UNITEÕs Global Session Lands in London
Alive with amazing and artistic creative industries, London’s Shoreditch area was the destination for UNITE’s Global Session 2015. The historic venue of Shoreditch Town Hall was the perfect backdrop to the event from October 3rd – 4th. An impressive 16 international artists took to the stage, presenting a wide and stunning spectrum of contemporary, classic, men’s and avant-garde looks to an audience of over 300.
Opened and compered by UNITE CEO and founder, Andrew Dale, alongside newly-appointed Director of Business Education UK, David Drew, the two-day event presented inspiring learning in its resident visual format, while also inviting, this year, a special Keratin Complex Colour Therapy showcase.
Opening the session were UNITE Senior Art Directors, Fletcher and Estevan Garner, with session stylist, Narad Kutowaroo. Focusing on current trends, the trio presented looks influenced by their experiences over the past year, utilising shape and structure as focal points.
UNITE Creative Director, Gary Baker, was joined by session stylists, Simon Izzard and Jan Przemyk, showcasing technically transient looks utilising shorter hair lengths and then editorial styling.
The popular men’s grooming session saw GO24.7 Education Team presenting their own collections. Matt Stark documented and delivered his current collection ‘Panic in Detroit’, while Ben Hards crafted strong and tailored men’s cuts, and Daniel Rymer recreated his recent national magazine front cover look.
Deborah Gavin, International Art Director of Colour Therapy, took the floor in a new addition to the schedule, welcoming Keratin Complex Colour Therapy. This delivered both technical guidance and a variety of looks using the colour line, which has just become available in the UK. Models were presented in a colour spectrum taking influence from Gavin’s recent editorial acclaimed ‘Nightmares’ collection.
Creating long hair dressed looks brought together award-winning hairdresser, Karine Jackson alongside UNITE Senior Art Director, Natasha Pearson. Presenting runway and red carpet styling, Jackson detailed secrets of her skilful prep. Returning artists, Fredrik Karlsson and Matthias Laveson from Salon F&M, presented an elegant and sensual encounter, skilfully delivered live on stage framed in their signature headpiece style from the current ‘Windy Heritage’ collection.
UNITE European Art Directors, Daniel Jordan, Jason Liddiard and Estevan Garner, delivered their own take on modern inspired cutting. Liddiard presented ‘Atelier Punk’, a collection of technically excellent work, followed by a softer, indulgent collection. Jordan’s trademark precision delivered cuts underpinned by technical excellence. Garner’s presentations recreated a mix of style, delivered effortlessly.
Closing Global Sessions this year was a glam-couture, avant-garde presentation utilising braiding and hair extensions with award-winning London hairdresser, Inanch Emir and Natasha Pearson, the completion of the Salon F&M collection and the use of conflicting texture by UNITE Creative Director Gary Baker. Andrew Dale explained,
Education is the key to developing your work and my view was always to invest in creating a show that united our artists to come together and share their knowledge and learn from each other. Global Session London has been incredible and we now look forward to San Diego in 2016.
Attendees also had the opportunity to learn from the stage artists at Look & Learn sessions at satellite locations, while Andrew Dale hosted Paramount Business 2, the continuation of UNITE’s business development program, at the ACE Hotel in Shoreditch.
UNITE Global Session San Diego 2016 will take place on October 9th – 12th. For more information visit www.unitehair.com