Mahogany presents its duality collection
The Mahogany seminar was more than just the launch of their new Duality collection - it was also the start of a new era.
Co-founder Richard Thompson took part in his last Salon International, using the event to announce his retirement, handing the reigns of international creative director to Colin Greaney.
The artistic team took to the stage and worked on their looks from the collection, focusing on detail, graduation and disconnection.
"Duality is about unequal balance that blends, contradiction that makes sense," explained Colin.
These creative ideas can be softened for commercial use, with gentler disconnection or softer lines. "We're not here to shock you: they might look dramatic on stage but they can be taken back to the salon and used on all clients. If they can't, there is no point us being here today." explained compere and UK creative director Antony Licata.
The collection took on two feels - a flowing, free veil and more structured shapes. The colours were shades not normally found working together. "Models at the Prada Autumn/Winter 2012 show wore a simpler version of these veils, so this is definitely a style to watch," Antony added.
The international audience - from as far afield as New Zealand, Brazil and New York - were engrossed in the work being created on stage, with DVDs being given to those who had travelled the furthest.
The second half of the show was more emotional, as Richard took to the stage for the last time and, along with the team, worked on short, structured styles. Lines were sharp and colours were bold - copper, burnt orange and ruby fused with chocolate browns and mocha blondes.
Colin and Richard reminisced about their travels and experiences, as Richard has been cutting hair for more than 42 years and had plenty of tales to tell. "Today I feel at peace and for the first time ever don't feel responsible for anyone but me," Richard stated.
"I have some amazing experiences but memories I will never forget include missing flights, getting stranded in Indonesia and doing a show for just 12 press when I was expecting an audience of thousands."
The team put together a retrospective of Richard's work and brought on his wife Rea who has also worked with the company. Neil, Antony, Russell and Colin presented him with a book on his hairdressing life. "We all joined Mahogany when we were young and would just like to say - thank you," said Antony.
An emotional Richard hugged the team before declaring to the audience: "I will still be around - but thank you so much!"
See all the pictures from Mahogany's Seminar at Salon International 2011 in the gallery
Find out more about the Salon Seminars
