We are honored to partner with the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) to promote the talented artists who are finalists for the 2015 NAHAs (North American Hairstyling Awards), the most prestigious hair and beauty award in the country. We had the pleasure of catching up with one with a Bangstyle featured artist, Christofer Benson, and one of this year’s finalists in the “Avant Garde" category. Check out our exclusive interview with Chrystofer to learn more about his Avant Garde collection and what keeps him competing in NAHA year after year.
Tell us a bit about your nominated collection this year. What was the inspiration behind the looks?
It was all about the caged wardrobe. I wanted to do something around that, as my inspiration.
How did the creative process unfold?
I pulled swipes, played with textures, drew out the shapes I wanted to try and started building and refining.
Were there collections in other categories that you found inspiring or particularly appealing?
I can find beauty in any collection and loved the work that was put in this year in all categories.
How will you be celebrating a win this year?
With my team!
How does an experience like NAHA, help you continue to evolve your Visionary Icon workshop?
I think it just shows how diverse and well rounded we can creatively be, which is what we share with the classes we do.
You have found an incredible team that always expertly helps you bring your visions to life, how did you initially go about putting your team together and how did you know when you’d found the right person?
I am all about the vibe of someone and the talent as well. Vibe first, then we can talk about the collaboration. I spend a lot of time with my teams, you better love those people!
How do you think we as a community can do better at bringing consumer attention to all of the artistry that is NAHA?
It needs to be blown up like the OSCARS OF HAIR or the EMMY’s or GRAMMY’s of Hair and get the word out.
What exciting things do you have in store for us the rest of the year?
Lots of travel internationally Shows- shoots and lots of print work coming out!
What is your most memorable/funniest story that happened on set?
The most memorable was the fun we have as a team; the model, the photographer, the hair and the makeup. We are all genuinely friends so it is fantastic to collaborate together and get that type of end result!
What is your favorite aspect about being in this industry?
EVERYTHING!
You’re home alone with no one to judge you, what do you eat? What do you watch?
THAI FOOD, followed by ice cream. I am on a STAR WARS re-watch at the moment getting ready for the new one coming out!
Be sure to Stalk Chrystofer Benson to see more of his amazing hair art.
