Fellowship president Karine Jackson opened the sell-out evening by explaining that artists on the bill were trying out for places on the Fellowship stage opportunities offered throughout the year. With some teams presenting for the very first time, pressure was on – and the talented lineup didn’t disappoint.
Compère Bruno Marc was on hand to introduce the teams and also took time out halfway through the evening to interview Rush Hair’s international creative director, Chris Williams. As well as sharing some of his favourite images from award-winning past collections, Chris also talked about how much he had gained from being a mentor for the Fellowship’s Colour Project – in fact, he had spent the day in Wales mentoring the latest team, arriving just in time for his interview!
The teams presenting on the night were:
Lewis Moore Salons
Presenting a collection inspired by freedom and femininity, Harlee Gresty from Lewis Moore Salons showcased three models with looks including a baby pink buzz cut, tightly knotted and bound buns and cloud-like texture created with perm rods.
The Annex
'Staff room mess' served as the starting point for Charlotte Johnson, whose collection incorporated sweets, packaging and coloured wefts of hair. Looks ranged from coloured bobs enhanced with sweets to a 'soda pop princess' whose colourful hair was styled around drinks cans.
David Rae Salon
David and his wife and business partner, Tracey, presented a collection entitled Solar, inspired by their son’s homework and the shapes, colours and textures of outer space. A dazzling silver look was inspired by comets, while a style called the Aurora was inspired by the bands of colour in the Northern Lights.
Great Hairdressing Group
Making his stage debut, Shannon Clarke presented a model with a 60s-inspired bob, heightened for a new generation. He also demonstrated how he’d lifted the cut with a sun-ray-inspired colour placement in shades of mahogany and chestnut.
Hare and Bone
The London salon’s recently-formed artistic team presented four takes on the ponytail. Salon founder Sam Burnett explained that they wanted to explore one discipline in detail, producing ponytails that ranged from bound in Samurai-inspired detail to spiked in a towering mohawk.
EDge Art Team
Errol Douglas’ art team presented a collection inspired by the heritage and legacy of Dr Martens footwear. Looks included a baby blue afro worn tight to the head and a dip-dye colouring technique in the colours of the Union Jack.
RUSH Hair Session Team
A team from RUSH Hair presented their take on the salon group’s recent Lost Rebels collection. Their interpretation of the trends were inspired by girls lost in the desert and included styles with dry texture, multiple braid styles and details and dramatically brushed-out frizz.
Frankie Cochrane
Paul Cochrane presented the salon’s trademark Calligraphy Cuts – haircut with a calligraphy razor. The technique adds fullness, movement and shape and was demonstrated on a peachy bob and baby-fine hair.
Karoliina Saunders Hair Design
Salon owner Karoliina presented a punk-themed collection, inspired by German musician, Nina Hagen. Her models rocked disconnected mullets, Chelsea cuts and quiffs in muted metallics and dirty shades of silver for a high-fashion take on punk.