hairdresser who as you know was trained in an awards/education focused salon group, this was a hard transaction. now, this isn’t me saying that hair is less important; it’s still crucial. But it’s about how to complement what’s happening elsewhere for the shoot. For example, if styling is loud, tone the beauty down. If the lighting is bright from behind darken hair colours for contrast.
You soon realise that your focus isn’t just on hair, it’s about the success of the shot, and working in harmony with other peoples visions too.
Whats the most Memorable Moment you have had working fashion week? My most memorable moment would probably have to be when Eugene asked me to collect an order of ostrich feathers from the Moulin Rouge in Paris. We were prepping for Maison Margiela’s couture show and were planning on incorporating these feathers in with the hair look. I turned up to the Moulin Rouge, not being able to speak any decent French, to be shouted at to leave this renowned establishment by the security team, as they thought I was some cheeky Brit trying to sneak in. Luckily, Eugenes driver who was taking me around saw this, parked in the middle of the road and came to explain the situation. Was pretty cool to be able to walk around this place whilst no one was there! I then had to collect a massive order of bondage latex tape from another local sex shop (again for the hair). When I arrived the looks I was getting from the shop keeper was priceless.
What advice could you give somebody who wants to enter the Session world of hair? Advice id give to someone who wants to get into session would be to understand your brand, and in the beginning, be niche. Doing this people who work with you and see your work can resonate with your style. If you try to please too many people in the beginning your work won’t have substance. If you’re true to what you like, people who similarly like that will find you, and you’re then able to make more relevant work. As you grow reinvention does happen, but in a way that’s true to you still! So yeah, basically make work you like.
Goals for the year?
Goals for the year would be picking up where 2020 left off.. I’ve had a lot of growth this year within Eugene’s team and I’m going to focus a lot on that. Homing in on my craft for sure. Got some projects in the pipe line with Fuzed London, and maybe a few award entries.. will see how these next couple of months plan out. For now just keeping busy, sharing education on this strong platform, working with brands I love and making work I’m happy with.
