London Masterclass is a Huge Success

London Masterclass returned to Regents Park for an evening showcasing sheer excellence within the industry. The evening was divided into two halves that saw ‘The Masters’ and supporting acts take to individual podiums allowing for a real up close interaction as the audience walked around.

David Drew and Chancellor Karine Jackson opened the event, as well as compered throughout. It was a real opportunity to gain a further insight into the careers and looks of the talented individuals making up the incredible line-up.

The first half introduced the amazing young talent that are making their mark on the industry. Six individuals were welcomed into the room as they took their place on their podium along with their model.

Nestor Sanchez from the HOB Academy in Camden showcased the latest fashion in his “catwalk feel with a street edge” look using disconnection and a “DIY fringe”. Jonathan Turner from Hooker & Young was working opposite as he demonstrated his real passion – Avant-garde. His hair-up was deconstructed to reveal a visual finish.

Marc Antoni’s Jasmin Giamattei was third to the podium with her take on what is current at the moment. Inspired by Marc Jacobs she used braiding and finger waving for an editorial look. Working alongside Jasmin was George Curran from Errol Douglas, who worked freehand on his model to create his 90’s street fashion inspired style.

Jamie Benny from Rush worked with braiding to enhance his hair-up, owing his whimsical, ethereal texture to Tim Walker. Next to Jamie was Liam Robinson from Michelle Griffin, demonstrating his expertise in using hair extensions. A panel of denim blue completed his look inspired by last year’s collection ‘Conflict’ from the Michelle Griffin Art Team.

After the busy podiums David Drew then interviewed Fellowship Hairdresser of the Year, Andy Heasman and Tina Farey. Andy and Tina both conveyed their incredible journey with over 40 years experience between them. They also spoke about their own personal influences and the philosophy behind being part of Rush.

The second part of the evening welcomed ‘The Masters’ as they demonstrated just why they are so influential within the industry. Four times British Hairdresser of the Year, Akin Konizi entered the room to cheers and applause. His look saw him pushing the boundaries and conveying the importance of creating a style that looks great wherever it is being shown off.

Second to the room was Joe Sloan from The Feds who worked with the concept of “grown out hairstyles and the idea of the next haircut”. With over 12 years experience he created an MOD inspired look. Following Joe was the award-winning Cos Sakkas from Toni&Guy and his progression of his winning BHA collection. Stepping away from the expectations of the audience for him to do a cut and colour, Cos worked with an editorial and intricate hair-up session look.

Working opposite Cos was Cristiano Bascui, Artistic Director from Richard Ward, who showcased the renowned Chelsea Blow-dry, which he transformed into an evening hair-up style. The fifth Master to the busy room was Johnny Shanahan from Barber Barber UK. He mixed “psychobilly with pompadour” in his barber shop inspired look using both over direction and graduation. Completing the incredible line-up was Leonardo Rizzo from Sanrizz Academy with his short haircut that was a representation of their ‘Freedom’ collection. Leonardo used finger sculpting which is “a unique innovation of cutting” to create his final look on his model.

After David thanked all those involved, including the sponsors for their ongoing support, the event closed with a quick chance to hear from past President Sean Dawson, as Errol Douglas MBE asked him to state why The Fellowship is so important to him, before the models returned for further photo opportunities.