Shelley Pengilly’s dreamy colors are something to swoon over. The way in which she used highlights of pastel tones to accentuate her cuts and styling is breathtaking. This collection will be the inspirations for color trends we will see dominate this year and we can’t wait to see what else she comes up with! Take a peek at the collection below and learn more about Shelley as an artist.
How did you dream up this collection? What was the inspiration behind it?
The collection is called ‘Elysium’, meaning a state or place of perfect happiness. In ancient Greece, the Elysian Fields formed their concept of The Afterlife. This inspired the delicate, ethereal quality of the images; the softness of the colours used and subtle movement of the hair. The feel of the collection is light, fresh, and youthful, reflecting a dreamlike state of serenity.
How do you use styling to enhance your images?
The styling was intended to mirror the overall feeling of the collection. I styled the models in white but used different fabrics, such as lace and crochet, to add texture to the images. Overall styling was minimal to emphasize the colours used.
How did you work with your makeup/styling team to craft the final image?
Mood boards and coffee! I just love the dream stage. Of course I work with a team of visually stimulated people, we share images of textures, colours and even beautiful ideas taken directly from the natural world; whilst keeping in mind the audience and the commercial element of the collection.
What is this collection saying about Women’s Trends?
Overall the collection is soft, feminine and commercial – with some slightly edgier styles. I think it appeals to a spectrum of women. Perhaps that is what the collection is saying, that there is a way for every woman to play with colour.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
I would time travel to observe the fashions from all of my favourite eras, and head to a few parties!
I love your subtle use of color, is this something you think we’ll be seeing more of?
Yes I think that subtle colouring and the pastel trends are still huge, my clients are still having fun experimenting with them and I don't see the trend disappearing just yet. As UK Ambassador for milk_shake hair products I love to use milk_shake direct colour to achieve the colour looks you see in the collection.
Who were your mentors along the way and how have they shaped your career?
My career journey has been a little different to the norm! I think this is mostly due to owning a salon outside of the city, and having never been part of a big franchise.
Of course I have learnt skills from those in the industry and enjoy the work of other stylists; I am passionate about education and attend education delivered by different brands and stylists. The best stylists never stop learning and it’s impossible to know everything in an industry that moves so quickly. There are many stylists that have elements of their work that I love, but I couldn’t pin point just one mentor. Generally, I am more influenced by the work of artists and it’s their work that inspires my creations.
What hair/color trends can we look forward to this season?
I think this season we are seeing a lot of metallics such as our rose golds, metallic mauves and silvers. As we have approached Winter more and more of my clients are going for shorter styles. I think that’s always a trend come Autumn and Winter. We crave change and shorter sleeker styles complement winter fashion perfectly as we start wearing more tailored, layered styles.
For even more inspiration be sure to stalk Shelley Pengilly on Bangstyle and check out more color trends, here!
