Fashion week insiders: luke benson
Published
13th Feb 2012
by rachael
Luke Benson is assistant manager of HOB Salons Rickmansworth and a member of the Wella Professionals Generation NOW Team, which allows him work backstage at London Fashion Week.Here we find out what Luke has learnt from working backstage and which products he can't live without.
What are the five key items/products in your kir that you couldn't survive without?
I think A/W 2012 is going to see hair become a lot more relaxed but shine and tone will be really strong.
For men, hair will be all about masculinity as seen in the fashion for the season with blockbuster coats and power shapes, while women will be working with more natural, undone hair to reflect the oversized coats and A-line trends coming through.
What was your favourite show last season?
My favourite show had to be Alice Temperley , it was so great to work on such a high end show alongside some other amazing session stylists.
The hair was all about sleek ponytails, but Alice wanted it to look like there was no product used, so there was a lot of precision work needed to ensure all the ponytails were in the same position on all of the models as well as being 'clean'.
Having Pippa Middleton, Peaches Geldof and Rosario Dawson on the front row wasn't bad either!
What's your favourite trend for S/S 2012?
I have loved the leather trend this season, purely because it is not the norm for spring/summer! Maison Martin Margiela, Chanel and Dior were all seen introducing leather throughout their collections alongside structured hair, but combining it with softer materials made a strong overall style look delicate, which I loved.
As for hair the ponytail and bun are going to continue to be key, simple trends this season. For more of a statement look, designers were seen pushing the boundaries using wigs in dramatic colours to add an edge to what is renowned as a 'softer look season'.
Retro hair will also be making an appearance, with rolled up do's and 40's inspired chignons.
Three top tips for getting involved with session work?
The Light Bar at the St Martins Lane Hotel! This is a great spot as it's not too far from Somerset House and the interiors are really fashion forward as they were designed by Philippe Starck. In celebration of London Fashion Week, they even have a drinks range called Front Row Cocktails!
- I always have my Mason Pearson brush to hand in my kit bag as it's great for back brushing and creating volume, but also soft enough for smoothing dressed hair.
- I'm also never without a reel of elastic as I find it so much easier to secure the hair in place than hair bands.
- A reliable and workable hairspray such as Wella Professionals Dynamic Fix that ensures you can make changes to your look without losing the firm hold.
- I am never without a large collection of pins, grips and doughnuts in assorted colours in a small section of my kit bag. Being prepared is essential and makes styling at events so much easier as it is all in one place.
- My kit bag is complete with an old pair of hairdressing scissors so that I can cut elastics or extensions for example, therefore saving a good pair!
I think A/W 2012 is going to see hair become a lot more relaxed but shine and tone will be really strong.
For men, hair will be all about masculinity as seen in the fashion for the season with blockbuster coats and power shapes, while women will be working with more natural, undone hair to reflect the oversized coats and A-line trends coming through.
What was your favourite show last season?
My favourite show had to be Alice Temperley , it was so great to work on such a high end show alongside some other amazing session stylists.
The hair was all about sleek ponytails, but Alice wanted it to look like there was no product used, so there was a lot of precision work needed to ensure all the ponytails were in the same position on all of the models as well as being 'clean'.
Having Pippa Middleton, Peaches Geldof and Rosario Dawson on the front row wasn't bad either!
What's your favourite trend for S/S 2012?
I have loved the leather trend this season, purely because it is not the norm for spring/summer! Maison Martin Margiela, Chanel and Dior were all seen introducing leather throughout their collections alongside structured hair, but combining it with softer materials made a strong overall style look delicate, which I loved.
As for hair the ponytail and bun are going to continue to be key, simple trends this season. For more of a statement look, designers were seen pushing the boundaries using wigs in dramatic colours to add an edge to what is renowned as a 'softer look season'.
Retro hair will also be making an appearance, with rolled up do's and 40's inspired chignons.
Three top tips for getting involved with session work?
- It's really important to have a strong portfolio of your work put together, so make sure that it's up to date so that you can show off all the things that you can do.
- Be sure to build up your contacts. Whoever you meet - whether it be at the salon, or at trade events - there will always be someone that needs assisting on a shoot or backstage, so make sure you make an impression from the start.
- Once you have the opportunity, work hard and make sure you give your all in the hope to be asked again in the future.
The Light Bar at the St Martins Lane Hotel! This is a great spot as it's not too far from Somerset House and the interiors are really fashion forward as they were designed by Philippe Starck. In celebration of London Fashion Week, they even have a drinks range called Front Row Cocktails!
