Enlightenment
FEEL THE GLOW OF WISDOM AS THE GHD DIRECTIVE SHARE THEIR VAST EXPERIENCE.
The experts of the experts, the Directive is ghd's cherry-picked team of creative professionals who are at the top of their game. Developing the latest looks for international fashion weeks, these ghd high stylers work in collaboration with the top photographers, make-up artists and art directors across the globe and are the authority on the current cut and the coolest curl. Get with the ghd Directive and find out what they are up to and how you should be working your hair.
23 MAY 2008
PARIS FASHION WEEK
Emanuel Ungaro
On location at Paris Fashion Week for autumn/winter 2008 with designer, Emanuel Ungaro and stylist, Orlando Pita, ghd Directives, Jamie Stevens, Anthony Grant, Andy Bodine and Guillaume Vappereau, assisted in creating the natural, organic-inspired looks. Explaining the look, Emanuel says: “I just believe in a woman that loves to be a woman and to me that has always been the Ungaro vision. I wanted movement, which is why Orlando and I did these amazing torchants, which twist around the head and create a lot of movement in the hair. It's just messy, but at the same time, sophisticated.”
How was the show?
I was really, really excited to be in Paris and to be working with Orlando Pita at the Emanuel Ungaro show in front of the Louvre. It's absolutely beautiful and so inspirational. The overall vision was for really natural hair - kind of organic, inspired by nature, waterfalls and rocks.
Guillaume Vappereau, UK Directive
What was the look?
I think you're just seeing a lot of softness, a lot of movement, both in the hair and in the clothes. The key look was a soft loose chignon with twisted sections of hair wrapped around it and soft tendrils framing the face.
Andy Bodine, US Artistic Ambassador for ghd
How did you create it?
Orlando demonstrated one look and then we were allowed the creative freedom to recreate it, but it didn't have to be exactly hair for hair. We all got our own little twisted bits in it.
Jamie Stevens, UK Creative Ambassador for ghd
What products did you use?
We used a lot of the sea spray to create a lot of a matted texture. This season, we're seeing a lot of texture going on within the hair. It's still got the curl, but it's got more of a matted texture and you're seeing a lot of that on the catwalk this season.
Anthony Grant, UK Directive
What was important?
It was important to make a statement. It is all about the clothes today and the hair is simply an adornment and an accessory. We never want to take away from the clothes, but simply let that hair become part of the total look.
Andy Bodine, US Artistic Ambassador for ghd
Filed under: Fashion on 23 MAY 2008
15 MAY 2008
MY STYLISH LIFE
Creative Ambassador for the ghd Directive, Jamie Stevens, is the A-listing international spokesperson and über styler for ghd. Despite his baby-faced 27 years, Jamie is a veteran of the session styling scene. We take a dip into his appointments book and ask what really blows his hair back.
What sign are you? What sign do you find sexy?
Sagittarius. Scorpio women are normally the sexiest, but i have no real preference. I love all signs!
Where were you born? Should it have been somewhere else?
I was born in Somerset. It's my home county, so I wouldn't change it for the world!
Do you believe in luck?
I believe that you get out what you put in. I create my own luck by hard work and dedication.
Who are your style icons?
James Dean and Jude Law.
What's your favourite historical period?
The present period as it draws on influences from the past.
You work in the salon with errol douglas. What's the difference between your styles?
We are very similar in our passion, love and drive for the industry and we are both great all rounders. I would say my creative cutting is my strength, whereas his is more avant garde. He is a legend and if I ever achieve half of what he has then I will be happy!
What is your most marked characteristic?
My boundless energy! My dad always used to say it was like I had a ferret stuck up my backside because I couldn't sit down for more than five minutes without fidgeting. I'm a complete nightmare to sit next to on a plane.
What interested you in styling?
My mum, nan and great grandad are all hairdressers, so it's in my blood. I took to it like a duck to water and started helping with my mum at the age of 10.
Where do you stand on crimping?
Crimping is everywhere this season. At ghd we have a great technique using the stylers instead of actual crimpers. We plait sections of hair thick or thin, then run the stylers over them and let them cool down and release the plait. This creates a great crimped texture.
As a hairdresser, do you despise hats?
I hate hats on myself, but don't mind them on others.
How has your style evolved over the years?
I've become more creative and confident in exploring new techniques and I also love to share and pass on anything to others.
Who would you most like to dress?
Russell Brand. He is a good looking lad and a great Jamie haircut would get him even more love (not that he needs it!)
What's your biggest fashion weakness?
Shoes and aftershave.
Where's your shopping mecca?
Selfridges.
What's on your wish list?
To be the best in the business. British Hairdresser of the Year will be mine one day!
You must have products in your bag?
ghd stylers of course!!!!!!!
Do you listen to music when you work?
Yes. It helps to keep the pace and the blood pumping.
If you had a band, what would you call them?
The Hairboys. Me and my mates used to do karaoke when we were young and that was our name.
What's your house like?
Modern, with lots of art work. It's like organized chaos!
Where would you most like to live?
Somewhere warm and with no tax laws! I have been to Oz and loved it for the sunshine, beaches and sexy ladies. The hairdressing rocks out there as well.
What is your most treasured possession?
My hairdressing kit, mobile phone and my superman buckle for my belt!
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
I'm a passionate, loyal and dedicated individual so to be approached by one of the industry's leading brands was amazing. I am proud and will be loud, loyal and spread the word of ghd to the best of my abilities.
What's the strangest directive thing you've ever done?
The launch of the dark or pure stylers. I had to make 10 wigs and style them on...drag queens! It was a strange experience but was a great show and I had a ball with the girls/men!
What's coming next?
I'm going to tour South Africa in June. We went last year and had a great time. This year will be even better. I've also just completed the ghd Expert Tour around the UK. I'm loving being the ambassador.
What is your life motto?
Live, love and learn.
What is your secret vice?
Kebabs!! They do the best in Somerset and I always have one (or two) when I go back to visit my family.
And your proudest virtue?
I have so many proud moments: being in the fame team, being awarded a fellow with honours, working alongside one of the industry's greats, Errol Douglas MBE - and of course being named directive creative ambassador for ghd. This has made my family really proud of me, which is very important as my family are my life.
Dark or Pure?
Pure of course!
Filed under: Fashion on 15 MAY 2008