L'oréal professionnel portfolio team style graduate fashion week
Published
22nd Jun 2011
by rachael
For the seventh year running L'Oréal Professionnel were official hair sponsors for Graduate Fashion Week, alongside title sponsors George.
Dedicated to helping students present shows which are professional, polished and styled to perfection, the L'Oréal Professionnel Portfolio team worked backstage with 20 different colleges, as well as at the closing Gala and awards show.
Directed by Claire Morley of Contemporary salons and Kathryn Dartnell of Haringtons - both of whom have worked extensively backstage both at London Fashion Week and international shows - the 30-strong team of young stylists from across the country worked tirelessly to create hairstyles for each college, with looks ranging from sculptural 1960s-inspired beehives to loose, natural waves.
The week culminated with a glittering Gala show, which saw the best collections from each college compete for the title of George Gold Award. Hosted by TV presenter Caryn Franklin and designer Jeff Banks, the prestigious event attracted an A-list crowd of industry icons including Biba founder Barbara Hulanicki, Daily Telegraph fashion director Hilary Alexander and British Fashion Council chairman, Harold Tillman.
For the final catwalk show, the Portfolio team developed four different hairstyles, which represented current trends as well as complementing the very different collections of all 20 finalists.
Look one was dubbed Italian Glamour and comprised beautifully blow-dried waves with natural movement and a simple centre parting. The second style was soft and simple, featuring a loose low knot at the nape of the neck. This season's must-have updo, the ponytail, also made an appearance, worn high, smooth and styled to stand out from the back of the head for maximum movement. The final look saw plaits and braids personalised for each model, with looks ranging from sculpted chignons to sleek styles close to the head.
As well as prizes for womenswear, menswear, knitwear, textiles and international talent, the Gala awards also saw Rory Longdon from Nottingham Trent University receive the George Gold Award for his warrior women-inspired luxury knitwear.
