UPDATE 5.16.14: 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 Sweden's Country Winner, Robar Yasin:
He is only recently finished with his training and already Robar Yasin is representing his country in an international styling competition. But when he learned he had won, his response was, “Someone is pulling a prank! It took me for four or five days for it to sink in. I couldn’t believe it. And shooting with David Raccuglia—it’s a dream come true!”
When it came time to pick his model on the day of the All-Star photo shoot, Robar said, “I wanted someone with more hair so I could shape the fringe and someone who can wear a hairstyle that is classic, masculine looking and with a lot of volume. “
The Man in Black, American icon and country star Johnny Cash was his starting point.
“I mixed it up with Johnny Cash and something modern. I had in mind that it would be a haircut that almost everyone can have—it doesn’t matter how old you are—and I wanted playful hair. Classic, because that is Crew to me, but also easy to wear, easy to style.”
ROBAR'S HAIR STORY:
I’ve always been a creative and artistic person, but I never knew how to express myself. I studied Electrics in college, but never had set goals of what I wanted to do with my career. One day, I was researching fashion and hairdressing and I was instantly inspired by the colors and shapes.
From there, I enrolled in the Ann Pettersson Hair Design School in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. I worked internships in Gothenburg, Sweden and as a stylist in Stavanger, Norway, where I was fortunate enough to continue my education by working at various salons in the region. I’ve landed at Hårizont in Umeå, Sweden, where I work as a stylist and barber. My clients hail from all over, and come to me specifically for my expertise and recommendations, which is an amazing feeling.
GROOMING MUST-HAVE:
My favorite products are American Crew Light Hold Texture Lotion and Boost Powder.
FAVORITE MALE CELEBRITY HAIRSTYLE:
Supermodel Mariano Di Vaio and Johnny Cash
AMERICAN CREW & MEN’S GROOMING?
American Crew has a modern and timeless approach to men’s grooming. The brand’s masculinity makes my clients feel comfortable, and enables me to create looks for my clients that endure.
WHAT DOES THE AMERICAN CREW ALL-STAR CHALLENGE MEAN TO YOU?
This challenge means everything to me and is the fuel I need to keep chasing my dreams of being a top stylist. I am grateful for the opportunity and believe I deserve it, because I’ve worked hard. The All-Star Challenge gives me confidence in myself to pursue my passion and reach another level in my career. Winning the country title has been the greatest professional achievement in my career thus far.
YOUR REACTION TO WINNING YOUR COUNTRY’S HONORS:
#IMSOFREAKINGBLESSED
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