Born in the confines of a lockdown, Kim Rivka Elbaz’s image, which won #NAHAMoment2022, captures the essence of what the past few years have felt like for everyone. Created in collaboration with Vanessa Secondino, they worked around strict shutdowns and meeting guidelines to bring together a moment of beauty. The image portrays everything we felt during this time from fear to self-defence to each person’s quest for individuality. Learn more about the piece below in Kim’s own words.
Tell us more about you as an artist. How did you get into hairdressing and competition work?
This is all very new to me. I was given the opportunity to participate. Introduced to competition work by my mentor and friend Vanessa Secondino, she was the brains behind this winning image. It was thanks to her that I submitted it because it was a symbolic result of our work together. She asked me to work on her private collection which is such an honour and a challenge given the fact that it was my first time doing anything like this. It was an absolute pleasure and an eye-opening experience.
Can you give any insight into how your collection was created?
This picture is part of a collection in collaboration with a colleague hairstylist/photographer that was created during our second covid lockdown.
It highlights the fear of the unknown — personal insecurities and lack of insight are represented by the dark background and overall feel of the collection. The desire for reconnection with basic needs and the very essence of humanity inspired the green tones. The constant hope for a better and brighter day inspired the yellows.
How has your style changed over the years?
I have always been somebody that does not necessarily follow the trends but follows organically what is happening in the world keeping in tune with what people’s needs are. I started off in hairdressing as someone very cookie-cutter. I would do whatever the person wanted and never ask questions. With time I flourished into someone that understands someone’s needs and wants to figure out whatever suits them best.
What was the inspiration behind this collection?
The inspiration for the looks was the quest for individuality, the uniqueness of each woman, and their personal journey that brought them to the light. The hair became their weapon… their self-defence mechanism… their personal fight out of the darkness.
What was your biggest challenge in creating this collection?
Lockdown, closed stores, delays in receiving needed materials, meeting models in person, studio team, limited access due to extreme safety measures set in place by Quebec due to Covid.
What does your collection say about trends or movements within the industry?
We feel this collection was not trend or fashion-inspired… fashion really took a backseat and was not in high priority during those times (AKA loungewear and ponytails).
We drew inspiration from our natural instinct for survival. Utilizing all of our insights, in search of how to personally grow stronger and better and learning the valuable lessons in humanity that a global pandemic carries, with its dramatic displays of misery and the beauty of human connection and generosity all at once.
Did you have any hero products? (Or any product faves!?)
As a certified Master Colourist for Goldwell, I was drawn to working with their products. Additionally, working with Elumen gave my colour work the vibrancy and impact needed to align with Vanessa’s vision.
