Fashion week insiders: ali pirzadeh

1. What are the five key items/products in your kit you couldn't survive without?

I always have to have my Mason Pearson brush with me, my hair-dryer, hairspray, a thickening product such as L'Oréal Professionnel Pli or Texture Tonic and a bottle of Mythic oil.

 2.  What trends are you predicting for A/W 2012?

I am still divided between two worlds; I love the dry, messy Patti Smith look but I love the sleek shiny ponytail as well. But generally I think that more shiny, healthy hair is coming back into focus.

3. What was your favourite show last season?

Hair-wise, I loved the shows that were elegant and chic - for example Celine with a mid or side parting and then just super shiny and healthy.

4.  What's your favourite trend for S/S 2012??

I have to say that while shiny, healthy hair is one of my favorite looks, I am currently in a place where different textures interest me more.

I look at the natural texture of a person's hair and then work with that, so maybe individualism is my favorite trend for  Spring/Summer 2012

5. Three top tips for getting involved with session work?

• I would say do your research. Choose your favourite session stylists, learn about their aesthetics and then try contacting their agencies and see if you can start assisting them.
  
  
• Try to get the right tools you need for a complete kit  and make yourself as available as possible to assist at short notice - this is how lucky breaks happen!
  
  
• Finally, build your portfolio. Try to do as many test shoots as you can and collaborate with different stylists and photographers.

6. Top London Fashion Week post-show hangout?

Due to our show schedules, we can end up finishing for the day at 11.30am which is quite a strange sensation! But sometimes we manage a glass of wine at The George and Dragon in Shoreditch.