We all know that avant-garde hair isn’t something that anyone is going to walk down the street wearing, so where in the world is it relevant? I’ve discussed previously why I personally do avant-garde hair, but I never mentioned where I would do such crazy hair. This is geared towards hair stylists out there that want to venture into avant-garde hair, but don’t know where to start.
The easiest and most abundant avenue to use avant-garde hair styling is for photo shoots. There are a plethora of photographers that are chomping at the bit to do some unique and creative work, so all you have to do is reach out to them to collaborate when you have a concept in mind for the hair. Doing a shoot can be as grand as getting your images published, or as simple as posting the images on Facebook. Both have impact, and both memorialize your amazing work.
Hair by Tina Krinhop. Photo by Autumn Paciorek.
Another avenue for your avant-garde hair skills is fashion shows. Many of you will immediately think of Alexander McQueen, the designer that will forever be the reigning king of the avant-garde runway. But avant-garde doesn’t have to be so extreme. If your city has a fashion week or multi-designer shows, seek out designers participating that might want to make an impact on the runway and pitch the idea. One important thing to remember with runway is that the models have to be able to WALK, so your creations have to be sturdy and comfortable for the model to wear for a prolonged period of time. You also have to work out the details with the designer for issues such as wardrobe changes…the garments either have to be “step in” designs, or the hair has to be small enough to fit through a neck opening. This is something that avant-garde hair rookies tend to forget about in the planning for a fashion show that can potentially end in disaster. Avant-garde hair makes quite an impact on a live audience, and there is nothing better than hearing the oohs and ahhs.
Tina working backstage. Elements of Fashion Show. Photo by Mario Peralta
Elements of Fashion Show for Mitra. Photo by Vincent Pierce
Elements of Fashion Show for Mitra. Photo by Vincent Pierce
So, say there aren’t many fashion show opportunities in your neck of the woods, or perhaps you want more control over your vision. Create your own live event. That is exactly what I did. I actually had plenty of fashion shows to participate in, but I found that I was always at the mercy of someone else’s creative vision. And that is how it usually is for hairstylists when they do hair for fashion shows and photo shoots…hairstylists create a portion of someone else’s vision. I thought it would be great to let the hair stylists take the lead on the vision, so I created events and extended an invitation to other local hairstylists interested in creating some hair art. I also brought on creative makeup artists and fashion designers that were up for the challenge of a true collaboration of creating “living art.” And to top it off, the events benefitted local charities. Bottom line: create your OWN opportunities!
Tina creating “hair horns” for the L’art Vivant event.
L’art Vivant Event
Ethereal Event. Hair by Tiffany Monae.
Ethereal Event. Hair by Tina Krinhop. Photo by Autumn Paciorek.
Want to challenge yourself more amongst others in the avant-garde hair world? Enter a competition. They are few and far between, but entering an avant-garde hair styling competition can be extremely rewarding. The most well known one is probably NAHA’s photographic competition held annually. But, personally, I find it more exhilarating to compete live. If you attend an annual hair show, do a little research to see if there is an avant-garde related competition to join. If you do decide to dive into a competition, remember not to get too swept up in the intensity of it all so you can observe and find inspiration in what the other contestants are creating. Absorb the camaraderie of it all and learn from it. If you keep your wits about you, it won’t matter if you win or not. You will have an extremely rewarding experience under your belt and TONS of stories to tell your clients in the salon.
Team Mod Style Lab competing in Battle of the Strands.
Team Mod Style Lab at Battle of the Strands. Hair: Tina Krinhop. Wardrobe: Jennifer Chabri. Makeup: Amy LaVe’.
