Schwarzkopf professional launches essential looks in barcelona
Published
04th Jul 2012
by rachael
The sunny Spanish city of Barcelona was the latest stop for Schwarzkopf Professional's Essential Looks World Tour, with 3,500 hairdressers heading to the Catalonian capital for two days of inspirational education and creative stimulation.
After a day spent immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the vibrant city, delegates from across the globe descended on the state-of-the-art Fira de Barcelona venue for an exclusive preview of the Essential Looks Catwalk to Salon Collection 2:2012. The event was also enjoyed by a further 11,000 hairdressers tuning in online, bringing an interactive element to the evening's proceedings.
Translating catwalk couture into commercial reality, the four Essential Looks trends capture the essence of Autumn/Winter 2012, defining the fashion zeitgeist and creating a cultural snapshot of the season. International creative director, Simon Ellis, said: "Barcelona is one of the most important cities for fashion in Europe, but we look to the world's runways to serve as our creative springboard. We distil the most inspirational styles just for you, interpreting the best looks for time-pressed, but highly creative, stylists."
Following Simon's rousing welcome - including an update of the all-important Euro 2012 score - it was time for the high-energy catwalk show featuring live cutting and styling from global ambassadors Lesley Lawson and Tyler Johnston, as well as insights from creative director Steve Hogan.
Each trend was introduced with a look at the runway collections that inspired it and scene-setting catwalk presentation, before a high-fashion editorial interpretation of the hair was demonstrated.
And proving how commercial the new trends can be, a host of 'local heroes' were then invited on tage to present their own take on the look. Among the selected candidates for the new concept was England's own Andy Smith, as well as representatives from Japan, Mexico and even a hairdresser from Peru, who was a participant in Schwarzopf Professional's charitable Shaping Futures initiative.
The four catwalk-to-salon looks for Autumn/Winter, inspired directly by international runway collections, were Eccentric Heritage, 60's Twist, Oriental Express and Neo Couture. Steve said: "We are incredibly excited to present the Essential Looks Catwalk to Salon collection. This season we have worked hard to make it even more relevant to its growing global audience, delivering the latest catwalk-derived trends, haircuts and colours, but also ensuring there are commercially relevant, attainable salon looks as well."
"Our four trends showcase a truly inspiring, directional season for hair, from the sensuous exoticism of Oriental Express to the powerful futuristic fantasy of Neo Couture via the charming irreverence of Eccentric Heritage and the iconic cool of 60's Twist. This collection is set to ignite your imagination and provide everything you need to interpret it your way."
Following a glittering finale - and news of a victorious Euro 2012 win for the host country - it was time for the after party, with guest sets from Roger Sanchez and Marien Baker.
The next morning saw the looks deconstructed and explained in detail with Look and Learn seminars at the historic Cúpula las Arenas. Now a shopping centre and exhibition space, the domed venue opened in 1900 and served as the city's bullring for over 75 years.
Hairdressers enjoyed the chance to get a closer look at all of the previous night's styles in a morning of education and inspiration hosted by Lesley and Tyler. As well as learning how to recreate the cuts, colours and styling techniques, delegates also learnt more about the accessories, makeup and clothing choices behind each trend to fully bring the looks to life.
The international audience may have represented more than 40 countries, but there was one common language spoken at the event - fantastic, fashionable hair.
Essential Looks Catwalk to Salon Collection 2: 2012
Eccentric Heritage
Inspired by great British brands like Burberry, Daks and Jasper Conran as well as innovators like Marc by Marc Jacobs, this trend is a celebration of traditional with a twist. Hair is long, luxurious and beautifully coloured with rich autumnal tones of caramel, gold and chocolate in bold panels. Fringes are key and whether worn super-short as seen on the catwalks or in a more salon-friendly style, cons
ultation is key.
60's Twist
Young, cool and inspired by Carnaby Street and Camden Town, this trend is short, bright and bold. Honouring the decade that changed everything, looks reference Mia Farrow and Edie Sedgwick with a host of blondes and pastel hues. Beehives, bobs and elfin crops all make an appearance in this fun trend, which is inspired by silhouettes from Versus, Moschino and Holly Fulton.
Oriental Express
A key trend from the catwalks, East meets West in this colourful trend. Red, purple, hot pink and copper represent a fusion of cultures and cutting techniques. Architectural and clean with sleek, sharp cheekbone-grazing shapes juxtaposed with glossy high-shine. Sophisticated, elegant and experimental, designers including Zac Posen and Dries van Noten inspire this tasteful trend.
Neo Couture
The influence of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo lives on with this tough, androgynous trend. Futuristic, powerful and strong it's all about black, and lots of it as seen at Givenchy, Alexander Wang and Chanel. Inspired by girls 'that would eat you for breakfast', this sexy and intelligent trend sees close crops and edgy undercuts, finished with moody blues, blacks and greys.
