Thursday, 1 December 2011

A Vogue Idea

A Vogue Idea

 
Glossy manes in glossy mags are just par for the
Westrow course these days. Here, creative director
Steve Rowbottom and creative team stylist, Nicola
Hulatt-Richards, talk about making waves for Vogue

Renowned as the style bible across the globe, Vogue is synonymous with fashion-forward trends, so it
was fitting that Westrow Creative Director Steve Rowbottom and Creative Team member, Nicola Hulatt-Richards, were requested to take part in a shoot that would grace the pages of its September issue – the biggest and most coveted of the year. Focusing on the L’Oréal Professionnel INOA colour range – an ammonia-free,in-salon, permanent hair colouring system comprising eight families of fashion shades– the design duo worked within the copper family of tones to perfect their stunning look; the perfect hue for the screen siren style they created on the day. “Vogue is very clear with its direction, and although there was some flexibility in the finished look, the team did set a brief of 1950’s Hollywood seductive beauty, but with a modern twist,” said Nicola. “They wanted us to create a screen siren style, taking inspiration from Jessica Rabbit and Dita Von Teese, which we updated with glamorous waves breaking near the temples.”The shoot – the third one the Westrow Creative Team has collaborated on for Vogue – took place in May at the Worx studios in Parsons Green, London. “Our call time was 8am, however we didn’t start shooting until 5pm because the Dior dress for our model was flown in especially from Milan, and was held up at Heathrow!” recalls Nicola.With the damsel and the dress drama over, the team worked their magic to ensure it was a resounding success – with their model’s hair seriously making waves with the Vogue team. “After prepping the hair we tonged it and used large rollers to create a little lift,” says Steve. “The hair was then brushed out and fixed with L’Oréal Professionnel tecni art anti-frizz spray, for a truly glamorous look.”“Working on such prestigious projects is great recognition for Westrow,” continued Steve. “We are renowned for our cutting ability as a company, but we also have an extremely talented group of session stylists on board, so having the opportunity to showcase our session work in Vogue is one of the best forms of recognition for us.”