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.

12 MARCH 2009

STYLE AND JET SET

Paul Hanlon's itinerary reads more like that of an international jet-setter than a hairdresser. When he's not in his London salon, Paul is producing go-getting looks for French Vogue, W Magazine and i-D where he works with top fashion photographers including Craig McDean, David Sims and Mert & Marcus. Regular destinations include Paris, Milan and New York for the international collections, which is where we caught up with him to reveal the inspiration behind the ghd sponsored Matthew Williamson A/W 2009 show.

What's the thinking behind the hair for the show this season?
PH: I wanted it to be a lot more graphic with the look, not architectural. Matthew and I wanted these girls to be a little bit stronger and a bit harder, as I have said Matthew's girls are always a little bit soft. He always uses a reference of a travelling woman - you know a girl that lives in Ibiza who is sexy.

He wanted it to be completely different this season and go for a slightly more mature look with the girls. My references were taken from the early nineties, low side parting, super shine, super graphic high gloss, a finished sleek, flat hair look, building in extra hair to get the finish we need.

And what products have helped you achieve this?
PH: This year ghd are exclusively sponsoring the hair for the first time and to achieve the look we wanted we have used all of the ghd IV styler collection including the ghd IV styler, ghd IV mini styler and ghd IV salon styler as well as a selection of the ghd thermodynamics range.

The ghd treatment range has really helped maintain the quality of the hair, and the ghd thermodynamics range used in conjunction with the ghd IV styler collection has given us exactly the finish we require.

We used ghd thermal protector with the ghd IV salon styler to get a great straight finish on the body of the hair and ghd smoothing balm to blow dry. For the shine and hold, we used ghd ultimate hair spray. What I like about this product in particular is it's quite wet and it achieves a really high gloss look, allows me not to have to use any crooks or bangs in the hair, because it's so strong it holds it in.

And then a little bit of the great ghd shining serum and ghd reflection spray to take any unwanted flyaways at the finish.

Where have you scoured the hair pieces from this year?
PH: I have a company in London called "Hair Raisers" that I have used for over 10 years, they give an impeccable finish. Now there is such a high demand for this type of thing, I tend to order well ahead of time because of greater demand supply will falter, especially around fashion week!

What other shows are you doing in New York?
PH: I just did the Crème show as well which was great

Are you doing any shows this year at London Fashion Week?
PH: Yes I will be working on four shows in London including Peter Jenson, Armand Bassy, Louise Golding and Richard Nichol. In Milan I am doing Burberry and Moschino: Cheap and Chic and in Paris I am styling the hair at the Hayder Achier Costume Nationale show

Filed under: Fashion on 12 MARCH 2009

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