UPDATE 5.19.14: Out of 1100 entries to the American Crew All-Star Challenge, a men’s styling and photo shoot competition, only 14 stylists were chosen to compete for the global title. They came to Lisbon, Portugal for two days of photo shoots with American Crew founder and photographer, David Raccuglia to realize their vision. Jerome Kantner of Germany was crowned the All-Star Global Champion on April 28, 2014.
The final photo that was created in Lisbon is the first displayed here while the second photo was the winning country entry and the image that secured the stylists a place in the global challenge. Brief interviews were conducted at the photo studio.
Meet Germany's Country Winner and competitor, the winner of the Global Challenge, Jerome Kantner:
His country winning photo (see below) was “big beard, classic hair cut, high shine, short side, short backside and long top hair.” And his All Star Global winning image (shown above) was a complete departure, illustrating Jerome Kantner’s creativity, versatility and command of his craft.
‘I’ve been using American Crew products for 10 years and for 7 years I have had my own barber shop, “ Jerome said. “ What is so great about Crew is that with most product lines, they give you product and marketing but say go find the people to use this on. With Crew, it is made for men. The products work fast and are easy to use.”
Number three to pick his model, Jerome was delighted with his choice. “He was just the best. His hair was very good, very strong, with a little texture or wave in the front. I had an idea coming in and I knew I wanted to have a classic style. I showed him my winning picture from Germany, he showed me his modeling photos and I think we both understood what we needed to do and what would look good on him.” The technique used was freehand clipper on the side and scissor on the top and blending with razor.
“It is my first time meeting David Raccuglia and it was very nice to work with him, very easy, very normal. This is a good feeling, to work together like friends.”
HAIR STORY:
I started my education as a stylist in 1985 in Germany, and continued it through 1988. In my second year of education, I had a personal “a-ha” moment where I decided to become a barber and added those skills to my repertoire. I’ve worked as a professional stylist and barber since 1988, and opened my own barber shop, Fön-ix, Heuerstrasse, in Mainz, Germany, in 2007.
GROOMING MUST-HAVE:
There is nothing better than a good shower gel, a smoothing after-shave and a moisturizing day cream. I like American Crew Fiber, Forming Cream, Alternator and the entire SHAVE line.
FAVORITE MALE CELEBRITY HAIRSTYLE:
My favorite classic look is Sean Connery in the early sixties as James Bond. For modern looks, George Clooney’s current style is great.
AMERICAN CREW & MEN’S GROOMING?
American Crew has given stylists and men the tools to create classic, modern looks with easy-to-use products. What I like most about the American Crew concept is that the company enables me to give my clients great products to achieve their own personal style in a very smart way.
WHAT DOES THE AMERICAN CREW ALL-STAR CHALLENGE MEAN TO YOU?
I’ve been following the American Crew All-Star Challenge in media for a while, and this is the first time Germany was able to enter. I decided to take the chance – the American Crew All-Star Challenge Award is a big honor in my profession.
YOUR REACTION TO WINNING YOUR COUNTRY’S HONORS:
#coolsexyflashingscreamedexcited
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