What is in a name? The thinking behind collection names, why they matter, what do they need to say, the deeper meaning of a name.
In the intricate world of hairdressing, the names assigned to Davines Art Director, Tom Connell’s collections are not mere labels but integral components of the artistic narrative. They encapsulate the essence of the creations they represent, offering a glimpse into the inspiration and creative process behind each piece of work. Here, Tom delves deep into the question, what is in a name?
When approaching my craft, I adopt a dual perspective. In commercial settings and salon work, I believe in allowing the hair to guide the creative process. It's akin to engaging in a conversation with the hair itself, understanding its natural movement and organic shapes. Rejecting the confines of excessive sectioning or rigid techniques, I prefer to sculpt the hair organically, letting it speak and guide me towards the desired outcome. This approach demands a mastery of technique, an understanding of the rules before daring to break them.
Conversely, in the realm of creative imagery, I seek to push boundaries and explore uncharted territories. Drawing inspiration from disparate sources – be it music genres, fashion styles, or vintage aesthetics – I endeavour to merge seemingly unrelated elements into a cohesive and compelling narrative. It's about reframing familiar concepts into new conversations, fostering innovation and originality in my work.
The process of naming my collections reflects this multidimensional approach. I have a file of ideas. My process is documenting anything that catches my attention, I make a note of it, or photograph it, or write it down and put it into my file. So that could be a texture, a colour pattern, a song I hear, a style of cinematography in a film, something funny that I overhear in a bar, anything that I feel like I can use, if something makes me look twice, I look a third time, document it and put it in my file of ideas. Then roughly every two months I'll sit down, and I'll try to make a connection between those ideas and inevitably my imagination is sparked. We're all exposed to the same cultural things – music, film, TV, fashion and when you notice those things and you start to look through the ideas there's inevitably a connection and those connections start to develop an idea for a shoot, or an idea for a show, or an idea for a hair image and that is the most purest, most organic way to produce work that is very original to me and I think if you want to have a successful career in the creative side of hairdressing you need to produce work that is recognisably yours.
Take, for instance, the collection "N11 Street." Shot in Brooklyn at the Davines House, it was a project free from preconceived notions or constraints. When you shoot with a strict timetable you reduce the possibility of something happening so you can’t explore too much. Embracing spontaneity and experimentation, we played with contrasts and textures, allowing the raw energy of the street to infuse the imagery. The name itself is a testament to this organic approach, reflecting the ideas captured on the streets of N11.
Similarly, "With The Band" was born from a desire to infuse musical elements into the visual narrative. Inspired by the notion of a headband accessory, so we colour matched it to the pattern and depth of the clothes. The soft, natural lighting I knew I wanted to shoot with further accentuated the avant-garde aesthetic, pushing the boundaries of conventional hairstyling.
"Mono-chrome Dome" emerged from post-shoot reflections, as we pondered the diverse personalities captured in black and white. Reflecting on the varied hair themes and styles we’d just shot; we came up with the idea of a "dome" as a metaphor for the head. It's a name that encapsulates the diversity and unity of the collection, tying together disparate elements under a singular theme.
Importance of music
Music also plays a pivotal role in my creative process, often serving as a catalyst for inspiration. Each collection is accompanied by a carefully curated playlist, with songs dictating the thematic direction of the show. When I heard Arctic Monkeys Sculptures of Anything Goes, I knew that had to be the next show I did. There is also a point in this song where there is a gasp, so at every shoot I did last year, on the last shot I got I asked the model to gasp on camera – we even turned it into competition on who did the best gasp!
Sometimes it can take me a while to hear the right music. When I was shooting With the Band, I had a Paul McCartney song on with the artwork on Spotify playing in the background which was of a record spinning around. Obviously with the headband theme and seeing this, it gave me the idea of the title, but I couldn’t immediately think of the right music. So, I got on my bike, cycled around listening to music on shuffle and found the Black Puma song was the right fit.
In the realm of hair shows and presentations, the importance of music cannot be overstated. It's not merely background noise but a vital component of the sensory experience, enhancing the impact and importance of the visuals. From the selection of tracks to the arrangement of lighting, every detail is meticulously orchestrated to create a multi-dimensional spectacle that transcends mere aesthetics.
Ultimately, the names of my collections serve as more than just labels; they're portals into the creative process, offering insight into the inspiration and vision behind each piece of work. In a world where substance trumps spectacle, it's the depth of thought and emotion instilled within each creation that resonates most deeply with the audience. And in this ever-evolving landscape of creativity, it's the thoughtful, nuanced approach that stands the test of time.
Find out more about Davines at Davines.com.
Credits
Ideas on North 11st
Hair & Art Direction: Tom Connell
Photography: Tom Connell
Colour: Jehnna Foster
With the Band
Hair & Art Direction: Tom Connell
Photography: Tom Connell
Colour: Nadina Ray
Make-up: Michelle Guandalini
Assisting: Alessandro Tammaro
Monochrome Domes
Hair & Art Direction: Tom Connell
Photography: Tom Connell
Colour: Ashleigh Hodges
Hair Team: Mathew Gavin, Alessandro Tammaro, Nadina Ray
Make-up: Michelle Guandalini