F.A.M.E. Team 2020 Finalists Announced
A place on the Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s F.A.M.E. Team is one of the most sought-after experiences in the industry, so it was no surprise that the 13 semi-finalists brought their A-game to their day-long audition experience.
Each of the 13 artists was tasked with preparing two models, as well as undertaking an interview and group presentation. The audition process, which took place at the Wella World Studio in London, saw team members create one model look, before being divided into groups to work together on a presentation. The group process meant the semi-finalists had to work together to come up with a theme, choreography and presentation – all in 90 minutes, with people they had never met before that day. As well as working together on a theme, they also had to complete a second model look which fitted with their own aesthetic, as well as the team dynamic. Phew!
While working on their models, team members were quizzed by judges, who also sat down with each semi-finalist for a more thorough interview. Finally, it was time for the live presentation in front of an audience of friends, family, Fellowship members – and those all-important judges.
Team one called their collection Hard Romance and combined soft elements with harder edges. Esther Wood from Ken Picton Salon presented models inspired by Stranger Things with neon threading and braided looks. For Alessandro Gennusa, from TONI&GUY Westfield, short sharp shapes in pastel shades were the order of the day. Gucci inspired Brooke Evans from BE Ironbridge, who presented a mullet shape and soft, pastel pink curls. Finally, Rory Mason from Ashley Gamble presented gothic princesses, with a canary-yellow cropped shape and a textured crown up-do.
Group two presented a collection they called Triptych. Lloyd Court from Skyler London used the children’s toy, Bunchems, to create a dramatic new texture – inspired by clients’ children getting them stuck in their hair! For Mary Geoghegan from KH Hair, it was all about contrasts, with a sleek-to-curly Afro ponytail and a black and white dual-colour look. Finally, Alexander Hardy from The Vault Hair and Spa showcased two gothic models, focusing on slick textures and edgy cuts.
Texture through the ages was the theme of group three’s presentation, starting with two men’s looks from Elliot Forbes; a mod mullet and trailer-trash cut. Brandon Messinger from The Hair Movement, was inspired by a clash of 80s subcultures – goth meets punk, brought to life with editorial braiding and hair piercings. Finally, CC McNamee from Andrew Smith Salons presented 90's crimping and a dressed-out structured bob. Adding a final flourish to their presentation, the team switched models to ‘remix’ each other’s looks.
Group four chose the theme of Overpowered. Casey Coleman from Chair Salons opened their segment, with two neon-infused looks combining wig-wrap techniques and braids. Jose Domene from Hare and Bone was inspired by rituals, namely The Festival of the Fire in Japan and La Feria de Abril in Spain. His rope-bound and tasseled looks brought both inspirations to life. Finally, Evie Skaros from Ena Salon was inspired by Alexander McQueen with neon braids and dressed-out curls.
With the judges scores added up, the eight lucky finalists were announced – and will now go on to compete once more live on stage at Salon International. The evening also saw an interview with the 2019 F.A.M.E. Team about their year so far, including shooting for Hunger magazine, travelling to Australia to present and receiving mentoring from a host of A-list names.
F.A.M.E. Team 2020 finalists
- Alessandro Gennusa, TONI&GUY Westfield
- Alexander Hardy, The Vault Hair and Spa
- Brooke Evans, BE Ironbridge
- Brandon Messinger, The Hair Movement
- Casey Coleman, Chair Salons
- Jose Domene, Hare and Bone
- Lloyd Court, Skyler London
- Rory Mason, Ashley Gamble
Hair by 2020 F.A.M.E. Team finalist, Brooke Evans at BE Ironbridge and Jose Domene from Hare and Bone